Ultimate Spicy Pepperoni Skillet Pizza: Your Guide to a Crispy, Cheesy, Fiery Homemade Delight
Prepare your palate for an explosion of flavor! This spicy pizza recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, delivering the perfect trifecta of heat, satisfying crunch, and irresistible, ooey-gooey cheese. Imagine layers of aromatic chili crisp, a sweet and spicy drizzle of hot honey, and perfectly crisped pepperoni, all coming together on a golden crust. This is more than just homemade spicy pizza; it’s the kind of culinary creation you’ll proudly share and crave repeatedly for its bold, balanced taste and impressive texture.

About This Unforgettable Spicy Pizza Experience
This spicy pizza recipe brings the heat in all the right ways, transforming a classic favorite into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Inspired by the internet’s chili crisp obsession and the growing trend of turning everyday meals into spicy flavor bombs, this cast-iron skillet pizza is a next-level version of your usual Friday night indulgence. It achieves a perfect harmony, balancing creamy, melted mozzarella cheese, savory, crisped pepperoni, and a robust tomato base generously infused with red pepper flakes. The entire masterpiece is then finished with a unique combination of spicy-sweet hot honey and the distinctive texture and umami punch of chili crisp, creating a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly satisfying.
If you’ve never ventured into the world of skillet pizza, now is your prime opportunity to discover its magic. Cooking pizza in a cast-iron skillet is a revelation, as it consistently creates an unbelievably crispy, golden, and perfectly charred crust—a feat typically requiring a specialized pizza stone. The high, even heat of the cast iron ensures that the bottom of the crust gets exquisitely crunchy, while the toppings bubble and melt into a luscious perfection right before your eyes. This method is surprisingly straightforward, yet yields results that taste like they came from a gourmet pizzeria.
One of the greatest advantages of this homemade spicy pizza recipe is its inherent flexibility. Are you someone who truly lives for intense spice? Feel empowered to add an extra dollop of chili crisp or a more generous drizzle of hot honey to amplify the fiery kick. Conversely, if you’re preparing this for children or guests with a more sensitive palate, the heat can be easily dialed down significantly, allowing everyone to savor the delicious flavors without being overwhelmed. This adaptability ensures that the recipe caters to a wide range of preferences. The entire preparation process comes together quickly, and the final presentation is remarkably sophisticated, making it look far more complicated than it actually is to create.
After extensive testing and meticulous tweaking, this particular spicy pizza has solidified its place as my absolute favorite—a recipe I return to again and again. Its bold flavors are meticulously balanced, and its universal appeal consistently makes it a crowd favorite. Whether you’re planning an intimate date night, hosting a lively dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something significantly more special and flavorful than typical delivery, this spicy skillet pizza is a guaranteed win. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this truly exceptional homemade spicy pizza.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Spicy Pizza Recipe
- Unrivaled Crispy, Golden Crust: The secret weapon here is the cast iron skillet. Preheating it to an extremely high temperature creates a powerful thermal shock when the dough hits the hot surface, instantly crisping it. This results in an incredibly golden, robust, and satisfyingly crunchy crust, mimicking the quality of professional brick-oven pizzas, but made right in your home kitchen.
- Tailored Spice Level for Everyone: This recipe truly shines in its versatility. You have complete control over the heat. Easily adjust the amount of crushed red pepper in the sauce, and moderate the post-bake additions of chili crisp and hot honey. This means you can create a gentle warmth for sensitive palates or unleash a fiery inferno for dedicated spice lovers, ensuring everyone enjoys their ideal level of piquancy.
- Harmonious Sweet, Savory, and Spicy Profile: Prepare for a symphony of tastes! This pizza masterfully combines the alluring sweetness of hot honey, the deep savory notes of perfectly crisped pepperoni and rich mozzarella, and the complex, aromatic heat from chili crisp and red pepper flakes. This dynamic interplay of flavors creates an addictive taste sensation that will undoubtedly become a new favorite.
- Gourmet Flavor with Minimal Effort: Don’t be fooled by its sophisticated taste; this spicy skillet pizza is surprisingly simple to prepare. Using readily available ingredients and a straightforward, efficient cooking method, you can effortlessly create a show-stopping dish that tastes like it required hours of intricate culinary work. It’s maximum impact for minimal fuss.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This versatile pizza is suitable for almost any scenario. It’s elegant enough to be the star of a special date night, robust enough to satisfy a crowd at a party, and comforting enough for a solo movie night. Its quick preparation time makes it ideal for impromptu gatherings or satisfying sudden pizza cravings without resorting to expensive or bland takeout.

Essential Ingredients for Your Spicy Skillet Pizza
Crafting the perfect spicy pepperoni skillet pizza begins with a careful selection of high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this pizza so exceptional:
- Pizza Sauce: The foundation of your pizza’s flavor. Opt for a rich, flavorful tomato base, whether it’s a simple store-bought marinara or a vibrant homemade version like this pizza sauce recipe. For the ultimate spicy kick, stir in crushed red pepper flakes directly into the sauce; this ensures the heat is evenly distributed throughout every bite.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These potent flakes are essential for building that baseline of spice directly into your pizza sauce. They offer a nuanced, lingering heat that complements the other fiery elements. You can easily adjust the quantity to suit your preferred spice level—start light if you’re uncertain, and remember, you can always add more later!
- All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting of all-purpose flour on your work surface is crucial for preventing the pizza dough from sticking. This simple step makes the dough much more pliable and manageable, allowing you to roll or stretch it out to the perfect size and thickness without frustration.
- Pizza Dough: The crust is king! Whether you prefer the convenience of a good quality store-bought dough or the satisfaction of making your own, such as this garlic agave crust, ensure it has enough elasticity to stretch easily and sufficient strength to hold up under your delicious toppings without tearing or becoming soggy.
- Cornmeal: This often-overlooked ingredient is a game-changer for skillet pizza. Scattering cornmeal into the preheated skillet before adding the dough creates a crucial nonstick layer and contributes significantly to that irresistible, slightly gritty, and ultra-crispy bottom crust that defines a truly great pizza.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Brushing a thin layer of good quality olive oil over the top of your pizza dough before adding the sauce and toppings serves multiple purposes. It helps the crust achieve a beautiful golden-brown color, enhances its crispness, and imparts a lovely, subtle richness that elevates the overall flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For the iconic stretchy, gooey melt, freshly shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese is your best bet. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, which often contain starches that can hinder a smooth, even melt. Freshly shredded mozzarella guarantees that glorious, bubbling blanket of cheese that holds all your delicious toppings together.
- Shallots: Thinly sliced shallots add a delicate, refined sweetness and a subtle, aromatic onion flavor that beautifully balances the bold, spicy elements of the pizza. During baking, they soften and lightly caramelize, contributing another layer of complex taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Pepperoni: Go generous with the pepperoni! Aim for full coverage so that every single bite delivers that quintessential salty, savory, and subtly spicy flavor. As the pepperoni bakes, its edges curl and crisp up, releasing delicious oils that infuse the entire pizza with an even richer taste and texture.
- Chili Crisp: This trendy condiment is a powerhouse of flavor, delivering a complex blend of heat, umami, and a delightful crunchy texture. A little goes a long way, so unless you’re well-acquainted with its potency, start with a conservative amount. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s best added after the pizza has finished baking.
- Fresh Basil: Added at the very end, fresh basil leaves provide a vibrant burst of aromatic freshness. Its bright, peppery, and slightly sweet notes cut through the richness and spice, offering a perfect palate cleanser and a beautiful visual flourish to your finished pizza.
- Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey (Optional, but Highly Recommended!): These two additions elevate the spicy pepperoni pizza to gourmet status. The whipped ricotta offers a creamy, cool, and mellow contrast that tames the heat, while hot honey provides a fantastic sweet-spicy glaze that ties all the bold flavors together, adding a unique, irresistible finish. Don’t skip these if you desire a truly elevated pizza experience!
This Recipe’s Must-Haves for Pizza Perfection
While the quality of your ingredients is paramount, having the correct tools can make all the difference in achieving a truly exceptional spicy pepperoni skillet pizza. These essential items ensure you get that coveted crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings, streamlining your pizza-making process:
- A 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet: This is the undeniable star of the show and makes this skillet pizza truly shine. A good quality cast iron skillet excels at distributing heat incredibly evenly and retaining it exceptionally well, which is absolutely crucial for achieving that perfectly golden, blistered, and wonderfully crispy crust that makes skillet pizza so unique. Its robust construction and high heat tolerance mean you can blast your oven to its highest setting without any worry of warping, ensuring a consistent and superior bake every time.
- Rolling Pin: For shaping your pizza dough into an even, consistent circle, a reliable rolling pin is an indispensable tool. It helps you achieve the desired thinness and ensures the dough fits perfectly into your skillet, forming a uniform base for all your generous toppings. A well-rolled dough is key to an evenly cooked crust.
- Pizza Cutter: Once your magnificent spicy pizza emerges from the oven, bubbling with molten cheese and fragrant with spices, a sharp pizza cutter is essential. It allows you to effortlessly slice through the hot, cheesy, and delightfully crispy layers cleanly and efficiently. This prevents dragging the toppings or making a messy, uneven cut, ensuring each slice is perfectly formed and ready to enjoy.



Here’s How to Craft Your Perfect Spicy Pizza Step-by-Step
Follow these detailed steps carefully to create a show-stopping spicy pepperoni skillet pizza that will impress everyone with its crispy crust and incredible flavor:
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Preheat Your Oven and Skillet
Begin by preheating your oven to its highest possible temperature, ideally 550˚F (287˚C). If your oven’s maximum setting is lower, 500˚F (260˚C) will still yield excellent results. Crucially, place your 10-inch cast iron skillet directly into the oven while it preheats. This ensures the skillet reaches a scorching temperature, which is essential for creating that instant thermal shock to the dough, leading to an incredibly crispy and blistered crust.
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Prepare the Spicy Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your favorite pizza sauce (or a good quality marinara sauce) with the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until the flakes are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Take a moment to taste the sauce; if you prefer a more intense level of heat, feel free to add additional red pepper flakes until it perfectly matches your desired spice intensity. This step builds the foundational layer of spice for your pizza.
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Shape the Pizza Dough
Lightly dust a clean, dry work surface with all-purpose flour. Place your pizza dough onto the floured surface. Using a rolling pin or even just your hands, gently but firmly stretch and shape the dough into a circular form. Aim for a diameter of 12 to 14 inches, which should be slightly larger than your 10-inch skillet. This extra size will allow the dough to easily push up the sides of the pan, creating a lovely, substantial crust edge.
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Prepare the Hot Skillet for Dough
With extreme caution, using heavy-duty oven mitts, carefully remove the preheated cast iron skillet from the oven. Immediately and evenly scatter about two teaspoons of cornmeal across the entire bottom surface of the skillet. This vital step acts as a perfect nonstick barrier and significantly contributes to the signature crispy, slightly textured bottom crust of your skillet pizza.
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Place the Dough in the Skillet
Working quickly and with utmost care due to the skillet’s extreme heat, transfer the shaped pizza dough into the hot skillet. Gently but firmly press the dough into the bottom of the pan and up the sides, forming a distinct rim or edge. Be very careful not to let your fingers touch the hot metal!
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Brush with Olive Oil
Using a pastry brush, lightly and evenly coat the entire top surface of the dough (the part that will be covered by sauce and toppings) with extra virgin olive oil. This step is key for promoting a beautiful golden-brown color, enhancing the crust’s crispness, and adding a subtle, rich flavor during baking.
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Spread the Spicy Sauce
Spoon the prepared spicy tomato sauce over the olive-oil-brushed dough. Carefully spread it out into an even layer, ensuring you leave a small border—approximately half an inch—around the very edge of the dough. This border will become your deliciously puffy, airy crust once baked.
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Add Your Toppings
Now it’s time for the delicious toppings! Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Next, scatter the thinly sliced shallots across the cheese, followed by a uniform layer of pepperoni slices. Ensure a good distribution so every slice gets a hearty amount of flavor.
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Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully return the skillet, now fully assembled with toppings, to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 13 to 15 minutes. The pizza is perfectly done when the crust is beautifully golden brown around the edges, the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbling vigorously, and the pepperoni slices are delightfully crisped up at their edges.
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The Flavorful Finish
Once baked, carefully remove the hot spicy pizza from the oven. For an immediate burst of fresh flavor, aromatic complexity, and textural contrast, immediately top it with the chili crisp and fresh basil leaves. If you’ve chosen to include them, add generous dollops of creamy whipped ricotta and finish with a luxurious drizzle of hot honey. These post-bake additions preserve their distinct qualities.
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Slice and Serve Immediately
Allow the pizza to cool for just a minute or two after removing it from the oven—this brief rest helps the cheese set slightly, preventing all your glorious toppings from sliding off. Then, using a sharp pizza cutter, slice your ultimate spicy pepperoni skillet pizza into generous wedges. Serve it immediately while the cheese is still molten and the crust is at its absolute crispiest. Enjoy every fiery, cheesy bite!



Expert Tips for Skillet Pizza Success
Achieving a restaurant-quality spicy skillet pizza at home is entirely within reach with these expert tips and tricks:
- Always Preheat Your Skillet: This cannot be overstated. It’s the most critical step for an impeccably crispy and non-soggy base. Placing the cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats ensures it reaches a searing temperature, which instantly crisps the dough upon contact, preventing any dreaded sogginess and promoting a beautiful golden char.
- Shape Dough Slightly Larger Than the Pan: Aim for your dough to be approximately 2 to 4 inches wider in diameter than your skillet. This crucial allowance enables you to gently press the dough up the sides of the hot pan, creating a lovely, slightly thicker, and well-defined crust edge that perfectly contains your delicious toppings and adds textural appeal.
- Cornmeal is Your Best Friend for the Base: Don’t ever skip the cornmeal! A light, even dusting across the bottom of the preheated skillet is not just about preventing the dough from sticking. It also contributes significantly to that fantastic, subtle crunch and classic pizzeria-style texture on the very bottom of the crust, making every bite satisfying.
- Brush Dough with Olive Oil: Applying a thin, even layer of good quality extra virgin olive oil on the dough before you add any sauce or toppings serves multiple vital functions. It helps the crust achieve a beautiful, appealing golden-brown color, enhances its overall crispness, and acts as a protective barrier to prevent the sauce from seeping into the dough and making it soggy.
- Add Chili Crisp After Baking: To fully preserve the delightful crunchy texture and to best control its potent heat and complex umami flavor, always add chili crisp to your pizza after it has come out of the oven. If cooked, its oils can become overly integrated, and the crunch might be lost.
- Broil for an Extra Crispy Finish: For that ultimate, irresistibly bubbly, slightly charred cheese and perfectly crisped pepperoni edges, consider broiling your pizza for the final 1 to 2 minutes of baking. Be vigilant during this step, as broilers can brown—and burn—very quickly! Keep a close eye on it to achieve that ideal finish.
- Master the Spice Level to Your Liking:
- For Mild Heat: If you or your guests prefer a gentler warmth, use fewer crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce, and start with just a minimal drizzle of chili crisp or hot honey, or omit them entirely. Serving with generous dollops of whipped ricotta or even a side of cool sour cream can help mellow each bite.
- For Intense Heat: For true heat seekers, embrace the layers of spice! Add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce, consider incorporating a layer of thinly sliced pickled jalapeños or fresh serrano peppers under the cheese before baking, and then finish with an extremely generous amount of your favorite extra-spicy chili crisp and a potent hot sauce post-bake for a truly fiery, unforgettable experience.
- Avoid Overloading Toppings: While the temptation to pile on every delicious topping can be strong, resist! Too many toppings can weigh down the crust, prevent it from cooking evenly, and result in a soggy or underbaked center. Stick to a balanced amount to ensure every element cooks perfectly and the crust remains gloriously crisp.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow your magnificent spicy pizza to rest for a crucial 2-3 minutes after removing it from the oven. This brief resting period allows the molten cheese to set slightly, which is essential for preventing all the delicious toppings from sliding off the moment you cut into it, ensuring clean, perfect slices.

Spicy Pizza Variations to Explore
This spicy pepperoni skillet pizza recipe is a fantastic starting point for your culinary creativity. Feel free to customize and experiment with these exciting variations to discover your next favorite:
- Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza: For a different kind of heat and a richer, meatier flavor profile, consider swapping out some or all of the pepperoni for crumbled spicy Italian sausage. Ensure you cook the sausage beforehand and drain any excess fat before scattering it over the sauce. Its robust flavor pairs exceptionally well with the chili crisp and hot honey.
- Vegetarian Fire: It’s incredibly easy to make this pizza completely vegetarian! Simply omit the pepperoni. Instead, pile on a generous assortment of umami-rich vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or even tender roasted eggplant cubes. For an extra kick, look for plant-based spicy pepperoni alternatives that can mimic the meaty texture.
- Elevate with Artisanal Cheese Blends: While classic mozzarella is always a winner, experimenting with other cheeses can add incredible depth and complexity. Try blending mozzarella with shredded provolone for an extra stretchy melt, fontina for a nutty, buttery flavor, or even a touch of smoked gouda for a distinct smoky note. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano after baking also adds a sharp, salty finish that brightens the flavors.
- Gluten-Free Perfection: If you’re adhering to a gluten-free diet, simply opt for a high-quality gluten-free pizza dough. Many excellent brands are specifically formulated to crisp up beautifully in high-heat baking, ensuring you still achieve that desirable crunchy crust when cooked in your hot cast iron skillet.
- White Pizza with a Kick: For a delicious departure from the tomato base, consider a white pizza. Use a garlic-infused olive oil or a creamy white sauce (such as Alfredo or a rich ricotta base) as your foundation. Then, introduce your spicy elements like extra red pepper flakes, thinly sliced fresh jalapeños, and of course, a final generous drizzle of chili crisp and hot honey after baking.
- Mediterranean Meets Spice: Combine the robust spicy elements with ingredients typically found in Mediterranean cuisine. Think briny Kalamata olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh oregano. The salty, tangy flavors will create a dynamic and exciting contrast with the intense heat, offering a unique fusion pizza.
- Sweet Heat Tropical Twist: For an adventurous flavor profile, add diced fresh pineapple and a sprinkle of cooked, shredded spicy chicken or ham. The sweet and juicy pineapple will offer a refreshing counterpoint to the chili crisp and hot honey, creating an exciting sweet-and-spicy tropical experience.
Craving more pizza? Discover these other amazing recipes: Pesto Greens Pizza | Grilled Burrata Pizza | Salsa Verde Chorizo Pizza | Four Cheese Pizza Dip | Chicken Fajita Pizza

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Skillet Pizza
Here are answers to some common questions to help you confidently create and enjoy your perfect spicy pepperoni skillet pizza:
How can I adjust the heat for kids or those with sensitive palates?
To significantly reduce the heat, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes when preparing the pizza sauce. After baking, skip the chili crisp and hot honey entirely. Instead, you can opt for a light drizzle of regular honey for a touch of sweetness and add generous dollops of plain whipped ricotta or a dollop of sour cream to provide a creamy, cooling contrast to each bite. Using a mild, unspiced pizza sauce from the start is also a good strategy for a milder version.
Do I need a cast iron skillet for this recipe?
For the absolute best results—meaning that undeniably crispy, golden-brown crust and perfectly cooked toppings—a cast iron skillet is unequivocally highly recommended. Its exceptional heat retention and even heat distribution are unparalleled, creating a unique texture that other pans struggle to replicate. While a heavy-duty pizza pan or even a preheated baking stone could technically work, they typically won’t deliver the same deep crispiness on the bottom crust that a cast iron skillet consistently provides. If using an alternative, ensure it is thoroughly preheated to its maximum temperature.
Which chili crisp is best for this pizza?
The “best” chili crisp is largely a matter of personal preference, as there are many fantastic varieties available. When selecting one, look for brands that offer a good balance of garlic, onion, and chili flakes, which contribute extra depth of flavor and a delightful crunch. Popular options include Lao Gan Ma, known for its savory, umami-rich profile, or Fly By Jing, which often includes aromatic Sichuan peppercorns for a unique tingling sensation. Keep in mind that some brands are significantly spicier than others, so it’s always wise to check the label for heat indications and taste a small amount beforehand to gauge your preference and adjust accordingly.
Can I make this spicy pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! This spicy skillet pizza recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted for a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the pepperoni entirely. To maintain a rich, satisfying flavor and texture, compensate by adding a generous array of umami-rich vegetables. Excellent choices include sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced bell peppers (especially roasted red peppers), artichoke hearts, or even tender roasted eggplant. For those who enjoy a meat-like texture, consider incorporating plant-based spicy pepperoni or sausage alternatives.
How do I make it extra spicy?
For those who crave an intensely fiery pizza, there are several effective ways to significantly amp up the heat:
- In the Sauce: Increase the quantity of crushed red pepper flakes beyond the recommended amount, or mix in a small pinch of cayenne pepper for a sharper, immediate heat.
- Toppings: Before baking, add thinly sliced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers directly onto the cheese. For an even more extreme kick, consider a few judicious dashes of a potent habanero-based hot sauce under the cheese.
- Post-Bake Additions: After the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle it with an extra spicy hot honey (many brands offer varying heat levels), sprinkle additional chili crisp with a higher Scoville rating, or (for the truly daring) add a few drops of ghost pepper oil or a very light dusting of dried ghost pepper flakes – use these sparingly as they are extremely hot!
- Pickled Peppers: A layer of pickled jalapeños or banana peppers can add a tangy heat that complements the other spicy elements beautifully.
Can I prepare the pizza dough in advance?
Yes, preparing the pizza dough in advance is a great time-saver. If you’re using homemade dough, you can typically make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container or a lightly oiled bowl covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Before you plan to roll it out, remember to bring the dough back to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. This crucial step relaxes the gluten, making the dough much easier to work with and ensuring a better rise during baking. Store-bought dough also benefits significantly from coming to room temperature before use.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover spicy pizza?
To preserve that delicious crispy crust, it’s best to avoid the microwave if possible, as it often results in a soggy crust. The most effective method for reheating slices is to place them in a hot skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, covering the skillet with a lid for the last minute to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly. Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a preheated oven (at about 375°F/190°C) on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, or until the pizza is warmed through and the crust has regained its crispness.
Looking for more delicious pizza ideas? Explore our extensive Pizza & Flatbreads section for endless inspiration and creative recipes!

What to Serve Alongside Your Spicy Pizza
To create a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal, here are some ideal pairings that complement the bold and fiery flavors of this spicy pepperoni skillet pizza:
- Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing green salad offers a vibrant and welcome contrast to the rich and spicy pizza. The cool, crisp texture and fresh flavors of greens cleanse the palate beautifully, providing a delightful counterpoint to the heat. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette, or elevate it with a robust homemade Caesar dressing for a bold, savory companion that stands up to the pizza’s intensity.
- Garlic Bread: You can truly never go wrong with serving garlic bread alongside pizza – it’s a timeless crowd-pleaser! For a quick and easy option, try preparing toasted garlic bread in an air fryer for a perfectly crisp result. If you prefer something heartier with more satisfying chew and texture, sourdough garlic toast is an excellent and more substantial choice. The aromatic garlic and buttered bread add an extra layer of savory comfort to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Easy to prepare and bursting with natural flavors, roasted vegetables make a healthy, flavorful, and complementary side dish. Options such as roasted broccoli, bell peppers, asparagus, or even this delicious spicy-sweet broccolini can hold their own next to the robust flavors of the pizza. Roasting enhances their sweetness and brings out their earthy notes, adding fiber and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Crispy Fries or Tater Tots: For the ultimate comfort food experience, a side of hot, perfectly crispy fries or golden tater tots is an undeniably indulgent addition. Their salty crunch provides a satisfying textural contrast to the soft, cheesy pizza and perfectly rounds out a casual pizza night, adding that extra element of fun and indulgence.
- Cooling Beverage: To effectively tame the delightful heat of the pizza, pairing your meal with a refreshing beverage is key. A cold, crisp lager beer or a dry, fruity rosé wine works wonderfully. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea (especially peach or lemon), classic lemonade, or sparkling water infused with a hint of fresh citrus (like lime or cucumber) can provide a perfectly cooling and refreshing counterpoint to the spicy flavors.

Explore More of Our Favorite Spicy Recipes
If you’re now a fan of vibrant flavors and a touch of exciting heat, keep your culinary adventure going with these other fantastic spicy recipes from our collection:
- Dive into the incredibly comforting and richly flavored Spicy Lasagna Dip, perfect for sharing.
- Warm up on a chilly evening with a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Spicy Taco Chili, an easy and satisfying meal.
- Or, if you’re looking to cool down with a kick, try our refreshing yet zesty Spicy Mango Margarita, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes.
If you decide to make this ultimate spicy pepperoni skillet pizza recipe, we would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please consider leaving a star rating and/or a comment on the recipe card below. Your valuable feedback truly brightens our day, and we personally take the time to respond to every single comment we receive.
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Spicy Pepperoni Skillet Pizza Recipe

This Spicy Pizza is all about bold flavor and crispy texture. Made entirely in a cast iron skillet, it features a golden crust, spicy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, crisp pepperoni, and a drizzle of chili crisp and hot honey to finish. It’s a homemade spicy pepperoni pizza recipe you’ll brag about!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Equipment
- 10″ Cast Iron Skillet
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough
- 2 teaspoons cornmeal (helps prevent sticking)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 shallot (thinly sliced)
- 1 to 1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons chili crisp
- ⅓ cup fresh basil
- Optional toppings: whipped ricotta, hot honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 550˚F (287˚C), or 500˚F/260˚C if your oven doesn’t go that high. Place a cast iron skillet in the oven as it preheats.
- In a small bowl, stir together pizza sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and add more red pepper flakes if desired – you can make the sauce as spicy as you’d like!
- On a clean lightly-floured work surface, flatten the dough into a circle. You can roll it or stretch it out into a 12 to 14 inch circle, depending on the size of your skillet. I used a 10-inch cast iron skillet and shaped my dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully remove skillet from the oven. Scatter cornmeal evenly to cover the bottom of the pan. Place the dough in the preheated skillet, pushing the edge of the dough up the sides of the pan. Be very careful not to burn your fingers!
- Brush the top of the dough with olive oil.
- Add tomato sauce, spreading it in an even layer on top of the dough, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Scatter shallots and pepperoni on top.
- Place the skillet back in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes, until golden brown on the edges and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven. Top with chili crisp and fresh basil. Add dollops of whipped ricotta, if using. Drizzle with hot honey, if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
Storage:
- Cool to room temp, then wrap slices in foil and store in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes on a sheet pan or in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
- Freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until firm. Wrap them in a layer of plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for 1 to 2 months. Reheat from frozen on a baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 629kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 1961mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 642IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 5mg
Cuisine: Italian, American
Category: Pizza & Flatbreads