We Just Discovered The Easiest Hack for Making Pizza
Okay I admit, I didn't just discover this hack. In fact, I've been doing this hack for a few years now. But it would be wrong for me to not share this pizza hack with all of you because honestly, it's one of the easiest ways to make a homemade pizza right in your kitchen! And if you're not trying it at home, you're clearly missing out. So what's this easy pizza hack that I've been obsessed with? Use your cast-iron skillet.
While some people like to bake their pizza on a pizza stone in the oven or even the grill, being in a New York City apartment doesn't exactly allow me to have a plethora of kitchen items (tiny apartment, and all that). So instead, I prep a pizza right in my cast-iron skillet, bake it, and it's just as good as a pizza stone. If not better!
Here's how to try this pizza hack at home with your very own cast-iron skillet, and for even more cooking tips, be sure to check out our list of 100 Easiest Recipes You Can Make.
What makes this pizza hack super easy.
Now there are two specific reasons why making a pizza in your cast-iron skillet is the best pizza hack of all time. First, shaping the pizza dough is an absolute breeze. All you have to do is press the pizza dough into the bottom of your cast-iron skillet until it covers the bottom, and then it's good to go! No throwing your pizza dough into the air and dropping it on the ground. Simply press it into your skillet and your pizza is ready for toppings.
This brings me to the second reason why this pizza hack is the best—you can load it with your favorite toppings. With a thicker pizza crust on the bottom, you can throw together a pizza that closely resembles a Chicago deep-dish, because the crust can support a heavier amount of toppings. So throw in all the cheese, the veggies, and the meats your heart desires.
How to make a pizza in a cast-iron skillet
You won't believe how easy it is. I'm telling you, when you try this pizza hack, you're never going to want to make homemade pizza without a cast-iron skillet ever again.
Here's what you'll need for your pizza:
- 10" cast-iron skillet
- 1 pre-made pizza dough, at room temperature
- 1/2 jar of pizza sauce (about 3/4 cup)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Toppings of your choice
When shaping the pizza, you'll press in the dough to the bottom of the pan. Add the sauce, but make sure to leave room around the edges for a crust. You don't need to actually form a crust—you want the dough to be even on the bottom. Just leave the room at the rim so you can pick up your slice.
Once the sauce is on, add your toppings! If you need topping inspiration, we highly recommend checking out our list of healthy pizza recipes.
As for baking the pizza, you'll want to bake it at 500 degrees for 15 minutes. I've also cooked it at 450 degrees for about 20-25 minutes as well. However, the hotter the temperature, the closer it is to resembling an actual pizza oven (which can climb up to 700 or 800 degrees).
And that's it! Super simple, right? We hope you enjoy this deliciously easy pizza hack next time you're craving pizza on a Friday night. And for even more delicious pizza ideas, be sure to check out our list of 17 Underrated Pizza Toppings You Have To Try.
