Cast iron skillets have become increasingly popular in recent years for cooking a variety of dishes, including pizza. Many people wonder if it’s better to cook pizza in a cast iron skillet versus a pizza stone or baking sheet. There are pros and cons to cooking pizza in cast iron that are important to consider.
Pros of Cooking Pizza in Cast Iron
Here are some of the benefits of using cast iron to cook pizza:
Gets Very Hot
Cast iron skillets can get extremely hot, which is crucial for getting the crust crispy and cooked through. The cast iron mimics the intense heat of a pizza oven. As the cast iron preheats, it absorbs the heat and distributes it evenly across the surface. This allows the pizza crust to crispen directly on the hot skillet surface.
Creates a Crispy Crust
The high heat of the cast iron skillet will create a nice and crispy crust on the pizza. The crisp crust that cast iron skillets produce is often considered better than what you can get with a pizza stone or baking sheet. The heat of the skillet cooks the bottom and provides texture.
Adds Flavor
Cooking pizza in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet can add extra flavor to the crust. As the crust cooks directly on the hot surface, it takes on some of the seasoning flavors baked into the cast iron. This can enhance the taste of the pizza.
Versatile for Multiple Cooking Methods
Cast iron skillets can be used for various cooking methods beyond just baking pizza. You can sauté toppings or veggies for pizza in cast iron before putting the pizza together. After baking the pizza, you can use cast iron on the stovetop to crisp up the crust further if desired.
Retains and Distributes Heat Well
Cast iron is excellent at retaining heat, resulting in more even cooking. As it preheats, the cast iron absorbs a significant amount of energy. Once the pizza is added, the cast iron evenly distributes the heat across the crust surface as it cooks. This helps prevent hot spots or burnt crust.
Cons of Cooking Pizza in Cast Iron
While cooking pizza in cast iron has its advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
Can Burn the Crust
If the cast iron is too hot, it can easily burn the crust before the cheese and toppings are fully cooked. Keeping the temperature regulated can be tricky. The crust may blacken or develop charred spots if you aren’t careful.
Loses Heat Quickly
Cast iron skillets don’t retain heat as long as pizza stones. As soon as the pizza is added, the skillet starts losing heat. This makes it tricky to thoroughly cook toppings without burning the crust. The loss of heat as it cooks may result in an underdone pizza.
Smaller Than Pizza Stones
The cooking surface of cast iron skillets is significantly smaller than rectangular pizza stones. Large cast iron skillets can only hold smaller individual sized pizzas. For bigger pizzas, you’ll need multiple skillets or have to bake it in batches.
Must Be Seasoned Properly
To prevent sticking, cast iron skillets must be seasoned correctly over time. This requires regularly treating the skillet with oil to build up a non-stick surface. If the seasoning isn’t adequate, the pizza is more likely to stick.
Can Impart Metallic Flavors
An unseasoned or lower quality cast iron skillet may impart a slight metallic flavor into the pizza crust. This can overwhelm more delicate pizza toppings and flavored crusts. Ensure your cast iron doesn’t add unwanted flavors.
Should You Cook Pizza in Cast Iron Skillets?
Whether cooking pizza in cast iron is right for you depends on your specific needs:
Best for Small or Individual Pizzas
Cast iron works best for 6-8 inch personal sized pizzas. The smaller surface area is easier to heat evenly at high temperatures. Individual skillets let you customize flavors.
Good for Thin, Crispy Crust
If you prefer a thin, crunchy crust, cast iron can excel at producing that texture. The high heat crisps up the bottom nicely. Go for a thinner rolled or pressed dough.
Not Ideal for Deep Pan or Chicago Style
Thick, buttery deep dish or tall, airy Chicago style pizza crusts don’t cook as evenly in cast iron. They have a higher risk of burning on the bottom before fully cooking through.
Best When You Can Monitor Heat
The faster heating and cooling of cast iron makes it harder to regulate temperature. If you actively monitor the skillet and make adjustments as needed, you can maintain the right amount of heat.
Provides Unique, Crisp Crust
Cast iron skillets can provide a unique texture and flavor to pizza crust. If you want to enhance crispness and get seasoning flavors, it’s a great tool. But the results won’t mimic an authentic pizza oven.
Requires Seasoning and Maintenance
Proper seasoning, cleaning, and maintenance of cast iron is a must. If you don’t want to deal with extra cast iron care, it may not be the best option.
Use a Pizza Stone for Larger Pies
For 12-16 inch pizzas or multiple pies, pizza stones are likely the better choice. They can hold bigger pizzas with less risk of uneven cooking.
Tips for Cooking Pizza in Cast Iron
Here are some tips to get the best results when making pizza in cast iron:
Preheat Thoroughly at High Heat
Get the cast iron extremely hot before cooking – between 450-500°F if possible. Place it in the oven during preheating. Use the oven’s broiler setting to get extra heat.
Use Plenty of Flour When Shaping the Dough
Coat dough balls thoroughly in flour before rolling out or stretching to prevent sticking to the counter and peel. Too little flour can make transferring difficult.
Lower Temperature Once Pizza is Added
Drop the oven temperature by 25-50°F shortly after putting the pizza in to prevent burning. This compensates for heat loss in the cast iron.
Rotate the Skillet During Baking
Try rotating the cast iron skillet 180 degrees halfway through baking. This helps ensure even browning rather than just crisping one section.
Consider a Cast Iron Pizza Pan
For larger pizzas, use a cast iron pizza pan instead of a skillet. The wider surface area heats more evenly. Just season it well like a skillet.
Let Cast Iron Pre-Heat in the Oven
For best results, place the cast iron in the oven during preheating. Heating it gradually this way prevents cracking or warping the metal.
Brush Oil on the Pan Lightly
Applying a light coating of olive oil or other neutral flavored oil with a brush can help achieve a crispy crust. Avoid pooling too much oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking pizza in cast iron:
What temperature is best for cast iron pizza?
Preheat the cast iron at 450-500°F to properly crisp the crust. Lower the temp to 425-450°F after adding the pizza to prevent burning.
How do you keep pizza from sticking to cast iron?
Use plenty of flour when shaping the dough. Ensure the skillet is properly seasoned. Brush lightly with oil before adding pizza. And don’t move the pizza until it releases easily.
Does cast iron pizza taste different?
Cast iron can enhance flavor thanks to the seasoning layer on the skillet. It also crisps up the crust nicely. Both factors can positively change the taste.
What oil should be used to season cast iron for pizza?
Opt for neutral flavored oils like canola, vegetable, avocado or grapeseed oil when seasoning cast iron. Avoid olive oil since it can impart flavor.
How do you transfer a pizza to a cast iron skillet?
Shape the dough on a floured peel then transfer to the preheated cast iron. Use a wood peel for easiest transfer. Or shape the dough directly in the skillet if using fresh dough.
Can you put cast iron in the oven while preheating?
Yes, placing cast iron skillets and pans in the oven during preheating is recommended. Just ensure oven is preheated fully before adding pizza.
Conclusion
Cooking pizza in cast iron definitely has some advantages thanks to how well the material retains and distributes heat. When done correctly, cast iron skillets can cook pizza with an unbeatable crispy, flavorful crust. However, there is a learning curve to mastering the right process and temperature regulation. For larger or thicker crust pies, pizza stones may be easier to handle. With smaller personal pizzas, cast iron is an excellent way to achieve crunchy crust with some added flavor. Just take precautions against burning and monitor oven temp closely. With the right prep and seasonings, cast iron can take your homemade pizza to the next level.