16 Hearty Breakfast Recipes Using Your Cast-Iron Skillet

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there’s no better way to start your morning than with a hearty meal cooked in a cast-iron skillet. These versatile kitchen tools have been a staple in homes for generations, known for their ability to evenly distribute heat and create a beautiful sear. Whether you’re craving something savory or sweet, these cast-iron skillet recipes are sure to satisfy your morning hunger. Let’s dive into some delicious options that are as easy to make as they are satisfying.

Skillet Bacon and Egg Breakfast

Start by cooking 4 slices of bacon in a cast-iron skillet until crispy, then set them aside. In the same skillet, fry 4 eggs to your desired doneness in the bacon fat. Add a handful of chopped green onions and 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, then return the bacon to the skillet. Let everything melt together for a minute, and serve hot with toast.

Cast-Iron Skillet Frittata

Whisk together 6 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, salt, and pepper. In a cast-iron skillet, sauté 1 diced onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 1 cup of spinach in olive oil until softened. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables, sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, and cook on the stovetop for a few minutes. Finish by placing the skillet under the broiler for 5 minutes until the top is golden.

Skillet Hash Browns with Sausage

Grate 3 large potatoes and squeeze out the excess moisture. In a cast-iron skillet, cook 4 sausages until browned, then remove and set aside. Add the grated potatoes to the skillet with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Add the cooked sausages back in and serve with a fried egg on top.

Cast-Iron Cinnamon Rolls

Roll out a sheet of puff pastry and spread it with 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Roll it up, slice into rounds, and place them in a buttered cast-iron skillet. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden. Drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk.

Skillet Shakshuka

In a cast-iron skillet, sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper until soft. Add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes, then crack 4 eggs into the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set. Serve with crusty bread.

Skillet French Toast

Whisk together 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Dip thick slices of bread into the mixture, then cook in a buttered cast-iron skillet until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Cast-Iron Skillet Breakfast Pizza

Roll out pizza dough and place it in a cast-iron skillet. Spread 1/4 cup of tomato sauce over the dough, then top with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, 2 cooked and crumbled sausages, and 2 eggs cracked directly onto the pizza. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the eggs are set.

Skillet Biscuits and Gravy

Bake 6 biscuits in a cast-iron skillet according to package instructions. In the same skillet, cook 1/2 pound of sausage until browned, then stir in 2 tablespoons of flour. Gradually add 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, then pour the gravy over the biscuits and serve hot.

Cast-Iron Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter

Mix 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk 1 egg, 1 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a hot, buttered cast-iron skillet. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden. Serve with honey butter.

Skillet Huevos Rancheros

In a cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove until soft. Add 1 can of black beans, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder. Simmer for 5 minutes, then crack 4 eggs into the skillet. Cover and cook until the eggs are set. Serve with warm tortillas and salsa.

Cast-Iron Skillet Dutch Baby Pancake

Whisk together 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour the batter into a hot, buttered cast-iron skillet and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes until puffed and golden. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and powdered sugar.

Cast-Iron Skillet Apple Pancake

Peel and slice 2 apples, then sauté them in a cast-iron skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until soft. Pour over a pancake batter made from 1 cup of flour, 1 egg, 1 cup of milk, and a pinch of salt. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Skillet Sausage and Potato Hash

Dice 3 potatoes and 1 onion, then cook them in a cast-iron skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until browned. Add 1/2 pound of sliced sausage and cook until heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Serve with a fried egg on top for a complete breakfast.

Skillet Granola with Berries

In a cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of honey, and a pinch of cinnamon. Cook until the oats are golden and crisp, then remove from heat. Serve with a handful of fresh berries and a dollop of yogurt for a healthy breakfast.

Cast-Iron Skillet Banana Bread

Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl, then mix in 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 1/2 cups of flour. Pour the batter into a buttered cast-iron skillet and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Skillet Breakfast Nachos

Spread a layer of tortilla chips in a cast-iron skillet, then top with 1 cup of shredded cheese, 4 cooked and crumbled bacon strips, and 1/2 cup of scrambled eggs. Add another layer of chips and repeat with cheese, bacon, and eggs. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Top with sliced jalapeños, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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