Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven and prepare the skillet: Position oven racks in the upper and lower third of the oven. Heat the oven to 475°F. Coat the inside of a 10-inch cast iron or ovenproof skillet with olive oil.

2 . Stage

Stretch the pizza dough: Lightly dust your kitchen counter or a large cutting board with flour. Place the dough on it and use your hands to stretch it into an 8-inch disc. Transfer it into the prepared skillet and use your fingers to stretch the dough to fit the skillet. Use your fingertips to gently dimple the surface of the dough.

3 . Stage

Assemble the pizza: Sprinkle half of the cheese over the dough. Spoon the pizza sauce over the cheese and evenly spread it with the back of the spoon. Some spots without sauce are okay. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sauce.

4 . Stage

Bake the pizza: Place the skillet on the bottom oven rack and bake until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has melted, 15 to 20 minutes. 

5 . Stage

Broil the pizza: Switch the oven to broil on high and transfer the skillet to the top rack. Broil until the cheese is browned in spots, about 1 minute, keeping an eye on it so that it does not burn.

6 . Stage

Serve the pizza: Out of the oven, sprinkle the pizza with Parmesan cheese, and let it cool for 5 minutes. Run a spatula around the edges of the pizza to release it from the skillet. Gently lift and transfer it to a cutting board. Tear and sprinkle the basil leaves on top. Cut into wedges and serve.