Cast Iron Pan Pizza

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making a delicious cast iron pan pizza with a deeply caramelized crust. Following this fool-proof recipe will help you create a pizza that serves two and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Perfect for pizza lovers wanting to elevate their homemade pizza game!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast

   • In a bowl, mix together:
     • 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
     • 1 teaspoon sugar
     • 1/2 cup warm water
   • Let it sit for 5 minutes. If the mixture becomes foamy, the yeast is active.

2. Make the Dough

   • Add 1 cup of flour (bread or all-purpose) and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture.
   • Mix until combined, then flour your hands and knead the dough.
   • Gradually add more flour to prevent stickiness, but keep the dough moist. Aim for a dough that can stretch thin without tearing.
   • Form the dough into a smooth ball and coat it with olive oil. Also, oil the inside of the bowl.

3. Let the Dough Rise

   • Cover the bowl and let it rise:
     • For at least 24 hours in the fridge, or
     • For 1-2 hours at room temperature until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cast Iron Pan

1. Season the Pan

   • Pour enough olive oil into the 10-inch cast iron pan to coat the bottom well.
   • Add a pinch of cornmeal, oregano, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt.
   • Use your fingers to mix and spread the seasoned oil across the bottom and edges of the pan.

2. Add the Dough to the Pan

   • Once the dough has risen, stretch it out slightly wider than the pan.
   • Place the dough in the prepared pan and let it proof for 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients
   • In a bowl, mix together:
     • 1/3 cup canned pureed tomatoes (recommendation: Pastene "Kitchen Ready")
     • A glug of olive oil
     • A pinch of sugar
     • A few torn leaves of fresh basil

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the Cooking Surface

   • Place the pan on your largest burner and turn the burner to medium heat.
   • Preheat your oven's broiler (grill) to high.

2. Add the Sauce and Toppings

   • Spoon the prepared sauce onto the dough, spreading it edge to edge.
   • After 5 minutes of heating, sprinkle the pizza with:
     • Grated parmesan cheese
     • Grated mozzarella cheese (4 ounces, kept cold)
   • Optionally, add thinly sliced jalapeño or other toppings.

Step 5: Cook the Pizza

1. Monitor Cooking Time

   • After turning on the burner, the ideal cooking time is about 7-8 minutes.
   • Use your sense of smell; when you detect a burning scent, it's time to transfer the pizza.

2. Broil the Pizza

   • Place the pan on a high rack in the oven and broil for 4-5 minutes until the top is browned to your liking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool the Pizza

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan until firm.

2. Release the Pizza

   • Use a butter knife to carefully release the browned cheese from the edges of the pan.
   • Use tongs to pull the pizza out. If the bottom sticks, you can scrape or tear it off gently.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've made a homemade cast iron pan pizza with a caramelized crust. With this recipe, you can experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations. Enjoy your delicious creation, and consider trying variations for future pizza nights!