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Your cast iron skillet isn’t just for searing steaks or making rustic one-pan dinners. In fact, some of its best work happens outside of mealtime. These 9 random recipes cover everything from cornbread and frittatas to gooey desserts and warm dips, none of which require planning a whole dinner around them. Just simple, crave-worthy, skillet-made goodness.
1. Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 egg
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Feeds: 6-8 people
This classic cast iron skillet cornbread is perfectly golden on the outside and moist on the inside. Serve it warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey. My grandmother made her cornbread in cast iron for years, and it always came out just perfect.
2. Skillet Apple Crisp
Ingredients: 6 apples, peeled and sliced; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup flour; 1/2 cup oats; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup butter, melted
Cook time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Feeds: 6-8 people
Skillet apple crisp is a warm and comforting dessert featuring tender apples topped with a crispy oat and brown sugar crumble. Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
3. Cast Iron Skillet Brownies
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Feeds: 6-8 people
These rich and fudgy cast iron skillet brownies are a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
4. Skillet Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Feeds: 4-6 people
These easy skillet cinnamon rolls are perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch. They’re baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet and topped with a sweet glaze.
5. Cast Iron Zucchini Frittata
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 zucchinis, sliced; 6 eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup shredded cheese; salt and pepper to taste
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Feeds: 4-6 people
This skillet zucchini frittata is a perfect breakfast or brunch dish. It’s packed with fresh zucchini and cheese, making it a nutritious and delicious meal.
6. Cast Iron Pancakes
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Feeds: 4 people
These skillet pancakes are fluffy and delicious, perfect for a weekend breakfast. Cook them in a cast iron skillet for a golden brown finish and serve with your favorite toppings.
7. Cast Iron S’mores
Ingredients: 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 package graham crackers
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Feeds: 4-6 people
Skillet s’mores are a fun and easy dessert that brings the campfire treat indoors. Melt chocolate and marshmallows in a skillet and serve with graham crackers for dipping.
8. Cast Iron Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup chopped spinach; 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; salt and pepper to taste
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Feeds: 4-6 people
This skillet spinach and artichoke dip is a creamy and cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for parties. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
9. One-Pan Breakfast Hash
Ingredients: 4 slices of bacon, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 potatoes, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 4 eggs; salt and pepper to taste
Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Feeds: 4 people
This hearty one-pan breakfast hash features crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh vegetables, all cooked in a cast iron skillet. Top with eggs and cook to your liking for a perfect start to your day.
