Description
A restaurant-quality Margherita pizza made in a cast iron skillet for a crispy, charred crust, featuring a secret garlic butter edge, fresh San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1 can (28 oz / 800g) San Marzano tomatoes
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 large handful fresh basil leaves (approx. 15–20 leaves)
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- Pinch of salt for tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with the cast iron skillet inside to heat up.
- Crush San Marzano tomatoes by hand in a bowl; add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Do not cook the sauce.
- Slice fresh mozzarella and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Melt butter in a small bowl or saucepan and stir in minced garlic to create garlic butter.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Brush the inside rim with half of the garlic butter.
- Place dough in the center of the hot pan; it will sizzle. Press and stretch dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Spread crushed tomatoes thinly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
- Scatter dried mozzarella slices over the sauce. Drizzle remaining garlic butter over the crust edges.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is bubbly and slightly charred.
- Remove from oven and immediately tear fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Let cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Ensure the skillet is fully preheated to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness. Pat mozzarella dry to avoid a soggy pizza. If the bottom burns, move the rack to the middle or upper-middle position. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or toaster oven.
- Prep Time: 17 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of pizza
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: pizza, cast iron, margherita, garlic butter, homemade pizza, quick dinner, Italian food, crispy crust