If you have gotten a cast iron skillet, but you are unsure what the best recipes are to make with it are, then this list is the best place to find inspiration!
One of our favorite things about cast iron skillet recipes is that they can usually all be made in the skillet by itself. This means that the cleaning is usually super easy and will not take long.
A lot of recipes which are made in a cast iron skillet are also quite easy to make and will require minimal effort from you!
One of the other things we love about cooking with a cast iron skillet is just how much variety there is.
There are so many different recipes which can be made using a cast iron skillet, so there is always something new you can try making with it.
It is unfortunate that a lot of people buy a cast iron skillet for a specific recipe which needs it, and then put it aside once they have made the recipe and forget they have it at all.
This is unfortunate since a lot of people do not know just how many dishes can be made in a cast iron skillet, and some can even be made much better in a cast iron skillet compared to being made in a different way.
Cooking in a cast iron skillet can also make the process of cooking a lot more simple, and a lot of recipes made in a cast iron skillet end up being a healthier version of the recipe being made in a different way!
So, whether you have had a cast iron skillet for ages and you want to find something new to make with it, or you have just bought your first cast iron and you want to know just what you can make with it, this list is sure to give you some amazing ideas to work with!
We have got a massive variety of different recipes which can all be made just using a cast iron skillet!
Do not worry about not finding something you will like as there are plenty of options here for you to choose from, so you are sure to find something you will love!
1. Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza
Something which is becoming more and more popular with cast iron lovers is making pizzas using them!
It is so quick and easy to make a pizza in a cast iron, and if you are using a pre made pizza dough, you will be surprised at just how quick you can go from starting to cook to eating.
If you need a quick dinner which is easy to customize, then look no further than this!
2. Skillet Potatoes
As we all know, there is simply no food which is as versatile as potatoes, and one of the best things you can do if you love potatoes, is to learn as many different ways to cook them as possible.
Because of this, these skillet potatoes are something you are going to want to add to your arsenal as they are a delicious side dish which goes well with every meal imaginable!
3. Skillet Mac And Cheese
Another classic way to use a cast iron skillet which is honestly a classic for a reason is making mac and cheese in a cast iron.
We love how quick and easy it is to make this classic dinner in a cast iron skillet, and just like any other mac and cheese, it is just as easy to customize as ever!
4. Veggie Breakfast Skillet
If you are a vegetarian and are tired of all the same breakfast options, then look no further than this veggie breakfast skillet recipe.
This recipe is absolutely packed with flavor, and it is a great way to use up leftovers, and just like a lot of other one pan recipes, it is super easy to customize by adding or taking away whatever ingredients you want!
5. Skillet Berry Cobbler
If you are looking for a quick and easy dessert to make, then grab your cast iron skillet and make this berry cobbler!
The juicy summer flavors which you capture in this recipe are perfect for dessert after any meal, and it is surprisingly easy to make as well.
Make sure to serve with ice cream if you want this dessert to be as refreshing as possible!
6. Greek Tilapia
If you want a new dinner favorite, then you have to try this Greek tilapia recipe which is really simple to make in just one pan, but gets very impactful results every time.
There are loads of different flavors all packed into this fish, and this makes it easy to pair with whatever side you want, so do not feel restricted by your choices!
7. Pasta Pizza
If you have never made pasta pizza before, then you are missing out, and if you want the best way to prepare it possible, then you have to try this recipe which uses a cast iron skillet.
This is essentially a way of cooking pasta where you add toppings to it like you would a pizza.
While this idea does not appeal to everyone at first, once you have tasted the results you will have been converted!
8. Beef And Spinach Skillet
If you want a delicious and filling dinner you can make all in your cast iron skillet, then look no further than this creamy beef and spinach recipe!
While it may look complex in the pictures in the recipe, it is actually not that hard to make, and once you make it, you will want to keep coming back and making it as often as possible!
9. Hash Brown Pork Skillet
If you are looking for a delicious side, or something you want to bring to a pot luck, then you have to try this hash brown pork which can all be made in your cast iron skillet.
This recipe gets amazing results with minimal effort, so if you want something which is easy to whip up, but filling at the same time, then this is the one to go for!
10. Lemon Shrimp With Parmesan Rice
If you are tired of serving rice in the same way and you want a more refreshing recipe to try out, then the combination of shrimp, lemon, and Parmesan is going to be the best thing you can imagine!
Like a lot of one pan cast iron skillet recipes, this recipe does not need too much effort, but still ends with spectacular results, so if you want something new to try, this is it!
11. Pinwheel Steak Potpie
If you want something more spectacular to serve in a single cast iron skillet, then look no further than this steak pot pie which is cooked and baked all in your cast iron skillet.
This recipe does not need too much preparation, and because it is all done in the cast iron skillet, it does not have all the awkwardness cooking a pie can sometimes have!
12. One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper
If you are looking for another delicious recipe which only uses one pan and can keep you and your family fed for a meal, then go for this pork chop supper which is done all in your cast iron skillet.
This is one of the most comforting dinner options you can make, and the results are absolutely spectacular when you cook the pork just right!
13. Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta
This is another recipe which stars lemon shrimp, but this serves it in a completely different way.
The vegetable garnish makes this a super refreshing dinner for when you want something light and summery, but the inclusion of the pasta ensures that it will be filling enough to satisfy you!
14. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Perhaps one of the best ever ways to prepare shrimp, this garlic butter shrimp which can be prepared all in your cast iron skillet is something you will want to make every night.
We all know a good garlic butter sauce is going to taste absolutely heavenly, and when the shrimp is cooked in it in your cast iron skillet, the results are something out of this world!
15. Queso Dip
If you have never made a queso dip from scratch then you are sorely missing out.
The best thing we love about queso dips is just how simple they are to customize and how many options you have when it comes to things to dip in them.
This can just be a starter, or if you prepare enough dips it could be the whole meal. However, if you serve this, you will get some amazing results!
16. Naan Bread
Some people assume that making your own naan bread is too difficult, but one of the easiest ways you can cook naan bread aside from a tandoor is to cook it in a cast iron skillet since it is able to replicate the heat needed to cook them properly.
Preparing the dough is super easy, and you will save loads of money from how much it costs to buy them pre made.
17. Hash Browns
This is a pretty simple recipe, but the results of this cast iron skillet hash browns are amazing, and you can have it as a side in practically any meal.
The flavors and seasonings recommended in this recipe are some of the best, so make sure you try this out!
18. Blackened Salmon
We all know that salmon is one of the most flavorful and healthy dinners you can prepare, but we all get tired of typical baked salmon after a while.
This is why we recommend this blackened salmon which can be prepared all in your cast iron skillet.
The results are impactful, and you can serve it with a variety of sides and sauces!
19. Bananas Foster
If you are looking for another dessert which you can prepare in your cast iron skillet, then look no further than this easy bananas foster.
It is really simple to make all in your cast iron skillet, and it is simple to customize and serve with whatever sides you want!
20. Chicken Enchilada Skillet
If you only ever bake your enchiladas, then you might be surprised to hear how easy they are to make in a cast iron skillet.
This recipe makes the process simple and something you will want to try.
21. Steak
Making a steak in a cast iron skillet is perhaps the most typical dish to make in the pan, but the amazing results you get from cooking a steak properly in a cast iron skillet are why it is so popular!
22. Mixed-Berry Skillet Pancake
Pancakes are of course a favorite dish for a reason, and these mixed berry ones are even better when they are cooked in a cast iron skillet!
23. Buttermilk Biscuits
If you have never made your own biscuits from scratch, then you have to try this recipe which is simple to make and will only need your cast iron skillet to cook!
24. Cornbread Cakes
If you want a memorable side dish to serve, then making these cornbread cakes will have to be a priority with how packed with flavor they are!
25. Pecan Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
If you want another delicious sweet treat to make on your cast iron skillet, then this skillet cookie recipe gets amazing results which have to be tasted.
26. Hamburger Steak Skillet
Hamburger steak is a delicious meal, and it is super easy to prepare using a cast iron skillet, so this is a recipe you have to try!
27. Potato Pan Rolls
If you have never made potato rolls you are missing out, and these are super easy to make just using your cast iron skillet. They work as a main or a side so get creative!
28. Skillet Burritos
Burritos are popular for a reason, and you have to try making them in a cast iron skillet! The results are delicious and they are easy to customize too!
29. Skillet Pizza Rolls
Finally, these pizza rolls which are all made in your cast iron skillet are the perfect treat for when you want something quick and filling, so make sure to try these!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes cast iron cookware stand out from other cookware is how it is able to get very hot and then stay very hot without losing heat quickly. This means they are great at searing meats, and other food, but they are also good at cooking food very quickly if this is possible.
Not every dish can be cooked quickly in a cast iron skillet, but a lot can. If you want some examples of dishes which can be cooked effectively using a cast iron, then check the list above to get some inspiration!
Compared to other pans, cast iron is not particularly healthier or less healthy, it really depends on what you are cooking or what you are cooking with.
Some people think that cooking with a cast iron will increase your iron intake which is a good idea for those who have an iron deficiency, but unfortunately the increase in iron from using a cast iron skillet is not very noticeable and will not have any significant health benefits.
You may be able to get away with using less oil when cooking in a cast iron, but other than this it is not seen as a healthy alternative to other pans.
The main difference in cast irons which will usually be indicated by the cost of the cast iron is how much seasoning the skillet has received already.
If you do not know what seasoning cookware means, this is when you have to add an oil finish to your pans so they will become non-stick and you are able to cook with them properly.
For a cheap cast iron, you will need to add this seasoning to the rough surface yourself, however, if you have an expensive cast iron, usually the seasoning will have been done already!
Summary
Hopefully this article has given you an idea of just how much you can make with a cast iron skillet, and how much use you can get out of one when you know what to make with it.
If you have not got a cast iron skillet already, hopefully this list has shown you just how much use you will be able to get out of it if you end up buying one.
Because of all the choices available on the list, it is understandable that the choice could be overwhelming on what to make.
If this is the case, narrow down the options available to your favorites, and then check out of these which you have the most ingredients for already.
This will give you an easy starting point and will save you money on ingredients!
29 Of The Best Iron Skillet Recipes
Have you got a cast iron skillet and you are looking for some recipes to try making with it? Then this list will have some of the best ideas for you to work with!
Ingredients
Directions
- Pick from the list above
- Click the recipe name and visit the website
- Collect the ingredients and cook the food
- Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review
Recipe Video
Cooking is great for your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s the worst that could happen? Find a recipe that you like the sound of and cook it along with me. You might even unlock a new passion!
- 15 Traditional Greek Breads - July 31, 2023
- 30 Delicious And Gluten-Free Cookie Recipes - July 29, 2023
- 30 Of The Best European Desserts - July 29, 2023