Why You’ll Love Upside Down Pizza Recipe
This recipe delivers a fun twist on classic pizza with bold, roasted flavors and a visually impressive presentation. Cooking the toppings directly against the pan enhances their texture and taste, while the cheese melts beautifully into the sauce for a gooey finish. It’s simple to prepare, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ pound pizza dough
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
4 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
¼ cup green bell peppers (sliced)
¼ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
¼ cup onions (diced)
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (plus more for serving)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
½ cup pizza sauce
Fresh basil (for serving)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions
- Allow store-bought dough to rise at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil on a cast iron skillet. Layer mushrooms first, then green peppers, followed by tomatoes and onions. Season with oregano, crushed red pepper, and salt.
- Add shredded cheese evenly over the vegetables, then spread pizza sauce on top of the cheese, keeping the edges mostly clear.
- Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round and gently place it over the sauce.
- Tuck the dough around the edges of the skillet to seal in the toppings. Brush the remaining olive oil on top of the dough.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pizza rest for 10 minutes. Carefully flip it onto a cutting board or plate. Garnish with Parmesan, crushed red pepper, and fresh basil before slicing into 6–8 pieces.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
You can easily switch up the vegetables with zucchini, spinach, or roasted eggplant. Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or grilled chicken for a heartier version. For a different flavor profile, try using pesto instead of pizza sauce or a blend of cheeses like provolone and fontina.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat to maintain a crispy texture, or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade dough works perfectly and often enhances the flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
You can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish, but cast iron gives the best crust.
Why is it called upside down pizza?
Because the toppings are placed at the bottom and the dough goes on top, then it’s flipped before serving.
How do I prevent sticking when flipping?
Make sure to oil the pan well and let the pizza rest before flipping.
Can I make this vegetarian?
It already is vegetarian, but you can add more veggies or plant-based cheese if desired.
Can I freeze upside down pizza?
Yes, freeze slices individually and reheat in the oven for best results.
What cheese works best?
Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal, but blends can add more flavor.
How do I know when it’s done?
The crust should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, increase the crushed red pepper or add spicy sausage.
Do I need to flip it right away?
No, letting it rest for about 10 minutes helps it hold together better.
Conclusion
Upside Down Pizza is a creative and delicious way to reinvent a classic favorite. With its layered flavors, crisped toppings, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress whether you’re serving family dinner or entertaining guests.
Upside Down Pizza
A savory upside-down pizza baked in a cast iron skillet with layers of vegetables, melted cheese, and a crisp golden crust. Flipped before serving for a fun and flavorful twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ pound pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
- ¼ cup green bell peppers (sliced)
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup onions (diced)
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (plus more for serving)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- Fresh basil (for serving)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Allow store-bought dough to rise at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil on a cast iron skillet. Layer mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Season with oregano, crushed red pepper, and salt.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese and spread pizza sauce evenly over the cheese, keeping edges mostly dry.
- Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round and place it over the sauce in the skillet.
- Tuck the dough around the edges to seal in the toppings. Brush remaining olive oil over the dough.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes, then carefully flip onto a cutting board or plate. Top with Parmesan, extra crushed red pepper, and fresh basil. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for best results and easy release.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on preference or availability.
- Letting the pizza rest helps it hold its shape when flipped.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
