Cast-iron is a workhorse in the kitchen. It can go easily from stovetop to oven, it retains heat well for frying, tabletop serving, and quick cooking, and it's the best way to get the perfect sear on steak when your grill is out of commission (or it's too cold to go outside and fire it up). If your pan hasn't been used much lately, now's the time to dig it out, check the seasoning, and get cooking, Here are 20 recipes to get you started:
These puffy pancakes have many unusual names including bismarcks and Dutch Puffs. In every case, a simple batter poured into a hot pan creates instant, unforgettable magic. This sweet version is a perfect fast dessert or breakfast; or add sautéed mushrooms and bacon for a savoury meal. Get this Dutch baby with roasted plums recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.On busy nights one-pan wonders bring big flavours to the dinner table (with less mess!) Get this skillet chicken pot pie recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.Crispy spanakopita is a great appetizer, so we turned it into a satisfying vegetarian main course. Using frozen spinach is a time saver; be sure to squeeze the water out really well. Get this spinach and feta pan pie recipe.
Spinach and feta pan pie. (Photo, Roberto Caruso.)An all-in-one-pan-meal you can serve for brunch, lunch or dinner! Get this skillet broccoli and potato frittata recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.This 25-minute appetizer is easily put together, and well-worth stepping into the kitchen (briefly) while dinner guests mingle. Get this cranberry almond baked brie recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.Once hot, cast iron retains heat really well. This makes it perfect for frying, where you want the oil to hold its temperature within a few degrees. Get this zucchini parmesan crisps recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.You want to bake it in a skillet, trust us. Not only does it look great for serving, you can mix up your ingredients on the stovetop, then pop it in the oven to broil for a perfectly golden, cheesy finish. Get this macaroni and cheese recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.Pour the batter into a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet, and you can slice up warm cornbread wedges at the dinner table to go with your chili. (Bonus: it will stay warm in the pan for longer, since iron retains heat so well.) Get this cornbread recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.A twist on a classic, this giant cookie is great for dinner parties. Get this skillet chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Get the pan hot, and the tortillas will cook in just 1-2 minutes per side. Taco-night, here we come! Get this homemade corn tortillas recipe.
Photo, Sian Richards.A cast-iron pan gives fish golden-crisp skin that no one will be able to resist. Get this fresh walleye fish with mustard dill sauce recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.How to make perfect pancakes? It starts with the batter and ends with a lightly buttered, hot skillet. Get this pancakes recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.A filling, cheesy bread you can pair with soup, stews and chilis. Get this cheesy bannock bread recipe.
Photo, Angus Fergusson.For the freedom of moving your pan from stovetop to oven for recipes like this cottage pie, cast-iron is the way to go. Get this cottage pie with celery root mash recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.Ae elegant grilled cheese that’s perfect for weekend brunches or weeknight dinners, your choice. Get this grilled cheese croque madame recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.The perfect, fried egg can go on top of almost anything, from Bibimbap to polenta and mushrooms — even grilled cheese sandwiches. Get this crispy fried egg recipe.
The best way to prepare a quick weeknight dish of veggies is to char them in a hot cast iron pan. Drizzle with a garam-masala-and-ginger-laced vinaigrette, garnish with sesame seeds, flaxseeds, fried shallots and thinly sliced Thai chilies, and even broccoli haters will be clamouring for seconds. Get this charred broccoli with chiles recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.A cast iron pan is best for this method, as it retains a hot, even heat very well. Read more.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.Cast iron is the key to caramelizing these beauties (and the secret to cozy, cheesy french onion soup). Read more.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.Watch: How to clean a cast-iron skillet
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