Southern Cast-Iron Recipes

Southern cast iron recipes are some of the easiest recipes. There are some southern recipes which feature hearty and delicious dishes prepared in a cast iron skillet. If you want a great way to get dinner on the table quickly, consider the world of cast-iron cooking. Here are two of my favorite classic Southern cast iron skillet recipes for you to try. 

Roast Chicken and Vegetables

Roast chicken and vegetables is an easy and delicious Southern skillet recipe. Skillet suppers are the best. Easy preparation and easy cleanup. This is a southern staple. Let's start with the meat.  You can choose the type of chicken cut your family prefers. I usually use boneless chicken breasts, but you could easily substitute chicken thighs. A cast iron pan can be used in the oven or on top of the stove. I use them both ways. 

Classic southern cast-iron recipes like this are forgiving if you need to substitute ingredients. Our favorite to cook alongside the chicken breasts is potatoes, carrots, and onions. You could substitute whatever vegetables you have on hand such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, or broccoli. We use simple seasoning of salt and pepper to taste, and sometimes a bit of Italian seasoning. Well-seasoned cast iron skillets do not require a huge amount of oil to cook in. Usually we use a small amount of olive oil but use whatever oil you have on hand. 

The ingredient list looks like this: 4 boneless chicken breasts, 2 cups of vegetables, cut into similar sizes, a tablespoon of olive oil, and seasoning (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) to taste. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place olive oil in your cast-iron cookware. Well-seasoned cast-iron skillets work well or you may use a cast-iron Dutch oven. Next arrange your chicken breasts and the chopped vegetables in the pan in one layer. Then you can add your preferred seasonings. We use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning the most frequently. Total cooking time is 45 minutes, but check about halfway through and turn the chicken and vegetables. The meat and vegetables will caramelize nicely, but you want caramelization on both sides. Keep in mind time to cook may vary with different ovens. 

Southern Cast-Iron Recipe : Cornbread

Cornbread prepared in cast iron creates a delicious bread that may become a new family favorite. Southern cornbread has buttermilk added to the list of ingredients. In addition to the buttermilk, this recipe also has a small amount of sugar (optional) and this little bit of sugar can produce a more sweet tasting cornbread. We can discuss sweeteners later. Next you will pour the batter into a hot skillet that has been pre-heating in the oven. This helps produce the crispy crust of our delicious cornbread. 

Cornbread is so versatile. Cornbread can be paired with almost any soup or stew. It can eaten cold or warmed up as leftovers. You can choose to add in some finely diced red bell pepper or green bell pepper to give your cornbread a Mexican flair. You can add a dash of honey after the cornbread is cooked if you prefer a sweeter cornbread. 

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients and directions to prepare Southern Skillet Cornbread: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. First use 2 Tablespoons of butter in an 8-9 inch iron skillet, rub on the sides and bottom of the pan, then insert your pan into a preheated oven. While the pan is pre-heating, the next step is to mix up the cornbread batter. Take ½ half of a cup of butter and melt in the microwave or on the stovetop. Set melted butter aside to cool. 

Combine 1 and ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 and ¼ cups of yellow cornmeal, 2 ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional) in a mixing bowl. The next step is stirring to combine gently and then add 1 cup of buttermilk, ¾ cup of milk, ½ half of a cup of cooled melted butter, and 2 eggs. Combine gently, do not over-mix!

Next remove the preheated cast iron skillet from the oven and pour the batter in. Then bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Finally allow the cornbread to cool for 5-10 minutes. Following the cooling period, then it will be ready to enjoy. You can drizzle with honey if you would like a sweeter taste.  This is one of the most delicious Southern cast-iron recipes.

Benefits of Southern Cast-Iron Recipes

In addition to the two recipes we discussed, there are so many recipes that can be put together quickly and placed in a cast iron skillet to cook either on the stovetop and in the oven.  A cast iron pan is a kitchen necessity. Basically once you start cooking with cast iron, your cast iron cookware will be some of your favorites. You can make good use of your cast-iron pans to prepare almost any meal and you will have a simple clean-up if you use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. 

If you are considering what to prepare for dinner tonight, consider a Southern cast-iron recipe. It is not just a southern thing. You can prepare food in less time, use fewer pots and pans, and have a quicker clean-up time. There are endless meals you can prepare. Generally speaking, every kitchen should have at least one piece of cast-iron cookware. Cooking can be something enjoyed by the whole family. Every family member will appreciate these recipes. What are you preparing for dinner tonight?