Kick-start your day with a hearty, mouthwatering breakfast that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. The humble cast iron skillet is the perfect tool for cooking up a storm in the morning, and we’ve got just the thing to get you started: 18 flavorful cast iron skillet breakfast recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
From classic pancakes and scrambled eggs to savory hash browns and spicy shakshuka, our collection of breakfast recipes has something for everyone. And with the versatility of a cast iron skillet, you can cook up everything from fluffy omelets to crispy bacon and eggs. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy morning meal or a show-stopping brunch dish, these recipes are sure to hit the spot.
Savory Cast Iron Skillet Breakfast Hash with Potatoes and Sausage
A hearty breakfast skillet filled with crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and fresh herbs – perfect for a busy morning or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook sausage until browned, breaking into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes or until they start to soften.
5. Stir in minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and lightly browned.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Classic Cast Iron Skillet Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Savor the warm, comforting goodness of classic pancakes cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet and served with a drizzle of pure maple syrup. This simple recipe yields a stack of fluffy, golden brown pancakes that are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Pure maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven for 5 minutes.
6. Remove skillet from oven and pour in batter. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface.
7. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with pure maple syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cheesy Cast Iron Skillet Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Herbs
Elevate your breakfast game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the richness of melted cheese, the fluffiness of scrambled eggs, and the brightness of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add butter and let it melt, then pour in eggs. Cook until the edges start to set (about 30 seconds).
3. Sprinkle half of the cheese and all the parsley and chives on top of the eggs. Use a spatula to gently fold the eggs towards the center, breaking up any large curds.
4. Continue cooking for another minute, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
5. Cook until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Breakfast Burrito with Chorizo and Avocado
Start your day off right with this hearty breakfast burrito packed with spicy chorizo, creamy avocado, and crispy scrambled eggs. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick morning meal on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chorizo sausage
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 4-6 tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chorizo sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crispy (about 5 minutes).
3. Crack in the eggs and scramble them with the chorizo until cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble burritos by filling each tortilla with scrambled egg mixture, diced avocado, and shredded cheese.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fluffy Cast Iron Skillet Dutch Baby with Powdered Sugar
This recipe yields a puffed, golden-brown treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. The combination of buttery, crispy edges and fluffy interior is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
– 1/4 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
– Fresh fruit or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together egg, milk, flour, and salt until smooth.
3. Add the melted butter and whisk until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into a preheated cast iron skillet coated with cooking spray or butter.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the Dutch baby puffs and the edges are golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
7. Serve warm, topped with fresh fruit or whipped cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Spicy Cast Iron Skillet Shakshuka with Feta and Parsley
Elevate your brunch game with this bold and flavorful Shakshuka recipe, featuring the perfect balance of spicy and savory. This cast iron skillet delight combines the warmth of cumin and smoked paprika with the tanginess of feta cheese and freshness of parsley.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2-3 dried red chilies, crushed or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion and bell peppers; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the crushed red chilies or red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in the diced tomatoes; bring to a simmer.
7. Create wells in the tomato mixture; crack in 2-3 eggs.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven; bake for 15-20 minutes or until the whites are set.
9. Remove from the oven; sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley (if using).
10. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Bacon and Egg Breakfast Sandwich
Start your day with a hearty and flavorful breakfast sandwich cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bacon, cut into thirds
– 2 large eggs
– 4 hamburger buns or English muffins
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cheese (Cheddar or American work well), lettuce, tomato, and/or avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the bacon in the skillet for 4-5 minutes per side, until crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Crack the eggs into the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until whites are set and yolks are cooked to desired doneness.
4. Butter the buns or English muffins.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a few strips of bacon, an egg, and any desired toppings onto each bun.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Savory Cast Iron Skillet French Toast Casserole
Sweet and Savory Cast Iron Skillet French Toast Casserole
Start your day with a twist on traditional French toast by combining sweet and savory flavors in this cast iron skillet casserole. Perfect for brunch or breakfast, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, sugar, herbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Arrange bread slices in a cast iron skillet.
4. Pour egg mixture over bread, making sure each slice is fully coated.
5. Dot the top with melted butter and sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cast Iron Skillet Breakfast Pizza with Sausage and Eggs
Start your day with a hearty breakfast pizza that combines the best of both worlds – savory sausage and fluffy eggs, all wrapped up in a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pre-made pizza crust or homemade dough (about 1/4 inch thick)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Roll out pizza crust to fit the cast iron skillet. Place in skillet.
5. Top crust with sausage mixture, mozzarella cheese, and eggs.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and eggs are set.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Loaded Cast Iron Skillet Breakfast Quesadillas
Start your day with a flavorful twist on traditional breakfast quesadillas. This recipe combines the richness of cast iron skillet cooking with the comfort of a warm, cheesy breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cast iron skillet
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced cooked sausage (such as chorizo or breakfast links)
– 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced bell peppers, chopped cilantro, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
3. Add the sausage, black beans, and olive oil to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
5. Spoon about 1/4 of the egg-sausage mixture onto half of the tortilla.
6. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
9. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter
Warm up with a slice of classic Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread, perfectly infused with the sweetness of honey butter. This recipe is a comforting twist on traditional cornbread that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Cast Iron Skillet Frittata with Spinach and Goat Cheese
A delicious breakfast or brunch option that’s perfect for any time of day. This recipe combines the creamy richness of goat cheese with the earthy flavor of spinach, all wrapped up in a crispy cast iron skillet frittata.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and cook until the edges start to set, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the chopped spinach and crumbled goat cheese on half of the egg mixture.
5. Use a spatula to gently lift and fold the other half of the egg mixture over the filling.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the frittata is golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Bake
Start your day with a hearty breakfast that combines the fluffiest biscuits with rich, savory gravy, all in one cast iron skillet. This comforting bake is perfect for a weekend morning or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup sausage gravy (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add buttermilk and stir until dough forms.
5. Pour sausage gravy into a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
6. Roll out biscuit dough to fit the skillet, overlapping edges slightly.
7. Place dough on top of gravy, folding edges to seal.
8. Crack eggs over biscuits and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Cast Iron Skillet Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. This recipe combines the classic flavors of apple and cinnamon with the heartiness of steel-cut oats, all cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup steel-cut oats
– 2 cups water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/2 apple, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the oats, water or milk, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and have a creamy consistency.
4. Add the butter and stir until melted.
5. Fold in the diced apple.
6. Serve hot, topped with honey or maple syrup if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Huevos Rancheros with Homemade Salsa
Elevate your breakfast game with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of eggs, the crunch of tortillas, and the zest of homemade salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz. tortillas (6-8 inches in diameter)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Homemade Salsa ingredients: 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 lime, juiced, 1 tsp. salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until tender (about 5 minutes).
3. Crack eggs into the skillet and scramble until cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating for 30 seconds.
5. Assemble Huevos Rancheros: place a tortilla on each plate, top with scrambled eggs, and spoon salsa over the eggs.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Banana Bread with Walnuts
This recipe brings together the comfort of banana bread and the convenience of cooking in a cast iron skillet, topped with crunchy walnuts for added texture.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped walnuts.
5. Pour the batter into a preheated 10-inch cast iron skillet.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Breakfast Potatoes with Peppers and Onions
Start your day off right with this hearty and flavorful breakfast dish that combines tender potatoes, sweet peppers, and savory onions all cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or chili flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil, onions, and peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
3. Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the vegetables.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown and tender.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired additional flavorings (such as garlic powder or chili flakes).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Cast Iron Skillet Blueberry Muffin Top Pancake
Elevate your pancake game by cooking them in a cast iron skillet and topping them with sweet blueberries. This recipe yields fluffy, buttery pancakes with a delightful crunch from the skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar, milk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour in the skillet and top with blueberries.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges are golden brown.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Start your day off right with these 18 flavorful cast iron skillet breakfast recipes. From savory dishes like Cast Iron Skillet Breakfast Hash with Potatoes and Sausage, to sweet treats like Fluffy Cast Iron Skillet Dutch Baby with Powdered Sugar, there’s something for everyone. Try a classic combination like Classic Cast Iron Skillet Pancakes with Maple Syrup or go bold with Spicy Cast Iron Skillet Shakshuka with Feta and Parsley. Whether you’re in the mood for eggs, pancakes, or something in between, these recipes are sure to satisfy your morning cravings.