63 Skillet Recipes That'll Keep Your Cast-Iron Pan Working
Have pan, will make dinner.
We make a lot of dinner recipes here at Country Living. It's what having a beautiful kitchen is for! And if there's one tool we end up using more than almost any other, it's our super sturdy, handy-dandy cast-iron skillet.
Because it can handle scorchingly high heat, it's great for searing proteins such as steak or chicken. Because it can swing easily from stovetop to oven, it's great for roasting, baking, braising, and more. Because a well-seasoned cast-iron pan is nearly non-stick, it's great for delicate dishes like eggs and fish.
And because we love collecting vintage things, we treasure our heirloom cast-iron. And we use them too, because they only get better with age! They're a lot easier to keep clean than some people think, too.
But the thing we do most often with our skillets? We make dinner in them. Though you can make practically any recipe in a cast-iron skillet, there are some dishes that, dare we say it, only a sturdy country skillet will do. And to show you what we mean, here are more than sixty of our favorite recipes that are perfect for your skillet. Most of them are easy weeknight mains, but there are plenty of side dishes here, such as cornbread (of course). There are more than a few breakfast dishes, and there are even a couple desserts. Give any of these a try, and you're sure to be delighted!
Read more skillet stories on Country Living:
Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken and Cabbage
A cast-iron pan easily goes from stovetop searing to oven-roasting, making this recipe a one-pan wonder!
Get the recipe for Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken and Cabbage.
Filet Mignon with Duck Fat Potatoes
There are few kinds of pans better for handling steak than cast-iron. It can get rip-roaring hot without worry that it'll warp, and without coatings coming off. Use it for any splurge-worthy meal.
Gnudi with Brown Butter Sauce
You could think of gnudi as ravioli without the shell, or as ricotta dumplings. But if you're a fan of cheese and butter, you couldn't find a more decadent dinner.
The cast-iron pan is the perfect vehicle for both cooking and serving these!
Easy Chicken Fried Steak
Can you even make this classic country recipe without a cast-iron skillet? 🤔
Maybe. But it certainly wouldn't taste the same.
Skillet Angel Biscuits with Spicy Honey Butter
Skillet biscuits are a time-honored country dish. These angel biscuits are made with two kind of leaveners, and are so light they could practically fly!
Get the recipe for Skillet Angel Biscuits with Spicy Honey Butter.
Steak au Poivre
This French bistro treat is perfect for special occasions—even if that occasion is a Wednesday! After searing the steaks you make a creamy, peppery pan sauce that—bonus—makes the cast-iron easy to clean after!
Roast Chicken with Tarragon-Braised Fennel
You'll need to assemble the marinade in the morning (or up to a day ahead) but this flavorful chicken recipe is well worth the prep.
Get the recipe for Roast Chicken with Tarragon-Braised Fennel.
Tamale Pie
If you're looking for a way to use ground beef in a spicy, simple dinner that'll make the whole family happy, then you've just found your recipe for tonight!
Easy Weeknight Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak is one of those classic recipes that is just so darned easy and good, once you make it you'll wonder why you haven't been serving it more often.
Cast-Iron Apple-Blackberry Crumble with Sour Cream Whip
Your family will love digging into this fruit-filled dessert.
Pork Chops with Roasted Maple-Bacon Radishes
Bonus: Not only does this pork chop taste amazing, but the pan sauce makes cleaning your skillet afterwards a breeze!
Ground Chicken Pad Thai
This super fast skillet dinner takes less time to make than delivery!
Salmon Patties
This is a great way to use canned salmon! And nothing gets that crisp sear, without overcooking, like a cast iron pan.
Ricotta Pancakes with Roasted Maple Rhubarb and Strawberries
It's no surprise that cast iron pans make for great breakfast pancakes — and breakfast food makes a delightfully fun (and easy) dinner!
Broccoli Steaks with Spiced Tomato Jam
Here's a vegetarian dinner that is easy, filling, and tastes so good you won't feel like you're missing out. Try it if you're aiming to eat a little healthier, or doing a #MeatlessMonday.
Steak with Creamy Mushrooms and Spinach
Tired and hungry? This half-hour homestyle steakhouse meal has you covered both ways.
Lemony Chicken Thighs
These bright, baked thighs get particularly crispy skins because they're cooked in a cast iron skillet, which holds heat much better than a sheet pan.
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