When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked meal straight from your trusty cast iron skillet. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests for a special occasion, these versatile skillets can handle it all.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the incredible versatility of cast iron cookware. From classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and cornbread to bold international flavors like beef stroganoff and shrimp and grits, there’s something for every taste bud and occasion on this list.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out with your cast iron skillet, these recipes are sure to inspire you to get cooking and make some unforgettable meals. So let’s dive in and explore the incredible world of cast iron skillet cooking!
Classic Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
A warm, crumbly, and oh-so-satisfying cornbread recipe that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite comfort foods. This classic cast iron skillet cornbread is a staple in many households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Add buttermilk and melted butter; stir until just combined (batter should still be slightly lumpy).
4. Pour batter into a preheated cast iron skillet coated with cooking spray or oil.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cornbread is golden brown and firm to the touch.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Steak with Herb Sauce
Elevate your steak game with this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak with Herb Sauce recipe, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Tender filet mignon is smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and served with a tangy herb sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs filet mignon
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, heavy cream, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Sear the steak in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, then finish cooking in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until desired doneness.
5. Meanwhile, mix chopped parsley with herb sauce (optional).
6. Serve the steak with garlic butter sauce spooned over and garnished with herb sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Skillet-Baked Mac and Cheese
Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with this easy and satisfying skillet-baked recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons butter
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until well coated.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Perfectly Crispy Cast Iron Pizza
Perfectly Crispy Cast Iron Pizza Recipe
Achieve a crispy crust and delicious flavor with this simple recipe that yields a perfectly cooked cast iron pizza.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) high-protein flour
– 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
– 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
– 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add olive oil, salt, and toppings of your choice. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly floured cast iron skillet or pizza stone.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and toppings are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
One-Pan Chicken Fajitas
Experience the bold flavors of fajitas without the hassle of multiple pans! This recipe brings together juicy chicken, sizzling peppers, and onions all cooked to perfection in one pan.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add onions and bell peppers; cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve with tortillas and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
This recipe takes classic chocolate chip cookies to the next level by baking them in a cast iron skillet. The result is a crispy, golden-brown crust and a soft, chewy center filled with melted chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 3/4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
3. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into prepared skillet and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center is set.
Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of salmon with the brightness of lemon and dill. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add lemon juice, garlic, and dill. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve sauce over seared salmon and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Skillet-Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Elevate your meal with these tender, aromatic potatoes roasted to perfection in a skillet. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and herbs creates a deliciously savory dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
3. Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer.
4. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the potatoes.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and thyme over the top.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Deep-Dish Apple Pie in a Cast Iron Skillet
This recipe combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the convenience and rustic charm of cooking in a cast iron skillet. The result is a delicious, deep-dish dessert that’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cast iron skillet (10-12 inches)
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out pie crust to fit the cast iron skillet. Place crust in the skillet, trimming excess edges.
4. Fill crust with apple mixture, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Dot top of apple mixture with melted butter.
6. Brush egg wash over crust edges to seal.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Shrimp and Grits
A Southern classic gets a spicy kick with this recipe that combines succulent shrimp with creamy grits, crispy bacon, and a tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using water or chicken broth.
2. Meanwhile, heat butter in a skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce and cheddar cheese.
4. Combine cooked grits with the shrimp, crumbled bacon, and spicy cheese mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and additional hot sauce to taste.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Nachos with All the Fixings
Elevate your nacho game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and savory fixings all in one cast iron skillet. Perfect for a cozy night in or a party with friends!
Ingredients:
– 1 (10-inch) cast iron skillet
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 can (16 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange tortilla chips in the cast iron skillet.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chips.
4. Top with black beans, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeño slices.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
Savor the flavors of Russia with this classic Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff recipe, featuring tender beef strips, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich creamy sauce served over egg noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender.
3. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add beef broth, heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until sauce thickens.
6. Serve over cooked egg noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Skillet-Baked Eggs with Spinach and Feta
A delicious breakfast or brunch option that combines the richness of eggs, the creaminess of feta, and the earthiness of spinach. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook until the whites are set, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the fresh spinach leaves on top of the eggs and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the eggs are fully cooked and the feta is melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Homemade Cast Iron Skillet Pancakes
Start your day with a stack of fluffy, golden-brown pancakes cooked to perfection in your trusty cast iron skillet. This recipe yields a deliciously crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Vegetable oil or cooking spray for the skillet
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of vegetable oil or cooking spray.
6. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
7. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on size of pancakes)
Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Sauce
This recipe showcases the simplicity and elegance of seared scallops paired with a rich and nutty brown butter sauce, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and turn into brown butter, stirring occasionally (about 4-5 minutes).
6. Add the garlic to the brown butter and cook for an additional minute.
7. Serve the seared scallops with the brown butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Skillet-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in Brussels sprouts, while crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to this simple yet impressive side dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon; set aside.
4. Add the Brussels sprouts, garlic, and olive oil to the same skillet. Toss to combine.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
6. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and toss with the roasted Brussels sprouts.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Blueberry Cobbler
Warm up on a chilly day with this rustic and delicious Cast Iron Skillet Blueberry Cobbler, perfect for cozying up with family and friends. The combination of fresh blueberries, crispy biscuit topping, and golden-brown crust is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1/2 cup biscuit topping (see below)
– Vegetable oil for greasing the skillet
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together blueberries, sugar, flour, and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes, allowing the juices to release.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and eggs until smooth. Pour mixture over blueberry filling.
4. Roll out biscuit topping to fit the top of the skillet. Place on top of blueberries, pressing edges to seal.
5. Grease the skillet with vegetable oil. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Biscuit Topping:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work until coarse crumbs form.
Cheesy Skillet Lasagna
This recipe puts a spin on traditional lasagna by cooking it all in one skillet, resulting in a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
3. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce.
4. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture (see note) over the noodles, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Repeat layers: noodles, meat sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese and cover skillet with a lid.
7. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Note: Combine 1/4 cup ricotta cheese with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apples
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the tender juiciness of pork chops with the crunch and flavor of sautéed apples.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-inch thick)
– 2 apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the pan, then sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the pork chops from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add the butter and brown sugar. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Add the sliced apples to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
7. Serve the pork chops with the sautéed apples spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Banana Bread
Moist, flavorful banana bread cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet – what’s not to love? This recipe is perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into a preheated 10-inch cast iron skillet.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to sizzle with these 20 mouth-watering cast iron skillet recipes for every occasion! From classic comfort food like Skillet-Baked Mac and Cheese and Cast Iron Skillet Pancakes, to savory options like Garlic Butter Steak with Herb Sauce and Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in sweet treats like Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie and Deep-Dish Apple Pie in a Cast Iron Skillet, or get your fix of international flavors with Spicy Shrimp and Grits and Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff. These easy-to-make recipes are sure to become new favorites!
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