Put Your Cast Iron Skillet to Work With These Recipes

Cast iron skillets may be heavy, but they're worth breaking out for any of these delicious cast iron skillet recipes. Not only are they great for sautéing, pan-frying, searing, baking, braising and more, but there are full dishes you can make using only a cast iron skillet for super easy cleanup.

The best cast iron skillet is a classic piece of cookware that should be tough as nails, so it's possible that you inherited one from your mom or have been using the same sturdy skillet for decades. In fact, cast iron skillets can get better with age if they're properly seasoned. Seasoning is a thin layer of polymerized oil that helps form a natural, easy-release cooking surface and prevents your pan from rusting. That means no need for nonstick cooking spray or scrubbing away stubborn debris. You can buy them pre-seasoned or allow the seasoning to build up over time. As long as you know how to clean cast iron without removing the seasoning, your skillet could last you a lifetime.

Now that you understand why you should have one around, these mouthwatering cast iron skillet recipes will make you want to use it more and more. From decadent desserts to complete one-pan meals, many of them may rival the breezy cleanup you get from sheet pan dinners. Everything you want in a hearty breakfast or flavorful side can be cooked in a cast-iron skillet, from the stovetop into the oven and back again.