Hot Sausage Cast Iron Skillet Pizza: Ultimate Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food? Nothing beats a perfectly cooked pizza, especially when it’s made in a cast iron skillet. This Hot Sausage Cast-Iron Skillet Pan Pizza recipe is the best way to create a restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen. Get ready for a crispy crust, flavorful toppings, and an easy-to-follow method that delivers amazing results every time. You’ll learn how to make this family favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hot sausage cast iron skillet pizza recipe is a game changer for pizza night. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

Superior Heat Retention: The cast iron skillet ensures even cooking and a perfectly crispy crust every single time. It heats up beautifully and holds that heat, creating the ideal environment for pizza perfection.

Spicy and Savory Flavor: Hot sausage is the star, adding a delicious kick that elevates this pizza to a new level of taste. It’s the perfect balance of heat and savory goodness.

Quick and Convenient: This recipe is quick to prepare and involves minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation.

Family-Friendly Fun: Making pizza together is a fun and interactive experience that the whole family will love. Customize it with your favorite toppings and make it your own.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 8 ounces hot sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Hot Sausage: I prefer using Italian hot sausage for its robust flavor. Chorizo is another great option. Adjust the amount to control the spice level.

Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer flavor. You can learn more about the characteristics of provolone cheese online.

Crust: If you’re gluten-free, use a store-bought gluten-free pizza crust or try making your own.

Spice Level: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.

How to Make Hot Sausage Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Get Started

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This is key for achieving a super crispy crust.

Assemble the Pizza

Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven. Add olive oil to the skillet, ensuring the bottom and sides are coated evenly.

Stretch or roll out the pizza dough to fit the skillet. Carefully place the dough into the hot skillet. Press the dough to the edges.

Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle garlic powder and red pepper flakes over the sauce.

Top with cooked and crumbled hot sausage, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and black olives. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly browned.

Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible.

Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Perfecting Your Dough: Achieving the Ideal Crust Texture

Achieving the perfect pizza crust texture can feel daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. The key is understanding the role of hydration and flour.

Different types of flour absorb water differently. High-protein flours like bread flour create a chewier crust, while all-purpose flour results in a softer texture. The amount of water you add (hydration) affects the dough’s texture. A higher hydration dough will be more airy and have larger bubbles.

Proper proofing is essential. As the dough proofs, the yeast produces gases that create air pockets, giving the crust a light and airy texture. The dough should roughly double in size.

For a crispy crust, preheating the cast iron skillet is a must. This gives the dough a hot surface to immediately start cooking on. You can also use a pizza stone for similar results. To understand more about the baking process, you might find information on the science of yeast in bread making helpful, as the principles are similar.

If your dough is too sticky, add a little flour while kneading. If it’s too tough, it may be over-kneaded; let it rest longer to relax the gluten.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

Preheat the cast iron skillet thoroughly for an ultra-crispy crust.

Use high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Don’t overcrowd the pizza with toppings to ensure even cooking.

Brush the crust with olive oil before baking for added flavor and crispness.

Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from sliding off.

Use a pizza peel to transfer the pizza to and from the skillet easily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold dough, which can result in a tough crust.

Overloading the pizza with toppings, leading to a soggy crust.

Not preheating the skillet sufficiently, resulting in an undercooked crust.

Baking the pizza at too low of a temperature, leading to a pale crust.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.

Pair with a cold beer or a glass of Italian red wine.

Garnish with fresh basil or oregano for added flavor and visual appeal.

Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, pesto, or garlic aioli.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or skillet for best results, rather than using a microwave.

Prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Conclusion

Making a hot sausage cast iron skillet pizza is easier and more delicious than you might think. This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your perfect pizza. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll achieve success with this recipe. So, print the recipe and get cooking today! Don’t forget to share your pizza creations on social media or explore other pizza recipes on my blog. By the way, if you’re in the mood for soup, then consider this Cozy Chicken Parmesan Soup.

FAQ

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can use different types of sausage. Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a mild sausage will work well. Adjust the amount to your preference.

What’s the best way to store leftover pizza?

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet for the best texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.

How do I prevent the crust from sticking to the skillet?

Ensure the cast iron skillet is well-oiled before placing the dough in it. Preheating the skillet also helps to prevent sticking.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet? Can I use a regular pizza pan?

While a cast iron skillet provides the best crispy crust, you can use a regular pizza pan. Preheat the pan in the oven before placing the dough on it.