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18 Reasons to Break Out That Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron cooking may seem like a hassle, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Here are 18 reasons why.

A cast iron skillet may be big. It may be heavy. It may seem cumbersome.

But there’s a reason why this invention exists: because you can make some pretty awesome food with it.

We’ve listed 18 recipes below that prove this point:

1
Homemade Chili's Chicken Fajitas Photo
David Dial
Homemade Chili’s Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Homemade Chili’s Chicken Fajitas are easier than you think. No need to go out, thanks to your trusty cast iron skillet.
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2
Maple Candied Bacon Photo
David Dial
Maple Candied Bacon Recipe
Maple candied bacon goes with just about anything. We really like it in David’s salad.
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3
Maple Bacon Skillet Cornbread Photo
Kate Donahue
Maple Bacon Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Maple Bacon Skillet Cornbread is best warm from the oven. A perfect accompaniment to any main dish, or a great snack by itself.
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4
Homemade Tortillas Photo
David Dial
Homemade Tortillas Recipe
Homemade tortillas are pillow soft flat breads that make life worth living. Filled with taco fixins or simple salted butter – that’s…
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5
Homemade Hash Browns Photo
David Dial
Homemade Hash Browns Recipe
Homemade hash browns cooked in the cast iron skillet are one of life’s greatest pleasures. They’ll make your breakfast or brunch…
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6
Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookie Photo
David Dial
Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookie makes a pretty strong statement. Who can refuse a giant chocolate chip cookie?!
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7
Mushroom & Feta Hashbrown Skillet Photo
Erin C.
Mushroom & Feta Hashbrown Skillet Recipe
Make this Mushroom & Feta Hashbrown Skillet for an easy one-dish dinner. Maybe even through a poached egg on top!
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8
Peach Blueberry Cobbler Photo
David Dial
Peach Blueberry Cobbler Recipe
Peach Blueberry Cobbler is easy when it’s baked up in a cast iron skillet. Bright peaches, beautiful blueberries, and the best…
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9
Almond Skillet Cake Photo
David Dial
Almond Skillet Cake Recipe
Almond Skillet Cake is light and sweet, with just the right amount of almond-y goodness. Cooked up in a cast-iron skillet that can be…
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10
Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Photo
David Dial
Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Cast iron deep dish pizza that’s better than anything you can get delivered!
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11
Pan Seared Flank Steak Photo
Christina Lane
Pan Seared Flank Steak Recipe
Pan Seared Flank Steak is simply incredible. Add some spicy pepitas, and you’ve got one amazing dinner.
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12
Jalapeño Cheddar Grits Photo
David Dial
Jalapeño Cheddar Grits Recipe
Jalapeño Cheddar Grits make a fantastic meal or side. This staple of the south is certainly amazing.
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13
Lemon Blueberry Skillet Pancakes Photo
David Dial
Lemon Blueberry Skillet Pancakes Recipe
Lemon Blueberry Skillet Pancakes will bring brightness to your step. Lemon and blueberries top this one pan skillet pancake.
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14
Skillet Cinnamon Rolls Photo
David Dial
Skillet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Skillet Cinnamon Rolls are what you want waiting for you. Just prepare the day before and bake when you’re ready.
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15
Roasted Poblano Mac & Cheese Photo
David Dial
Roasted Poblano Mac & Cheese Recipe
Roasted Poblano Mac & Cheese bakes in a cast iron skillet. Cheesy and spicy comfort!
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16
Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake Photo
David Dial
Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe
Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake puts your favorite pizza into a pasta. All the ingredients you love.
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17
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta Photo
David Dial
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta Recipe
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta cook up beautifully in a cast iron skillet. You’ll love the pancetta!
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18
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Photo
David Dial
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is such an easy dinner. Grab all the staples, and you’ve got a meal!
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Bonus: You can also make a Tomahawk steak in a cast iron skillet!