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Whether you're breaking in a brand-new cast iron skillet or are lucky enough to have one passed down from your grandmother, one thing's for sure: It's likely to be among the more versatile, heavily used tools in your kitchen. Though cast iron requires a bit of special attention (if you need a refresher, here's how to clean a cast iron pan), a well-seasoned pan will last for generations. That's far longer than the five or six years you can expect to get from a nonstick pan, and yet a well-seasoned cast iron pan is relatively nonstick! (And if the seasoning does wear out, here's how to reseason a cast iron skillet.)
In fact, when it comes to certain tasks, such as searing practically any type of steak or making cornbread, cast iron has no equal. That's because the iron itself is fantastic at holding heat, meaning it can create the kind of char you want on the surface of a piece of meat, while the seasoning helps food "release" from the surface when it's cooked, so you aren't scraping everything out of the pan. All that, and it can move from the stove top to the oven with ease, taking temperatures that would warp or bend other pans. But best of all? Well-made cast iron is really inexpensive! You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to end up with a pan you can love and use for years. In fact, we rounded up some of our favorite cast iron equipment and the skillet is often just $25.
To help you make the most of this kitchen workhorse, we're sharing our very best cast iron skillet recipes. Here you'll find a batch of seared sausage with cabbage and Pink Lady apples, as well as a skillet cornbread finished with freshly-ground black pepper and creamy butter. Or try one of our favorites, a decadent skillet chicken with Brussels sprouts and apples. For dessert, make our cast iron apple-blackberry crumble with sour cream whip. You'll be amazed at just how quickly your family devours it!
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1
Steak with Creamy Mushrooms and Spinach
Tired and hungry? This half-hour homestyle steakhouse meal has you covered both ways.
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2
Sausage and Cheese Lasagna
Now, here's a recipe that shows off the versatility of the skillet, going from stovetop to oven to turn even a lasagna into a one-pan meal.
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3
Cast-Iron Hasselback Potatoes
These fancy looking spuds are easier to prepare than you might think, and if you like crispy, crunchy roasted potatoes, they're a dream come true.
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4
Seafood and Chorizo Paella with Bell Peppers
Want to make a simple meal feel extra special? Add seafood. Fresh mussels, a few threads of saffron, some Spanish chorizo, and a bottle of white wine will turn even the drabbest Wednesday into a special occasion.
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5
Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Escarole
If you haven't made the move to chicken thighs, let this recipe be your guide. Bone-in thighs are easier to cook, less expensive, and far tastier. (Plus they don't dry out!) This simple 30-minute recipe pairs 'em with a healthy mix of beans and greens.
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6
Cheesy Frittata with Spring Greens and Shallots
This beauty starts on the stove and then finishes in the oven for a golden, crusty top.
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7
Pork Chops With Bourbon-Molasses Glaze
Brined to ensure juiciness and flavor, and then dressed in a fantastic glaze, a cast iron pan will ensure these get the perfect sear, completing the taste trifecta.
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8
Strip Steak With Lemon Mashed Potatoes
When searing steak in a skillet, use a high-heat oil, like canola or vegetable, give the pan plenty of time to absorb the heat on the burner, and give the steak a few minutes undisturbed, so it develops a nice crust.
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9
Roasted Mushroom and Bacon Dutch Baby
This savory German-style pancake makes an impressive presentation served right in the pan. Pair it with a salad for a full dinner.
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10
Grilled Hot Dogs with Cast-Iron Beans
One of the real pleasures of cast iron is using it on a grill. Here, both the hot dogs and the beans benefit from the smoky flavors of a wood fire.
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11
Skillet Spinach-Artichoke Dip With Fire-Roasted Bread
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12
Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Pink Lady Apples
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13
Erin Napier's Skillet Cornbread
The HGTV star finishes her easy recipe with freshly ground black pepper and melted butter.
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14
Jalapeño-Green Chile Spoonbread
Move over, cornbread! Spoonbread is an easy alternative, and this one—which is as cheesy and spicy as it is delicious—is a great option for your first attempt.
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15
Scallion Cornbread
Use a corncob-shaped cast iron skillet to make this cheesy recipe.
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16
Cast-Iron Apple-Blackberry Crumble with Sour Cream Whip
Your family will love digging into this fruit-filled dessert.
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17
Mini Skillet S'mores
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18
Skillet Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Apples
Brown sugar and apples bring sweetness to this chicken and brussels sprouts skillet dish.
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19
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Smoky Chickpeas
Warm up and wind down with this simple yet hearty weeknight meal.
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20
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Pepper and Salsa Verde
Spice up your weeknight dinner with this quick and easy chicken recipe.