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cast iron margherita pizza - featured image

Cast Iron Margherita Pizza: Best Smoky Garlic Butter Crust


  • Author: Nadia
  • Total Time: 1.5 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A smoky, charred Margherita pizza made in a cast iron skillet on the grill, featuring a crispy garlic butter crust and fresh mozzarella.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g (3 3/4 cups) High-Protein Bread Flour
  • 325ml (1 1/3 cups) Warm Water (105°F/40°C)
  • 7g (2 1/4 tsp) Instant Yeast
  • 10g (1 1/2 tsp) Fine Sea Salt
  • 15ml (1 tbsp) Olive Oil
  • 400g (14 oz) San Marzano Tomatoes
  • 250g (9 oz) Fresh Mozzarella, drained and torn
  • 100g (1 cup) Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella
  • 1520 Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 30g (2 tbsp) Softened Unsalted Butter
  • 1 small clove Minced Garlic
  • Pinch of Salt (for garlic butter)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Make a well and add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled.
  3. Preheat grill to high heat (450-500°F). Crush San Marzano tomatoes by hand with a pinch of salt and olive oil for the sauce.
  4. Punch down risen dough and stretch into a 10-11 inch circle, keeping edges thick. Transfer to parchment paper or a floured peel.
  5. Brush the outer rim of the dough with the mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, and salt.
  6. Place an empty 12-inch cast iron skillet on the grill over direct heat for 5-7 minutes until smoking hot.
  7. Carefully transfer dough into the hot skillet. Add tomato sauce, leaving a 1-inch border, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
  8. Close the grill lid and cook for 8-10 minutes, rotating the skillet every 3-4 minutes for even charring.
  9. Remove from grill, immediately top with fresh basil leaves, and let cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
  10. Serve with extra olive oil if desired.

Notes

Ensure the cast iron skillet is smoking hot before adding dough to prevent sticking. Drain fresh mozzarella well to avoid a soggy pizza. Add basil after cooking to prevent burning. For a chewier crust, use bread flour and consider cold fermenting the dough for 24-48 hours.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: cast iron pizza, grilled pizza, margherita pizza, garlic butter crust, smoky pizza, summer recipes, homemade pizza