Ultimate Cast Iron Mediterranean Pizza: A Zesty, Flavorful Skillet Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this exquisite Cast Iron Mediterranean Pizza! This vibrant recipe features a unique, robust red pepper spread that perfectly replaces traditional pizza sauce, offering a zingy and delightful base. Crowned with creamy feta, savory roasted red peppers, and baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet, this pizza promises a crispy crust and an explosion of authentic Mediterranean flavors. It’s an effortlessly elegant dish, perfect for any occasion.
Discover the Magic of Cast Iron Mediterranean Pizza
My kitchen often revolves around the vibrant, fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, and this Cast Iron Mediterranean Pizza has quickly become a family favorite. It’s more than just a pizza; it’s an experience that brings together the simplicity of skillet cooking with the rich, aromatic essence of the Mediterranean diet. The cornerstone of this recipe is a luxurious red pepper spread, an incredibly flavorful alternative to standard tomato-based sauces.
This distinctive red pepper sauce boasts a similar consistency to traditional pizza sauce but offers a deeply robust and delightfully zingy flavor profile. It forms the perfect foundation for a truly inspired pizza. Whether you find a ready-made red pepper spread at your local grocery store or opt for a homemade version (like this fantastic recipe), its beautiful color and intense taste will elevate your pizza to new heights. It harmonizes exquisitely with the sweet, smoky notes of chopped roasted red peppers, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and the familiar comfort of shredded mozzarella.
One of the best aspects of this skillet pizza is its convenience. Using pre-made pizza dough saves valuable time without compromising on quality. When baked in a cast iron skillet, the dough transforms into a wonderfully crispy, golden crust that beautifully mimics a deep-dish pizza. The cast iron’s even heat distribution ensures every inch of the crust is perfectly cooked, creating a satisfyingly thick and chewy base with irresistible crispy edges.
This Mediterranean-style skillet pizza is incredibly versatile. Serve it for a quick and satisfying lunch, a hearty dinner, or slice it into smaller pieces for an impressive appetizer at parties, holiday gatherings, or even game-day tailgates. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and will add a cheerful pop to any table spread.
If you’re as fond of roasted red peppers and Mediterranean flavors as I am, you’ll also adore these other recipes: Roasted Red Pepper Greek Yogurt Hummus, Layered Greek Dip, Mediterranean Pinwheels, or this Italian Tortellini Salad.
Why You Will Love This Red Pepper Skillet Pizza with Feta
This isn’t just another pizza recipe; it’s a culinary highlight that promises ease, incredible flavor, and striking presentation. Here’s why this Red Pepper Skillet Pizza with Feta will become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire:
- Effortlessly Versatile: One of the standout features of this skillet pizza is its adaptability. Whether you’re planning a casual weekday lunch, a cozy family dinner, or need a show-stopping appetizer for a party, holiday gathering, or even a tailgate, this pizza fits the bill. Its vibrant colors and Mediterranean flavors make it a guaranteed hit with any crowd. It’s also fantastic for a fun family pizza night, allowing everyone to get involved in the topping process.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You’ll appreciate the straightforward, clean ingredients that form the backbone of this delightful pizza. The star is undoubtedly the rich red pepper sauce, which cleverly replaces conventional pizza sauce, infusing the dish with an abundance of flavor and a beautiful deep red hue. Combined with minimal yet impactful toppings like creamy feta cheese and tender roasted red peppers, it creates a harmonious balance of tastes and textures.
- Time-Saving with Pre-Made Dough: Making pizza from scratch can be a labor of love, but sometimes you need a delicious shortcut. This cast iron pizza recipe shines by embracing the convenience of store-bought, pre-made dough. This smart choice significantly cuts down on prep time, making pizza night quick and stress-free. The dough, when cooked in a hot cast iron skillet, achieves a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown crust that’s both satisfyingly thick and perfectly baked, offering that desired deep-dish feel without the extensive effort.
What Essential Ingredients Make Up This Delicious Cast Iron Pizza?
Crafting this Mediterranean pizza is surprisingly simple, thanks to a concise list of impactful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the delightful flavor profile and appealing texture of this skillet pizza.
STORE-BOUGHT PIZZA DOUGH
Opting for good quality, pre-made pizza dough saves time and ensures a consistently great crust when baked in cast iron.
RED PEPPER SPREAD
This is the star sauce, offering a unique sweet, smoky, and slightly zingy flavor. It provides a beautiful color and robust taste that sets this pizza apart from traditional versions.
ROASTED RED PEPPERS
Adding more roasted red peppers, chopped into bite-sized pieces, intensifies the core flavor of the pizza and adds a lovely texture and vibrant color.
SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE
The classic pizza cheese provides that essential gooey, melted texture and mild, comforting flavor that everyone loves.
CRUMBLED FETA CHEESE
Creamy, salty, and tangy feta cheese is a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine and adds a delightful pop of flavor and richness to each bite.
DRIED OREGANO
A quintessential Mediterranean herb, dried oregano lends an earthy, aromatic note that ties all the flavors together.
MICROGREENS FOR GARNISH
Optional but highly recommended, microgreens add a fresh, peppery crunch and a touch of gourmet elegance to the finished pizza.
How Do You Make a Skillet Pizza: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this flavorful Cast Iron Mediterranean Pizza is a straightforward process, ensuring a delicious meal with a perfect crust every time. Follow these simple steps for skillet pizza perfection:
BRING THE DOUGH TO ROOM TEMPERATURE: For optimal elasticity and ease of handling, always allow your pizza dough to come to room temperature. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on your kitchen’s warmth. Warm dough is much easier to stretch and prevents it from snapping back.
PREHEAT THE OVEN: Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). A very hot oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings.
PREPARE THE DOUGH: Lightly flour a clean cutting board or work surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the pizza dough ball until it forms a circle roughly the size of your 13-inch cast iron skillet. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round; homemade charm is part of the appeal!
PREPARE THE SKILLET: If you did not preheat your skillet (see “Tips for Skillet Pizza Success” below for why you might want to!), now is the time to add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Tilt and swirl the skillet around to ensure the olive oil thoroughly coats the entire bottom surface and a little up the sides. This prevents sticking and contributes to a golden, crispy crust.
SPREAD THE DOUGH: Carefully transfer the rolled-out pizza dough into the prepared cast iron skillet. Using your hands, gently press and stretch the dough until it evenly covers the bottom and slightly climbs up the sides of the skillet. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes, then continue stretching.
TOP THE PIZZA: With a wooden spoon or spatula, spread a thin, even layer of the red pepper sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, generously sprinkle the chopped roasted red peppers, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese, the crumbled feta cheese, and finally, the dried oregano.
BAKE THE PIZZA: Carefully place the skillet with the topped pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for the edges of the crust to turn a beautiful golden brown and for the cheese to be bubbly and slightly browned. You can also test doneness by gently lifting the edge of the pizza with a spatula to ensure the bottom crust is firm and golden.
COOL AND GARNISH: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Let the pizza cool in the skillet for about 5 minutes. This cooling time allows the cheese to set and the crust to firm up, making slicing easier. Garnish with fresh microgreens or arugula, chopped fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick, if desired. Slice and serve immediately!
Ways to Modify This Cast Iron Pizza: Endless Variations
While this Cast Iron Mediterranean Pizza is perfect as is, it also offers a fantastic canvas for customization. Feel free to get creative with these delicious modifications:
- Sauce: The roasted red pepper spread provides a unique and flavorful base. If you can’t find a store-bought version, try making it homemade. Alternatively, you can opt for a classic homemade pizza sauce, a rich marinara sauce, or a vibrant basil pesto for a fresh twist. For an even more Mediterranean flair, use a creamy spread like Lebanese Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Baba Ghanoush (a smoky eggplant dip), or a savory White Bean Artichoke Dip as your base. Each offers a distinct flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the other toppings.
- Greens: Add a refreshing burst of flavor and a beautiful color by topping your pizza with fresh greens after baking. Arugula provides a peppery bite, microgreens offer delicate texture and intense flavor, while chopped romaine or fresh spinach add a mild, earthy freshness.
- Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor with additional vegetables. Before baking, consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for extra color), halved cherry tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, briny Kalamata olives, savory sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion for a slight bite, or earthy marinated mushrooms. For a tangy twist, try adding Quick Pickled Red Onions or a mix of Simple Pickled Vegetables to your baked pizza.
- Finishing Sauces: A final drizzle can significantly enhance the flavor. A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness, while a balsamic glaze provides a sweet and tangy counterpoint. For an authentic Middle Eastern touch, consider a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce or a refreshing creamy dill sauce over the finished pizza.
- Heat It Up: If you love a little spice, there are many ways to add heat. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or the milder, fruity Aleppo pepper. Thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can also provide a fiery kick.
- Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs truly make a difference in Mediterranean dishes. Garnish your pizza with fresh basil, dill, or parsley after baking for maximum aroma and flavor. To infuse even more authentic taste, mix Mediterranean spices like za’atar (a savory blend), sumac (tangy and lemony), or a classic Greek seasoning blend into your sauce or sprinkle them over the toppings before baking.
- Cheese: Beyond feta, explore other cheese options. Crumbled goat cheese offers a rich, tangy creaminess, while grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Protein: For a heartier meal, incorporate your favorite protein. Add cooked shrimp, grilled or shredded chicken breast, crumbled Italian sausage, thin slices of prosciutto, or spiced ground lamb. Ensure any added meats are pre-cooked or cooked quickly enough to be ready within the pizza’s baking time.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Skillet Pizza
Achieving that perfectly crispy, deep-dish style pizza in a cast iron skillet is easier than you think, especially with these expert tips:
- PREHEAT THE SKILLET FOR ULTIMATE CRISPNESS: This is arguably the most crucial tip for a truly crispy pizza crust. Place your empty cast iron skillet (or pizza stone) into the oven while it preheats to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the skillet to heat for at least 5-10 minutes once the oven reaches temperature. By preheating the skillet to such a high heat, the pizza dough will begin to cook and crisp up the moment it touches the hot cast iron, replicating the effect of a professional pizza oven. Remember to use heavy-duty oven mitts when handling the extremely hot skillet.
- DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR PIZZA: While it’s tempting to pile on all your favorite toppings, resist the urge to overload your cast iron skillet pizza. Too many toppings can release excessive moisture, leading to a soggy crust that struggles to cook through properly. It can also make the pizza difficult to slice and serve. Stick to a balanced amount of toppings to ensure even cooking and a delightful texture.
- SPRINKLE WITH CORNMEAL: For an extra layer of crispiness and to help prevent the dough from sticking, sprinkle a light layer of cornmeal on the bottom of the preheated (or oiled) skillet before adding the pizza dough. The fine grit of the cornmeal creates a barrier and adds a subtle crunch that enhances the crust.
- ADEQUATE OLIVE OIL IS KEY: Always ensure you add enough olive oil to the cast iron skillet before placing the dough. This not only prevents the dough from sticking to the pan but also contributes significantly to the flavor and helps create that desirable golden, crispy bottom crust. Don’t be shy with 3 tablespoons – it makes a difference!
- BE PATIENT WITH DOUGH STRETCHING: Pizza dough can sometimes be a bit stubborn and resist stretching. If your dough isn’t easily reaching the desired size of your skillet, don’t force it. Instead, let the dough rest on your floured surface or in the skillet for about 5 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it much easier to stretch it to fit the skillet without tearing or snapping back.
- ALWAYS USE POT HOLDERS: Cast iron skillets retain heat exceptionally well, meaning they stay hot long after being removed from the oven. Always use thick oven mitts or pot holders when handling the skillet at any stage of the cooking process to prevent burns.
Other Mediterranean Inspired Recipes You Might Like:
If you loved this Cast Iron Mediterranean Pizza, be sure to explore more delicious dishes from the region:
MEDITERRANEAN NAAN BREAD PIZZA
GREEK PIZZA
MEDITERRANEAN FLATBREAD
MEDITERRANEAN WHITE BEAN SALAD
TABBOULEH STUFFED PEPPERS
EASY VEGETARIAN QUESADILLA
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Cast Iron Mediterranean Pizza
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Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough, room temperature
- 1 cup Mama’s red pepper spread , {or any red pepper spread you can find or try hummus or traditional pizza sauce}
- 11.3 oz. roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp. oregano, dried
- Microgreens , or arugula, for garnish {optional}
- parsley, chopped, for garnish
- crushed red pepper, optional
Instructions
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Allow the pizza dough to reach room temperature for easier handling.
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Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius).
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On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll the dough until it is approximately the size of your cast iron skillet (about 13 inches).
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Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the cast iron skillet and swirl to coat the entire bottom and lower sides. (For an extra crispy crust, preheat the empty skillet in the oven for 5 minutes before adding oil and dough).
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Carefully place the dough into the skillet. Use your hands to gently press and stretch the dough to fit the skillet perfectly.
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Spread the red pepper sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small crust border. Top with roasted red peppers, shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, and dried oregano.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust edges are golden brown and the bottom of the pizza easily lifts with a spatula.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with microgreens or arugula, fresh chopped parsley, and crushed red pepper if desired.
Notes
- Preheating the empty skillet in the 500-degree oven for 5 minutes before adding oil and dough will ensure an extra crispy crust. Always use oven mitts when handling the hot skillet.
- If your dough isn’t stretching easily to fit the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch without tearing.
- You can easily substitute the red pepper spread with traditional pizza sauce, pesto, or even a flavorful hummus or white bean spread for variation.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.