5 Cast Iron Dinner Recipes

5 Cast Iron Dinner Recipes

If you love cooking, then you're likely eager to try out new recipes and cooking methods. Cooking with cast iron cookware is one of the most gratifying cooking experiences. Ideal for both beginner and expert chefs, a cast iron pan is an easy way to whip up a delicious recipe that all can enjoy. While there are several benefits to using cast iron cookware, its long-lasting and non-toxic nature is what made it so famous. In addition to being a reliable kitchen accessory, cast iron is also highly versatile and can be used to cook everything from seared veggies to chocolate chip cookies. While cooking with cast iron is simple, there are a few tips you should follow to ensure that your recipes turn out top-notch. To help you spice up your weeknight meals, the Bob's Red Mill experts have put together this guide listing the benefits of cast iron as well as five of our favorite recipes.

Benefits of Using Cast Iron

The small cast iron pan and cutting board on wooden background

Cast Iron Is Low Maintenance

When purchasing new cast iron, the only actual requirement is that you season it first. After the initial seasoning, cast iron pans require minimal maintenance and cleaning. This is because each time you use your cast iron cookware, the seasoning only gets stronger. When you're done, all you have to do is rinse the skillet off with water, gently brush off leftover food particles and dry it thoroughly.

Cast Iron Is Budget Friendly

Compared to many other cooking materials, cast iron cookware can be purchased at a relatively low cost. Additionally, high-quality cast iron is widely available and will last years when well taken care of. The long lifespan of cast iron makes it an excellent addition to your cookware collection and a great investment.

Cast Iron Is a Great Conductor of Heat

Cast iron skillets are an excellent conductor of heat, and when placed over the burner, the entire surface will heat evenly. Providing an even heat source for your recipes ensures that the food is cooked thoroughly. For even better results, we recommend warming your cast iron skillet before adding food to it. Doing so will allow adequate time for the surface area to heat up and cook food at the desired pace.

Cast Iron Cookware Is Naturally Nonstick

When correctly seasoned, a nonstick surface is created, preventing food from sticking to your cast iron pans and skillet. Using a seasoning method reduces the need to apply more oil or butter to the surface and creates recipes lower in fat and calories.

Caring for Cast Iron

Stacked Cast Iron Skillets with Sponge and Steel Wool on Marble Countertop

Apply a Proper Seasoning Coat

If you've never seasoned cookware before, just the thought of it may seem intimidating. The truth is, seasoning cast iron cookware is extremely easy. By simply applying a layer or two of oil to your cast iron skillet and baking it at a high temperature, you can quickly create a non-stick cooking layer that gets more effective each time you use it. Though vegetable oil is most commonly used, you can use any type of oil for seasoning your skillet. However, avoid using butter or olive oil for the first seasoning, since these are oils with a low smoke point, or burning point. Keeping your cast iron skillet well seasoned is key to ensuring that it remains in top shape over the years. And though it may seem time-consuming, the result is well with the initial effort.

Prevent Rust from Forming

Without a seasoning coat, cast iron is susceptible to rusting. Aside from creating a nonstick surface, the oil applied when seasoning works to soak the entire surface of the cast iron, creating a barrier between the cookware and water. This barrier protects the cast iron from rusting and is crucial to its proper care. Because of this, it's essential that when applying the seasoning coat, the oil is applied to the entire surface of the cast iron skillet.

Avoid Cooking Heavily Acidic Recipes

While acidic foods can be cooked in cast iron cookware, you'll want to refrain from cooking them too often. Cooking highly acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes can extract iron from the skillet and turn your food a darker color. While this addition of iron doesn't immediately affect your health, it impacts your cookware's lifespan. Leaving highly acidic foods in cast iron for long periods can wear down the layers in the seasoning causing food to stick more easily and rust to form.

Clean with Water When Possible

When cleaning your cast iron cookware, when possible, wash it with a soft brush and water. A healthy coat of seasoning should prevent food from sticking to the surface and any leftovers should be easy to remove. If extra washing is needed, mild dish soap can be used in small amounts. However, you want to be careful not to use too much as harsh scrubbing will quickly break down your seasoning layer and damage the health of your cookware.

Cast Iron Dinner Recipes

The many recipes that you can cook in a cast iron skillet are endless. From savory pasta to fresh bread, here are a few of our favorites.

Skillet Pizza

Skillet pizza Searching for a cast iron skillet recipe that you can enjoy with the entire family? Making homemade pizza is an excellent option. Delicious pizza dough made with our Artisan Bread Flour can quickly be cooked in a skillet to create a soft and crispy roundtable dinner that everyone will love. By using a cast iron skillet to cook your pizza, you can make a crisp crust that cooks in just minutes. Top your Skillet Pizza with flavorful ingredients like sauce, mushrooms, onions and cheese and place it in the over to flawlessly blend the flavors. You'll love how quick and easy this recipe is to make!

Cornbread and Chili

If you're searching for a savory dinner skillet recipe that will satisfy everyone's cravings, start by making this Gluten Free Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread. There's something about cornbread that's baked in a sizzling-hot cast iron skillet that makes it so much better. Fresh out of the oven, this cornbread boasts a crisp exterior with a soft, springy center. Enjoy it hot with butter, honey, or even cheese, and pair it with a delicious chili like this 13 Bean Chili for a next-level dinner that will win over even the pickiest of eaters.

Enchiladas

Black bean and creamy kale enchiladas Weeknights can get crazy, and while you might not have the time to make a three-course dinner, that doesn't mean you can't whip up a satisfying meal. Adding enchiladas to your list of easy weeknight dinner recipes is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings while also saving time in the kitchen. And what's even better is that this dish can easily be made in a cast iron skillet. Made with wholesome and flavorful ingredients, enchiladas are a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal. Add chili powder or your homemade taco seasoning for extra kick. Don't forget to include your protein of choice, like chicken breast, ground beef or beans. For a tasty recipe to try out in your new cast iron skillet, make these Black Bean Creamy Kale Enchiladas.

Vegetable Pot Pie

Who doesn't love a great pie? Especially when it's full of savory and filling ingredients like good-for-you veggies! For a delicious cast iron dinner recipe that will have everyone reaching for seconds, take your cast iron skills to the next level and bake a healthier version of the chicken pot pie, the Gluten Free Vegetable Pot Pie. Easy to make and clean up, baking your pie in a skillet is the perfect way to create a pot-luck-style cast iron skillet dinner recipe. Just prepare the essential ingredients like onion, garlic or garlic powder, bell pepper, vegetables and you're ready to start cooking. For a gluten free pie that's guaranteed to taste delicious, be sure to use our Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix! Now that you know the benefits of cast iron cookware and the many different kinds of dinner recipes you can make, it's time to hit the kitchen and try it out for yourself. From cleaning your cookware properly to making a delicious cast iron skillet pizza, we hope this article has reignited your love for cast iron and its many uses. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you the best in all of your kitchen endeavors!
Bob's Red Mill
June 01 2021

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