Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron Recipes: Southern Comfort Food at Home (Plus Amazon Sale Alerts!)
Are you ready to bring a taste of the Smoky Mountains and a whole lot of Southern charm into your kitchen? Look no further than the Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron collection! Not only are these pieces beautiful and functional, but they also open up a world of delicious possibilities for home cooking. And, keep your eyes peeled for potential Amazon sales on these sought-after cast iron treasures – we’ll be keeping you updated! This blog post is your ultimate guide to mastering Dolly-inspired recipes using your Lodge cast iron, ensuring you create meals that are bursting with flavor and tradition. Let’s dive into some incredible recipes and explore the magic of cooking with cast iron.
Why Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron?
Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about why the Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron collection is so special. These pieces combine the durability and reliability of Lodge, a trusted name in cast iron cookware for over a century, with Dolly’s signature flair and love for home-style cooking. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this collection:
* **Exceptional Heat Retention:** Cast iron is renowned for its ability to retain heat evenly, making it ideal for searing, frying, baking, and slow cooking. This even heat distribution ensures your food cooks perfectly every time.
* **Durability:** Lodge cast iron is built to last for generations. With proper care, these pieces will become cherished heirlooms.
* **Versatility:** From stovetop to oven to campfire, cast iron can handle it all. This versatility makes it a go-to for a wide range of cooking methods.
* **Natural Non-Stick Surface:** When properly seasoned, cast iron develops a natural non-stick surface, making it easy to cook and clean.
* **Dolly’s Charm:** Each piece in the collection features subtle design elements that reflect Dolly’s personality and love for her Appalachian roots. From butterfly accents to quotes, these pieces are a joy to use and display.
* **Pre-Seasoned:** Most Lodge cast iron comes pre-seasoned, meaning you can start cooking with it right away. However, regular seasoning is still recommended to maintain the non-stick surface.
Essential Tips for Cooking with Cast Iron
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s cover some essential tips for cooking with cast iron:
* **Seasoning:** Seasoning is the process of baking a thin layer of oil onto the surface of the cast iron, creating a natural non-stick coating. To season your cast iron, coat it with a thin layer of oil (such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil), then bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for an hour. Let it cool completely before using.
* **Heating:** Cast iron takes longer to heat up than other types of cookware, but it retains heat much better. Preheat your cast iron slowly over medium heat to prevent warping or cracking.
* **Oils:** Use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, when cooking with cast iron at high temperatures.
* **Cleaning:** Clean your cast iron by hand with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid using soap, as it can strip away the seasoning. If necessary, use a mild detergent. Dry the cast iron thoroughly and then coat it with a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting.
* **Storage:** Store your cast iron in a dry place to prevent rusting. You can place a paper towel between the cast iron and the lid to absorb any moisture.
* **Avoid Thermal Shock:** Do not rapidly change the temperature of your cast iron. For example, don’t put a hot cast iron skillet into cold water, as this can cause it to crack.
Dolly Parton-Inspired Cast Iron Recipes
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the recipes! These recipes are inspired by Dolly’s love for Southern comfort food and are perfect for cooking in your Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron.
1. Dolly’s Buttermilk Biscuits
No Southern meal is complete without buttermilk biscuits. This recipe is simple, yet yields incredibly fluffy and tender biscuits that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1 cup buttermilk, cold
* 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place your Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This will help the biscuits rise evenly.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. **Cut in the butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Add the buttermilk:** Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Turn out the dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a 3/4-inch thick circle.
6. **Cut the biscuits:** Use a biscuit cutter or a sharp knife to cut out biscuits. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this can prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
7. **Place in the skillet:** Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven. Place the biscuits in the skillet, arranging them close together.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
9. **Brush with butter:** Remove the biscuits from the oven and brush them with melted butter. Serve warm.
**Tips for Perfect Biscuits:**
* Use cold ingredients, including the butter and buttermilk. This will help create a tender, flaky biscuit.
* Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits.
* Place the biscuits close together in the skillet. This will help them rise evenly and create soft sides.
2. Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread is a staple of Southern cuisine, and cooking it in a cast iron skillet gives it a crispy crust and a moist, tender interior. This recipe is a classic and easy to make.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons melted butter, for greasing the skillet
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Combine wet ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg.
4. **Combine wet and dry ingredients:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Grease the skillet:** Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven. Pour the melted butter into the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides.
6. **Pour in the batter:** Pour the cornbread batter into the hot skillet.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool slightly:** Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips for Perfect Cornbread:**
* Preheating the skillet is crucial for creating a crispy crust.
* Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing will result in tough cornbread.
* For a sweeter cornbread, add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar.
* For a savory cornbread, add 1/2 cup of chopped jalapenos or cheddar cheese to the batter.
3. Skillet Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a true Southern classic, and cooking it in a cast iron skillet ensures a crispy, golden-brown crust and juicy, flavorful meat.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
* 2 cups buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons hot sauce
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the chicken:** In a large bowl, combine the chicken, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. **Dredge the chicken:** Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. **Heat the oil:** Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into your Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
5. **Fry the chicken:** Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
6. **Drain the chicken:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
7. **Serve:** Serve the fried chicken hot, with your favorite sides.
**Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken:**
* Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
* Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will be greasy. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn.
* Do not overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken.
* Let the chicken drain on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
4. Skillet Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and cooking it in a cast iron skillet adds a touch of rustic charm. This recipe is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 6 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter, for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the macaroni:** Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. **Make the cheese sauce:** In your Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. **Add the milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
4. **Season the sauce:** Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. **Add the cheese:** Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
6. **Combine macaroni and cheese sauce:** Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
7. **Top with breadcrumbs:** In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
8. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
9. **Serve:** Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving.
**Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese:**
* Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
* Do not overcook the macaroni. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy.
* Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent it from burning.
* For a creamier mac and cheese, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
5. Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
Who can resist a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? This recipe is perfect for sharing (or not!) and is incredibly easy to make in a cast iron skillet.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Cream butter and sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Beat in eggs and vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Stir in chocolate chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. **Press into skillet:** Press the cookie dough into your Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron skillet, spreading it evenly.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still slightly soft.
9. **Cool slightly:** Let the cookie cool in the skillet for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Top with ice cream for an extra special treat.
**Tips for Perfect Skillet Cookie:**
* Use softened butter for easy creaming.
* Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing will result in a tough cookie.
* Bake until the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly soft. The cookie will continue to cook as it cools.
* Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Finding Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron on Sale
The Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron collection is a popular item, and sales can be hard to predict. Here are some strategies for finding these beautiful pieces at a discount:
* **Amazon:** Keep an eye on Amazon! Amazon often runs flash sales and promotions on cookware. Set up price alerts using browser extensions or the Amazon app to be notified when the Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron collection goes on sale.
* **Lodge Website:** Check the Lodge Cast Iron website directly. They may have seasonal sales or promotions that include the Dolly Parton collection.
* **Department Stores:** Department stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney often carry Lodge cast iron. Keep an eye on their sales flyers and online promotions.
* **Specialty Cookware Stores:** Stores that specialize in cookware may also carry the Dolly Parton collection. Sign up for their email lists to receive notifications about sales and promotions.
* **Clearance Sections:** Don’t forget to check the clearance sections of your favorite stores. You might get lucky and find a Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron piece at a discounted price.
* **Secondhand Markets:** While it’s ideal to purchase new, you might find pieces from the collection on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or other online secondhand marketplaces. Be sure to inspect the cast iron carefully for any damage or rust before purchasing.
Caring for Your Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron
Proper care is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of your Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron. Here are some tips for caring for your cast iron:
* **Seasoning:** Regularly season your cast iron to maintain the non-stick surface. After each use, wash and dry the cast iron thoroughly. Then, coat it with a thin layer of oil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for an hour.
* **Cleaning:** Clean your cast iron by hand with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid using soap, as it can strip away the seasoning. If necessary, use a mild detergent. Dry the cast iron thoroughly and then coat it with a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting.
* **Rust Removal:** If your cast iron does develop rust, don’t worry! You can remove it by scrubbing the rust off with steel wool or a wire brush. Then, wash the cast iron thoroughly, dry it, and re-season it.
* **Avoid Thermal Shock:** Do not rapidly change the temperature of your cast iron. For example, don’t put a hot cast iron skillet into cold water, as this can cause it to crack.
* **Use the Right Utensils:** Avoid using metal utensils that can scratch the surface of the cast iron. Use wooden or silicone utensils instead.
Conclusion
The Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron collection is more than just cookware; it’s a celebration of Southern heritage, home-style cooking, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. With its exceptional heat retention, durability, and versatility, cast iron is a must-have for any kitchen. By following these recipes and care tips, you can enjoy the magic of cooking with Dolly Parton Lodge Cast Iron for years to come. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions on Amazon and other retailers, and start creating your own Southern comfort food masterpieces today! Happy cooking!