A cast iron skillet just might be the most valuable pan in your kitchen, It moves effortlessly from stovetop to oven and holds heat like other pans can only dream of. And talk about versatile: Not only is it perfect for getting the most flavorful sear on a steak, but it can be used in place of a baking dish for pie, it gives cornbread the most delectable crust, and its rustic good looks make it pleasing enough to serve a dip out of during entertaining. Oh, and forget rolling out individual cookies when you can make a giant one in the skillet! Watch the video above and scroll below for seven of our favorite ways to cook in a cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Pan Seared Steak
![Cast Iron Pan Seared Steak](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/l3JwZGIw7xd98OEFjgR8M0DbX0o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cast-Iron-Pan-Seared-Steak-6cd8ab20c2b74e289ba4b4d50534b4e8.png)
After soaking in a flavorful marinade, this steak is seared in a cast iron skillet to create a mouthwatering crust and quickly finished in the oven. Be sure to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Easy Skillet Apple Pie
![Easy Skillet Apple Pie](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/7Gckc316wAmjwuswt5_zy1ho8CE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Easy-Skillet-Apple-Pie-27c133ae539145ef992cf1468f446e74.png)
MyRecipes makes baking an apple pie so easy. Simply toss sliced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar, and spoon over a refrigerated pie crust in the cast-iron skillet. Top with a second crust and bake.
Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
![Buffalo Cauliflower Dip](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/1eM8qL8_ceji2uFrU_VhRzGEc5U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Buffalo-Cauliflower-Dip-150bf32a3b3a4805a2d196dbb37c8731.png)
MyRecipes delivers every bit of creamy, tangy flavor you crave in this meat-free twist on Buffalo dip, but it's loaded with buttery cauliflower instead of shredded chicken. It's a hearty, party-perfect appetizer that you can serve right from the skillet.
Ben Mims' Perfect Cornbread
![Ben Mims’ Perfect Cornbread](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/EeSFgNOXdf0mEibJLojDZy487HY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Ben-Mims-Perfect-Cornbread-4774a7284cab40d8bd1dbea6971d2e54.png)
This Southern Living recipe proves that cornbread and cast iron were made for each other. And it doesn't call for even a teaspoon of sugar — savory cornbread enthusiasts will be happy to know.
Pistachio Tahini Cinnamon Rolls
![Pistachio Tahini Cinnamon Rolls](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/7lKCimkljsib4cxrbsThaR0GWkU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pistachio-Tahini-Cinnamon-Rolls-472ef94432074271a7ae06bfa1cce33b.png)
Delicious and not too sweet, the flavors of tahini, pistachios, and cardamom combine beautifully in a fluffy, light roll. These MyRecipes cinnamon rolls take a little extra time, but they're so worth the effort — especially since most of the work is hands-off.
PB&J Monkey Bread
![peanut butter and jelly pb and j pb&j monkey bread](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/ZIDldugM1D_g6f5GvN2g_-7c-TY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PBJ-Monkey-Bread-2e8fd42b877144829b679b24e3c16674.png)
Thanks to MyRecipes, this monkey bread is ooey gooey peanut butter and jelly goodness! Kids and adults alike will go nuts for this sweet and decadent treat, which gets its chewy, light-as-air feeling from store-bought pizza dough.
Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
![Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/nckdSt2vyRO2fjqSCW_kYSkYMlI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Peanut-Butter-Chocolate-Chip-Skillet-Cookie-c4ce69ca2a0d4117a9914f32e0e449cd.png)
This is a MyRecipes genius creation of a giant cookie filled with peanut butter chips, topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with melted peanut butter and rich chocolate syrup — what could be better?