You’re One Skillet Away from Becoming a Cast Iron Genius

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Oh, you think your kitchen’s got it all? Think again. It’s time to level up with some cast iron magic—whether it’s a trusty skillet, a hearty Dutch oven, or a versatile griddle, we’re here to show you how it’s done. We’re talking Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie that’ll make you question why you even bother with store-bought, Elote Dip that demands to be scooped up with salty tortilla chips, and a Chicken Fried Steak so crispy, it could slap you awake at breakfast. Then there’s Blackened Salmon that’s all buttery, spicy goodness, Easy Ramen that’s ready in a flash, and a Skillet Chicken Pot Pie that’s basically the definition of comfort food. Let’s not forget about Steak Fajitas that sizzle with every bite, and those Hot Italian Beef Sandwiches that are practically begging for you to take a big, messy bite. Oh, and Southern Cornbread in a Skillet? You’ll want to make it just to hear that satisfying crunch. Plus, Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry that’s sweet, spicy, and just the right kind of saucy!

Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie

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A pecan pie with a golden crust is partially sliced and served on a dark plate. The filling is rich with pecans and a glossy appearance, showing a mix of chocolate chips and chopped nuts. A wooden table serves as the backdrop.
Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy

Chocolate Pecan Pie is where rich, gooey chocolate meets perfectly toasted pecans in a crisp, golden crust. It’s the best of both worlds—decadent, nutty, and downright irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie

Elote Dip

Close-up of a nacho chip topped with creamy corn salad. The salad contains corn kernels, creamy sauce, herbs, and spices, all placed over a yellow tortilla chip, with more chips blurred in the background.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Elote Dip packs all the bold, cheesy, and spiced-up corn flavor you love into one scoopable, snackable dish—ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for parties or solo snacking, especially when scooped up with crispy tortilla chips!
Get the Recipe: Elote Dip

Chicken Fried Steak

A plate of chicken fried steak topped with creamy gravy and garnished with parsley sits on a bed of mashed potatoes. A fork is visible on the side, and a sprig of parsley is placed next to the dish.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Chicken Fried Steak brings tender, battered steak to crispy, golden perfection, then takes it over the top with a rich, peppery white gravy. Every bite is crunchy, savory, and downright irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Blackened Salmon

Blackened salmon in a skillet.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

Blackened Salmon is buttery, crispy, and packed with bold Cajun and Creole spices. It’s a fast, flavorful taste of seared cast iron Southern comfort that never disappoints!
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon

Herb Bread (No-Knead)

No-knead herb bread, fresh out of the oven in its pot.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

No-Knead Herb Bread delivers big flavor with almost no work—just mix, let it sit overnight, and bake to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and loaded with herby goodness!
Get the Recipe: Herb Bread (No-Knead)

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

a slice of skillet pizza on a plate with a fork and knife
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Cast Iron Pizza is your new pizza night hero—quick, easy, and loaded with a crispy, golden crust. Skip the delivery and make it in your skillet for a homemade slice that’s ready in no time!
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Easy Ramen

showing how to eat ramen by garnishing with sesame seeds and gochujang
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Ramen is the ultimate comfort bowl—hot, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re team pork or team chicken, this easy recipe lets you customize it just how you like!
Get the Recipe: Easy Ramen

Turkey Sloppy Joes

A hand holding a sloppy joe sandwich with a toothpick through the top bun on a white plate. The filling is a savory mix of ground meat and sauce. Potato chips are visible on the side of the plate.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Iron Skillet Turkey Sloppy Joes give you all the sloppy deliciousness, but with a healthier twist. Made with lean turkey, a killer sauce, and sneaky veggies, it’s comfort food that packs a punch!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sloppy Joes

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

A close-up of a chicken pot pie in a dark pan. The pie has a golden, flaky crust with a slice removed, revealing a filling of chicken, corn, peas, and creamy sauce inside.
Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie is classic comfort in a crisp, golden crust. Inside, tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy sauce come together for a rich, hearty bite. Best of all? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Steak Fajitas

Plate of steak fajitas with bell peppers and onions.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Steak Fajitas are loaded with marinated, juicy steak (recipe for the marinade included!) and all the classic fajita fixings. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly juicy, and perfectly ready to devour!
Get the Recipe: Steak Fajitas

Hot Italian Beef Sandwich

Close-up of a hearty sandwich with layers of sliced meats, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, red onions, and yellow bell peppers, all stacked between a toasted, golden-brown bun.
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches are packed with tender, flavorful beef that practically melts in your mouth. Customize to your heart’s content and set up a sandwich bar that’ll have the whole crowd coming back for more!
Get the Recipe: Hot Italian Beef Sandwich

Southern Cornbread in a Skillet

A golden brown cornbread sits in a black skillet on a wooden surface. Beside it, there's a bowl of butter and a cup of tea. A patterned cloth with blue and orange floral designs is partially visible under the skillet.
Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy

Best Southern Cornbread Recipe keeps it classic by ditching the sugar and letting the natural sweetness of corn shine. Baked in a cast iron skillet, it’s golden, crisp-edged, and ready to cozy up next to chili, soup, or whatever’s on the menu!
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread in a Skillet

Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

A close-up of a plate featuring a vibrant curry with diced pineapples, tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with two basil leaves. The dish is served alongside a portion of white rice, with sprinkled bits of nuts and fresh cilantro.
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Easy 30-Minute Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry delivers big flavor fast with a sweet and tangy Red Curry Hoisin Peanut Sauce. It’s a little spicy, a little sweet, and completely irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Thai Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

Slow Cooker Short Rib Chili

A bowl of chili featuring sour cream, jalapeños, and a tortilla chip, with cilantro garnish.
Photo credit: My Gorgeous Recipes

Slow Cooker Short Rib Chili by My Gorgeous Recipes turns bone-in short ribs and black beans into a rich, hearty masterpiece. The meat gets fall-apart tender, making every bite pure comfort. Add sour cream and jalapeños for the ultimate finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Chili

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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