cheap homemade pizza in cast iron skillet

Cheap Homemade Pizza in Cast Iron Skillet

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the classic pizza. With its crispy crust, flavorful sauce, melted cheese, and endless topping possibilities, pizza is a universal favorite that brings joy to countless dinner tables. However, dining out for pizza can be quite expensive, leading many to seek a more wallet-friendly solution. Enter the cast iron skillet, an unsung hero in the world of homemade cooking that can help you whip up a delicious, cheap homemade pizza right in your own kitchen.

Why Cast Iron?

Cast iron skillets are celebrated for their heat retention and distribution. Unlike some traditional pizza stones that require extensive preheating, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet can provide a crispy crust in much less time. Moreover, they are affordable, durable, and versatile, making them a fantastic investment for any home cook. If you don’t already own one, you can usually find a Good-quality cast iron skillet for a reasonable price at local kitchen supply stores or online.

The Dough

Making your own pizza dough is not only cost-effective but also quite simple. Here’s a quick recipe that will yield enough dough for two medium pizzas

Ingredients - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F) - 1 tablespoon olive oil

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. 2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. 3. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the olive oil and pour it into the bowl with the flour mixture. Stir until it forms a rough dough. 4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. 5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Assembly and Baking

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to assemble your pizza.

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your cast iron skillet inside as it heats up to ensure a crispy base. 2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll one piece into a circle that fits your skillet, about 10-12 inches in diameter. 3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add a drizzle of olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom. 4. Lay the rolled dough into the skillet, pressing it gently to fit the shape of the pan. 5. Now it’s time to add your toppings! Start with a generous spread of tomato sauce, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese, and your choice of toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. Be creative with what you have on hand — this is a great way to use up leftovers! 6. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Enjoy!

Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven (carefully, it will be hot!), and let your pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. The combination of a crispy crust, savory toppings, and gooey cheese is hard to resist. Not only have you saved money by making homemade pizza, but you’ve also crafted something delicious and satisfying.

Tips for Success

- Experiment Feel free to try different types of flour or add herbs to your dough for extra flavor. - Make Ahead The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple of days or frozen for up to a month. Just let it come to room temperature before using. - Start Simple If you’re new to making pizza, start with basic toppings and gradually get adventurous as you gain confidence.

Cheap homemade pizza in a cast iron skillet is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic favorite without breaking the bank. With a bit of preparation and creativity, you’ll have tasty pizzas that please everyone at the table, while also making your wallet happy! So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the process of making your own masterpiece at home.