When it comes to cooking, there’s something special about a cast iron recipe. The classic, rugged design of these pans evokes memories of grandmothers and campfires, of hearty meals and warm gatherings. And yet, despite their traditional feel, cast iron cookware is surprisingly versatile – capable of producing everything from crispy pizzas to gooey cookies.
In this article, we’ll explore the best of the best when it comes to cast iron recipes. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists on old favorites, these 20 irresistible dishes are sure to become staples in your kitchen repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone – and with our comprehensive guide, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time.
Classic Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Classic Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe
Bring the flavors of Italy to your backyard with this simple and satisfying cast iron skillet pizza recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this classic combination is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
3. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Place the dough in a preheated cast iron skillet and spread pizza sauce over it.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!
Southern Cast Iron Cornbread
A classic Southern staple, this cast iron cornbread is a simple yet satisfying accompaniment to any meal. With its moist and buttery texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and sugar until well combined.
4. Add melted butter to the wet ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour batter into a preheated 10-inch cast iron skillet or cornbread pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron Seared Steak with Garlic Butter
Experience the rich flavors of a perfectly seared steak, elevated by the savory goodness of garlic butter.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 lbs flank steak or ribeye
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
4. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 10 minutes.
6. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Serve the garlic butter sauce spooned over the rested steak.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes resting time)
Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie
Experience the warm comfort of apple pie with this unique twist on the classic recipe, cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. This dessert is perfect for a cozy evening or a rustic gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cast iron skillet
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out cold butter into small pieces and add to apple mixture. Toss until butter is distributed throughout the apples.
4. Pour apple mixture into preheated cast iron skillet.
5. Brush edges of skillet with beaten egg for a golden glaze (optional).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
7. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cast Iron Roasted Chicken with Herbs
Savor the rich flavors of a slow-cooked chicken roasted to perfection in a cast iron skillet, infused with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), rinsed and patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the chicken in the preheated cast iron skillet, breast side up.
5. Roast the chicken for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue cooking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
7. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: Approximately 50-55 minutes
Cast Iron Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie
Imagine a rich, gooey chocolate chip cookie, baked to perfection in the center of a cast iron skillet. This recipe yields a crispy, caramelized crust and a soft, chewy interior that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) 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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 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 and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Stir 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.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Nachos
Elevate your snack game with this easy recipe that yields a crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious batch of nachos. Perfect for movie nights or spontaneous gatherings, these skillet nachos are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cast iron skillet
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked ground beef (or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in the cast iron skillet.
3. Sprinkle ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño evenly over the chips.
4. Top with shredded cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Add optional toppings as desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Breakfast Hash with Eggs
Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast hash cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. This recipe combines crispy potatoes, savory bell peppers, and a fried egg for a satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.
3. Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Create 4 wells in the hash and crack an egg into each well.
5. Cook the eggs for 2-3 minutes or until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness.
6. Serve the breakfast hash hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Pan-Seared Salmon
Experience the rich flavors of pan-seared salmon cooked to perfection in a preheated cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
– Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet in a medium-high oven for 15 minutes.
2. Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
4. Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan.
5. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the salmon, then tilt the pan to coat evenly.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, or until the edges start to flake.
7. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and chopped herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total
Cast Iron Dutch Oven Bread
Cast Iron Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
Summary:
This hearty bread recipe utilizes the unique properties of a cast iron Dutch oven to produce a crusty, rustic loaf with a tender interior. Perfect for serving alongside your favorite soups or stews.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water (around 100°F)
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron Dutch oven to 425°F by placing it in a preheated oven or on a stovetop over medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
3. Gradually add warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Form into a round ball and place in the preheated Dutch oven.
6. Cover the pot with a lid or foil, and bake for 35-40 minutes.
7. Remove the lid or foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp up the crust.
Cooking Time:
– Total cooking time: 45-50 minutes
– Cooling time: 30-60 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Fajitas
A flavorful and easy-to-make twist on traditional fajitas, this recipe cooks up tender beef and colorful peppers in a hot cast iron skillet. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef fajita-cut strips (such as flank steak or skirt steak)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil, then cook beef for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add cumin to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add onion and bell peppers; cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
5. Return beef to the skillet and stir in garlic.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
7. Assemble fajitas with cooked beef and vegetables, and add desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this simple recipe that yields a crispy, gooey, and utterly satisfying sandwich. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1-2 slices of cheddar, American, or mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped ham, turkey, or tomato for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Add cheese (and optional fillings) on top of the bread.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
8. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Cast Iron Campfire Potatoes
Cast Iron Campfire Potatoes Recipe
Summary: A hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for camping trips or backyard gatherings, cooked to perfection in a trusty cast iron pot over the campfire.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat your cast iron pot over medium-high heat on the campfire.
2. Add the vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pot.
3. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer, leaving some space between each slice.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, and add any desired seasonings.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes on one side, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned.
6. Flip the potatoes over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Pancakes
Experience the comfort of a warm pancake breakfast with this simple recipe that yields crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside pancakes. Perfect for a cozy morning or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Optional: blueberries, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Pour batter into the preheated skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to set.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-7 minutes per batch (depending on skillet size).
Cast Iron Peach Cobbler
Cast Iron Peach Cobbler Recipe
A classic summer dessert gets a hearty twist with this Cast Iron Peach Cobbler recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of sliced peaches (14.5 oz)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the sliced peaches and stir until they’re evenly coated with the dry mixture.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the peaches are well combined with the cream.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ground ginger.
6. Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until a crumbly batter forms.
7. Pour the peach mixture into your preheated cast iron skillet.
8. Top with the cobbler batter and smooth out the top.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cast Iron Shrimp Boil
Elevate your seafood game with this classic Southern-style shrimp boil recipe, cooked to perfection in a cast iron pot. This hearty dish is perfect for a casual gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 lemons, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat cast iron pot to medium-high heat.
2. Add butter and let melt.
3. Add garlic, lemons, bell peppers, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until combined.
4. Add shrimp and stir to coat with the mixture.
5. Boil for 7-8 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 9-10 minutes
Cast Iron Shepherd’s Pie
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a cold winter night. This cast iron shepherd’s pie is a simple, satisfying meal that combines tender ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces.
3. Add diced onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in flour to thicken the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to a 12-inch cast iron skillet or Dutch oven.
6. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meat mixture.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Lasagna
Cast Iron Skillet Lasagna: A Twist on the Classic Italian Dish
Elevate your lasagna game with this innovative recipe that uses a cast iron skillet to create a crispy, golden-brown crust. This twist on the classic Italian dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cast iron skillet
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 pound ground beef or sausage, cooked and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
4. In the cast iron skillet, create a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
5. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat the layers: marinara sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
8. Cover skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cast Iron Blueberry Muffins
Start your day with a warm and satisfying breakfast, courtesy of these cast iron blueberry muffins. The perfect blend of sweet and savory, these treats are sure to become a morning staple.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat cast iron skillet to medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Pour batter into preheated cast iron skillet.
7. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron One-Pot Pasta
Savor the flavors of a hearty one-pot pasta dish cooked to perfection in your trusty cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. pasta of choice (e.g., penne, rigatoni)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook pasta, onion, and garlic in the skillet until the pasta is al dente and the onion is translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cook up a storm with these 20 irresistible cast iron recipes perfect for any occasion! From classic skillet pizzas and cornbread to decadent chocolate chip cookies and comforting breakfast hashes, there’s something for everyone. Impress your friends and family with seared steaks and roasted chickens, or satisfy your sweet tooth with peach cobblers and blueberry muffins. Whether you’re a seasoned cast iron pro or just starting out, these recipes will have you cooking like a master in no time.
