13 Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

Your cast iron skillet is capable of so much more than just frying eggs and searing steaks. These cast iron skillet recipes prove that one versatile pan can handle everything from easy dinners to delicious desserts and appetizers.

Think crispy-edged cornbread, bubbling pasta bakes, and desserts with perfectly caramelized crusts that only cast iron can deliver. Once you try these recipes, you’ll understand why seasoned home cooks swear by their trusty skillets for creating mouthwatering dishes.

1. Cast Iron Skilled Baked Ziti

This weeknight hero brings together Italian sausage, pasta, and cheese in a single skillet that goes from stovetop to oven. The cast iron gives you those yummy caramelized edges while keeping everything bubbling hot for serving.

Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Baked Ziti

2. Sweet Potato Frittata with Sausage

Roasted sweet potatoes add natural sweetness to this protein-packed dish. A cast iron skillet creates the perfect golden bottom while keeping the eggs creamy throughout.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Frittata with Sausage

3. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

The magic happens when butter and brown sugar caramelize in your hot skillet before the cake batter goes on top. This old-fashioned dessert gets its signature golden crust and tender crumb thanks to cast iron’s even heat distribution.

Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

4. Campfire Nachos Skillet

Throw some nachos in a cast iron skillet on the grill and you’ll have everyone devouring them. The cast iron heats everything evenly, so every chip gets perfectly melted cheese without any burnt spots.

Get the Recipe: Campfire Nachos Skillet

5. Creamy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Bone-in thighs get seared before finishing in the oven, then get smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce. This will be your new favorite weeknight meal, yum!

Get the Recipe: Creamy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

6. Sweet Skillet Cornbread

Honey sweetens this Southern classic that bakes up with those coveted crispy edges only cast iron can deliver. Heating the skillet first creates an incredible crust that’s golden and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Skillet Cornbread

7. French Onion Meatballs

This easy skillet recipe consists of homemade meatballs, caramelized onions, and a delicious sauce, all topped with bubbly Gruyere. This comfort food favorite goes straight from stovetop to broiler in your trusty skillet.

Get the Recipe: French Onion Meatballs

8. Cinnamon Roll Bites

These pull-apart treats give you all the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls without the rolling and rising time. The bite-sized pieces bake up golden and get coated in cinnamon sugar and sweet icing.

Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Bites

9. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Cubed sirloin gets perfectly seared, then tossed in garlic butter. Serve them with a tasty dipping sauce or over rice.

Get the Recipe: Steak Bites

10. Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Refrigerated biscuits make this comfort classic incredibly easy, sitting on top of a creamy chicken and vegetable base. The one-skillet approach means less cleanup and more time enjoying this cozy meal.

Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

11. Smoked Queso Dip

Three melted cheeses combine with spicy Rotel for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that develops incredible smoky flavor. Your cast iron keeps the dip at the ideal consistency for dipping while you’re entertaining.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso Dip

12. Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

This shareable dessert bakes up with those irresistible crispy edges and a chewy center that only cast iron can achieve. Serve it warm with ice cream or grab spoons and dig right in.

Get the Recipe: Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

13. Sundried Tomato and Olive Focaccia

This Italian bread develops an amazing crispy bottom crust while staying pillowy soft inside. The Mediterranean toppings make it perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying with good olive oil.

Get the Recipe: Sundried Tomato and Olive Focaccia