Description
This Crispy Tomato Herb Cheese Pan Pizza features a perfectly crispy crust baked in a cast iron skillet, layered with a blend of provolone and mozzarella cheeses, fresh marinara sauce, pepperoni (optional), and a flavorful mix of dried herbs and garlic. Ideal for a crispy, herby homemade pizza with a golden parmesan finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
Herb Mix
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seed
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese
Other
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 3 ounces pepperoni, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 minutes to ensure a hot baking environment.
- Prepare Dough in Skillet: Lightly grease a 10-11 inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet and place the ball of pizza dough inside. Drizzle olive oil on top of the dough, then use your fingertips to gently press the dough out nearly to the edges of the skillet. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to rise slightly.
- Mix Herbs and Garlic: In a small bowl, combine dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, crushed fennel seed, red pepper flakes, and chopped garlic to create a fragrant herb mixture.
- Assemble Pizza: Lightly drizzle olive oil on the dough surface. Sprinkle a spoonful of the herb mixture evenly over the dough. Add a handful of the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese, then drizzle the marinara sauce evenly over the cheese without spreading it. Top with the remaining cheese, sliced pepperoni if using, and a final sprinkle of the herb mix according to taste.
- Bake Pizza: Place the skillet on the upper rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the skillet to ensure even baking and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy on the edges.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with additional grated parmesan or asiago cheese, and serve hot. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy herb pan pizza!
Notes
- Using a cast iron or oven-safe skillet is key for getting a crispy crust similar to pan pizza styles.
- Allowing the dough to rest and rise in the skillet improves texture and makes it easier to stretch.
- Drizzling the marinara sauce instead of spreading keeps the crust from getting soggy.
- The herb mix provides bold flavor and can be adjusted to your preference or omitted if desired.
- If pepperoni is not desired, the pizza is delicious without it as well for a vegetarian option (note that this excludes pepperoni).
- Preheating the oven and rack placement ensure the crust crisps up nicely on top.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives matching your dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 498 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
