Little did I know, when I scanned it while we were registering our way through Crate and Barrel 3 ½ years ago, that a humble cast-iron skillet would become one of my best kitchen friends. I honestly didn't have any plans for it when we added it to our wedding wish list, but I knew that a cast-iron skillet was one of those things that a person should have in their kitchen. It was a while after we opened our gifts before we christened it and realized its potential. The first meal? Fried chicken. 🙆
Since then, we've made an unbelievable variety of dishes and eaten countless meals directly out of it. (No shame.) We've also purchased a smaller cast iron and inherited 2 more that Clark's memaw had retired from her kitchen. 🙌 SCORE!
Why do I love my cast-iron skillet? Let me count the ways.
1. They are versatile.
2. They are durable – they won't break when you drop them and they won't lose their nonstick coating or scratch. Basically, they will last a lifetime and can be handed down to your kids one day. And probably their kids.
3. They can go from stovetop to oven.
4. They are easy to clean – you don't even need soap!
5. You can take them camping and cook over an open flame. 🔥
6. They are great for high heat cooking.
Not surprisingly, we've amassed quite a few cast-iron skillet recipes here on the blog so I put together a list of my favorite ways to use my favorite pan. If you have one, get to cooking! And if you don't, just hit up Amazon to get one for a super reasonable price – I promise it'll be the best $25 you've spent... dare I say it... ever.
Vegan and Gluten Free Apple Crisp
One Pot Tomato Artichoke Penne
Sticky Sesame Tofu and Broccoli
Skillet Chicken Tortilla Pie – From PinchOfYum.com
Simple Cast Iron Skillet Ratatouille
Thai Turkey Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce
Creamy Brussels Sprout Orrechiette
Gluten Free Potstickers
Red Potato Skillet Hash – from BBritnell.com
20-Minute Orzo with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce
Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish Pizza – From TinasChic.com
Baked Huevos Rancheros
From pizzas to granola and everything in between, a cast-iron skillet can handle it all. It's basically the superman of the kitchen. 💪
As for seasoning them, we heated olive oil to medium over the stovetop and sautéed garlic for a couple of minutes, then emptied the garlic and rubbed the skillet clean with paper towel. Lodge skillets come pre-seasoned and are nonstick, but this additional seasoning creates a subtle savory flavor for future dishes that are made in it. Opinions vary on how to season cast iron, but we like the way this method worked for us.
Do you have a favorite cast-iron recipe? Share it in the comments below!
LOVE my cast iron skillets! And thanks for including my recipe :)
Me too, Brita! You're welcome. :)