Learn how to make soft, airy liquid pizza dough that’s easy to cook without an oven. Whether you’re using a stovetop or even a campfire, this no-knead dough creates the perfect homemade pizza—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. Quick, simple, and perfect for family meals or outdoor adventures!
I’ve always loved making pizza from scratch, but sometimes I don’t have an oven ready, or I just want something quick and fun. That’s where liquid pizza dough comes in. This soft, airy dough is so simple to make, no kneading required, and you can cook it right on your stovetop—or take it outside for a campfire pizza adventure. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, lazy weekends, or any time you want homemade pizza without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way!
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Liquid Pizza Dough: How to Make No-Oven Stovetop Pizza
Homemade pizza fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma, boasts a warm, soft crust, and opens up endless possibilities for toppings. From gooey cheese to fresh vegetables or savory meats, it’s a meal everyone can customize. But what if you don’t have an oven ready, or you want to enjoy pizza outdoors around a campfire? That’s where liquid pizza dough comes in. This easy, no-knead dough produces soft, airy pizza that cooks beautifully in a stovetop skillet or over an open flame, giving you restaurant-quality results without the hassle!
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, feeding the family on a lazy weekend, or creating an outdoor adventure meal, this method is simple, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying. The dough’s high-hydration texture makes it tender and chewy, while the slow cooking ensures every bite is perfectly cooked and flavorful. Once you try it, you’ll see why this method has become my go-to for homemade pizza anytime!
Why Liquid Pizza Dough Works
High-Hydration Dough Makes a Soft Crust
Liquid pizza dough is wetter than traditional dough, which might feel intimidating at first. But this high-hydration dough is what gives your pizza a light, airy, and chewy texture. The moisture allows the crust to puff slightly while cooking, creating that soft, tender bite we all love.
No Kneading Needed
Because this dough is wet and sticky, you don’t have to spend time kneading. Simply mix, let it rest, and cook. The fermentation does all the work, developing flavor and structure naturally. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a stress-free pizza experience. No need to get your countertops messy!
Flexible Cooking Options
Liquid pizza dough isn’t just for stovetops. You can cook it in a cast-iron skillet on your stove or over a campfire, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor meals. The versatility adds a fun twist to your pizza nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Liquid Pizza Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings:
Your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, vegetables, or meats—keep them light for stovetop cooking.
Equipment:
- 12-inch cast-iron skillet with lid
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Then add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a wet, sticky dough forms. Cover and let it rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place your 12-inch cast-iron skillet over low heat and lightly oil it. This slow, gentle heat ensures your pizza cooks evenly without burning.
Pour a tiny bit of oil into the skillet and sprinkle a little bit of flour. Spread this mixture all over the skillet with a silicone brush to coat the skillet.
Step 3: Shape and Add Toppings
Scoop the dough into the skillet, spreading gently into a 12-inch circle. Add your sauce, cheese, and toppings. Cover with a lid.
Step 4: Cook Slowly
Cook for about 30 minutes on low heat until the bottom is golden and the pizza is cooked through. While one pizza cooks, let your next batch of dough rest for 30 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the skillet, slice, and enjoy warm. The crust will be soft, airy, and perfectly tender, with toppings melted and bubbling.
Campfire Pizza Option
If you’re cooking outdoors, a cast-iron skillet with a lid is your best friend for liquid pizza dough. Set the skillet on a grate above the campfire coals, making sure the heat is indirect so the pizza cooks slowly without burning. Cover it with a lid to trap heat and help melt the cheese evenly while the crust cooks through. Cooking over a campfire adds a rustic, slightly smoky flavor that elevates the pizza and makes it feel like a special outdoor treat.
It’s a fun way to enjoy homemade pizza while camping, having a backyard fire night, or simply bringing the cozy comfort of pizza to the great outdoors. With a little patience and low, steady heat, you’ll get a tender, airy crust with perfectly cooked toppings every time!
Tips for Perfect Liquid Pizza Dough
- Don’t worry if the dough feels wet; it produces the softest, airiest crust.
- Use low heat for stovetop cooking to prevent burning while allowing the dough to cook through.
- Keep toppings light and evenly spread for best results.
- Experiment with your favorite cheeses, sauces, and veggies, but avoid overloading the pizza.
Alternative Dessert Pizza: Cinnamon Roll Pizza
If you want to turn your liquid pizza dough into something sweet, try a cinnamon roll dessert pizza! Using the same soft, airy dough, I spread a thin layer of butter, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, drizzle molasses, and bake or cook it on the stovetop just like a regular pizza. The result is a warm, gooey, and irresistible treat that tastes like cinnamon rolls in pizza form. Top it with a drizzle of glaze or cream cheese frosting, and you have a fun dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet ending to dinner. This twist on pizza shows just how versatile liquid pizza dough can be—savory or sweet, it always delivers!
Conclusion
Making pizza at home doesn’t have to involve an oven or complicated steps. Liquid pizza dough offers a simple, forgiving, and versatile solution that produces soft, airy, and delicious pizza every time. Whether you’re cooking on a stovetop or over a campfire, this method makes homemade pizza accessible, fun, and satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll have a new go-to recipe for weeknight dinners, family meals, or outdoor adventures that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is liquid pizza dough?
Liquid pizza dough is a high-hydration, no-knead dough that’s wetter than traditional pizza dough. Its wet texture makes it soft, airy, and easy to cook on a stovetop or campfire.
2. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before cooking.
3. Do I need a cast-iron skillet?
A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and works on stovetops and campfires. A heavy nonstick skillet can work, but cast iron gives the best crust.
4. Can I freeze leftover dough?
Absolutely! Portion the dough, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Liquid Pizza Dough
Equipment
- 1 12-inch cast-iron skillet with lid
Ingredients
Liquid Pizza Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Your choice of pizza sauce and toppings
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a wet, sticky dough forms. Cover and let rise 30 minutes or until doubled.
- Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over low heat. Lightly oil the skillet.
- Scoop dough into the skillet, spreading gently into a 12-inch circle. Add toppings. Cover with a lid.
- Cook slowly for about 30 minutes until the bottom is golden and the pizza is cooked through on low heat.
- While one pizza cooks, let your next batch of dough rest for 30 minutes. Repeat as needed.
- Slice and enjoy warm!
Notes
- For campfire pizza, use a cast-iron skillet with a lid over indirect heat.
- Don’t worry if the dough is wet; it produces the softest, airiest crust.
- Customize toppings to your liking, but keep them light for stovetop cooking.
Summary
I hope I have inspired you to make these recipes in your cast iron skillet to enjoy and share with your friends and family.
If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.
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Here are some more of my cast-iron cooking inspiration posts to check out!
How to Make Chicken Cobbler with Vegetarian Option
Buttermilk Pancakes: How to Make Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: How to Make Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Chocolate Pancakes: How to Make Chocolate Sourdough Pancakes
The Best Cherry Galette Recipe
How to Cook Scrambled Eggs In a Cast Iron Skillet without Sticking!
How to Season Cast Iron for Cooking
The Best Old-Fashioned Homemade Brownies: A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe!
How to Make Dutch Oven Lasagna
How to Make Black Bean Burgers from the Garden!
Blessings,
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
