Cast Iron Upside-Down Skillet Pizza

Name: Cast Iron Upside-Down Skillet Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp cooking oil; 6 oz pepperoni, sliced; 1/2 yellow onion, chopped; 1/4 red bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder

Cast iron upside-down skillet pizza layers pepperoni, vegetables, and cheese on the bottom with pizza dough on top, then flips to reveal a cheesy, golden crust. It's a fun and easy deep-dish variation that requires no special pizza equipment.

🌍American 🏷️Skillet pizza 🏷️Upside-down pizza 🏷️Deep dish pizza 🏷️Cast iron pizza Pepperoni

🏷️

🏷️Cheesy

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TikTok

Total

55 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

-0:00

TikTok

Ingredients

1 tbsp cooking oil
6 oz pepperoni, sliced
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1/4 red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pizza sauce
1 lb pizza dough, store-bought
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder

11 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Grease a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking oil.
3
Layer your toppings in the skillet, starting with the pepperoni, followed by the chopped onion and bell peppers.
4
Sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
5
Spread the pizza sauce over the cheese.
6
Stretch the pizza dough over the top of the fillings, tucking the edges down into the skillet to seal.
7
Brush the top of the dough with olive oil.
8
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the oiled dough.
9
Bake for 40 minutes at 400°F, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
10
Remove from the oven and let it rest in the skillet for 5 minutes.
11
Carefully place a large cutting board or serving platter over the skillet and flip it over to release the pizza. Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Stretch the pizza dough gently to fit the skillet without tearing; if it resists, let it rest for 2 minutes then try again.
Layer ingredients starting with sauce, then cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
Use a cast iron skillet that has been preheated or seasoned well to prevent sticking and ensure even browning on the crust.
Flip the skillet onto a sturdy plate as soon as it comes out of the oven while the cheese is still hot and pliable—waiting too long makes flipping difficult.

Substitutions

Pepperoni → Italian sausage or ham (same amount, adjust seasoning as needed)
Mozzarella → provolone or a mozzarella-parmesan blend (for sharper flavor)
Yellow onion → red onion or white onion (flavor slightly less sweet with white)
Pizza sauce → marinara sauce or no-cook tomato sauce (consistency may vary slightly)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover pizza covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until cheese melts.

Equipment

cast iron skillet (10-12 inch) · oven mitts · sturdy plate or pizza pan (for flipping)

Common Questions

Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes. Let homemade dough rise to room temperature before stretching and placing on top of the toppings. It should be pliable enough to cover the skillet without tearing.

How do I know when the pizza is done baking?

Bake until the crust is golden brown on top and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes at 400°F. The crust should be cooked through before flipping.

What size cast iron skillet should I use?

A 10 to 12-inch cast iron skillet works best for this recipe. Smaller skillets may overflow; larger ones may require more dough and toppings.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Layer toppings in the skillet up to 2 hours before baking. Add the dough and olive oil just before placing in the oven to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How do I safely flip the hot skillet?

Use oven mitts and a sturdy plate or pizza pan that covers the entire skillet opening. Hold firmly and flip quickly in one confident motion over a sink or counter.