Today we’re diving into the world of cast iron cooking.
I’ve been slinging pans in professional kitchens for over two decades, but I’ve got to tell you, there’s something special about coming home to my trusty cast iron skillet.
It’s like an old friend – reliable, versatile, and always ready to help me whip up something delicious.
In this post, I’m sharing 50 of my favorite cast iron recipes.
These are dishes I’ve cooked countless times, tweaked to perfection, and served to everyone from picky kids to discerning food critics.
Trust me, your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you for mastering these.
With that said, let’s get started
1. Skillet Cornbread
There’s cornbread, and then there’s cast iron cornbread.
The hot skillet gives you that crispy, golden crust that’s to die for.
I like to add a touch of honey and some jalapeños for a sweet-spicy kick.
Pro tip: preheat your skillet in the oven before pouring in the batter, it will sizzle and starts forming that crust immediately.
2. Perfect Pan-Seared Steak
Forget the grill – a cast iron skillet is the secret to a restaurant-quality steak at home.
Get your pan screaming hot, add a high smoke point oil, and sear that baby for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Finish with a pat of garlic herb butter.
The even heat distribution of cast iron gives you that beautiful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
3. Skillet Apple Pie
We’re talking about a caramelized bottom crust, spiced apples, and a flaky top all baked in one pan.
The cast iron retains heat so well that you get a perfectly cooked bottom crust – no more soggy bottoms!
4. One-Pan Chicken Thighs
Season bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, sear them skin-side down until crispy, then surround them with your favorite veggies.
Pop the whole thing in the oven, and the chicken fat bastes the veggies as they roast.
5. Crispy Skillet Potatoes
The key is to par-boil the potatoes first, then smash them slightly before frying them in a well-oiled cast iron skillet.
The result? Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and totally addictive.
I like to finish them with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of good sea salt.
6. Dutch Baby Pancake
This giant, puffy pancake is a showstopper at brunch.
The batter goes into a hot, buttered skillet and rises up the sides as it bakes.
It’s crispy around the edges, custardy in the middle, and the perfect vessel for fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
7. Skillet Lasagna
Yes, you read that right – lasagna in a skillet.
Layer your sauce, noodles, and cheese right in the pan, then let it all meld together in the oven.
The edges get wonderfully crispy, and you can serve it right from the skillet.
8. Blackened Fish
Cast iron is perfect for blackening because it can handle high heat without warping.
I love using this technique on firm white fish like redfish or snapper.
The spice blend forms a flavorful crust while the fish stays moist inside.
Serve it with a cool, creamy remoulade for contrast.
9. Skillet Peach Cobbler
The cast iron gives the biscuit topping a golden-brown bottom while keeping the peaches juicy and tender.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is non-negotiable.
10. Shakshuka
This Middle Eastern dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce is a brunch favorite.
The cast iron goes from stovetop to oven effortlessly, and it keeps the sauce bubbling hot as you dig in.
Serve with crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
11. Skillet Pizza
The screaming hot skillet gives you a crispy, almost fried bottom crust that’s hard to achieve in a regular oven.
I like to keep the toppings simple: a good San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
Remember, less is more when it comes to toppings on a skillet pizza.
12. Reverse Seared Ribeye
Start by slow-roasting the steak in a low oven until it hits about 115°F internally.
Then, sear it in a smoking hot cast iron skillet to get that beautiful crust.
The result? A perfectly even doneness from edge to edge with a killer crust.
13. Southern-Style Skillet Corn
Fresh corn kernels, a touch of cream, and a knob of butter – sometimes the simplest dishes are the best.
The cast iron gives the corn a slight char that adds depth to the sweetness.
I like to finish it with chopped chives and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
14. Crispy Skin Salmon
Season the salmon, place it skin-side down in a well-oiled hot skillet, and don’t touch it for 4-5 minutes.
You’ll be rewarded with skin so crispy it’s like salmon bacon.
15. Skillet Cookie
AKA the “pizookie” – this giant cookie baked in a skillet is crispy on the edges, gooey in the middle, and absolutely irresistible.
I like to use dark chocolate chunks and finish it with flaky sea salt.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top.
16. Frittata
The beauty of a frittata is its versatility.
Sauté your favorite veggies, add beaten eggs, and finish it under the broiler, plus the cast iron goes from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
My go-to combo is spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.
17. Skillet Nachos
Layer your chips, cheese, and toppings in the skillet, then bake until the cheese is melty and the edges of the chips are crispy.
The cast iron keeps everything hot as you dig in.
Pro tip: use two smaller skillets for twice the crispy edges.
18. Buttermilk Fried Chicken
The even heat distribution of cast iron makes it perfect for frying chicken.
The heavy bottom prevents hot spots, giving you evenly golden, crispy chicken every time.
I brine my chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce before dredging and frying.
19. Jambalaya
The cast iron’s excellent heat retention helps develop those deep, complex flavors as the rice soaks up the spicy tomato broth.
Don’t skimp on the andouille sausage – it adds a ton of flavor.
20. Skillet S’mores Dip
Who says you need a campfire for s’mores?
Layer chocolate chips in your skillet, top with marshmallows, and bake until gooey.
Serve with graham crackers for dipping. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s delicious.
21. Pan-Seared Scallops
The key to perfect scallops is a smoking hot pan and a good sear.
Pat your scallops dry, season them well, and give them a couple of minutes on each side in a well-oiled cast iron skillet.
The result? A golden-brown crust and a tender, almost buttery interior.
22. Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
This cozy dish is even better in cast iron.
The meat and veggie base develops a deeper flavor, and the mashed potato topping gets beautifully golden and crispy under the broiler.
23. Charred Brussels Sprouts
Halve your Brussels sprouts, toss them with olive oil and salt, then lay them cut-side down in a hot cast iron skillet.
The result is crispy, caramelized sprouts that even the veggie-averse will love.
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
24. Skillet Banana Bread
The cast iron gives this banana bread a delightfully crunchy crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
I like to add a swirl of Nutella and some chopped walnuts for extra indulgence.
25. Pan-Roasted Chicken with Pan Sauce
Start your chicken on the stovetop to crisp up the skin, then finish it in the oven.
The best part? All those browned bits in the pan make an amazing sauce.
Deglaze with white wine, add some chicken stock and herbs, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal.
26. Skillet Brownies
These aren’t just any brownies – the cast iron gives you those coveted crispy edges all the way around.
I like to under-bake mine slightly for a fudgy center.
A scoop of coffee ice cream on top is chef’s kiss.
27. Beef and Broccoli
Skip the takeout and make this classic in your cast iron.
The hot skillet gives you that restaurant-style sear on the beef, and the sauce reduces quickly, coating everything in sticky, savory goodness.
28. Skillet Focaccia
This pillowy, olive oil-rich bread develops an amazingly crispy bottom in a cast iron skillet.
I like to top mine with cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh rosemary before baking.
It’s almost too pretty to eat.
29. Cajun Shrimp
The cast iron gets nice and hot, allowing you to get a good sear on the shrimp without overcooking them.
The spices bloom in the hot oil, creating an aromatic crust on the shrimp.
Serve over rice or with crusty bread to soak up all that spicy, buttery goodness.
30. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This retro dessert is making a comeback, and cast iron is the perfect vehicle for it.
The caramelized pineapple top (which is actually the bottom while baking) gets an extra boost from the heat retention of the skillet.
The result is a stunningly beautiful cake that’s moist, buttery, and full of caramelized pineapple flavor.
31. Skillet Spanakopita
This Greek spinach and feta pie gets a crispy bottom crust when baked in cast iron.
Layer your phyllo sheets in the skillet, add the spinach-feta filling, then fold the overhanging phyllo over the top.
The result is a golden, flaky pie that’s easier than the traditional version but just as delicious.
32. Cast Iron Pizza Rolls
Think of these as a cross between cinnamon rolls and pizza.
Roll out your dough, spread with sauce and toppings, then roll up and slice.
Arrange the rolls in your skillet and bake until golden and bubbly. It’s a fun twist on pizza night.
33. Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
The ultimate comfort food, made even better in cast iron.
The filling gets nice and bubbly, and the pie crust on top turns golden and flaky.
The best part? You can serve it right from the skillet, keeping it hot throughout dinner.
34. Pan-Seared Duck Breast
Cast iron is perfect for duck because it can handle the high heat needed to render the fat and crisp up the skin.
Start skin-side down in a cold pan, then slowly bring up the heat.
Flip and finish in the oven for a perfectly medium-rare duck.
35. Skillet Pecan Pie
The cast iron gives this Southern classic a perfectly crisp crust.
The filling gets all gooey and caramelized, especially around the edges, plus It’s rich, it’s decadent, and it’s absolutely worth the calories.
36. Crispy Skillet Gnocchi
Forget boiling – pan-frying store-bought gnocchi in a cast iron skillet gives you crispy outsides and pillowy insides.
Toss with some browned butter, sage, and Parmesan for a quick and impressive meal.
37. Skillet Enchiladas
Layer your tortillas, sauce, and filling right in the skillet, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
The cast iron keeps everything hot as you serve, and you get those coveted crispy cheese edges.
38. Pan-Roasted Pork Chops
Sear your pork chops, then set them aside while you caramelize some apples and onions in the same pan.
Add a splash of apple cider, nestle the chops back in, and finish in the oven.
The flavors meld beautifully, and you’ve got a one-pan meal.
39. Skillet Tamale Pie
A layer of chili topped with cornbread batter and baked until golden.
The cast iron gives you a crispy edge all the way around, and keeps the whole thing piping hot as you serve.
40. Charred Lemon Garlic Asparagus
Get your skillet smoking hot, add your asparagus, and don’t move it for a couple of minutes.
You’ll get a beautiful char that adds depth to the flavor and finish with lemon zest and garlic.
41. Skillet Monkey Bread
This pull-apart bread is even better in cast iron.
The butter and brown sugar caramelize in the bottom of the pan, giving you a gooey, sticky base.
It’s like a giant cinnamon roll you can share. Or not. I won’t judge.
42. Pan-seared Lamb Chops
The hot cast iron gives lamb chops a beautiful crust while keeping the inside juicy and pink.
I like to add some rosemary and garlic to the pan as they cook, basting the chops with the flavored oil.
43. Skillet Bibimbap
This Korean rice dish is all about that crispy bottom layer of rice, which cast iron delivers perfectly.
Top with your favorite veggies, some marinated beef, and a fried egg.
The hot stone bowl effect of the cast iron keeps everything sizzling as you mix it all together.
44. Roasted Garlic Skillet Bread
Roast a whole head of garlic in your skillet, then use it to make the most amazing garlic bread.
The cast iron gives you a crispy bottom crust while the top stays soft and pillowy.
45. Skillet Chilaquiles
This Mexican breakfast dish is a great way to use up stale tortillas.
Fry them in your skillet until crispy, then simmer in salsa until slightly softened.
Top with eggs, cheese, and avocado.
46. Pan-Seared Foie Gras
If you’re feeling fancy, cast iron is perfect for searing foie gras.
The high, even heat gives you a beautiful crust without overcooking the delicate interior.
Serve with a tart fruit compote to balance the richness.
47. Skillet Ratatouille
This French vegetable dish benefits from cast iron’s even heat distribution.
Layer your veggies in a spiral for a beautiful presentation, then let them slowly cook down into a rich, flavorful stew.
48. Crispy Skin Barramundi
Like with salmon, cast iron is perfect for getting crispy skin on barramundi.
The key is to not move the fish until the skin releases easily from the pan.
49. Skillet Cherry Clafoutis
This custardy French dessert is traditionally made with cherries, but feel free to use any fruit you like.
The cast iron gives you those crispy edges that contrast beautifully with the soft, creamy interior.
50. The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
We’re ending with a classic, elevated.
Use good bread, and a mix of cheeses (I like sharp cheddar and gruyere), and cook it low and slow in your cast iron skillet.
The even heat gives you that perfect golden-brown crust and gooey, melty interior.
