Cast Iron Comfort Food Recipes

Written by Rachel Barkowski Published on May 16, 2024

Cast Iron Comfort Food Recipes

There’s something undeniably special about the sizzle of food hitting a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or the aroma of a hearty meal bubbling away in a cast iron Dutch oven. In this collection of 28 Cast Iron Comfort Food Recipes, we’ve got everything from cheesy ravioli to peach cobbler to saucy meatballs!

Cast iron cooking is a great way to cook both timeless classics and inventive twists that are sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food! Whether you’re a seasoned cast iron chef or just starting out and getting used to a cast iron skillet, these recipes are bound to become regulars in your menu rotation.

A couple of regulars in my menu rotation that are not included in the 28 recipes below are our Skillet Chicken Fajita Rice along with Skillet Mexican Cornbread – the perfect meal!!

Skillet Chicken Fajita Rice + Skillet Mexican Cornbread

So, grab your favorite cast iron skillet, choose from one (or two, or three!) of these Cast Iron Comfort Food Recipes, and let’s get cooking!

(Psst: don’t forget to season your new cast irons before using them! Not sure how? This article from Serious Eats shows how incredibly simple it is to season that pan.)

:: PIN FOR LATER ::

Cast Iron Comfort Food Recipes

Cast Iron Mac and Cheese

Photo Credit: ronalyntalston.com

Creamy mac & cheese baked in a cast iron - it's quick & easy to whip up one of the BEST comfort foods!

Baked Spinach Ravioli Skillet

Photo Credit: www.cookingonthefrontburners.com

This creamy, cheesy pasta dish can be on the table in just 30 minutes!

Cast Iron Skillet Lasagna

Photo Credit: dashofsavory.com

Lasagna cooked in a cast iron and served in pie slices instead of squares just seems so much better! 😍

Crispy Skillet Potatoes

Crispy outsides and tender, fluffy insides make these the first thing to get gobbled up at the dinner table!

Skillet Bread with Artichoke Dip

Photo Credit: www.seasonsandsuppers.ca

Bread and spinach artichoke dip cooked in the cast iron together -- what a great dish to serve when you're hosting!

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Photo Credit: somuchfoodblog.com

Pizza dough is pressed into a skillet, topped, and baked in the oven at a high temperature to ensure a thick and crispy crust - yummm!!

Cast Iron Burgers

Photo Credit: www.sungrownkitchen.com

Burgers sizzle in their fat and juices, making them melt-in-your-mouth amazing!!

Cast Iron Vegetables with Buttermilk Dressing

Photo Credit: justinesnacks.com

Vegetables cooked at high heat to caramelize - with an added homemade buttermilk dressing drizzled on top!

The Ultimate Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Photo Credit: emilylaurae.com

A nostalgic sandwich that features a rich blend of cheeses!

Beef Enchilada Skillet

Photo Credit: reciperunner.com

Call these "lazy enchiladas" if you like - but you get all the flavors of a classic beef enchilada in one simple dish!

Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet

Photo Credit: www.saltandlavender.com

Flavorful meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and lots of melted cheese make this skillet recipe a winner!

Sweet and Moist Honey Cornbread in the Cast Iron

Photo Credit: thefoodcharlatan.com

I've been making this recipe for my family for years, and it's a favorite! It's sweet, so it pairs well with spicy, salty chili!

Garlic Parmesan Skillet Bread

Photo Credit: www.plainchicken.com

These are quick to whip up (they start with canned biscuits!) and are amazing dipped in sauce!!

Crispy Cast Iron Hash Browns with Fried Eggs and Arugula

Photo Credit: inquiringchef.com

Spice brunch up with these crispy cast iron hash browns topped with fried eggs!

Easy Creamy Chicken Skillet

Photo Credit: gypsyplate.com

This creamy, low-carb dish is ready from start to finish in just 30 minutes!

Southwest Chicken Chili Bake

Photo Credit: kristineinbetween.com

This dish is a flavorful, comforting chili that combines the zesty spirit of the Southwest with the heartiness of classic chili. Add your favorite toppings - yum!

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Photo Credit: cookingformysoul.com

Such a delicious and comforting meal - a tasty beef filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, and then baked to perfection.

Cast Iron Biscuits

Photo Credit: grillonadime.com

These flaky and fluffy biscuits are the perfect side to any meal!

Cast Iron Chicken Pot Pie

Photo Credit: www.cookingonthefrontburners.com

The filling is made in your cast iron skillet, then you top it with crust and bake it! A yummy comfort food, for sure!

Cast Iron DESSERTS!!

The Best Cast Iron Monkey Bread

Photo Credit: seniorskillet.com

This treat is sooo easy to make and will definitely be gobbled up quickly!

Cast Iron Baked Brownies

Photo Credit: offthegrillbbq.com

One of the best chocolately treats - this brownie recipe is simple but impressive!

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

Photo Credit: joyfoodsunshine.com

This ooey gooey skillet cookie is amazing and is even better topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce!

Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler in a Cast Iron Skillet

Photo Credit: www.ellejayathome.com

The crispy crust over fluffy baked peach cobbler makes for an amazing dessert!get

Cast Iron Blueberry Pie

Photo Credit: afarmgirlskitchen.com

Blueberry Skillet Pie is a juicy blueberry pie filling inside a buttery, flaky pie crust.... baked in a cast iron skillet.

Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake Recipe

Photo Credit: afewshortcuts.com

Cake batter is swirled with cinnamon sugar topping, baked, and drizzled with a vanilla icing!

Cast Iron Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake

Photo Credit: livelytable.com

Rich Texas chocolate sheet cake topped with a glossy, fudge-like pecan-studded frosting made in a cast-iron skillet is one of the best desserts!

Cast Iron Banana Bread

Photo Credit: spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com

A new way to make a family favorite! The warm caramel glaze is a tasty addition!

Ultimate Skillet Peanut Butter Cookie

Photo Credit: www.domestically-speaking.com

This Skillet Peanut Butter Cookie is loaded with peanut butter and even has a peanut butter syrup on top - yum!

What are the best foods to cook in a cast iron skillet?

Any foods with fats are the easiest to cook in a cast iron because the oils melt out and help your food not to stick. But any other foods can be cooked just as easily as long as you add fat (butter or oil) to your pan.

What foods cannot be cooked in cast iron?

Anything can be cooked in a cast iron as long as your pan is seasoned properly (this means it’s sealed so your food can’t get to the metal). However, very acidic foods may break down the seasoning on your pan if you leave them in the pan for a long time, which means they’ll take on a metallic taste from the pan. Just don’t store your acidic food in your cast iron, and be sure to re-season your pan after cooking acidic foods.

Is it safe to cook in cast iron every day?

Yes, the small amount of iron you may consume from your cast iron is safe. It’s the same type of iron that you consume in plants and meats.

Conclusion

I hope you found a bunch of yummy recipes that are inspiring you to get out your cast iron skillet and start cooking!

Cooking comfort food with your cast iron skillet can be more than just about making meals – enjoy creating memories, sharing stories, and enjoying the simple pleasures of good food with loved ones. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a festive gathering with friends, cast iron recipes have a way of bringing people together and filling hearts and bellies with warmth.

So, here’s to many more memorable meals made with some recipes from this list of comfort food! Happy cooking!