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There are times when you want to cook something yummy and tasty, but the thought of the stressful cleanup that’ll follow shortly afterwards often deters you.
Trust me, I feel you. Preparing and enjoying tasty meals shouldn’t be such a stress-inducing task. And that’s why we absolutely adore one skillet meals.
Simple recipes that come together in one cast iron skillet, which not only reduce cleanup, but also helps you put food on the table a lot quicker.
If that’s the kind of thing you’re looking for, then grab a seat, because I’ve got a couple of yummy delights in store for you.
In this post, you’ll discover 32 incredible one skillet recipes for you to make today. These skillet meals are quick and easy to make, full of good flavor, and super satisfying too.
And it’s not just about the main dishes. This list covers everything from breakfast to dinner, and even desserts. Lots of amazing recipes to make with your cast iron skillet.
Let’s get right into it.
Useful Cast Iron Skillet Cooking Tips
Cooking with a cast iron skillet is like wielding a culinary powerhouse that can elevate your dishes to new heights.
Whether you’re searing steaks, baking cornbread, or frying chicken, these timeless cooking vessels offer unparalleled versatility and flavor.
To help you become a cast iron skillet maestro, here are seven essential tips to consider:
1. Seasoning for Success
Properly seasoning your cast iron skillet is the foundation of its non-stick prowess. Seasoning involves coating the skillet with a thin layer of oil or fat and then heating it to create a natural, slick surface.
To maintain this seasoning, avoid using soap, which can strip the skillet of its protective layer. Instead, clean it with hot water, a stiff brush, and a gentle touch. After each use, lightly oil the skillet to prevent rust and maintain its seasoning.
2. Preheating Matters
Cast iron skillets retain and distribute heat exceptionally well, but they require adequate preheating.
To ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, heat your skillet slowly over medium-low to medium heat before adding oil or ingredients. Allow it to come to temperature gradually to avoid hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking.
3. Use the Right Oils
When cooking with cast iron, choose oils with high smoke points to prevent burning and the development of a bitter taste.
Suitable options include vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and clarified butter (ghee). Avoid using butter or extra virgin olive oil for high-heat cooking, as they have lower smoke points and can become rancid.
4. Monitor Temperature
Cast iron skillets can become extremely hot, so it’s essential to control the cooking temperature.
When searing meats or frying, maintaining a consistent medium-high heat is usually ideal. To gauge the temperature, drop a few water droplets onto the skillet’s surface. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, it’s ready for cooking.
5. Gentle Cleaning:
To preserve the seasoning and longevity of your cast iron skillet, adopt a gentle cleaning routine.
After cooking, allow the skillet to cool slightly, then rinse it with hot water. Use a stiff brush or scraper to remove any food particles or residue.
Avoid abrasive scouring pads or steel wool, which can damage the seasoning. Once clean, wipe the skillet dry and lightly coat it with oil before storing.
6. Patience is Key
Cast iron skillet cooking rewards patience. When searing, let the food develop a proper crust before attempting to flip it.
This will prevent sticking and enhance the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for that delicious browned exterior. When baking, preheat the skillet before adding the dough or batter for optimal results.
7. Tackle Sticky Situations
If food sticks to the skillet, don’t panic. Gently loosen it with a spatula, and it will often release as it continues to cook. To prevent sticking in the first place, ensure the skillet is adequately preheated and generously oiled.
Mastering cast iron skillet cooking is a journey that combines tradition with innovation.
With these six tips, you’ll harness the full potential of this culinary tool, creating dishes that boast incredible flavor and texture.
Whether you’re a seasoned cast iron chef or just beginning your skillet adventure, these fundamentals will help you achieve exceptional results in the kitchen.
32 Easy Cast Iron Skillet Recipes
1) Italian Chicken, Farro and Vegetable Skillet
Get the recipe at – Sweet Savory And Steph
2) Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
3) Easy Cast Iron Pizza
Get the recipe at – A Couple Cooks
4) Bacon, Egg, and Potato Breakfast Skillet
Get the recipe at – The Girl Who Ate Everything
5) Turkey and Vegetable Skillet
Get the recipe at – Recipe Runner
Also See: 36 Stress-free One Pot Dinners You Need In Your Life
6) Easy Mediterranean Chicken
Get the recipe at – Healthy Fitness Meals
7) Thai Red Coconut Chicken
Get the recipe at – A Saucy Kitchen
8) Skillet Sausage Pasta
Get the recipe at – From Valerie’s Kitchen
9) Vegetarian Enchilada Skillet Casserole
Get the recipe at – Kitchen Confidante
10) Creamy Skillet Chicken Noodle Casserole
Get the recipe at – Real Housemoms
Also See: 32 Healthy Casserole Recipes That’ll Make Your Mouth Water
11) Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Herb Butter Biscuits
Get the recipe at – Plays Well With Butter
12) Skillet Lasagna
Get the recipe at – The Cozy Cook
13) Steak Bites and Potatoes
Get the recipe at – Tournadough Alli
14) Spicy Salmon Sweet Potato Skillet
Get the recipe at – Primavera Kitchen
15) One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo
Get the recipe at – Dishing Out Health
Also See: 25 Healthy Shrimp Recipes You’ve Got To Try Today
16) Paleo Chicken Tikka Masala
Get the recipe at – Belly Full
17) Pan-Fried Pork Chops With Honey Garlic Herb Butter
Get the recipe at – The Endless Meal
18) Mexican Frittata with Pico de Gallo
Get the recipe at – Cast Iron Recipes
19) Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
Get the recipe at – Simply Whisked
20) One Pan Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo
Get the recipe at – Spices In My DNA
Also See: 30 Quick 15-Minute Dinner Recipes For Those Busy Weeknights
21) Southwestern Chicken Quinoa Skillet
Get the recipe at – Eat The Gains
22) One Skillet Louisiana Style Chicken and Rice
Get the recipe at – Half Baked Harvest
23) One Skillet Salmon with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce
Get the recipe at – Paleo Running Momma
24) Salisbury Steak Meatball Noodle Skillet
Get the recipe at – Grandbaby Cakes
25) Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
Get the recipe at – Ahead Of Thyme
Also See: 30 Super Simple Ground Beef Recipes To Make Today
26) Easy Skillet Carrot Cake
Get the recipe at – Butter Be Ready
27) Blueberry Cobbler
Get the recipe at – Confetti and Bliss
28) Peanut Butter-Chocolate Skillet Cookie
Get the recipe at – Girl vs Dough
29) Homemade Apple Crisp
Get the recipe at – Midwest Foodie
30) Crowd-Pleasing Dairy Free Cinnamon Rolls
Get the recipe at – A Simple Palate
31) Shakshuka
Get the recipe at – Coco And Camelia
32) Skillet Chicken Parmesan
