Cast Iron Recipes for Beginners That Will Make You Look Like a Pro (2024)

Cast Iron Pan-Seared Steak

Cast iron skillets are known for heating evenly, meaning you won't have to contend with one part of your steak cooking more quickly than the other. This simple, delicious recipe sears the outsides of the steaks in the pan before they conveniently finish cooking in the oven.

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken

Luxurious taste with simple ingredients. Earthy sage acts as the perfect complement to tangy cider. Bacon, apples, onions, and herbs complete a beautiful, easy meal that the family can enjoy together. Substitute dried herbs for fresh if you're pinched for time.

Hangtown Fry with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs

This ridiculously easy egg bake is a throwback to an omelet made famous during the Gold Rush. The oysters are first browned in the skillet, then joined by a rich mixture of cream, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. A dash of hot sauce gives this skillet meal some edge. Enjoy a slice of this yummy, gluten-free fry for a breakfast that is sure to satisfy.

Smoked Mozarella Skillet Chicken

"An easy way to dress up chicken breast, this recipe incorporates a tasty smoked mozzarella cheese. Cooked in a cast iron skillet, you can keep your oven off and your kitchen cool," says recipe creator mrs. g. Breasts are pounded out with a mallet, seasoned well, and cooked quickly. A delightfully cheesy chicken recipe to have in your arsenal.

Cornbread

Once you own a cast iron skillet, making cornbread is a requirement. This recipe from Chef John has the skillet preheated with butter inside, making for a golden brown exterior that proclaims perfectly cooked cornbread. Cornbread covered casseroles, with bases like chili or sloppy Joes, are popular as their fillings can be sautéed before pouring in the batter and finishing the dish in the oven.

Pork Tenderloin alla Napoli

Tender pork is elevated by a decadent sauce of cream, olives, and rosemary. "This came out so good that my family couldn't believe that it was homemade," says reviewer Lilyana. "They thought I had ordered in from a restaurant—what a compliment!"

Deep Dish Pizza

Forget takeout; you'll be able to make Chicago's famous pizza at home now. Utilize the skillet's deep sides and even heating to make a chewy and rich crust that will hold all your favorite pizza toppings.

Buttermilk Biscuits

A 7-ingredient ode to authentic Southern cooking. These biscuits are billowy, buttery, and ready to be be smeared with the jam or syrup of your choice. Perfect for a picnic with cold chicken and salad or as an accompaniment to a hearty stew. Skillet biscuits are a traditional treat made to share.

Oven-Baked Beef Tagliata

Perfect for those sticking to a low-carb lifestyle, this delicious sirloin dish is bursting with flavor. Garlic, rosemary, and oregano coat the steaks before they are seared in the skillet, then arugula with a fresh burst of lemon juice tops everything off.

One Skillet Corned Beef Hash Breakfast

Canned hash gets a serious upgrade in this homey breakfast dish. Cheddar cheese is melted over corned beef, peppers, and diced chiles for a wonderful morning bite. Add eggs and the deliciousness is complete-all in under 30 minutes!

Skillet Apple Brownie

By preheating your cast iron skillet in the oven, you can impart a crispy crust on many baked goods, from brownies to cornbread. The batter in this recipe will start cooking as soon as it hits the pan. This provides a crunchy exterior while the interior remains fluffy, moist, and incredibly apple-y.

Crustless Cranberry Pie

A wonderfully tangy confection that is flavored with almond extract and loads of bright cranberries. A top-rated dessert that will cook up beautifully in your skillet in under an hour! Perfect for the holidays or anytime you're craving a tart, buttery treat.

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