Craving a cheese dinner tonight but do not have enough time on your hands? This pan pizza is quick and easy way to enjoy your favorite dish. Do not get me wrong I love thin crust, tossed pizza but this pan pizza is special. It is absolutely delicious and fuss free. The homemade dough ball is pressed into the cast iron pan and after a quick second rise it is filled to the brim with your favorite sauce, or homemade marinara sauce and an array of mouthwatering toppings.
It is then baked in the oven preheated to a high temperature for the best, flavorful, thick and fluffy, buttery crust that is sturdy enough to take in extra sauce and a bounty of colorful toppings without making soggy pizza.
This recipe includes the instructions for the made from scratch pizza dough as well as marinara sauce. I love baking pizzas in the cast iron pan. It is very convenient and you end up with hearty, comforting dish that is bursting with flavors. The combination of browned cheese and flaky, crunchy crust together with any of your favorite meat or vegetarian toppings is just unbeatable.
The pizza dough is made a day ahead and left in the fridge overnight to rise for the best flavor. The refrigerator is used to slow the dough’s fermentation, allowing that distinctive flavor to come through and optimally develop. The dough is then spreaded inside the cast iron pan and proofed (left to rise/ferment) for the second time at room temperature. These extra steps guarantee the best results.
You can use marinara sauce or make your own by combining quality simple tomato sauce with your favorite Italian seasonings. Enjoy this easy and scrumptious pizza that is definitely restaurant worthy.
