One of the main problems with making a pizza at home is heat. To get a pizza similar to what you might find at a restaurant, you need high heat. This is where the ability of cast iron to hold heat comes into play. Using this method is a great way to get restaurant-quality results.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. pizza dough

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup pizza sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Kosher salt

• fresh basil leaves for garnish

  INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place a 9 inch cast iron skillet inside the oven. Heat oven to 550 degrees with the skillet inside.

2. CAREFULLY remove the skillet from the oven and spread the oil in a thin layer across the pan.

3. On a lightly floured surface, work pizza dough into a 9-inch circle.

4. Gently place crust inside of the cast iron skillet.

5. Spread sauce in an even layer across the crust.

6. Sprinkle thyme and garlic powder over the sauce.

7. Add cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the crust are dark golden brown.

8. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese starts to get dark golden brown spots.

9. Sprinkle with Kosher salt and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice and enjoy!