Description
This pan pizza recipe delivers a perfect balance of a crispy, golden crust with melty mozzarella cheese and savory, customizable toppings. Easy to make at home, it offers a restaurant-quality pizza experience that is versatile, quick, and satisfying, ideal for busy weeknights or indulgent dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry or instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing pan
- 1 teaspoon salt
Pizza Toppings
- ½ to ¾ cup thick tomato sauce or blended canned tomatoes with herbs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh or shredded)
- Choice of toppings: pepperoni, fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, red onions, or any favorites
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by combining the lukewarm water and yeast in a bowl; let it activate for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, olive oil, and salt, then knead the mixture until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a warm area and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Preheat Your Pan: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pan generously with olive oil to help the crust develop a golden, crispy bottom.
- Shape and Fill the Dough: Transfer the risen dough to the prepared pan and gently stretch it out to evenly cover the pan. Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce over the dough, followed by shredded mozzarella and your choice of toppings.
- Bake the Pan Pizza: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and a crispy crust.
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings to prevent soggy crust.
- Let the dough rest after stretching to relax gluten and avoid shrinkage.
- Generously oil the pan to achieve a signature golden crust and prevent sticking.
- Bake in a hot oven (475°F/245°C) to ensure a crisp crust and bubbly cheese.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg