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

two steaks in well oiled pan
Photo: Allrecipes

Whether you found it under the Christmas tree or snagged it during a big kitchen store sale, a cast iron skillet is sure to be a welcome addition to your collection of pots and pans. When you're ready to cook, our collection of introductory cast iron skillet recipes will show you how its even heating perfectly crisps crusts, browns meats, and sears steaks. In fact, the cast iron skillet is one of the most versatile items in your kitchen collection.

01 of 12

Cast Iron Pan-Seared Steak

overhead shot of two steaks in oiled iron skillet
Allrecipes

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.

02 of 12

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken in a bowl over a napkin
lutzflcat

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.

03 of 12

Hangtown Fry with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs

Hangtown Fry with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs
Hangtown Fry with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs | Photo by Fava Bean. Fava

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.

04 of 12

Smoked Mozarella Skillet Chicken

smoked mozzarella skillet chicken
France C

"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.

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Cornbread

Cast Iron Cornbread
Chef John

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.

06 of 12

Pork Tenderloin alla Napoli

juicy pork tenderloin with pasta and asparagus
Scott M.

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!"

07 of 12

Deep Dish Pizza

Deep-Dish Cast Iron Pizza
Eric

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.

08 of 12

Buttermilk Biscuits

biscuits smeared with orange marmalade with additional biscuits in cast iron skillet in background
Happyschmoopies

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.

09 of 12

Oven-Baked Beef Tagliata

Oven-Baked Beef Tagliata
Photo by thedailygourmet. thedailygourmet

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.

10 of 12

One Skillet Corned Beef Hash Breakfast

overhead shot of corned beef breakfast hash in small iron skillets
bd.weld

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!

11 of 12

Skillet Apple Brownie

Skillet Apple Brownie
Nobody'sGirl

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.

12 of 12

Crustless Cranberry Pie

overhead shot of cranberry cobbler-like pie
Megumi Riel

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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