8 Cast Iron Skillet Recipes
Love Cooking in a Cast Iron Skillet? Me Too!
This post includes some of my favorite recipes all cooked in a cast iron skillet. Sometimes I cook and serve in the same skillet too!
Cast Iron Skillet History
For centuries, people have cooked with cast iron skillets. They were used long ago in China and became popular in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. In America, they became kitchen essentials in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Cast iron skillets are loved by cooking enthusiasts today for their even heat and versatility. The cast iron skillet continues to endure because of its timeless appeal.
One of my skillets is almost 53 years old! We received it as a wedding gift and it’s traveled with us each time we’ve moved. Not that we have moved a lot…but it never got lost in a move! It was given to us by Mrs. Sallie Bee Weeden. Mrs. Sallie Bee was known for always giving a cast iron skillet to brides to be in the community.
Some of my cast iron pieces are older than 53 years because they belonged to my mother. I have a round flat skillet and her cornstick pan.
Brands
There are many different brands that sell cast iron cooking products but Lodge and Bayou Classic are more familiar to me. You’ve seen Lodge at Cracker Barrel for sure))
The last piece that I purchased was Bayou Classic – the wedge pan. It came already pre-seasoned and ready to use. I’ll have to admit, I didn’t really believe that it could be seasoned that well, but it proved me wrong! It has turned out perfect wedges of cornbread every time)))
Cast iron pieces can come with an expensive price tag. I received a promotional email from Yeti the other day. They have come out with their own cast iron skillet…..for the amazingly low price of $400. Yes, I said $400…..unbelievable! So, you might want to rummage through your mom’s or grandmother’s cabinets before it’s too late and salvage some of those cast iron treasures)))
A Well-Seasoned Skillet
This is an example of a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. My husband makes the cornbread at out house, and you can see how smooth the surface is of this 50 year old skillet. This was immediately after the cornbread was turned out, and it hasn’t been washed or wiped clean yet.
Jeannie
caring for cast iron
Season regularly – Apply a thin layer of oil and bake at 400°F for one hour to maintain a non-stick surface.
Avoid soap – Use hot water and a stiff brush to clean; soap can strip seasoning.
Dry thoroughly – Prevent rust by drying immediately after washing, even using low heat to evaporate moisture.
Apply oil after washing – Rub a small amount of oil to keep the skillet seasoned and protected from rust. (We use cooking spray, then wipe with a paper towel.)
Avoid acidic foods early on – Tomatoes and vinegar can strip the seasoning on newer skillets.
Don’t soak in water – Prolonged exposure to water can cause rust. Also do not put in a dishwasher.
Scrape off stuck food – Use a plastic scraper or kosher salt to remove food without damaging the surface.
Repair rust – If rust appears, scrub with steel wool, re-season, and it’ll be good as new.
On to the Recipes
Kentucky Cornbread
This recipe is one from a family notebook called Kentucky Cornbread. A brother-in-law introduced it to our family several years ago and we’ve all been making it ever since. It’s really easy to make and great with tomato soup or chili. Well, you can just about eat it with anything, or by itself! This cornbread is loaded with calories so if this is of major importance, you might want to pass on this one.
Skillet Mac & Cheese with Smoked Sausage
Skillet Mac & Cheese with Smoked Sausage is a Southern comfort food)) It’s great for lunch or dinner, and any time of the year.
We love foods baked in a cast iron skillet too. Of course, you don’t have to, use an iron skillet, you can put it in your favorite casserole dish. But let me give you a heads up!
This recipe makes enough to fill a 12″ cast iron skillet and two 9″ square foil pans. So unless you’re feeding the extended family, you’ll have enough for two more meals!
Fried Green Tomatoes with Dipping Sauce
Fried green tomatoes with homemade dipping sauce is a perfect southern side dish or snack for a Saturday lunch. We typically eat a very light lunch or no lunch at all, but today I took a little time and made some fried green tomatoes with an easy dipping sauce.
Caramel Pecan Cream Cheese Dip
Caramel Pecan Cream Cheese Dip makes a great snack for tailgating or just any time! It’s really simple to prepare and warms up well too. A small 6″ cast iron skillet is the perfect size for smoking or baking cream cheese. I love preparing cream cheese dips in this skillet because it is so easy and you can cook and serve in the same skillet.
Serve hot with crisp Granny Smith apple slices. You need tart apples for this dip and Granny Smith fits the bill.
Chicken Spectacular – Easy Casserole
This is an easy casserole to make. Just basically mix up all the ingredients in a cast iron skillet and throw it in the oven! Cook and serve in the same skillet! Starting with a deboned rotisserie chicken gets you off to a head start right out of the gate.
Cornbread Skillet Dinner
This cornbread skillet dinner recipe spoke to me since it had simple ingredients that we all love, and it was a one-dish meal!
Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
Yellow summer squash casserole with Ritz cracker topping is one of our favorite Southern comfort foods. It’s great for the main dish at lunch or a side dish with dinner. And it’s easy to make!
Smoked Cream Cheese on the Grill
Have you tried smoked cream cheese yet? No! Well why don’t you try it))) It’s been all over TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, so I had to give it a try. It’s so yummy! And it’s so easy.
What’s your favorite recipe to cook in a cast iron skillet? My husband used cast iron on the grill when he prepares steaks. I’ll have to pay attention next time and share that process. The steaks always come out deliciously tender.
By the way……
The large skillet you see being used in my blog posts was a wedding gift from a sweet lady in our community many years ago.
She passed away this week and I couldn’t help but be reminded of my gift that is now 50+ years old. It was always well known that for bridal showers Ms. Sallie Bee would give you a cast iron skillet. She gave one to all the new brides in the community. It was so sweet to see the condolence comments on her family’s Facebook pages….one after another would mention…”I still have my skillet.” And I do too)))
Jeannie
These are the greatest recipes, looking forward to using them, especially fried green tomatoes and squash casserole. MMMM Good. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy your summer.
Thank you Deborah))) I have some that didn’t turn out so good….I don’t write about those…lol. Enjoy your summer too)))
I always look forward to seeing your recipes,so well organized and easy to follow.
Keep up the good works. grateful thanks…
Euline Mohamed.
Thank you Euline, I appreciate it))) Sorry for the delay in responding…I went out of town and left my laptop and ipad at home! Just now getting back to my desk)))