Unlock Cast Iron Magic: Delicious Recipes and Amazon’s September Lodge Sale!

Cast iron cookware has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, and for good reason. From its incredible heat retention and even cooking to its unparalleled durability and versatility, cast iron is a workhorse in the kitchen. And if you’ve been considering adding a piece (or another piece!) to your collection, Amazon’s September Lodge Cast Iron Sale is the perfect opportunity. But what good is a beautiful new Lodge skillet without some amazing recipes to try? Let’s dive into some delicious cast iron recipes, along with why you should be excited about snagging a Lodge during this sale.

## Why Lodge Cast Iron?

Before we get cooking, let’s talk about why Lodge is a trusted name in cast iron. Here’s why Lodge consistently earns top marks:

* **American Made:** Lodge is an American company that has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896. Buying Lodge supports American manufacturing and jobs.
* **Pre-Seasoned:** Lodge cast iron comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, making it ready to use right out of the box. While you’ll still want to maintain the seasoning, this initial layer gives you a head start.
* **Durability:** Cast iron is incredibly durable. With proper care, a Lodge skillet can last for generations, becoming a treasured heirloom.
* **Versatility:** Lodge cast iron can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, over a campfire, or even on a grill. Its versatility makes it perfect for a wide range of cooking techniques.
* **Heat Retention:** Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for searing meats, baking bread, and keeping food warm for longer.
* **Affordability:** Compared to other high-end cookware, Lodge cast iron is relatively affordable, especially during sales like the Amazon September event. You get excellent quality without breaking the bank.

## Amazon’s September Lodge Cast Iron Sale: What to Expect

Amazon frequently offers sales on Lodge cast iron throughout the year, and September is often a prime time for deals. While the specific discounts vary, here’s what you can typically expect to find:

* **Discounts on Individual Skillets:** Expect to see price reductions on Lodge’s classic cast iron skillets in various sizes, from small 6.5-inch skillets perfect for single servings to larger 12-inch or 13.25-inch skillets ideal for family meals.
* **Deals on Dutch Ovens:** Lodge Dutch ovens are incredibly versatile for braising, baking, and stewing. Look for discounts on both enameled and bare cast iron Dutch ovens.
* **Savings on Griddles and Grill Pans:** If you enjoy making pancakes, bacon, or grilled sandwiches, keep an eye out for deals on Lodge griddles and grill pans.
* **Bundles and Sets:** Amazon sometimes offers bundles that include multiple Lodge pieces, such as a skillet and a griddle, or a skillet and a Dutch oven, often at a discounted price compared to buying the items separately.
* **Accessories:** Don’t forget to check for deals on Lodge accessories like cast iron handle holders, scrapers, and seasoning spray.

**Pro Tip:** Keep an eye on Amazon’s Lightning Deals and Deal of the Day for even steeper discounts on Lodge cast iron. Set up price alerts to be notified when specific items you’re interested in go on sale.

## Essential Cast Iron Recipes

Now for the fun part – the recipes! These recipes are designed to showcase the versatility and deliciousness of cast iron cooking.

### 1. Skillet Cornbread

Cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet is a classic for a reason. The skillet creates a crispy, golden-brown crust and a moist, tender interior.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 large egg
* 2 tablespoons melted butter, for greasing the skillet

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. This is key to a crispy crust.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and brush it with the melted butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are coated.
6. Pour the batter into the hot skillet and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Add-ins:** Customize your cornbread by adding ingredients like chopped jalapenos, shredded cheese, or cooked bacon to the batter.
* **Sweet Corn Kernels:** For a sweeter cornbread, add 1/2 cup of drained, canned sweet corn kernels to the batter.
* **Buttermilk Substitute:** If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
* **Maple Syrup:** Drizzle maple syrup over the cornbread before baking for a touch of sweetness.

### 2. Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Forget takeout! Making pizza in a cast iron skillet is surprisingly easy and yields a crispy, golden-brown crust and a bubbly, melted cheese topping.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, etc.)
* Olive oil, for greasing the skillet
* Optional: Cornmeal, for dusting the skillet

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. This will help with bottom crust crispness. A regular baking sheet placed in the oven will also help.
2. Lightly grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with olive oil. You can also sprinkle a little cornmeal on the bottom to prevent sticking, especially if your skillet is newer and the seasoning is still developing.
3. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough to fit the skillet. Place the dough in the skillet and press it to the edges. If the dough is too elastic and shrinks back, let it rest for 5-10 minutes and try again.
4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Add your favorite pizza toppings.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
8. Let the pizza cool in the skillet for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Homemade Pizza Dough:** For the best flavor, use homemade pizza dough. There are many great recipes online.
* **Pre-Baking the Crust:** For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough in the skillet for 5-7 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, Parmesan, or cheddar.
* **Gourmet Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try using roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or pesto.
* **Deep Dish Pizza:** For a thicker, deep-dish style pizza, use a thicker dough and a deeper skillet (like a Dutch oven). You may need to increase the baking time.

### 3. Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

A giant, warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast iron skillet is the perfect dessert to share (or not!). It’s impressive, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make.

**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 (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination)
* Optional: Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Press the cookie dough evenly into a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly soft. The cookie will continue to cook as it cools.
9. Let the cookie cool in the skillet for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Nutty Version:** Add 1 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the dough.
* **Oatmeal Chocolate Chip:** Replace 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of rolled oats.
* **Peanut Butter Swirl:** Swirl peanut butter into the cookie dough before baking.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookie after baking.
* **Ice Cream Topping:** Top the warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

### 4. Steak Sizzle: The Perfect Sear

Cast iron and steak are a match made in culinary heaven. The high heat retention of cast iron allows you to get a perfect sear on your steak, locking in the juices and creating a beautiful crust.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (1-inch thick) steak (ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Let the steak sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat until it is smoking hot. This is crucial for a good sear. Ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated.
4. Add the olive oil or avocado oil to the hot skillet. The oil should shimmer and almost smoke.
5. Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. Avoid moving the steak around while it’s searing to allow a crust to form.
6. Add the butter, garlic, and rosemary or thyme (if using) to the skillet. Tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter. This will add flavor and help it cook evenly.
7. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C).
8. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Dry Brining:** For an even more flavorful steak, try dry brining it. Season the steak generously with salt 1-2 hours before cooking and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator. This will help the salt penetrate the meat and draw out moisture, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as sage or oregano.
* **Compound Butter:** Top the steak with a pat of compound butter (butter mixed with herbs, garlic, and other flavorings).
* **Pan Sauce:** After removing the steak from the skillet, you can make a pan sauce by deglazing the skillet with red wine or beef broth. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and simmer until the sauce has thickened.
* **Reverse Sear:** For a thicker steak, consider the reverse sear method. Bake the steak in a low oven (250°F/120°C) until it reaches your desired internal temperature, then sear it in a hot skillet for a perfect crust.

### 5. One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

This is an easy and flavorful weeknight meal that comes together in just one pan. The cast iron skillet ensures the chicken is crispy and the vegetables are perfectly roasted.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 pound small red potatoes, quartered
* 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
* 1 onion, quartered
* 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity. Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Place the potatoes, carrots, and onion in a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
4. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the skillet.
5. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when you insert a knife into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Lemon and Herbs:** Stuff the chicken cavity with a lemon, cut into wedges, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage.
* **Different Vegetables:** Use other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or parsnips.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle the vegetables with balsamic glaze after roasting.
* **Chicken Broth:** Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet before roasting to keep the chicken and vegetables moist.
* **Spatchcock Chicken:** For faster cooking, spatchcock the chicken (remove the backbone) before roasting.

## Caring for Your Lodge Cast Iron

Proper care is essential to maintaining the seasoning and longevity of your Lodge cast iron. Here are some basic tips:

* **Cleaning:** After each use, clean your cast iron skillet with hot water and a stiff brush or scraper. Avoid using soap unless absolutely necessary, as it can strip the seasoning. If you do use soap, be sure to re-season the skillet afterward.
* **Drying:** Dry the skillet thoroughly with a clean towel or by placing it on a warm stovetop.
* **Seasoning:** After drying, lightly coat the skillet with a thin layer of oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil work well). Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth. This helps to maintain the seasoning and prevent rust.
* **Storage:** Store your cast iron skillet in a dry place. If stacking skillets, place a paper towel or cloth between them to prevent scratching.
* **Removing Rust:** If your cast iron skillet develops rust, don’t panic! You can remove it with steel wool or sandpaper. After removing the rust, wash the skillet thoroughly, dry it, and re-season it.

## The Bottom Line

Lodge cast iron is a fantastic investment for any home cook. Its durability, versatility, and excellent heat retention make it a joy to cook with. And with Amazon’s September Lodge Cast Iron Sale on the horizon, now is the perfect time to add a new piece to your collection or start your cast iron journey. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some delicious and memorable meals!

Enjoy the cast iron cooking experience! Have fun experimenting with different recipes and discover the magic of this timeless cookware.