Upside-Down Red Cheesy Pizza Recipe

This cheesy Upside-Down Red Cheesy Pizza is made with layers of gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, rich pizza sauce, and a tender pizza crust. The result is a fun and delicious pizza with a crispy, golden-brown cheese crust on the outside and a soft, saucy center. It’s a perfect and exciting twist on a family favorite. Ideal for a fun weeknight dinner, this recipe makes one 10-inch skillet pizza, serving 2-4 people.

Upside-Down Red Cheesy Pizza Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 25-30 slices of pepperoni
• 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
• 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough, at room temperature
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

How To Make Upside-Down Red Cheesy Pizza

1. Prepare the pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the olive oil into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or a similar oven-safe pan, and swirl to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
2. Layer the toppings in reverse: Create the first layer by arranging the pepperoni slices on the bottom of the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pepperoni.
3. Add the sauce: Spoon the pizza sauce over the cheese layer and spread it out evenly, leaving a small border around the edge of the pan.
4. Place the dough on top: Gently stretch the pizza dough into a circle that is slightly larger than your skillet. Lay the dough over the sauce and toppings.
5. Tuck and bake: Carefully tuck the edges of the dough down the sides of the skillet, creating a seal around the filling. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Rest and invert the pizza: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Let the pizza rest in the pan for 5 minutes. This is a crucial step that allows the cheese to set slightly. Place a large cutting board or platter over the skillet and, using oven mitts, carefully and quickly flip the skillet to invert the pizza.
7. Garnish and serve: Lift the skillet off. Garnish the pizza with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Slice and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Use a well-greased pan: This is the most important tip for success. A generously greased cast-iron or non-stick oven-safe skillet is essential to prevent the cheese from sticking and to ensure the pizza flips out cleanly.
• Let it rest before flipping: Don’t skip the 5-minute rest period after the pizza comes out of the oven. This allows the molten cheese to set up just enough, which helps the pizza hold its shape and prevents a messy flip.
• Use a cast-iron skillet: For the best possible crispy cheese crust, a cast-iron skillet is highly recommended. It conducts and holds heat exceptionally well, which essentially “fries” the cheese layer on the bottom into a golden, crisp crust.
• Don’t go overboard on sauce: Using too much sauce can create excess steam and moisture, which can lead to a soggy dough base. A standard amount is all you need for that classic pizza flavor.

What To Serve Upside-Down Pizza

This fun pizza pairs perfectly with all the classic pizza night sides. Serve it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks is always a great choice for dipping into any extra sauce. For a simple vegetable side, try roasted broccoli or zucchini sticks.

How To Store Upside-Down Pizza Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: For the best results, reheat slices in a dry skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes. This will help re-crisp the cheese crust and dough. Using a microwave is not recommended as it will make the crust soft.
• Freeze: Freezing is not ideal for this pizza, as the texture of the unique cheese crust can become compromised upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Upside-Down Red Cheesy Pizza Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1/4 of the pizza
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 1250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 25g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use other toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorites. Cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions would be delicious. Always place your toppings on the bottom of the skillet first, before the cheese layer.
• Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver for this recipe. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before you start, as this makes it much easier to stretch without tearing.
• My pizza stuck to the pan. What went wrong? The most common reason for sticking is not greasing the pan generously enough. Ensure the entire bottom and the sides of your skillet are well-coated with oil. If you are concerned about sticking, a high-quality, oven-safe non-stick skillet is a good alternative to cast iron.