• Before getting started, preheat your oven to 500ºF, and add the olive oil to the cast iron skillet.

Homemade Pizza Crust

• Start by mixing the flour, salt and instant yeast together in a gallon-sized zip-loc bag or large mixing bowl.
• Add the lukewarm water to the dry mixture, and mix together 'til everything is well combined.
• Transfer your pizza dough back to the plastic bag or large bowl to rise 'til just under doubled in size, usually about an hour.
• Once your pizza dough has risen, transfer it to the cast iron skillet that you prepped in the first step, and roll it around in the olive oil 'til well coated.
• Now, gently press the dough out into the skillet.
• Once your pizza crust is pressed into the pan, place it into the oven at 500ºF to pre-bake for 5-7 minutes, or 'til it just starts to firm up and turn slightly golden brown in color.

Pepperoni Cast Iron Pizza

• Once your pizza crust has par-baked, remove it from the oven so that you can add the toppings.
• Use a ladle or large spoon to add the pizza sauce to the crust. Then use the back of the ladle to spread it out around the pizza crust in a circular motion until you're about 1-inch off from the edge.
• Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top.
• Finally, add your pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. One pizza usually takes about 10-12 slices.
• Finish baking your topped cast iron pizza at 500ºF for an additional 5-7 minutes, or 'til the cheese is melted and the crust has cooked all the way through.
• That's it! Slice and serve with fresh basil for a garnish and all your favorite dippable condiments, like ranch dressing or barbecue sauce!