15 Cast Iron Turkey Day Cooking Ideas

Perfectly Roasted Cast Iron Turkey

Roasting a turkey in a cast iron skillet yields a beautifully browned, flavorful result that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring even cooking and adding a delightful crust to the turkey. With the right seasoning and some simple techniques, you can create a centerpiece dish that will impress your guests this holiday season.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it in a large cast iron skillet.
3. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
4. Stuff the cavity of the turkey with rosemary, thyme, smashed garlic, and lemon halves.
5. Arrange chopped carrots, onion, and celery around the turkey in the skillet.
6. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, adding moisture for roasting.
7. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 3-4 hours.
8. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving and serving.

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Sage and Onion Stuffing in a Skillet

Sage and onion stuffing is a classic accompaniment to Thanksgiving turkey, offering a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the rich meat perfectly. Cooking this dish in a cast iron skillet not only enhances the flavors but also gives the stuffing a delightful crispy texture on the edges. It’s easy to prepare and can be made alongside your turkey, making it a convenient choice for your Turkey Day feast.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large cast iron skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the chopped sage and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread with the onion mixture, salt, and pepper.
5. Gradually add chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. If using, mix in the beaten egg.
6. Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm alongside your perfectly roasted turkey.

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Creamy Mashed Potatoes With Garlic

Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic are the ultimate comfort food, making them a beloved side dish for any Thanksgiving feast. The combination of fluffy potatoes, rich butter, and the aromatic flavor of garlic creates a creamy, dreamy texture that pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy. Using a cast iron skillet for this dish not only helps achieve the perfect consistency but also gives a slight crispy edge when you choose to brown the top under the broiler.

Cooking Steps:

1. Boil the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the minced garlic, butter, and heavy cream or milk.
3. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a preheated cast iron skillet, and spread them out evenly.
5. If desired, broil on high for 3-5 minutes to achieve a light golden crisp on the top.
6. Garnish with chopped chives before serving warm alongside your turkey.

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Cast Iron Green Bean Casserole

Cast Iron Green Bean Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions, all baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. This method not only ensures even cooking but also enhances the flavors, providing a delightful, satisfying texture that complements the holiday feast perfectly.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch the fresh green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green, then drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. In a cast iron skillet, combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce mixture and half of the crispy fried onions. Stir until well coated.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and bubbling.
6. Remove from the oven, top with the remaining fried onions, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
7. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving warm.

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Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallow Topping

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping is a quintessential Thanksgiving dish that brings together the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes and the gooey delightful topping of marshmallows. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this casserole features a creamy texture and caramelized marshmallows, making it a signature side dish that pairs beautifully with savory holiday meals.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and mash.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased cast iron skillet and smooth the top.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until set.
6. Remove from the oven and top with miniature marshmallows. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and toasted.
7. Serve warm as a delightful side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.

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Herbed Bread Rolls Baked in Cast Iron

Herbed Bread Rolls baked in cast iron are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, offering a warm, fluffy texture and a delightful aroma infused with herbs. These rolls are not only easy to make but are also beautifully browned and crisp on the outside, thanks to the even heat distribution of a cast iron skillet. Serve them fresh out of the oven, and watch them disappear from the dinner table!

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roll and place them in a greased cast iron skillet.
6. Cover the skillet and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm, and enjoy!

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Cast Iron Cranberry Sauce With Orange Zest

Cast Iron Cranberry Sauce With Orange Zest is a vibrant and zesty addition to your Thanksgiving spread. This homemade sauce balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright notes of orange zest, creating a refreshing complement to your turkey and other dishes. Cooking it in a cast iron skillet allows for even heating and enhances the flavors beautifully, making it a must-have for your holiday table.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a cast iron skillet, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, salt, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool before serving. Optionally, refrigerate until ready to use for a fresher taste!

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Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts are a delicious and nutritious side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. These tender Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection in a cast iron skillet and then drizzled with a rich maple syrup glaze, creating a wonderful balance of savory and sweet. This dish not only adds color to your holiday table but also complements the flavors of your turkey and other sides.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
3. In a cast iron skillet, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden and tender.
5. Drizzle with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
6. Remove from the oven, toss gently, and serve hot. Enjoy the sweet and savory combination!

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Savory Pumpkin Cornbread

Savory Pumpkin Cornbread is a delightful twist on traditional cornbread, adding the rich flavor of pumpkin and warm spices that make it perfect for Thanksgiving. This dish is easy to prepare in a cast iron skillet, which gives it a beautiful crust while keeping it moist and tender inside. Serve it alongside your turkey and other sides for a delicious addition to your holiday feast.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a cast iron skillet inside to heat.
2. In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, grease it with a little extra butter, and pour the cornbread batter into the skillet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful cornbread!

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Cast Iron Mac and Cheese

Cast Iron Mac and Cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for the Thanksgiving table. This creamy and cheesy pasta dish is made in a cast iron skillet, which not only helps achieve a delightful golden crust on top but also retains heat, keeping your mac and cheese warm throughout your meal. With a blend of rich cheeses and a crispy topping, it’s sure to be a hit among family and friends.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cast iron skillet.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
5. Remove from heat, and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until melted and combined. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Fold in the cooked macaroni until well coated with the cheese sauce.
7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and paprika over the top for added crunch, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!

Traditional Pumpkin Pie With a Flaky Crust

Traditional Pumpkin Pie with a Flaky Crust is a quintessential dessert for Thanksgiving, offering a perfect blend of spiced pumpkin filling and a buttery, flaky crust. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this pie develops a beautifully crisp crust with a rich, dense filling that captures the essence of the season. It’s a delightful way to end your turkey day feast!

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into a greased cast iron skillet, trimming excess edges.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and eggs until smooth. Gradually add cream and mix until combined.
5. Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until the filling is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool before slicing, and serve with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your classic pumpkin pie!

Cast Iron Apple Crisp With Oat Topping

Cast Iron Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is a delightful dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping. It’s baked in a cast iron skillet to achieve a perfectly caramelized and golden top, making it a comforting finale to your Thanksgiving feast. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible treat.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased cast iron skillet.
3. In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, melted butter, and salt, mixing until crumbly. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apple filling.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly.
5. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, topped with ice cream or whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your apple crisp!

Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are a scrumptious and vibrant side dish perfect for elevating your Thanksgiving table. The combination of sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, while roasting in a cast iron skillet allows them to caramelize beautifully, creating a lovely texture and flavor that pairs well with turkey and other holiday dishes.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and cut the carrots into evenly sized sticks or rounds and place them in a cast iron skillet.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the honey balsamic mixture over the carrots and toss to coat evenly.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from the oven and serve warm as a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy!

Skillet Corn Pudding

Skillet Corn Pudding is a delightful and comforting dish that adds a cozy, southern touch to your Thanksgiving spread. This creamy, custard-like side dish combines sweet corn with a hint of cornmeal, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Cooking it in a cast iron skillet gives the edges a lovely golden crust, making it a remarkable addition to your holiday table.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place your cast iron skillet in the oven to warm up.
2. In a large bowl, combine fresh corn, cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Carefully remove the heated skillet from the oven, pour in the corn pudding mixture, and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set and golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty skillet corn pudding!

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a classic appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings and holiday feasts. This creamy, cheesy dip features fresh spinach, artichokes, and a medley of cheeses, making it a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or tortilla chips. When cooked in a cast iron skillet, the dip develops an irresistible golden top, ensuring that every bite is warm and delicious.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place your cast iron skillet in the oven to heat up.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic until smooth.
3. Stir in chopped spinach, artichokes, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Remove the hot skillet from the oven and pour the dip mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden. Serve warm with chips or bread. Enjoy your delicious warm spinach and artichoke dip!