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Using a cast iron skillet for cooking is a classic practice that has been handed down through the ages. Known for their robustness and flexibility, cast iron skillets have become essential tools in numerous kitchens. Their ability to be utilized on the stovetop, inside an oven, or even over an open fire renders them ideal for various culinary techniques.

When it comes to cooking with a cast iron skillet, there are certain dishes that really shine. From crispy fried chicken to fluffy cornbread, cast iron skillets can take your cooking to the next level. But what should you look for when purchasing a cast iron skillet? The most critical thing to consider is the size of the skillet. A smaller skillet might be perfect for cooking for one or two people, while a larger skillet might be necessary for feeding a family.

Here are some of the best dishes to cook in a cast iron skillet:

1. Fried Chicken – The high sides of a cast iron skillet make it perfect for frying chicken. The even heat distribution ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, while the cast iron surface ensures a crispy exterior.

2. Cornbread – A cast iron skillet is the perfect vessel for baking cornbread. The skillet’s heat retention ensures that the cornbread cooks evenly and develops a crispy crust.

3. Steak – A cast iron skillet is the perfect tool for cooking a steak. The high heat retention ensures that the steak develops a flavorful crust, while the even heat distribution ensures that the steak cooks evenly.

4. Frittatas – A cast iron skillet is perfect for making frittatas. The skillet’s even heat distribution ensures that the eggs cook evenly, while the skillet’s oven-safe design allows you to finish the frittata in the oven.

5. Pizza – A cast iron skillet can be used to make delicious homemade pizza. The skillet’s high sides ensure that the pizza crust stays crispy, while the even heat distribution ensures that the pizza cooks evenly.

In conclusion, cooking with a cast iron skillet is a timeless tradition that can take your cooking to the next level. When purchasing a cast iron skillet, be sure to consider the size of the skillet. And when it comes to cooking, be sure to try out these delicious dishes that really shine in a cast iron skillet.

Best Dishes for Cast Iron Skillet

At [Our Company], we know that a cast iron skillet is a kitchen staple for many home cooks. Not only does it heat evenly, but it can also go from stovetop to oven with ease. But what are the best dishes to make in a cast iron skillet? We’ve done the research and testing to bring you our top picks. From breakfast to dinner, sweet to savory, here are the best dishes for your cast iron skillet.

• Fried chicken
• Skillet cornbread
• Frittatas
• Dutch baby pancakes
• Pizza
• S’mores dip

Whether you’re a seasoned cast iron skillet user or a newbie, these dishes are sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 12-inch

If you are looking for a durable and versatile cast iron skillet, the Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a great option. This skillet is pre-seasoned and comes with a silicone handle holder for easy lifting and protection from heat up to 500° F.

Pros

• The skillet provides unparalleled heat retention and even heating, making it perfect for searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, frying, or grilling.
• It is safe to use in the oven, on the stove or grill, and over a campfire, making it a great choice for indoor and outdoor cooking.
• The skillet is pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, which improves with use and provides an easy-release finish.

Cons

• The skillet is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
• The handle may become hot during use, so it is important to use the silicone handle holder provided.
• The skillet requires careful cleaning and maintenance to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick surface.

In our experience, the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 12-inch is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook. Its durability, versatility, and even heating make it a reliable and consistent choice for a wide range of dishes. We particularly appreciate the silicone handle holder, which makes it easy to lift and move the skillet, even when it is hot. However, the skillet is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users, and it requires careful cleaning and maintenance to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick surface. Overall, we highly recommend this skillet for anyone looking for a high-quality cast iron skillet that will last for years to come.

Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan

We highly recommend the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan for anyone looking for a durable and versatile cast iron skillet.

Pros

• The cast iron skillet is suitable for both stovetop and oven cooking, making it perfect for various meals.
• The skillet’s superior heat retention ensures that your food stays warm for a long time.
• Cooking with cast iron skillets can increase your iron intake by up to 20%, making it a healthy choice for your meals.

Cons

• The skillet is not dishwasher-safe and requires hand washing and immediate drying after use.
• The skillet’s rough surface is less smooth than non-stick cookware, making it more challenging to clean.
• The skillet is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.

The Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan is an excellent addition to any kitchen. This cast iron skillet is perfect for cooking various dishes, including meats, vegetables, and desserts. Its superior heat retention ensures that your food stays warm for an extended period, making it ideal for serving and entertaining guests.

While the skillet is relatively heavy, it’s well worth the weight for its durability and versatility. The skillet’s rough surface may require a bit more effort to clean than non-stick cookware, but its health benefits make it worth the extra effort. Additionally, the skillet’s non-coated handle ensures that it’s safe to handle, even when it’s hot.

Overall, we highly recommend the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan for anyone looking for a durable and versatile cast iron skillet. Its ability to cook various meals and increase your iron intake makes it a must-have for any kitchen.

Mifoci 12 Pcs 16 oz 8.7” x 4.7” Oval Serving Dish Mini Cast Iron Skillet Cast Iron Baking Pan Sizzling Plate Matte Black Gratin Cookware for Home Restaurant Kitchen Food Service Barbecue

If you’re looking for a set of mini cast iron skillets, the Mifoci 12 Pack Cast Iron Skillet set is a great option. They are perfect for cooking small dishes and are versatile enough to use in the oven or on the grill.

Pros

• The set comes with 12 individual skillets, which makes it easy to prepare multiple dishes at once. This is perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties.
• The cast iron material is durable and strong, ensuring long-term use. These pans are solid and distribute heat evenly for consistent cooking results every time.
• The oval design of these skillets makes them the ideal size for a variety of cooking tasks. The matte black finish adds an elegant aesthetic that will match any kitchen style.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the skillets arrived broken or damaged. However, this seems to be a rare occurrence.
• While the skillets are easy to clean, they do require some maintenance. You’ll need to wash and dry them, wipe them with cooking oil, and wait overnight before washing them with water and detergent.
• The skillets are small, so they may not be suitable for cooking large dishes or meals.

Overall, the Mifoci 12 Pack Cast Iron Skillet set is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook. They are versatile, durable, and easy to use. If you’re looking for a set of mini cast iron skillets, this is definitely one to consider.

Bruntmor 2-in-1 Square Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Baking Pan and Gridle Lid with Dual Handles, Cast Iron Skillet lid, Coating Gridle for baking, bacon,Steaks – Red

If you’re looking for a versatile cookware that can be used for a variety of purposes, the Bruntmor 2-in-1 Square Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Baking Pan and Gridle Lid with Dual Handles, Cast Iron Skillet lid, Coating Gridle for baking, bacon,Steaks – Red is a great option. With its unique 2-in-1 design, you can use this braiser Dutch oven pot with lid to braise, simmer, sear, roast, bake, and more. Flip over the cast iron lid and presto – you’ve got a griddle for grilling and frying.

Pros

• This non-stick cast iron brazier pan with lid distributes heat evenly, keeping your food warm for hours and preventing food from sticking.
• Coated cast iron cookware keeps the bare iron from reacting to the acids in food. The coating on this cast iron casserole pan is smooth and won’t scratch the surface of glass stoves.
• This enamel cookware covered with cast iron comes in a variety of gorgeous colors and styles to suit any kitchen, and is easy to clean.

Cons

• The grill pan is a little shallow but do-able.
• It does take some time to clean.
• The color may not be as bright as the picture suggests.

This Bruntmor 2-in-1 Square Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Baking Pan and Gridle Lid with Dual Handles, Cast Iron Skillet lid, Coating Gridle for baking, bacon,Steaks – Red is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s versatile, durable, and easy to clean. The non-stick surface distributes heat evenly, so your food cooks perfectly every time. Plus, the enamel coating keeps the bare iron from reacting to the acids in food, so you can cook with confidence.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, multi-purpose cookware that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, then this Bruntmor 2-in-1 Square Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Baking Pan and Gridle Lid with Dual Handles, Cast Iron Skillet lid, Coating Gridle for baking, bacon,Steaks – Red is definitely worth considering.

Mifoci 6 Sets Mini Cast Iron Skillets

If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing and functional cast iron skillet, the Mifoci 6 Sets Mini Cast Iron Skillets with Wooden Base is a great option.

Pros

• The oval cast iron pan and wooden base combination offers heat retention and even heat distribution, ensuring your meals are cooked to perfection.
• The matte black finish on the cast iron skillet and natural wood color on the base make for a visually appealing kitchen setup.
• The mini cast iron skillets are generously sized for grilling meat or vegetables, and the wooden base provides ample space to accommodate the hot pan.

Cons

• Due to manual measurement, there may be slight errors in size.
• Colors may vary slightly due to different screen displays.
• Not dishwasher safe.

These sizzling plates are versatile additions to any kitchen and can be used on gas, electric, induction, oven, campfire, grill, and more. The stylish wooden base allows for safe and easy transportation from kitchen to dining table, making them ideal for serving.

The Mifoci 6 Sets Mini Cast Iron Skillets come with six sets of sizzling plates with wooden bases, so you can have a consistent look in terms of serving trays during dinner parties or simply have backups ready at hand, maximizing your kitchen convenience.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the cast iron fajita skillet is also pre-seasoned, facilitating non-stick cooking and easy cleaning, making them perfect for frying, grilling, and more.

Overall, if you’re looking for a cast iron skillet that is both functional and visually appealing, the Mifoci 6 Sets Mini Cast Iron Skillets with Wooden Base is a great option.

Old Mountain Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Round 6 Inch Single Serve Dish

If you are looking for a single serve cast iron dish, the Old Mountain Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Round 6 Inch Single Serve Dish is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Cast iron retains heat better than any other cooking medium, which makes this dish perfect for keeping your food warm for longer periods of time.
• These mini pans can be used to prepare single serving dessert dishes, which makes them perfect for those who are looking to make small portions of their favorite desserts.
• The limited 1 year warranty covering manufacturer’s defects will give you peace of mind in case you encounter any issues with the product.

Cons

• The dish is quite small, which may be a problem for those who are looking to prepare larger portions of food.
• It is not dishwasher safe, which means that you will have to clean it by hand.
• The price may be a bit steep for some buyers.

This mini cast iron pan is perfect for those who are looking to make single serving portions of their favorite dishes. It is pre-seasoned and ready to use, so you won’t have to spend any time seasoning it before your first use.

The dish is 7.25 inches in length and 6 inches in diameter, which makes it perfect for preparing small portions of food. The attractive Old Mountain logo embossed on the bottom of this mini pan adds extra style and value to the product.

One of the best things about cast iron dishes is that they retain heat better than any other cooking medium. This means that your food will stay warm for longer periods of time, which is perfect for those who like to enjoy their meals at a leisurely pace.

Overall, the Old Mountain Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Round 6 Inch Single Serve Dish is a great product for those who are looking to make single serving portions of their favorite dishes. It may be a bit small and expensive, but the benefits of cast iron cooking make it worth considering.

COOKWIN Cast Iron Casserole Braiser

If you’re in the market for a versatile and durable cast iron dutch oven, the COOKWIN Cast Iron Casserole Braiser is an excellent choice. We highly recommend this product for its self-circulating lid, high-quality cast iron and enamel, and high-temperature resistance.

Pros

• The self-circulating lid design enhances water locking function and keeps the original flavor.
• The cast iron and enamel material is durable and non-stick, making it easy to cook with and clean.
• The dutch oven can withstand high temperatures of up to 500°F, providing superior heat retention and even heat distribution.

Cons

• The dutch oven is not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing.
• The pot is relatively heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users.
• The price point may be higher than some other cast iron dutch ovens on the market.

We were particularly impressed with the COOKWIN Cast Iron Casserole Braiser’s self-circulating lid design, which enhances the water locking function and helps to keep the original flavor of your dishes. The cast iron and enamel material is also top-notch, making it durable and non-stick. We found that the dutch oven performed exceptionally well at high temperatures, providing even heat distribution and superior heat retention.

While the dutch oven is not dishwasher safe, it’s relatively easy to clean with hot water. However, the pot is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other cast iron dutch ovens on the market.

Overall, we think the COOKWIN Cast Iron Casserole Braiser is an excellent investment for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile cast iron dutch oven.

Northriver Casting 2-In-1 Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven With Skillet Lid, Casserole Dish, Rectangular Baking Pan, Griddle Pot Set, 6QT, 9″x13″

If you’re looking for a versatile Dutch oven that can handle anything from stovetop cooking to outdoor grilling, the Northriver Casting 2-In-1 Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven is worth considering.

Pros

• The 2-in-1 design allows you to use the pot and lid separately as a skillet or griddle, giving you more cooking options.
• The pre-seasoned cast iron surface is naturally non-stick and easy to clean, making it a durable and long-lasting addition to your kitchen.
• The ergonomic handles make it easy to transport the pot from the stovetop to the oven or the dinner table.

Cons

• The pot is heavy, which can make it difficult to lift and move around, especially when it’s full of food.
• The surface of the pot can be rougher than other cast iron products, which can make it more challenging to clean.
• The pot is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it after each use.

The Northriver Casting Dutch Oven is perfect for cooking anything, anywhere. Whether you’re grilling steaks, frying eggs, or baking sourdough bread, this Dutch oven can handle it all. The 2-in-1 design allows you to use the pot and lid separately as a skillet or griddle, giving you more cooking options and making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

One of the standout features of this Dutch oven is the pre-seasoned cast iron surface. The special seasoning technique gives the pot extra protection and establishes a naturally non-stick surface that’s easy to clean and maintain. The pot is also made to last for generations, making it a great investment for any home cook.

The ergonomic handles are another great feature of this Dutch oven. They allow you greater control to safely transport your large Dutch oven with lid from the stovetop to the oven and the dinner table. However, it’s important to note that the handles can get hot during cooking, so you’ll need to use oven mitts or pot holders to avoid burns.

While the Northriver Casting Dutch Oven is a great addition to any kitchen, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The pot is heavy, which can make it difficult to lift and move around, especially when it’s full of food. Additionally, the surface of the pot can be rougher than other cast iron products, which can make it more challenging to clean. Finally, the pot is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it after each use.

Overall, we think the Northriver Casting 2-In-1 Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven With Skillet Lid, Casserole Dish, Rectangular Baking Pan, Griddle Pot Set, 6QT, 9″x13″ is a great investment for any home cook who wants a versatile and durable Dutch oven that can handle anything, anywhere.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best cast iron skillet for your cooking needs, there are a few key features to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider before making your purchase:

Size

Cast iron skillets come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller skillet may be sufficient. However, if you’re cooking for a larger group, you may want to opt for a larger skillet.

Weight

Cast iron skillets are known for their weight, which can be both a pro and a con. On the one hand, the weight helps distribute heat evenly and can give your food a nice sear. On the other hand, the weight can make the skillet difficult to handle, especially if you have any mobility issues. Consider the weight of the skillet before making your purchase.

Handle

The handle of a cast iron skillet can make a big difference in how easy it is to use. Look for a skillet with a sturdy, comfortable handle that is easy to grip. Some skillets come with two handles, which can be helpful if you need to move the skillet from the stovetop to the oven.

Maintenance

Cast iron skillets require a bit of maintenance to keep them in good condition. Before making your purchase, consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining your skillet. Some skillets come pre-seasoned, which can save you time and effort, while others require seasoning before use.

Price

Cast iron skillets can vary in price, so it’s important to consider your budget before making your purchase. While some skillets can be quite expensive, there are also affordable options available. Keep in mind that a high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean a better skillet, so be sure to consider all of the features before making your decision.

Our top picks for the best cast iron skillets can be found in the next section.