Cooking in a Cast-Iron Skillet

Break out your cast-iron skillet for super-crunchy fried chicken, bubbling blueberry cobbler, gooey macaroni and cheese, and more. 

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Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Cast-Iron Blueberry Cobbler

Cooking this blueberry cobbler in a cast-iron pan gives the dessert crispy, caramelized edges and a chewy, berry-filled center.

Get the Recipe: Cast-Iron Blueberry Cobbler

Fried Chicken

Alex Guarnaschelli's trick to juicy chicken is marinating it in buttermilk, sour cream and Dijon mustard before frying.

Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken in a Basket

Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese, topped with crispy bacon and fresh parsley, is cooked in a cast-iron skillet for an all-over crispy crust and an oozing cheesy center.

Get the Recipe: Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese

Creamed Corn Cornbread

Sop up a bowl of chili with crumbly cornbread. Don't turn your nose up at the use of canned creamed corn — it helps provide moisture and extra texture to the otherwise-dense bread.

Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn Cornbread

Burger of the Gods

Some of the best burgers pay tribute to simplicity, like Alton Brown's blend of chuck and sirloin with just a pinch of kosher salt. Sear the patties au naturel, and salute the simpler things.

Get the Recipe: Burger of the Gods

Irish Soda Bread

Buttermilk and baking soda may help Kelsey Nixon's soda bread get its beautiful rise, but it's the abundance of ripe currants that puts it over the top.

Get the Recipe: Irish Soda Bread

AB's Chili Powder

Once you try Alton's homemade chili powder, you'll scoff at the store-bought variety. Roasting the dried chiles and cumin seeds before grinding releases their essential oils, intensifying their flavor and aroma.

Get the Recipe: AB's Chili Powder

Wild Mushroom-Yukon Gold Hash

Those with hearty appetites will welcome this robust hash of earthy wild mushrooms, diced Yukon Gold potatoes and plenty of fresh parsley and thyme.

Get the Recipe: Wild Mushroom-Yukon Gold Hash

Cast-Iron Tandoori Chicken

If you don't have a traditional Indian tandoori lying around your house, a cas-iron skillet is the next-best thing for achieving crisp-skinned chicken and tender meat.

Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Tandoori Chicken

Fresh Peach Crumb Coffee Cake

Coffee cake studded with juicy fresh peaches is an ode to summer, but in the off-season, you could substitute other fruit or frozen peaches.

Get the Recipe: Fresh Peach Crumb Coffee Cake

Corn Tortillas

Once you get the rhythm of making corn tortillas down, they take only a few minutes in the skillet to crisp up. Fill 'em with anything your heart desires.

Get the Recipe: Corn Tortillas

Summer Squash Casserole

At first glance, this looks like macaroni and cheese, but it's actually a bubbling skillet of breadcrumb-topped summer squash.

Get the Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet potatoes give this cornbread a vibrant color and slightly nutty flavor. Slathering it in butter is not optional.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread