Deep Dish Cast Iron Skillet Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Why You’ll Love Deep Dish Cast Iron Skillet Spinach Artichoke Pizza Recipe

• Ready in about 20 minutes of cooking time.
• Uses convenient store-bought bread dough for easy preparation.
• Features a rich and creamy garlic herb cheese base instead of traditional pizza sauce.
• Combines melty mozzarella and nutty Gruyère for incredible flavor.
• Crispy, golden crust thanks to the cast iron skillet.
• Perfect for family dinners, game days, or casual entertaining.
• Easy to customize with additional toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 loaf Rhodes Thaw, Rise & Bake Bread dough
• 2 generous tablespoons garlic herb spreadable cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese
• About half a jar artichoke hearts
• A few handfuls fresh spinach
• Black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Thaw the bread dough according to the package instructions and allow it to rise for about 2 hours at room temperature if required. Preheat the oven to 450°F or follow the temperature recommended on your dough package. Spray a 10-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place the dough into the prepared skillet. Gently stretch and press it toward the edges of the pan until evenly distributed.
3. Spread the garlic herb cheese evenly over the dough, creating a creamy base instead of traditional pizza sauce.
4. Sprinkle most of the mozzarella and Gruyère cheeses over the surface, reserving a small amount for the top.
5. Scatter the artichoke hearts over the cheese. Chop them into smaller pieces if desired.
6. Add torn fresh spinach leaves evenly across the pizza.
7. Top with the remaining cheese and finish with freshly ground black pepper.
8. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
9. Carefully slide the pizza from the skillet onto a cutting board, slice, and serve. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes (including dough rise time)
• Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 28 minutes

Variations

• Add cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
• Include sautéed mushrooms for extra earthy flavor.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a touch of heat.
• Swap Gruyère for fontina, provolone, or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
• Use homemade pizza dough if preferred.
• Finish with fresh basil after baking for added freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through and crisp.
• Skillet: Warm over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes with a lid on top.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, though the crust may soften.

Freezing is possible for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this pizza without a cast iron skillet?

Yes. A cake pan, deep-dish pizza pan, or small baking dish of similar size will work well.

What does the garlic herb cheese replace?

It serves as the pizza’s sauce, providing a creamy and flavorful base.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pizza.

What type of artichokes should I use?

Jarred artichoke hearts packed in water or marinade both work well.

Can I use a different cheese blend?

Absolutely. Mozzarella pairs well with provolone, fontina, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.

How do I know when the pizza is done?

The crust should be golden brown around the edges and the cheese should be melted and bubbling.

Can I prepare the pizza ahead of time?

You can assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Is homemade pizza dough suitable for this recipe?

Yes. Any pizza dough recipe that yields enough dough for a 10-inch deep-dish pizza will work.

Why is my crust not crispy?

Make sure the oven is fully preheated and avoid overloading the pizza with wet ingredients.

Can I add protein toppings?

Yes. Grilled chicken, cooked bacon, or Italian sausage are excellent additions.

Conclusion

Deep Dish Cast Iron Skillet Spinach Artichoke Pizza is a delicious fusion of creamy spinach artichoke dip and comforting homemade pizza. With its crispy golden crust, rich cheese blend, and flavorful vegetable toppings, it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether served for a family dinner, weekend gathering, or casual lunch, this pizza is sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll return to again and again.