Lodge Cast Iron Cookware Black Friday Deals: Delicious Recipes to Celebrate
Black Friday is the perfect time to snag incredible deals on kitchen essentials, and Lodge cast iron cookware is consistently a top pick for both seasoned chefs and home cooks alike. Known for its durability, versatility, and exceptional heat retention, Lodge cast iron can elevate your cooking game. But once you have those shiny new cast iron pieces, what do you make? This article is your guide to delicious recipes that will showcase the magic of Lodge cast iron cookware. We’ll explore everything from savory classics to sweet treats, all while highlighting the benefits of cooking with cast iron and providing helpful tips for seasoning and care.
Why Lodge Cast Iron?
Before we dive into recipes, let’s quickly recap why Lodge cast iron is so beloved:
* **Durability:** These pans are built to last generations. With proper care, a Lodge cast iron skillet can become a family heirloom.
* **Heat Retention:** Cast iron heats evenly and retains heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for searing, browning, and maintaining consistent cooking temperatures.
* **Versatility:** Use it on the stovetop, in the oven, over a campfire – Lodge cast iron can handle it all.
* **Natural Non-Stick (with seasoning):** A well-seasoned cast iron pan develops a natural non-stick surface, reducing the need for excessive oil.
* **Affordability:** Compared to other high-end cookware, Lodge cast iron is surprisingly affordable, especially when you take advantage of Black Friday deals.
Preparing Your Lodge Cast Iron for the First Time
While Lodge cast iron skillets often come pre-seasoned, adding an extra layer or two of seasoning is always a good idea to enhance its non-stick properties. Here’s how:
1. **Wash the Pan:** Use hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge to remove any manufacturing residue. Dry the pan thoroughly.
2. **Apply a Thin Layer of Oil:** Use a high smoke-point oil like canola, vegetable, or flaxseed oil. Apply a very thin, even layer to the entire surface of the pan, inside and out. A little goes a long way!
3. **Bake It:** Place the pan upside down on the middle rack of your oven. Put a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. Bake at 450-500°F (232-260°C) for one hour.
4. **Cool Down:** Turn off the oven and let the pan cool completely inside the oven.
5. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 2-4 at least once, ideally two or three times, to build up a solid base of seasoning.
Black Friday Lodge Cast Iron Recipes: Savory Delights
Now, let’s get cooking! Here are some mouthwatering savory recipes perfect for showcasing your new Lodge cast iron cookware:
1. Skillet Pizza
This recipe takes pizza night to a whole new level. The cast iron creates a crispy, golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
* 1 cup pizza sauce
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, etc.)
* Olive oil
* Cornmeal (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This helps create an extra crispy crust.
2. **Prepare the Dough:** Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the pizza dough in the bowl, turning to coat with oil. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
3. **Stretch the Dough:** Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Sprinkle a little cornmeal (if using) into the skillet to prevent sticking. Gently stretch the dough to fit the skillet. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes and then try again.
4. **Add Toppings:** Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add your desired toppings.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the pizza cool in the skillet for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Pan-Seared Steak
Achieve restaurant-quality sear on your steak right at home with a cast iron skillet. The high heat retention ensures a perfectly browned crust and juicy interior.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (1-inch thick) steak (ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
* Garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prep the Steak:** Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. **Heat the Skillet:** Place your cast iron skillet over high heat. Let it heat up for several minutes until it’s smoking hot. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.
3. **Sear the Steak:** Add the olive oil to the skillet. Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, without moving it. This allows a beautiful crust to form.
4. **Add Butter and Aromatics (Optional):** Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, thyme sprigs, and garlic cloves (if using) to the skillet. Tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter and herbs.
5. **Cook to Desired Doneness:** Continue cooking the steak, basting occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
* Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
* Medium-Rare: 130-140°F (54-60°C)
* Medium: 140-150°F (60-66°C)
* Medium-Well: 150-160°F (66-71°C)
* Well-Done: 160°F+ (71°C+)
6. **Rest the Steak:** Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
3. Cornbread
Nothing beats a warm, golden cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet. The edges get beautifully crispy, while the inside remains moist and tender.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven and Skillet:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This helps create a crispy crust.
2. **Whisk Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Pour into Skillet:** Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the batter into the skillet.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
4. Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Bring the flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant to your home with these sizzling skillet chicken fajitas.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
* 1 onion, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 packet fajita seasoning
* Tortillas, for serving
* Your favorite fajita toppings (salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate Chicken:** In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the fajita seasoning. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer for more flavor.
2. **Heat the Skillet:** Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet and cook until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Cook the Vegetables:** Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook until they’re tender-crisp. If the vegetables start to stick, add a little more olive oil.
5. **Combine and Serve:** Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine and heat through. Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings.
5. Dutch Baby Pancake
A Dutch baby pancake is a puffy, oven-baked pancake that’s surprisingly easy to make in a cast iron skillet. It’s a perfect brunch treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 eggs
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Powdered sugar, for dusting
* Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven and Skillet:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
2. **Blend the Batter:** In a blender, combine the eggs, flour, milk, sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. **Melt Butter in Skillet:** Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely, swirling to coat the entire surface.
4. **Pour in Batter:** Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed up and golden brown.
6. **Dust and Serve:** Remove the Dutch baby pancake from the oven and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately with lemon wedges (if desired).
Black Friday Lodge Cast Iron Recipes: Sweet Indulgences
Cast iron isn’t just for savory dishes! Here are some delectable sweet recipes to satisfy your cravings:
6. Skillet Brownie
This gooey, fudgy skillet brownie is perfect for sharing (or not!). The cast iron creates a crispy edge and a soft, chewy center.
**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 and Skillet:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. You can optionally line the skillet with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the brownie out after baking.
2. **Melt Butter:** In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. **Add Vanilla and Eggs:** Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. **Add Flour and Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the flour until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips (if using).
5. **Pour into Skillet:** Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the batter into the skillet.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the brownie cool in the skillet for at least 15 minutes before serving. You can top it with ice cream, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
7. Skillet Apple Crisp
This warm and comforting apple crisp is a classic dessert that’s even better when baked in a cast iron skillet. The apples become tender and caramelized, and the topping is perfectly golden and crunchy.
**Ingredients (Filling):**
* 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Ingredients (Topping):**
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Apple Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
3. **Prepare Crumble Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the apple filling into your cast iron skillet. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
8. Peach Cobbler
A summery dessert that tastes good year round. Baking it in cast iron gives it a special appeal that a regular baking pan cannot compete with.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup milk
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Pour Batter into Skillet: Pour the batter into your cast iron skillet.
5. Add Peaches: Arrange the sliced peaches evenly over the batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
6. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are tender and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the peach cobbler cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for Maintaining Your Lodge Cast Iron
* **Clean Immediately:** Clean your cast iron skillet soon after each use to prevent rust and food buildup. Use hot water and a non-abrasive sponge or brush. A little dish soap is okay, but avoid harsh detergents.
* **Dry Thoroughly:** Dry the pan completely with a clean towel. Immediately after drying, place the pan over low heat on the stovetop for a few minutes to ensure it’s completely dry.
* **Oil Lightly:** After drying, apply a very thin layer of oil to the entire surface of the pan. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away any excess oil. You want the pan to feel barely oily, not greasy.
* **Store Properly:** Store your cast iron skillet in a dry place. You can place a paper towel or cloth between the pan and other items to prevent rust.
* **Dealing with Rust:** If your cast iron skillet develops rust, don’t panic! You can remove it with steel wool or a rust eraser. Then, re-season the pan according to the instructions above.
* **Avoid Dishwasher:** Never put your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher. The harsh detergents and prolonged exposure to water can strip away the seasoning and cause rust.
* **Don’t Soak:** Avoid soaking your cast iron skillet for extended periods, as this can also lead to rust.
Black Friday Shopping Strategies for Lodge Cast Iron
* **Check Major Retailers:** Keep an eye on Black Friday deals from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s. These stores often offer significant discounts on Lodge cast iron cookware.
* **Sign Up for Email Lists:** Subscribe to the email newsletters of your favorite retailers to receive exclusive Black Friday deal alerts.
* **Comparison Shop:** Use online tools to compare prices from different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
* **Consider Bundles:** Look for bundles that include multiple pieces of Lodge cast iron cookware. These bundles can offer significant savings compared to buying individual items.
* **Read Reviews:** Before making a purchase, read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and performance of the product.
* **Be Prepared to Act Fast:** Popular Black Friday deals can sell out quickly, so be prepared to act fast when you find something you want.
Conclusion
With incredible deals often available during Black Friday, now is the perfect time to invest in Lodge cast iron cookware. From searing steaks to baking delicious desserts, the versatility and durability of cast iron make it a kitchen essential. These recipes are just a starting point – get creative and experiment with your favorite dishes to discover the magic of cooking with Lodge cast iron. Happy cooking and happy Black Friday shopping!