1. Perfectly Seared Steaks
One of the best uses of a cast iron skillet is searing a steak to perfection. The even heat distribution and high heat retention of cast iron allow you to create a golden, flavorful crust on your steak while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Simply heat your cast iron skillet until it’s smoking hot, add oil or butter, and sear your steak for a couple of minutes on each side. Finish the steak in the oven for a restaurant-quality result.
Pro Tip:
Add aromatics like garlic, rosemary, and thyme into the skillet for the last minute of cooking, and baste the steak with melted butter for an extra flavor boost.
2. Crispy Fried Chicken
Cast iron’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature makes it ideal for frying. Whether you’re making Southern-style fried chicken, crispy fried fish, or homemade French fries, a cast iron skillet ensures even cooking and crispy results.
For fried chicken, preheat the skillet and add enough oil to cover the chicken pieces halfway. Maintain the oil at a steady temperature (about 350°F/175°C), and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. The heavy nature of cast iron helps retain the heat even after you add cold ingredients, making it one of the best choices for frying.
3. Golden Cornbread
Baking in cast iron creates a crust like no other, and one dish that particularly benefits from this is cornbread. The heat from the cast iron skillet caramelizes the outside, creating a crisp golden crust while keeping the inside soft and moist. You can bake the cornbread directly in the skillet, which also saves you from having to grease and prepare a baking pan separately.
To make cornbread in cast iron, preheat the skillet in the oven while you prepare the batter. Pour the batter into the hot skillet and bake it until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Hearty Stews and Braises
A cast iron Dutch oven is perfect for slow-cooking stews, braises, and soups. It retains heat beautifully and can go from stovetop to oven seamlessly, making it the perfect tool for long-simmering recipes like beef stew, coq au vin, or braised short ribs. The heavy lid keeps moisture in, allowing the flavors to develop deeply as the dish cooks over time.
For a classic beef stew, brown the meat in the Dutch oven first, then add vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Transfer it to the oven to slow cook for a few hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
5. Savory Frittatas
Cast iron is fantastic for cooking egg dishes like frittatas. You can cook the vegetables and meat in the skillet, pour the egg mixture over the top, and finish it in the oven. Because cast iron is oven-safe, it makes it easy to transition from stovetop to oven without switching pans.
For a delicious frittata, sauté onions, garlic, and your favorite vegetables in the cast iron skillet. Add cooked bacon or sausage if desired, then pour beaten eggs over the top. Finish by baking in the oven until the eggs are set, and you have a perfect brunch dish or light dinner.
6. Pizza with a Perfect Crust
Did you know you can make a fantastic pizza in cast iron? A cast iron skillet gives homemade pizza a crispy, golden crust similar to what you’d get from a wood-fired oven.
To make pizza in cast iron, stretch your dough to fit the skillet, then preheat the skillet on the stovetop for a couple of minutes to give the crust a head start. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake in a hot oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
7. Fluffy Pancakes
Cast iron griddles are perfect for making pancakes. The even heat distribution ensures that pancakes cook evenly and develop a nice golden color. Cast iron’s high heat retention means you won’t have to worry about the temperature dropping when you add cold batter to the griddle.
Preheat the griddle, lightly grease it, and pour the pancake batter onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip to achieve a golden-brown exterior and fluffy interior.
8. Roasted Vegetables
A cast iron skillet or Dutch oven can elevate the flavor of roasted vegetables by providing a rich caramelization and crispy edges. Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower all benefit from the high, even heat cast iron offers.
For perfectly roasted vegetables, preheat the skillet in the oven, toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at high heat. The preheated skillet helps to sear the vegetables, giving them a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
9. Grilled Sandwiches and Paninis
Use a cast iron skillet or griddle to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich or panini. The heavy weight of the cast iron presses the sandwich down, creating crispy, golden bread while melting the cheese perfectly.
Butter your bread, add cheese, and your favorite fillings, then cook in the skillet until golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can press another heavy skillet on top of the sandwich while it cooks.
10. Desserts in Cast Iron
Cast iron isn’t just for savory dishes; it’s also perfect for baking desserts. One of the most popular desserts to make in a cast iron skillet is a skillet cookie or “pizookie.” The skillet gives the cookie a crispy edge while keeping the center soft and gooey.
You can also bake cobblers, pies, or even brownies in cast iron. The even heat distribution ensures that your dessert will cook evenly and develop a beautiful crust.
Final Thoughts
Cast iron cookware is a versatile and timeless tool that can be used to create an incredible variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner, and even dessert. Whether you’re frying, baking, searing, or roasting, cast iron provides consistent, flavorful results that make cooking more enjoyable. With proper care and seasoning, cast iron cookware will serve you well for decades, making it a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.
If you haven’t yet explored the world of cast iron cooking, now is the time to start! With so many delicious possibilities, your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven may soon become the most cherished piece of cookware in your kitchen.
