Remember the thick crust almost-fried-on-the-bottom pan pizza we used to get back in our gluten eating days? This is the absolute BEST gluten free pan pizza you will ever have and tastes just like that!!!
NOTE: This entire dough recipe makes 2 12-inch pizzas, but if you only want one pizza, you can either halve the dough recipe or store the other half of the dough in the fridge until the next time.
In a large bowl, weigh bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Whisk to combine. Using a stand mixer with the beater blade or a handheld mixer, turn on low and slowly pour in the milk and butter. Increase speed to medium and beat for 5 minutes.
Cover the bowl and place in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. You can use it immediately after rising, or refrigerate the dough for up to 7 days.
Divide most of the olive oil between the two 12-inch cast iron skillets, 2 ¼ sheet pans (9 by 13 inch), or any oven-safe skillets (or use half the amount for only one pizza). Divide the dough between each skillet and add the rest of the olive oil on top. Using your fingers, gently spread the dough out to the edges of the pans. It's okay if the dough is dimpled from your fingers.
Cover with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap and allow to rise for about 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 400° F. The dough won't look much different, but will be slightly puffy when fully risen.
Carefully add the sauce and cheese and any other optional toppings. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time will depend on your skillet size and your oven, so begin checking at 20 minutes, but it may take as long as 35.
Allow to cool slightly before cutting and serving.
Notes
To make just one personal pan pizza, drizzle a little bit (roughly one tbsp) of olive oil into 8-inch cast iron skillet or round cake pan. Use about a fist full of the dough for one pizza. Follow instructions for making a large pizza, but only use about ¼ of the sauce and cheese. Bake for less time, checking at about 15 minutes. To reheat leftover pizza (if you're lucky enough to have leftovers), preheat a skillet over medium-low heat and place slices in skillet. Cover with a lid and allow to heat through, about 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat slices in the oven on a baking steel or stone at a temp of about 350 for 10 minutes.