Name: Cast Iron Detroit-Style Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded Muenster cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 Tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing the skillet); 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; pepperoni slices (to taste); 1/2 cup pizza sauce (favorite brand or homemade)

Imagine biting into a slice of pizza that boasts a crispy, caramelized crust, gooey cheese that stretches with every pull, and a medley of toppings that dance on your palate. This is the magic of Cast Iron Detroit-Style Pizza. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of comfort food while being impressively simple to make at home. With its thick crust and a unique sauce-on-top style, this pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a cozy movie night, or just craving something extraordinary for dinner, this Cast Iron Detroit-Style Pizza will certainly steal the show. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Detroit-style pizza is a true crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. The combination of the fluffy, airy crust, bubbling cheese, and savory toppings creates a flavor profile that is hard to resist. Here are a few reasons why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation:

– **Unique Texture**: The cast iron skillet creates a beautifully browned crust, providing the perfect contrast to the soft interior.
– **Easy to Customize**: Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni or want to get adventurous with toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers, the possibilities are endless!
– **Meal Prep Friendly**: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. You can make several pizzas at once and freeze them for later.

What’s in the Bowl

To whip up this delicious Cast Iron Detroit-Style Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups shredded Muenster cheese – This cheese adds a creamy, mild flavor that complements the mozzarella.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Essential for that classic pizza stretch and cheesiness.
1 Tbsp vegetable oil – For greasing the cast iron skillet and enhancing the crust’s crispiness.
1 lb ball pizza dough – Store-bought or homemade, this is the foundation of your pizza.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings depth to the overall flavor.
Pepperoni slices – A classic topping that adds a spicy kick.
1/2 cup pizza sauce – For that essential tangy element, ensure it’s a favorite brand or homemade.

Equipment & Tools

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the necessary tools to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Cast iron skillet – This is crucial for achieving that crispy crust.
Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
Spatula – To help spread the dough and layer the toppings.
Oven mitts – Safety first when handling the hot skillet!
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

Cooking Cast Iron Detroit-Style Pizza: The Process

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: making your very own Cast Iron Detroit-Style Pizza. Follow these simple steps for a pizza that will impress everyone at your table.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is essential for creating that crispy crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet

Drizzle the vegetable oil into your cast iron skillet, ensuring that it coats the bottom and sides evenly. This will help achieve that coveted crispy edge.

Step 3: Stretch the Dough

Place your pizza dough in the skillet. Using your fingers, gently stretch the dough to fit the shape of the skillet. If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded Muenster cheese evenly over the stretched dough, followed by the mozzarella cheese. Make sure to cover the edges, as this will help create a deliciously cheesy crust.

Step 5: Layer on the Toppings

Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. You can get creative here—feel free to add other toppings of your choice, such as bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms.

Step 6: Sauce it Up

Spoon the pizza sauce over the toppings. It’s traditional to add the sauce on top versus underneath the cheese, which allows for a perfect balance of flavors and keeps the cheese from getting too soggy.

Step 7: Season

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the entire pizza. This adds an aromatic layer that enhances each bite.

Step 8: Bake

Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares, which is the traditional serving style for Detroit-style pizza.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

If you or someone you’re cooking for has dietary restrictions, here are some easy swaps to consider:

Dough: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free option.
Cheese: Substitute Muenster and mozzarella with vegan cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
Pepperoni: Opt for turkey or chicken pepperoni, or try plant-based pepperoni.
Pizza Sauce: Use a homemade sauce to control ingredients, especially for those with allergies.

Avoid These Mistakes

Making Cast Iron Detroit-Style Pizza is fun, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

Using cold dough: Always let your pizza dough come to room temperature before stretching it; cold dough is harder to work with.
Poorly greasing the skillet: A well-greased skillet ensures a crispy crust, so don’t skimp on the oil.
Overloading with toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, too many can lead to a soggy pizza.
Not preheating the oven: Baking at a high temperature is key to achieving that perfect crust, so don’t skip this step!

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you’ve made more pizza than you can eat in one sitting, don’t worry! Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers:

Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months.
Reheat: For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispiness, or use the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and can yield delicious results. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature before using it.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

You can use any oven-safe pan, but keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly. A metal baking pan can work in a pinch, but the cast iron really provides that unique crust.

How do I know when the pizza is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbly cheese. A simple test is to gently lift the pizza with a spatula; if the bottom is crispy and browned, it’s ready to enjoy!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before you stretch it into the skillet.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have all the tools and knowledge, it’s time to make your very own Cast Iron Detroit-Style Pizza. Gather your ingredients, don your apron, and prepare for a culinary adventure that will fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked pizza.

This pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, a testament to creativity, and a chance to gather around the table with loved ones. So go ahead, indulge in this delightful dish, and savor every delicious bite. Happy cooking!