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Gluten-Free Cast Iron Pan Pizza

A thick, airy gluten-free pizza baked in a heavily oiled cast iron skillet for an irresistibly crispy, cheesy edge, topped generously with pepperoni.

Gluten-Free Cast Iron Pan Pizza
Prep 20 min Cook 20 min Total 100 min Level Intermediate
Serves 4

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

  • 2.5 cups Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend — Must contain xanthan gum
  • 1 tbsp Instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp Granulated sugar — To feed the yeast
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking powder — Helps give the GF dough extra lift
  • 1 cup Warm water — Between 105°F and 110°F
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil — For the dough
  • 1 whole Large egg — Room temperature, helps bind the dough

Pan Preparation & Toppings

  • 3 tbsp Olive oil — For the cast iron skillet
  • 0.5 cup Pizza sauce
  • 2 cups Shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese — Freshly shredded melts best
  • 2 oz Pepperoni slices

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

    ~5 min
    Ensure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum, otherwise add 1 tsp to the dry mix.

  2. Add the warm water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the egg. Beat on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until a thick, sticky batter forms. GF dough will not look like traditional kneadable dough.

    ~5 min
    Beating the dough helps build structure since there is no gluten to develop.

  3. Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil into your cast iron skillet, coating the bottom and sides evenly. Scrape the dough into the center of the skillet.

    ~2 min

  4. Lightly oil your hands and gently press the dough out evenly to the edges of the skillet.

    ~3 min
    If the dough resists or sticks, re-oil your fingers.

  5. Cover the skillet with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Place in a warm, draft-free spot to rise for 1 hour, or until noticeably puffy.

    ~60 min
    You can turn your oven on to the lowest setting for 2 minutes, turn it off, and place the pan inside for a perfect rising environment.

  6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

    ~15 min

  7. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the risen dough, leaving just a slight border. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese all the way to the very edges of the pan so it touches the cast iron (this creates a crispy 'frico' crust). Top with pepperoni.

    ~5 min
    Don't be afraid to get cheese directly on the cast iron wall; it's the secret to a Detroit-style pan pizza edge.

  8. Bake on the middle rack for 18-22 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are dark brown and crispy.

    ~20 min

  9. Remove from the oven and let rest in the skillet for 5 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edge to loosen, then carefully slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Slice and serve.

    ~5 min
    Resting helps the crust set so it doesn't fall apart when you move it.
Nutrition
610
Calories
22
Protein (g)
62
Carbs (g)
32
Fat (g)
11
Sat. Fat (g)
5
Fiber (g)
6
Sugar (g)
1150
Sodium (mg)
95
Cholesterol (mg)
Equipment
  • 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron skillet
  • Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
Tips & Storage
  • Because gluten-free flour blends vary widely, your dough may be thicker or thinner. Aim for a thick cake batter consistency.
  • Do not skip heavily oiling the pan. It effectively shallow-fries the bottom and sides of the crust.
  • For an extra crispy bottom, you can place the skillet on a hot burner on the stove over medium heat for 1-2 minutes immediately after removing it from the oven.
  • Storage: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat to recrisp the bottom, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Tags
baking cast iron cheese comfort food crispy crust deep dish family friendly frico edge gluten_free gluten-free hearty Italian-American nut_free pan pizza pepperoni pizza thick crust weeknight dinner yeast dough

🤖 This recipe was created with AI assistance. If you spot a mistake or something that doesn't look right, please report it.

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