This Cast Iron Pizza Is Everything 🍕

Skip the Delivery—Make Pizza Night an Adventure

Picture this: you’re cozied up in your camper, mountain views outside, a glass of wine in hand… and the smell of bubbling cheese fills the air. No, it’s not a dream—it’s cast iron pizza night, and it might just become your new travel tradition.

Whether you’re parked at a lakeside campsite, exploring hidden gems in Italy, or just want to upgrade your home kitchen, this pizza recipe brings crispy edges, chewy crust, and oozy cheese with every bite. And the best part? No fancy oven required. Just a reliable cast iron skillet (we love the Lodge 12″ cast iron pan—a camper’s best friend) and a spirit of adventure.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to make the ultimate cast iron pizza—plus handy tips, hacks, and mouthwatering topping combos that turn pizza night into something unforgettable.

How to Make Cast Iron Pizza (Step-by-Step)

Making pizza in a cast iron skillet is one of the most rewarding meals you can whip up—whether you’re at home, parked in a campervan, or sitting under the stars at a remote campsite. The crust turns crisp, the cheese bubbles, and the whole experience feels like a mini celebration.

Here’s your complete step-by-step guide for both indoor and off-grid outdoor cooking, so you can enjoy cast iron pizza no matter where the road takes you.

🧾 What You’ll Need

• 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought, homemade, or pre-frozen for travel)
• ½–1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• Your favorite toppings
• Cast iron skillet (10–12 inches is ideal)

Recommended extras:

• Oven mitts or heatproof gloves
• Heat-resistant spatula
• Pizza cutter or travel-friendly kitchen scissors

Optional tools:

• Lid or aluminum foil (for campfire or stovetop versions)
• Cooling rack to avoid soggy bottoms

Tip: We recommend the Lodge 12″ cast iron skillet—it’s pre-seasoned, super durable, and works on all heat sources from campfires to stovetops.

🔥 Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Surface

In the oven:
Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). Place your skillet inside to heat for 10–15 minutes.

Over a campfire:
Get your fire going and let it burn down to hot coals (not open flames). Place your skillet on a grill grate or tripod and preheat for about 10 minutes with the lid on or loosely covered in foil.

On a portable gas stove or camping hob:
Set heat to medium-high and let the skillet preheat for about 5 minutes, then reduce to medium.

On a BBQ/grill:
Preheat the grill with the lid closed and place the skillet inside to warm up like an oven.

Pro Tip: Use a lid or foil tent to trap heat when you’re not using an oven—this melts the cheese and helps the dough cook through.

✋ Step 2: Stretch the Dough

Let the dough come to room temperature if it’s been chilled. Stretch it out gently into a circle a bit smaller than your pan. Dust it lightly with flour to avoid sticking. Don’t stress about perfection—it’s part of the fun.

🍕 Step 3: Assemble the Pizza in the Hot Skillet

Remove the skillet from the heat source carefully (use heatproof gloves or mitts). Drizzle in some olive oil to coat the bottom.

Add the dough to the hot skillet and press gently to fit. It might sizzle—that’s perfect! Quickly spread sauce, add cheese, and pile on your favorite toppings.

🔥 Step 4: Cook the Pizza

If you’re using an oven:

Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden and cheese is melted. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra bubbly cheese.

On a campfire:

Cover with a lid or foil and cook for 8–12 minutes, rotating the pan occasionally for even cooking. Move to indirect heat if the bottom cooks too fast.

On a camping stove:

Cover with a lid or foil. Cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, rotating halfway. You can even lift the bottom with a spatula to check for crispiness.

On a grill:

Close the lid and cook for 10–14 minutes, depending on heat. Keep an eye on the bottom to avoid burning.

⚠️ Safety Tip: Cast iron gets extremely hot. Use heatproof gloves and place the pan on a fire-safe surface after cooking.

🧀 Step 5: Cool, Slice & Serve

Let the pizza sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and the crust finish crisping. Use a pizza cutter or travel scissors if you’re on the go. Don’t forget the final touch—a sprinkle of dried oregano or torn basil for flavor that pops.

Bonus tip: A foldable bamboo pizza peel adds extra charm (and function) to your pizza nights—great for camper kitchens or gifting!

How to Make Easy Pizza Dough (Camp-Friendly + Home Edition)

You don’t need a fancy mixer or hours of prep to make delicious, chewy, golden pizza dough. This simple recipe works just as well in a home kitchen as it does in a campervan or outdoor kitchen setup. All you need is a bowl, your hands, and a little time to let the dough rise.

🍕 Makes enough for 2 small pizzas (perfect for a 10–12″ cast iron skillet)

✨ Ingredients

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¾ cup warm water (not too hot—about 100°F or 38°C)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for coating the bowl)

Tip: Need compact gear for vanlife baking? The Joseph Joseph nesting bowl set is lightweight, space-saving, and ideal for small kitchens.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes frothy on top.

If it doesn’t foam, your water may be too hot or the yeast may be expired—try again with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Stir until it comes together into a shaggy dough. You can use a spoon, spatula, or your hands.

Step 3: Knead It Out

Dust a surface with flour and knead the dough for 5–7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a touch more flour. If it’s dry, wet your hands and knead again.

Travel Tip: No counter? Use a clean cutting board or the inside of a large bowl to knead in a camper or tent.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

On the road? Pop it in a warm car (not too hot!) or near a sunny window. You can also let it rise slowly in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Step 5: Use or Store

Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Split into two balls for small pizzas, or keep whole for one large one. Use right away, or store in the fridge (1–2 days) or freezer (up to 3 months).

Freeze in a reusable silicone bag like the Stasher bag to reduce waste and stay travel-ready.

Best Cast Iron Pizza Toppings (Classic to Creative)

One of the best parts about cast iron pizza? You can top it with anything—from traditional flavors to wild creations inspired by your latest travel destination. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going full-on foodie, these topping combos turn your pizza into a highlight of the day.

🍕 Tip: Prep and pack your toppings in advance if you’re traveling. Use stackable leak-proof containers to keep ingredients fresh in a small fridge or cooler.

🔁 Classic Combos That Never Fail

1. Margherita
   Pizza sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil drizzle.
   Simple. Italian. Always a win.
2. Pepperoni Party
   Tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, red chili flakes.
   Spice it up or keep it mild—it’s a crowd-pleaser.
3. Veggie Delight
   Bell peppers, red onions, black olives, mushrooms, mozzarella, oregano.
   Colorful and packed with flavor.
4. BBQ Chicken
   BBQ sauce base, shredded chicken, red onions, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
   Sweet, smoky, and seriously satisfying.

🌱 Vegan & Dairy-Free Delights

1. Green Goddess
   Pesto base, arugula, cherry tomatoes, vegan cheese, artichoke hearts.
   Fresh and bold—great with a crisp white wine.
2. Spicy Chickpea
   Tomato sauce, roasted chickpeas, red onion, spinach, vegan cheese.
   Protein-packed and pantry-friendly.
3. Hummus + Veggies
   Hummus base, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini ribbons, and a sprinkle of paprika.
   Earthy, creamy, and unexpected.

Tip: We love Violife vegan mozzarella—it melts well and travels easily in a camper fridge.

🌍 Travel-Inspired Creations

1. Greek Island Vibes
   Olive oil base, crumbled feta, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, oregano.
   Top with fresh cucumber ribbons after baking.
2. Moroccan Twist
   Harissa-spiced tomato sauce, roasted eggplant, cumin, and mint.
   Drizzle with tahini before serving.
3. French Market
   Goat cheese, caramelized onions, thyme, and a touch of honey.
   Rich, rustic, and unforgettable.
4. Tropical Escape
   Tomato sauce, ham or smoked tofu, pineapple, chili flakes.
   Sweet + salty = yes, please.

🛠 Quick & Easy Options for Travel Days

• Pouch Tuna + Capers
  Surprisingly good and perfect for no-fridge days.
• Leftover Veggie Stir Fry
  Don’t toss it—repurpose it into pizza gold.
• Jarred Pesto + Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  No chopping needed. Just open, spread, and bake.

Tip: Keep a few shelf-stable items like pesto, olives, and hot honey in your travel pantry. They make great toppings in seconds!

Tips & Tricks for Cast Iron Pizza Success on the Road

Making pizza in a cast iron skillet while traveling feels like a luxury—but it’s totally doable with the right prep and mindset. Here’s how to master it in any location, whether you’re vanlifing across Portugal, camping in the Alps, or parked at a festival.

🔄 Plan Ahead (and Keep It Flexible)

• Make dough in advance and freeze it in individual balls. Thaw overnight in your camper fridge or cooler.
• Keep versatile ingredients on hand—jarred sauces, canned veggies, vacuum-packed cheese, and cured meats are road-trip friendly.
• For veggies, slice and store them in stackable containers for quick assembly.

Tip: Use silicone stretch lids to keep prepped toppings sealed and fresh without bulky plastic.

🔥 Master Your Heat Source

• Campfire: Wait for glowing embers (not flames), and rotate the skillet often to avoid burning.
• Gas stove or camper hob: Keep heat on medium and cover with foil or a lid to trap heat.
• Portable BBQ grill: Preheat well and close the lid to create an oven-like environment.
• Oven in a camper or Airbnb? Go classic with 230°C (450°F) and bake for 12–15 minutes.

Pro Gear: A cast iron lid or foldable fire-safe trivet makes outdoor pizza cooking easier and more consistent.

👣 Space-Saving Prep Ideas for Campers

• Pre-shred cheese and store in reusable bags. It saves time and fridge space.
• Bring one base sauce and swap out toppings for variety (pesto one night, BBQ the next).
• Use bamboo cutting boards that double as serving platters.

🧽 Easy Cleanup = Happy Travels

• Don’t soak your skillet—just wipe with a damp cloth and re-oil lightly.
• For stubborn bits, use a cast iron scraper—tiny but powerful and travel-friendly.
• Want to avoid mess altogether? Line your pan with parchment paper rounds.

Pro Tip: Keep a mini bottle of high-quality olive oil just for cooking pizza—it adds that restaurant-level flavor every time.

Final Thoughts: Pizza Nights Made for Travellers

Pizza isn’t just food—it’s an experience. And with a cast iron skillet and a little creativity, you can turn any place into your own cozy pizzeria. Whether you’re whipping one up under the stars, in a beachside camper, or in your tiny home kitchen, cast iron pizza brings adventure to the table.

So gather your favorite people, prep your toppings, and enjoy that first crispy, cheesy bite. You’re not just making dinner—you’re making memories.

And if you want to level up your gear, check out the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, bamboo pizza peel, or space-saving silicone lids we mentioned above—each one is a game-changer for cooking on the move.

Now go make that pizza magic happen 🍕

🍕 FAQs About Cast Iron Pizza

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works great—just let it rest at room temp before stretching.

What’s the best pan size for pizza?
A 10–12 inch skillet is perfect for most travelers. It gives you that crispy edge and fits easily in ovens or over fire.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough—just make sure it’s pliable enough to press into the skillet.

How do I cook pizza without an oven?
Use a campfire, portable gas stove, or BBQ. Cover the pan with foil or a lid to trap heat and melt cheese.

How do I store leftovers?
Wrap slices in beeswax wraps or silicone pouches and reheat on the skillet the next day.

What’s the secret to crispy crust?
Preheat the skillet, use olive oil, and don’t overload with sauce or toppings.