Amazon Prime Day Lodge Deals: Cast Iron Recipes to Celebrate October!

October is here, bringing with it cooler weather, vibrant foliage, and the anticipation of cozy gatherings. And this year, October also brings us another fantastic Amazon Prime Day! If you’re a cooking enthusiast (or even a novice looking to upgrade your kitchen), now is the perfect time to take advantage of Lodge cast iron deals. Cast iron cookware is incredibly versatile, durable, and retains heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for everything from searing steaks to baking bread. To help you celebrate both Prime Day and the autumn season, we’ve compiled a collection of delicious cast iron recipes that are perfect for showcasing your new (or newly discounted) Lodge cookware. Get ready to be inspired and hungry!

## Why Lodge Cast Iron?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why Lodge is such a beloved brand in the cast iron world.

* **Durability:** Lodge cast iron is known for its exceptional durability. With proper care, a Lodge pan can last for generations, becoming a cherished family heirloom.
* **Heat Retention:** Cast iron excels at retaining heat, allowing for even cooking and consistent results. This is especially important for searing meats and baking goods.
* **Versatility:** From stovetop to oven to campfire, Lodge cast iron can handle it all. Its versatility makes it a go-to choice for a wide range of cooking techniques.
* **Pre-Seasoned:** Most Lodge cast iron comes pre-seasoned, meaning it’s ready to use right out of the box. This makes it easy for beginners to get started with cast iron cooking.
* **Affordability:** Compared to other high-end cookware brands, Lodge cast iron is remarkably affordable, especially when you catch those Amazon Prime Day deals!

## Essential Lodge Cast Iron Pieces for These Recipes

While you can adapt many of these recipes to different sizes, these are the Lodge pieces that will make your life easier and open up the most possibilities:

* **12-inch Cast Iron Skillet:** The workhorse of the cast iron world. Perfect for searing, frying, baking, and one-pan meals. This size offers plenty of surface area for most recipes.
* **10-inch Cast Iron Skillet:** A slightly smaller option that’s great for smaller families or individual servings. Also excellent for smaller baked goods.
* **Cast Iron Dutch Oven (6-quart):** Essential for braising, soups, stews, and baking bread. The lid helps to trap moisture and create a perfectly cooked dish.
* **Cast Iron Grill Pan:** For bringing that outdoor grilling flavor indoors, especially during the colder months.
* **Cast Iron Baking Pan/Pizza Pan:** For achieving that perfect crispy crust on pizzas and other baked goods.

## Prime Day Lodge Cast Iron Recipes:

Here are some delectable recipes that are perfect for cooking in your Lodge cast iron, taking full advantage of those Prime Day deals. We’ve organized them by category to make it easier to find what you’re looking for.

### Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

1. **Cast Iron Frittata:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini)
* 6 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk or cream
* 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a 10-inch Lodge cast iron skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chopped vegetables and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour egg mixture over the vegetables in the skillet.
7. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

2. **Cast Iron Skillet Pancakes:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 1/4 cups milk
* 1 egg
* 3 tablespoons melted butter
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep pancakes warm as they’re cooked.
2. Heat a lightly oiled 10-inch Lodge cast iron skillet over medium heat.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
8. Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking sheet and keep warm in the preheated oven until ready to serve. Serve with your favorite toppings.

3. **Dutch Baby Pancake (German Pancake):**

* **Ingredients:**
* 3 large eggs
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* Pinch of salt
* Powdered sugar and lemon wedges for serving
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch Lodge cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
2. In a blender or bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, milk, and salt until smooth.
3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.
4. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
5. Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Dutch baby is puffed up and golden brown.
7. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

### Main Course Recipes

4. **Cast Iron Skillet Steak:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 (1-inch thick) steak (such as ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 clove garlic, crushed (optional)
* 1 sprig of rosemary or thyme (optional)
* 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. Let steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Season steak generously with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch Lodge cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
5. Carefully place steak in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a crust forms.
6. Add crushed garlic and rosemary or thyme to the skillet (optional).
7. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until steak reaches desired doneness (use a meat thermometer to check).
8. Remove skillet from oven and add butter to the skillet (optional). Let butter melt and baste the steak with the melted butter.
9. Let steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

5. **Cast Iron Chicken with Roasted Vegetables:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 onion, quartered
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 potatoes, chopped
* 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
* Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), optional
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Place onion, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of a 12-inch Lodge cast iron skillet.
5. Place chicken on top of the vegetables.
6. Add halved head of garlic to the skillet.
7. Sprinkle with fresh herbs (optional).
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
9. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving with the roasted vegetables.

6. **Skillet Lasagna:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef or Italian sausage in a 12-inch Lodge cast iron skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in lasagna noodles and cook until noodles are partially cooked, about 10 minutes. Add water if needed to prevent sticking.
6. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Spread ricotta mixture over the noodle mixture.
8. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

7. **One-Pan Jambalaya:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup long-grain rice
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
* **Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch Lodge cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add Andouille sausage and chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Remove sausage and chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Add onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Stir in diced tomatoes, rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
8. Stir in cooked sausage and chicken.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

### Bread & Baking Recipes

8. **Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 egg
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 10-inch Lodge cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.
6. Pour batter into the hot skillet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

9. **No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
* 1/2 teaspoon instant or rapid-rise yeast
* 1 1/2 cups warm water
* **Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
4. After rising, preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) with a 6-quart Lodge cast iron Dutch oven inside.
5. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven.
6. Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
7. Gently shape the dough into a round.
8. Place the dough in the hot Dutch oven.
9. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
11. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

10. **Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Press dough evenly into a 10-inch Lodge cast iron skillet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and edges are set.
9. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, if desired.

### Dessert Recipes

11. **Skillet Brownies:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a 10-inch Lodge cast iron skillet over medium heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time.
5. Stir in flour until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips, if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

12. **Apple Crisp in a Cast Iron Skillet:**

* **Ingredients:**
* 6-8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place sliced apples in a 10-inch Lodge cast iron skillet.
3. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey, if desired.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
5. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Sprinkle crumb mixture over the apples.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

## Tips for Maintaining Your Lodge Cast Iron

* **Seasoning:** Regularly season your cast iron to maintain its non-stick surface. After washing and drying, lightly coat the pan with oil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for an hour.
* **Cleaning:** Avoid using soap when cleaning your cast iron, as it can strip away the seasoning. Instead, scrub with hot water and a stiff brush. For stuck-on food, use a chainmail scrubber.
* **Drying:** Dry your cast iron immediately after washing to prevent rust. You can place it on a burner over low heat to ensure it’s completely dry.
* **Storage:** Store your cast iron in a dry place. Place a paper towel between stacked cast iron pieces to prevent them from scratching each other.

## Prime Day: A Perfect Opportunity to Stock Up

Amazon Prime Day offers an incredible opportunity to score deep discounts on Lodge cast iron cookware. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection or just starting out, now is the time to invest in these versatile and durable pieces. With these recipes in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to create delicious meals and celebrate the flavors of October and beyond. So, keep an eye out for those deals and happy cooking!

## Beyond the Recipes: Other Uses for Your Lodge Cast Iron

Don’t limit your Lodge cast iron to just the recipes above! Here are a few more ways to use your versatile cookware:

* **Camping Cooking:** Cast iron is a campfire cooking essential. Its durability and heat retention make it perfect for cooking over an open flame.
* **Deep Frying:** A cast iron Dutch oven is ideal for deep frying chicken, donuts, or other treats. The even heat distribution ensures consistent cooking.
* **Baking Sourdough:** Many bakers swear by cast iron Dutch ovens for baking sourdough bread. The trapped steam creates a crispy crust and a chewy interior.
* **Serving Dish:** Cast iron skillets can be used as serving dishes, keeping food warm for longer.

## Final Thoughts

Lodge cast iron is a fantastic investment for any home cook. Its durability, versatility, and excellent heat retention make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. And with Amazon Prime Day offering significant discounts, now is the perfect time to add to your collection or begin your cast iron journey. We hope these recipes inspire you to create delicious meals and make the most of your Lodge cookware. Happy Prime Day and happy cooking!