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–+ servings
Upside down pepperoni pizza with caramelized crispy pepperoni on top, served on a black round pan over a wood board

Cast Iron Upside Down Pizza

The whole pizza gets built in reverse in a cast iron skillet: a deep layer of pepperoni on the bottom, then cheese, sausage, and sauce, with the dough stretched over the top. Bake, flip onto a plate, and the pepperoni comes out crispy on top with a golden crust underneath.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cast Iron Upside Down Pizza
  • 1 can Pillsbury pizza dough
  • 1 1/2-2 cups sliced pepperoni enough to completely cover the bottom of the pan
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2-1 lb cooked sausage crumbled or sliced, your pick
  • 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce about, spread over the sausage only
  • 4-6 slices pepper jack, Colby jack, or spicy Colby jack cheese provolone works too
  • 1/2 cup additional shredded mozzarella
  • Italian seasoning to taste
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil for the dough, plus a little for the pan

Equipment

  • 12-inch cast iron skillet
  • High heat gloves
  • Large plate or serving platter

Method
 

Build It Upside Down
  1. Spray a well-seasoned 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray or wipe it down with a little oil.
  2. Cover the entire bottom of the skillet with a deep layer of pepperoni. Don't leave gaps, this layer becomes the top of your pizza.
  3. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella over the pepperoni and season with Italian seasoning.
  4. Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the mozzarella, then spoon the marinara directly over the sausage. Keep the sauce off the edges so it doesn't touch the dough.
  5. Add the sliced cheese, then finish with the additional mozzarella.
  6. Open the pizza dough and stretch it over the entire skillet. Press and tuck the excess dough down around the edges of the pan to build a thick crust.
  7. Lightly brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with more Italian seasoning.
Bake and Flip
  1. Bake in a 400°F oven or grill for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Using high heat gloves, carefully remove the skillet. Place a large plate or platter over the skillet, hold it firmly against the pan, and flip the whole thing over in one smooth motion.
  3. Slowly lift the skillet away. The pizza should release easily thanks to the rendered pepperoni fat. Slice and serve.

Notes

The Flip: Commit to one smooth motion with the plate held tight against the pan. High heat gloves are not optional.
Cheese: Amounts are a starting point. A little less cheese gives you cleaner slices.
Variations: Any cooked meat and any melting cheese work in the layers. Keep the pepperoni on the bottom, it crisps against the pan and helps the pizza release.
Nutrition: Values shown are estimates.

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