Crispy Pan Pizza

Name: Crispy Pan Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 medium pizzas
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 330 ml warm water; 5 g dried instant yeast, or 10 g fresh yeast; 500 g plain flour, or wholemeal wheat flour / bread flour; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing; 2 tbsp olive oil (1 tbsp per pizza), for frying the base; 1 cup pumpkin purée, spiced lightly or seasoned to taste

A lofty, deep-dish crust crisped on the stovetop and finished under the grill with pumpkin purée, leeks, sweet dates, walnuts, and salty feta.

Seriously the easiest way to make pizza at home! I have tried all the tricks—an upside-down baking sheet, a preheated pizza stone—and this lofty, crispy, extra-flavourful pan pizza is far better and much less fussy than any other method. Searing the base in a hot skillet guarantees a golden, crunchy bottom crust every single time, while a fan-assisted grill melts and caramelises autumnal toppings of rich pumpkin purée, sautéed leeks, sweet chewy dates, toasted walnuts, and creamy feta.

By Ivana Sanshia · Updated Sep 2026

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Rising2 hr

Total50 min

Serves2 medium pizzas

LevelMedium

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Before you start

Get your mise en place ready so nothing catches you out mid-cook.

Have an oven-safe cast-iron skillet (approx 26–28 cm) ready.
Warm 330 ml water to lukewarm (approx 37°C).
Finely slice 1 large leek and rinse well to remove grit.

Method

1
Activate Yeast & Knead Dough
In a measuring jug or bowl, combine 330 ml warm water and 5 g dried yeast (or 10 g fresh yeast). Set aside at room temperature for 5 minutes until frothy.
⏱ 5 min
2
In a large mixing bowl, add 500 g flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, and the yeast liquid.
3
Knead by hand or in a stand mixer for 5–10 minutes until the dough turns smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
⏱ 10 min

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Ivana Sanshia’s note

Getting the pan properly hot with oil before pressing the dough in creates that deep-fried, focaccia-like crunch on the bottom crust that home ovens usually fail to produce.

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