Cooking with a cast iron skillet brings out the best flavors in any dish. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, there’s something timeless and satisfying about using this trusty kitchen tool.
I’ve put together a list of 10 fantastic cast iron skillet recipes that will make your meals unforgettable.
Table of Contents
As someone who loves both cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve found that a cast iron skillet can elevate your dishes to restaurant-quality levels. Imagine creating mouth-watering meals right in your home kitchen.
1) Skillet Apple Pie
I love making Skillet Apple Pie because it’s both simple and delicious.
To start, I melt butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Then, I add brown sugar and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
Next, I remove the skillet from the heat and spread one pie crust over the brown sugar mixture.
I prepare the apples by peeling and cutting them into 1/2-inch-thick wedges.
Once the apples are ready, I spoon the mixture over the pie crust in the skillet. I then place the remaining pie crust on top of the apple mixture.
To give it a nice golden hue, I whisk one egg white until foamy and brush it over the top crust.
Finally, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pie until it’s golden brown and bubbly. The combination of the caramelized brown sugar, buttery crust, and tender apples makes this dessert irresistible.
2) Skillet Lasagna
I love making skillet lasagna for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s a one-pan dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Using a cast iron skillet gives it a perfect crispy edge.
I start by browning Italian sausage in the skillet. The sausage adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish that everyone enjoys.
Next, I mix in marinara sauce and some Italian seasoning before adding a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles. No need to pre-cook the noodles, which saves time.
Then, I add a creamy layer of ricotta cheese mixed with some Italian herbs. The ricotta melts beautifully and makes the lasagna extra creamy.
I top it off with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. As it bakes, the cheese forms a deliciously crispy and bubbly top layer.
Pairing this dish with a Caesar salad and garlic bread makes for an amazing weeknight dinner. Plus, it all cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this skillet lasagna always impresses. It’s comfort food at its best.
3) Beef Stroganoff
I love whipping up Beef Stroganoff in my cast iron skillet. The rich and creamy sauce, combined with tender beef, makes it a favorite comfort food.
To get started, I season strips of beef with salt and pepper. Searing them in a hot, buttered skillet gives the meat a beautiful brown crust and seals in the juices.
Once the beef is set aside, I sauté onions and mushrooms in the same skillet. This ensures the flavors are well-integrated.
Adding beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of mustard forms the base of a flavorful sauce.
After simmering for a bit, I mix in sour cream. This gives the Stroganoff its signature creamy texture. I let it thicken a bit more before adding the seared beef back into the skillet.
I love serving Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles or rice. It’s a hearty meal that’s always a hit at my dinner table. And using a cast iron skillet enhances the flavors, making this a go-to recipe in my kitchen.
4) Classic Southern Cornbread
When I think about Classic Southern Cornbread, I immediately think of my cast iron skillet. This dish combines cornmeal, a bit of flour, and buttermilk.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a few ingredients come together to create a wonderfully savory bread with a slight crunch from the skillet.
Start by preheating your skillet with a tablespoon of canola oil. The hot oil ensures a crispy crust, which is essential for authentic Southern cornbread.
Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Next, add the wet ingredients like buttermilk and eggs. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the hot skillet. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle as the batter hits the pan. This initial sizzle sets the cornbread up for a perfect crust.
Bake until the cornbread is golden brown. It should be firm in the center. The smell filling your kitchen will make it hard to wait!
Serve it up with chili or collard greens. This cornbread is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser at my gatherings.
5) Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that I love to prepare in a cast iron skillet. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
I start by heating some olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, I add shrimp in a single layer and let it cook without moving for a minute until it’s browned on one side.
Then, I flip the shrimp and immediately add garlic and pieces of herb butter around the pan. The aroma of garlic quickly fills the kitchen, making mouths water.
After the shrimp turn pink and opaque, I add a splash of chicken broth and lemon juice. This helps create a delicious sauce. I let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
This recipe is not just easy but also versatile. You can serve the shrimp over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. This dish always gets rave reviews and makes me feel like a chef in my own kitchen.
6) Sausage and Peppers
One of my favorite dishes to cook in a cast iron skillet is sausage and peppers. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
I start by heating oil in my skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, I add my sausage links and cook them until they’re nicely browned on each side, about 5-6 minutes.
After removing the sausages, I add sliced bell peppers, onions, and a bit of garlic to the skillet. I sauté them until they’re tender and aromatic, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
When the vegetables are ready, I return the sausages to the skillet. I like to add some Italian seasoning and a bit of tomato sauce at this point for extra flavor.
I let everything simmer together for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This dish is great on its own, or you can serve it over rice or with a crusty piece of bread.
Cooking with a cast iron skillet really helps to bring out the flavors in the sausage and peppers, making this dish a hit every time I make it.
7) Shakshuka
Shakshuka is one of my favorite dishes to make in a cast iron skillet. It’s a spicy tomato-based dish with perfectly poached eggs on top.
First, I heat some olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Then, I add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing them until they soften.
Next, I add garlic and spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. The aroma fills my kitchen and makes it hard to wait until it’s ready.
I then add diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer until it becomes a rich, flavorful sauce.
After making small wells in the sauce, I crack the eggs into them. I continue cooking until the eggs are poached to my liking, with the yolks slightly runny.
Finally, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley adds a burst of color and flavor to this delicious and satisfying meal. Shakshuka always feels like a hearty, nutritious choice.
8) Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken
I absolutely love making crispy pan-fried chicken in a cast iron skillet. The process is simple but delivers a dish that’s juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside.
To start, I coat my chicken with a blend of flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. I then heat oil in my trusty cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Placing the chicken skin side down, I let it cook undisturbed until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Patience is key here to allow the fat to render and the skin to crisp up nicely.
Once browned, I flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting it cook through until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
The result? Incredibly flavorful and crispy chicken that everyone loves.
A simple resting period of about five minutes ensures the juices redistribute. This keeps the chicken moist when I slice into it. Serve this with the pan juices for an extra burst of flavor.
9) Vegetable Frittata
I love making a vegetable frittata because it's a versatile dish that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Using a cast iron skillet makes it even better, giving it a perfect, crispy edge.
To start, I preheat the oven to around 350°F.
I'll heat some olive oil in the skillet over medium heat and add my favorite veggies, like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
Once the vegetables are tender, I whisk together eggs, a bit of cream, salt, and pepper.
After that, I pour the mixture over the veggies in the skillet. Sometimes, I like to add mozzarella or feta cheese to make it extra delicious.
I carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
This dish is so easy to customize with whatever vegetables I have on hand, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen.
10) Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
I absolutely adore making a chocolate chip skillet cookie. It’s incredibly easy and the result is a warm, gooey, and shareable treat.
First, I preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease my cast iron skillet. I find that a 10-inch skillet works perfectly for this recipe.
Next, I mix my wet ingredients: softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, one egg, and one egg yolk.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Combining these two mixtures brings the cookie dough to life.
Then, it’s time to fold in those delicious chocolate chips. I like to be generous with them to ensure every bite is packed with chocolate.
Once the dough is ready, I press it evenly into the prepared skillet.
I bake it for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
Allowing the cookie to cool slightly before slicing helps it hold its shape. It's best served warm, straight from the skillet.
This skillet cookie is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I always find myself reaching for seconds.
Conclusion - There's Nothing Better Than Cooking With Cast Iron
There's something timeless about using cast iron in the kitchen. I love the way it heats evenly and holds heat well. This ensures that each dish cooks perfectly, from edge to center.
Another thing I appreciate is the durability. A well-maintained cast iron skillet can last for generations. This makes it not just a tool but an investment in my kitchen.
Versatility is another reason cast iron stands out. Whether I'm baking cornbread, searing steak, or sautéing vegetables, one skillet can handle it all.
The flavor that cast iron imparts is unparalleled. Over time, it builds a natural non-stick surface that adds a unique taste to my recipes.
Cleanup is easier than many think. A simple scrub with a brush and warm water is often all it takes.
I've found that the more I use my cast iron skillet, the more I appreciate its simplicity and efficiency. There's a reason it's a staple in so many kitchens.