Simple Dutch Oven Pizza Recipe

If you are a big fan of crispy crusts, delicious cheese, and mouth-watering toppings, then this dutch oven pizza recipe is for you.

Have you heard about the recent surge in popularity of dutch oven pizza? After making this recipe, you’ll see why!

If you are a pizza lover, you know that nothing beats the feeling of biting into a hot, oven-fresh slice of your favorite pizza.

But, takeout pizza can be expensive, and frozen pizza, well, I’d rather not.

So, I have made pizzas in the past using a cast iron skillet. Actually, I have a breakfast pizza using a homemade crust that you can find here.

But I have always heard how incredible pizza tastes when its cooked in a dutch oven. So, I set out on that very mission, experimenting with different doughs and toppings.

And since I only have time for one recipe here today, I decided to keep it simple and share my recipe with a premade dough that you can find in the cooler section at any grocery store.

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How to make pizza in a dutch oven

Supplies

• Dutch oven
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

• 13-ounce pizza dough crust (uncooked) or pizza dough mix
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasonings
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of pizza sauce (approximately)
• 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup of provel cheese
• Olives, red onion, pepperoni, or your favorite toppings

Dutch oven pizza recipe instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven, along with the enameled dutch oven, to 425°F to ensure it’s hot when you’re ready to cook your pizza.

Step 2: Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface.

Step 3: Mix the pizza dough according to the instructions on the package. Roll it out into a rough circle or rectangle shape that’s slightly larger than the base of your dutch oven.

Step 4: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil.

Step 5: Sprinkle Italian seasonings onto the oiled dough.

Step 6: Combine the minced garlic with your choice of pizza sauce, and use a spoon to spread the mixture evenly across the dough.

Step 7: Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the sauce. If you don’t have provel, you can substitute it for mozzarella.

Step 8: Add your favorite toppings to the pizza. Don’t be afraid to get creative, but be mindful not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, as it could affect the final outcome.

Step 9: Carefully remove the hot dutch oven from the oven using hot pads or oven mitts.

Step 10: Grab the corners of the parchment paper and gently lower the pizza into the dutch oven. This prevents it from sticking and makes it easier to maneuver in and out.

Step 11: Using oven mitts, carefully place the hot dutch oven back into the oven and bake the pizza for 20 minutes. This should be enough to cook the dough, melt the cheese, and cook the toppings. Don’t cover it with a lid!

Step 12: When the pizza is done, carefully remove the dutch oven using oven mitts, and using the parchment paper, gently slide the pizza onto a cutting board.

Step 13: Let the pizza cool down for a few minutes before slicing it up and serving it. Enjoy!

Pizza cooking tips

• Use caution when cooking with a hot dutch oven. Keep it out of reach of children and wear long sleeves and oven mitts.
• Do not cover with a lid while baking as the added steam will result in a soggy pizza.
• To avoid a mess and ensure your pizza slices are clean, let it cool down for a few minutes before slicing. This will also help the cheese set and prevent it from sliding off when you slice it.
• Depending on the size of your dutch oven and the thickness of your dough, the cooking time will vary. Make sure to keep an eye on your pizza so it doesn’t burn or become overcooked. You want it to be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Recipe adjustments and variations

I use a premade dough for this recipe. However, you can make your own pizza dough from scratch, which is just as good!

I like to roll out my dough about a quarter of an inch thick and have it stick up the sides about an inch. It helps to keep all the toppings inside. You can make your dough thicker if you prefer; just adjust cook times accordingly.

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use aluminum foil to set the pizza into the dutch oven. Just make sure to slide it off of the foil before cutting the pizza.

Be careful adding too much sauce for you pizza sauce lovers. Too much sauce can prevent the dough from cooking through properly.

Why A Dutch Oven for pizza?

• Even heat distribution: Dutch ovens are made of heavy-duty cast iron, which allows for even heat distribution to cook food nice and evenly: no hot spots or burnt areas.
• Easy to Use: Dutch ovens are incredibly easy to use, making them a great option for beginner cooks. Simply layer your pizza, pop it into the oven, and let it cook!
• Easy to clean: Despite their heavy-duty construction, dutch ovens are surprisingly easy to clean. Simply wash it with soap and water and dry it thoroughly.

Pizza Topping Ideas

Forget traditional pizza; cooking a pizza in a dutch oven is where it is at. It’s become a real hit because you can get a crispy crust and put all your favorite toppings and flavors on it using a dutch oven pot.

We love to keep it simple with pepperoni, olives and onions. But I do like to spruce it up from time to time.

Try topping with tomato slices, spinach leaves, and mozzarella.

If you are looking for pizza topping ideas, here are a few different ingredients we have tried!

Your pizza questions answered

Can I make pizza in any type of dutch oven? Yes. It is recommended to use an enameled dutch oven for best results. Cast iron dutch ovens can be used as well, but they may require more seasoning and maintenance.

Will the pizza stick to the dutch oven? No. The pizza crust should not stick to the base; however, using parchment paper will make it easier to place the pizza in and remove it once it’s cooked.

What type of pizza dough works best for this recipe? Any premade pizza dough will work, but it is best to choose a dough that will not rise too much during the baking process.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the pizza? While pre-shredded cheese can be used, I always recommend shredding your own cheese for best results.

How do I know when the pizza is done? Usually, 20 minutes is all that’s needed to cook it through. Thicker crusts will require a longer baking time. Look for a crispy, golden brown crust and melted bubbly cheese for signs it’s done!

Is pizza sauce or marinara sauce better for pizza? This is really up to you. I’ll use either, depending on what I have in my pantry. If I use pizza sauce, I like to mix in a little garlic for added flavor. Just be sure to spread it evenly on the crust, and you’ll be fine.

Final Thoughts

I personally file pizza in the classic comfort food category. Not frozen pizza, but a good homemade one. Even though I use premade pizza dough, it still tastes like the entire recipe was made from scratch.

You can always go out and buy a frozen pizza, but there is something satisfying about making it yourself. Especially cooking pizza in a dutch oven like we do here.

It’s almost like a deep-dish pizza using a dutch oven. But you can make it however you like; that’s the beauty of it!

So next time you’re craving pizza, give your dutch oven a try. It is a convenient and foolproof way to enjoy a classic favorite in the comfort of your own home.

If you enjoyed this dutch oven pizza recipe, I’d love for you to leave a review below! And if you are looking for more great favorites, try one of these next!

• Carne pizzaiolas
• Quick and easy pizza rolls
• The best dutch oven lasagna