Golden Crust Pan Pizza

1. Combine Ingredients

Combine the bread flour, kosher salt, instant yeast, water, and extra-virgin olive oil in a large bowl. Mix until there is no dry flour left and you form a cohesive dough.

2. Rest Dough

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours.

3. Transfer and Shape Dough

Sprinkle the risen dough with flour and transfer it to a floured work surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and gently shape each piece into a ball.

4. Prepare Pans

Pour a generous amount of olive oil into two 10-inch cast iron skillets or round cake pans. Place each dough ball into a pan, turning to coat them fully in oil, and begin pressing the dough outwards to spread it evenly.

5. Rest Dough in Pans

Cover the pans with plastic wrap and let them rest at room temperature for about 2 hours.

6. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 550°F (290°C) for at least an hour.

7. Prepare Dough for Topping

After the dough has rested, press it out to fill the pans completely, popping any large bubbles and lifting the edges to release trapped air.

8. Add Sauce and Cheese

Top your spread dough with pizza sauce, then sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the surface. Add a pinch of salt, your desired toppings, and a drizzle of olive oil.

9. Add Basil (Optional)

If using, scatter the torn fresh basil leaves on top.

10. Bake Pizza

Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are golden and bubbly and the bottoms are golden and crisp.

11. Finish and Serve

After removing the pizzas from the oven, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. Use a thin spatula to carefully transfer the pizzas to a cutting board. Cut into slices and serve immediately.