Ingredients:

For the Dough:
– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– ¾ cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste

For Toppings (suggestions):
– Fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
– Sliced pepperoni or sausage
– Sliced bell peppers
– Red onion rings
– Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
– Slowly add warm water and olive oil while stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.
– Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
– Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and leave it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce:
– Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
– Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

3. Preheat and Prepare the Skillet:
– Place a cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat it to 475°F (245°C) for about 30 minutes. Heating the skillet will help achieve a crispy crust.

4. Shape and Assemble the Pizza:
– Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions for personal-sized pizzas.
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a round shape, transferring it onto a piece of parchment paper.
– Remove the heated skillet from the oven, carefully place the dough on the hot skillet, and pierce the dough with a fork, leaving slight indentations.
– Spread a generous amount of sauce onto the crust, leaving a small border for the crust to rise.
– Top it with your desired toppings, starting with the cheese as the base.
– Carefully slide the skillet back into the oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.

5. Finishing Touches:
– Once the pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
– Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of aromatic freshness.
– Slice it up, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite.

Tips and Variations:

– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings like roasted vegetables, BBQ chicken, or even pineapple for a touch of sweetness.
– For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
– If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a well-seasoned baking sheet or pizza stone will work well too, although the crust might not achieve the same level of char.

Conclusion:

Cast iron skillet pizza has become my go-to recipe whenever I want to recreate the incredible flavors and cozy memories of that summer evening by the bonfire. This recipe allows you to unleash your creativity with different toppings while providing a crispy crust and a hint of smoky char that elevates the simple act of slicing and sharing a pizza into an unforgettable experience. So, gather your loved ones, fire up the bonfire, and savor the joy of homemade cast iron skillet pizza.