Novemba . 20, 2024 07:07 Back to list

best adam ragusea cast iron pizza

The Best Adam Ragusea Cast Iron Pizza Recipe

If you're a pizza aficionado, you’ve likely come across Adam Ragusea's culinary videos that showcase his unique cooking techniques. One recipe that stands out in his repertoire is the cast iron pizza. Not only is it easy to make, but it also delivers a fantastic crust and delightful toppings that can satisfy any pizza craving. In this article, we’ll dive into the essential elements of crafting the best cast iron pizza, as inspired by Adam Ragusea’s approach.

Ingredients

The foundation of any great pizza is its dough. For Adam Ragusea's cast iron pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients

- 2 cups of all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon of instant yeast - 1 teaspoon of sugar - ¾ teaspoon of salt - ¾ cup of warm water - 1 tablespoon of olive oil

For the toppings, the world is your oyster. However, for a classic Margherita-style pizza, consider

- 1 cup of tomato sauce - 8 oz of mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves - Olive oil for drizzling - Red pepper flakes (optional)

The Dough

Start by mixing the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Create a well in the center and add the warm water and olive oil. Stir the mixture with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry about it being perfectly smooth at this stage; a little irregularity adds character to your pizza.

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. Once ready, place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Prepping the Cast Iron Skillet

best adam ragusea cast iron pizza

While your dough rises, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). This high temperature will help achieve that coveted crispy crust. Meanwhile, place your cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes. Adding some olive oil to the pan will prevent the pizza from sticking while also giving it a beautiful golden-brown finish.

Assembling the Pizza

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to fit your skillet, ensuring that it’s slightly larger than the pan to create an edge for the crust. Carefully transfer the dough into your hot cast iron skillet.

Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border for the crust. Tear the mozzarella into pieces and scatter it over the sauce. For an extra touch of flavor, add fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

Baking

Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake the pizza for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to avoid any burning, as cast iron holds heat exceptionally well.

The Final Touch

Once out of the oven, let your pizza cool for a few minutes. This step will make slicing easier and help maintain the integrity of the toppings. Add an extra drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Slice and enjoy!

Conclusion

Adam Ragusea's cast iron pizza recipe is not just about the ingredients but the love and patience you'll put into each step. This method gives you a restaurant-quality pizza right in your kitchen, combining crispy, chewy crust and fresh toppings. Next time you crave pizza, take a page from Ragusea’s book and try your hand at this delightful dish. Your taste buds will thank you!