Savor the Flavor: Mastering Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza with a Cast Iron Secret

As a passionate home cook and recipe developer, few kitchen tools excite me as much as a high-quality cast-iron skillet. Its versatility, durability, and the incredible heat retention it offers make it an indispensable item in any kitchen. So, when the wonderful team at Stove & Dove reached out to me, inviting me to try their premium cast-iron skillet, I was absolutely thrilled! I couldn’t wait to put it to the test with one of my favorite comfort food creations, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

From searing steaks to baking cornbread, a reliable cast-iron skillet opens up a world of culinary possibilities. For my initial culinary adventure with the Stove & Dove skillet, I decided to craft something truly special and universally loved: a Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza. This recipe highlights the exceptional capabilities of cast iron, delivering a crust that’s perfectly crisp and golden brown every single time. The experience with their product was genuinely outstanding – it has quickly become the best cast-iron skillet I’ve ever owned, far surpassing others in terms of even heating and overall performance.

I’m so impressed that I wanted to share this discovery with all of you. Stove & Dove has been incredibly generous, offering my loyal readers an exclusive 20% discount! If you’re looking to elevate your cooking game with a top-tier cast-iron skillet, now is the perfect time. Simply follow this link and use the code “Kate” at checkout to claim your savings. Trust me, it’s an investment your kitchen will thank you for.

Now, let’s talk about the star of today’s show: this incredible Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza. What makes it truly stand out, beyond the fantastic cast-iron crust, is its foundation – the revolutionary two-ingredient dough. This simple yet brilliant dough recipe makes pizza night healthier and incredibly accessible, perfect for those monitoring their intake, like with WW points. It’s a game-changer for achieving a delicious, satisfying pizza without the guilt.

To keep this recipe as light and flavorful as possible, I opted for my homemade zero-point ranch dressing. This allows for all the creamy, tangy goodness of ranch without adding unnecessary points, making it an ideal choice for a health-conscious meal. (You can find my signature zero-point ranch dressing recipe here for maximum point savings!)

When it comes to serving, I’m a firm believer that a truly satisfying pizza means a generous slice! That’s why I typically divide this skillet pizza into four substantial servings. But if you prefer smaller portions or are serving more people, it’s incredibly easy to slice it into eight smaller pieces. The beauty of this recipe extends beyond its taste and health benefits; it’s also incredibly versatile. While I adore the classic loaded potato, bacon, and onion combination, feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings. This recipe is designed to be adaptable to your preferences, ensuring a delightful meal every time.

For those who appreciate the convenience of less cleanup and streamlined cooking, this Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. If you’re eager to discover more delicious and easy-to-prepare meals that simplify your kitchen routine, don’t forget to explore my extensive collection of One Pan recipes. They are perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a hearty, wholesome meal without the fuss.

Why This Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza Will Be Your New Favorite Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying this unique and utterly delicious Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza, let me give you three compelling reasons why it deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. Prepare to be convinced!

1. A Guilt-Free & Flavorful Pizza Night Solution

Who doesn’t love pizza night? The only downside is often the heavy calorie and point count associated with traditional takeout options. This recipe completely transforms pizza night by offering a truly fantastic, low-point alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Using the revolutionary two-ingredient dough and homemade zero-point ranch dressing, you can indulge in a hearty, cheesy, bacon-and-potato-topped pizza without derailing your health goals. Say goodbye to calorie counting woes and hello to enjoying generous, delicious slices that fit perfectly into your smart eating plan, like Weight Watchers.

2. The Unbeatable Cast Iron Crust Experience

One of the true secrets to this pizza’s success lies in cooking it in a quality cast-iron skillet, especially one as superb as the Stove & Dove. Cast iron excels at retaining and distributing heat evenly, which is crucial for achieving that coveted perfect pizza crust. This results in a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown bottom that provides an ideal contrast to the soft, flavorful toppings. It’s truly one of the best ways to prepare a “healthy” pizza, as the skillet imparts a unique texture and flavor that an ordinary baking sheet simply cannot replicate. The high heat of the cast iron also helps the dough cook quickly and efficiently, ensuring a delightful chewiness with every bite.

3. Endlessly Versatile for Every Palate

While the combination of tender potatoes, savory bacon, sharp red onion, and creamy ranch is undeniably brilliant, the Loaded Potato Pizza is incredibly versatile, inviting you to customize it to your heart’s content. Don’t fancy potatoes? No problem! Transform it into a classic meat-lover’s delight with turkey pepperoni, lean ground beef, or shredded chicken. Prefer a vegetarian approach? Load it up with an assortment of your favorite vegetables – bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or roasted garlic would all be delicious additions. This adaptability makes it a perfect recipe for using up leftover ingredients or catering to diverse dietary preferences within your household. The core two-ingredient dough and cast-iron method remain the same, allowing for endless creative possibilities.

Recipe Overview: Quick Facts for Your Loaded Potato Pizza

Before we dive into the delicious details, here’s a quick glance at what you can expect from this Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza recipe:

• Serving Size: ¼ of the pizza
• Number of Servings: 4 generous servings (or 8 smaller slices)
• Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-18 minutes (baking in the oven)
• Total Time: Approximately 38 minutes
• WW Points Per Serving: 9 WW points per serving (when using light ranch dressing; points may vary if using zero-point ranch. Click here to view the recipe in the WW app – WW login required for full details).

This overview ensures you have all the essential information at your fingertips, making your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. Get ready to create a masterpiece that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying!

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards creating this mouthwatering skillet pizza. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with a few notes to help you prepare:

• For the Two-Ingredient Dough:
  • 1 cup Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt: This is the magic behind our quick and healthy dough, providing both moisture and a subtle tang.
  • 1 cup Self-Rising Flour: The other half of our dynamic dough duo, ensuring a fluffy yet crisp crust.
• For the Pizza Base & Toppings:
  • 1.5 tsp Olive Oil: Essential for a lightly brushed skillet and a golden crust.
  • 2 small Potatoes: Opt for firm potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet. These will be par-boiled and thinly sliced, forming a comforting and hearty layer.
  • ¼ cup Light Ranch Dressing (or Zero-Point Ranch Dressing): The creamy, zesty foundation of our pizza. Using my zero-point ranch recipe is highly recommended for the lowest point value and best flavor!
  • 1 cup Reduced-Fat Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar works beautifully here for maximum melt and flavor, keeping the points in check.
  • 5 slices Center-Cut Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Center-cut bacon is leaner, offering that irresistible smoky flavor without excessive fat. Ensure it’s crispy and crumbled for best results.
  • ¼ cup Diced Red Onion: Adds a delightful bite and color. You can also use green onions for a milder flavor, or even a mix of both. This is an optional but highly recommended topping!

Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the assembly process a breeze, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza

Follow these detailed instructions to create a mouthwatering Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza that’s guaranteed to impress. Precision in each step will ensure the best possible results!

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by boiling your small potatoes. Place them in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes. The goal is for them to be semi-soft – tender enough to easily slice but still firm enough to hold their shape. Over-boiling will make them mushy, so keep a close eye on them and stick to the maximum 12-minute mark. Drain them well and allow them to cool completely.
2. Slice the Cooled Potatoes: Once the boiled potatoes have cooled down, carefully cut them into thin, uniform slices. Aim for about ⅛-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and distribution on the pizza.
3. Preheat Oven & Skillet: Preheat your oven to a blazing 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is key for a crispy crust. While the oven preheats, lightly brush your cast-iron skillet (preferably your new Stove & Dove!) with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil, ensuring the bottom and a little up the sides are coated.
4. Create the Two-Ingredient Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt and 1 cup of self-rising flour. Mix them together until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for a minute or two until it comes together. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Don’t be afraid to flour your hands and rolling pin liberally!
5. Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough out into a circle large enough to fit your cast-iron skillet, ensuring it’s not too thick – about ¼-inch is ideal for a crispy, yet tender crust. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfectly round shape; homemade pizza has character!
6. Place Dough in Skillet: Carefully transfer the rolled dough into the prepared cast-iron skillet. Gently press it down and ensure it comes up the edges of the skillet, forming a slight rim or crust. This will create a natural barrier for your toppings. Lightly brush the top surface of the dough with the remaining ½ teaspoon of olive oil for extra crispness and golden color.
7. Assemble the Pizza Base: Evenly spread your chosen ranch dressing (light or zero-point) across the entire surface of the dough, right up to the edges of the crust. Next, arrange the thinly sliced potatoes over the ranch, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Overlapping slightly is fine, but avoid piling them too high.
8. Add Final Toppings: Generously sprinkle the reduced-fat shredded cheese over the potato slices. Then, scatter the crumbled, cooked center-cut bacon and the diced red onion (or green onions) evenly across the cheese layer.
9. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet pizza to your preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden char.
10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the pizza to cool in the skillet for 5-10 minutes before attempting to slice it. This cooling period helps the cheese set and makes for cleaner cuts. Slice into 4 large or 8 smaller servings and enjoy your homemade Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza!

This recipe yields 4 delicious servings. Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutrition information for 1 serving:

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.86 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2.46 g
• Sugars: 4 g
• Sodium: 314.22 mg
• Protein: 15 g

Please note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. It can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.

Endless Creativity: Different Ways to Customize Your Skillet Pizza

One of the most exciting aspects of this Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza is its incredible adaptability. While the core recipe is a winner, don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and flavor profiles to suit your personal tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some inspiring ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Vegetable Powerhouse: Beyond the suggested red onion, feel free to load up on your favorite vegetables. Roasted bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced mushrooms, fresh spinach (wilt it slightly before adding), sun-dried tomatoes, or even some roasted broccoli florets would be fantastic. For an aromatic kick, consider adding a generous amount of roasted garlic. Black olives also add a lovely briny note.
• Protein Punch: Transform this into a meat-lover’s dream. Substitute or add to the bacon with thinly sliced turkey pepperoni, cooked and crumbled lean ground turkey or beef, shredded chicken (great for using up leftovers!), or even some spicy Italian turkey sausage. For seafood lovers, cooked shrimp can also be a delicious addition.
• Sauce Swaps: While ranch is a unique and delicious base, you can absolutely opt for other sauces. If you prefer a more traditional pizza, use a good quality, low-sugar regular pizza sauce to keep the points in check. A smoky BBQ sauce could create a “BBQ Chicken Pizza” variation with shredded chicken and red onion, while a pesto base would offer a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese blends! A Mexican blend for a “taco pizza” feel, or a sharp provolone for more traditional Italian notes. Just be mindful of the fat content if tracking points.
• Herbaceous Touches: Finish your pizza with fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or cilantro after baking for an added burst of freshness and color.

The possibilities are truly endless! This skillet pizza is a canvas for your culinary imagination. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to discover your next favorite combination.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Loaded Potato Pizza Success

To ensure your Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza turns out perfectly every time and to maximize its enjoyment, here are some invaluable tips and tricks:

• Perfect Potato Prep: Don’t underestimate the importance of par-boiling the potatoes. They need to be fork-tender but still hold their shape. Cutting them into thin, uniform slices also ensures they cook through evenly and integrate beautifully with the other toppings without making the pizza soggy.
• Mastering the Two-Ingredient Dough:
  • Stickiness Factor: The dough can be a bit sticky. Don’t be shy with flouring your work surface, hands, and rolling pin. A little extra flour during kneading helps tremendously.
  • Consistency is Key: You want a dough that’s pliable and easy to roll, not too wet or too dry. Adjust flour as needed.
  • Edge Creation: When placing the dough in the skillet, gently push it up the sides. This creates a natural “crust” edge that holds toppings and browns up wonderfully.
• The Cast Iron Advantage: Your cast iron skillet is your best friend here. Ensure it’s adequately preheated along with the oven. The high, even heat of the cast iron is what creates that desirable crispy bottom crust. Don’t skip the initial light brushing of olive oil in the skillet.
• Optimal Reheating: Leftover pizza is a treasure! For the best reheating results, avoid the microwave. It tends to make the crust soggy. Instead, reheat slices in a preheated oven (around 350°F/175°C) or an air fryer until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. This will restore its original texture and flavor.
• Freezing for Later: While this pizza is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices for a quick meal. However, be mindful of toppings. Potatoes and other high-moisture vegetables can become watery and change texture upon thawing and reheating. If planning to freeze, consider toppings like pepperoni, cooked sausage, or roasted veggies that hold up better. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Reheat from frozen in an oven or air fryer.
• Serving Temperature: Allow the pizza to cool for 5-10 minutes in the skillet after baking. This helps the cheese set, preventing toppings from sliding off and ensuring cleaner, more manageable slices.

Armed with these tips, you’re all set to create a fantastic Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza that you’ll be proud to share (or keep all to yourself!).

Discover More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the simplicity, flavor, and health-conscious approach of this Loaded Potato Skillet Pizza, you’re in luck! My kitchen is full of recipes designed to be both delicious and manageable for everyday cooking. Here are a few other popular recipes that I think you’ll truly enjoy:

• Spinach and Artichoke Pizza Fingers: A fun, dippable, and flavorful twist on pizza, perfect for appetizers or a light meal. They’re packed with classic flavors and are always a crowd-plepleaser.
• Southwest Chicken Tacos: Bursting with vibrant flavors, these tacos are quick to assemble and make for a fresh, exciting weeknight dinner. They’re easily customizable and a fantastic way to enjoy a taste of the Southwest.
• Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up: For another incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make dish featuring the beloved chicken, bacon, and ranch combo, this “bubble up” casserole is pure comfort food. It’s warm, cheesy, and requires minimal effort.

These recipes share the same philosophy as our skillet pizza: delicious food that’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Happy cooking!