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A cast-iron skillet is such a great investment for quick and easy cooking. From healthy, hearty dinners to rapid fast meals, a cast iron skillet can be used for almost every kind of meal – and are even hardy enough to withstand the heat of a camping fire. These 20 best vegan cast iron skillet recipes include dinners, snacks, and even desserts.
No exaggeration, I probably use my cast iron skillet at least once a day – often twice. It is, hands-down, the best investment you could make in kitchenware. My parents gifted me my Le Creuset cast iron skillet a couple of years ago now, and even with so much use, it’s still going strong – and should for years to come.
These skillet recipes range from savoury dinners to dreamy desserts – scroll down for a little more information on how to cook with and maintain your skillet, or you can jump straight to the recipes here.
How to maintain a cast iron skillet
Cast iron skillets need very little oil, are non-stick, and are very easy to maintain for years and years, provided you treat them properly. This includes washing them after every use with hot water and a non-abrasive scrub pad with minimal soap – never put your skillet in the dishwasher!
To keep your cast iron skillet in top condition:
- Always store your cast iron skillet dry! Don’t just rinse it and leave to dry on the rack as this can cause it to rust
- Rinse it with warm water and scrub gently to remove any black bits – you don’t really need soapy water
- ‘Season’ your cast iron skillet with a thin coat of oil applied with the skillet on a low heat
- Try to avoid using metal utensils that could scratch the pan – wooden or rubber utensils are best
- Clean the pan right after use, rather than soaking it
Cooking with a cast iron skillet
One of the best parts about a skillet is that it can be used interchangeably on the hob and in the oven, so the number of recipes you can make with just this one pan are endless.
I’m all about minimal ingredients, simple recipes, and big flavours, so skillet recipes tend to be my go-to for weeknights. I also love the idea of taking a skillet and cooking a proper, hearty vegan meal when camping, too.
Below, I’ve collected the best vegan cast iron skillet recipes on the internet. This list ranges from hearty meatballs and mac & cheese to an indulgent chocolate skillet cookie and fresh berry crumbles. Most of these recipes are one-pan only, too – so minimal washing up and maximum flavour is the real theme here!
Check out these 10 mouthwatering vegan one-pot recipes for summer next.
Best Vegan Cast Iron Skillet Recipes:
20 Best Vegan Cast Iron Skillet Recipes
Make these easy, one-pan vegan cast iron skillet recipes for a simple, delicious dinner or dessert. From hearty vegan mac and cheese to the most delicious looking chocolate chip skillet cookie, you'll be getting good use out of your skillet with these wonderful recipes.
Vegan Skillet BBQ Baked Beans
Baked beans levelled up - these BBQ baked beans are really easy to make, have a delicious smoky yet sweet taste, and are packed with nutrients.
Perfect with a heart cooked breakfast or even just paired with some toast for a light dinner!
Vegan Homemade Skillet Naan Breads
Okay, so this next photo is a little reminiscent of those trypophobia photos...BUT, if you have never tried homemade naan breads you need to - they taste so much better than the shop-bought version! And that you can whip up these beauties in a skillet makes it so much better!
Gluten Free Baked Vegan Bacon Ranch Pasta Skillet
A ranch-inspired sauce with herbs and chives and smokey “bacon” infused into this delicious, hearty pasta bake - yum! A hearty skillet meal that every vegan can get behind!
Chickpea, Cashew & Broccolli with Garlic Sauce
This vegan cast iron skillet recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients and looks like the perfect quick and healthy vegan dinner - cashews make the best creamy sauces, and that broccoli makes this dish look so beautifully vibrant!
Vegan Skillet Shakshuka
Oh wow, shakshuka is the breakfast of champions - and no, you don't need eggs to make it at home. This is an amazing vegan-take on the delicious Israeli breakfast classic that is traditionally made with eggs, and can be made in just one skillet to save time and washing up!
Charred Tomatillo Salsa Verde With Avocado
A delicious, fresh and tangy salsa verde with tomatillos charred in a dry skillet - so quick and easy. This looks like the perfect dip for hosting when you want to impress your guests!
'Beefy' Skillet Lasagna
This 'beefy' vegan skillet lasagna looks insane! Made with plant-based beef crumbles, a dairy-free cream sauce and tomato ragu, this looks like the perfect comforting dinner. This is a vegan cast iron skillet recipe I cannot wait to make again.
Vegan Meatballs
Minimalist Baker always delivers - black bean meatballs with a perfectly moist but crunchy on the outside texture, with a deliciously heart tomato marinara sauce for a healthy and filling dinner.
Vegan Asparagus Potato Frittata
Frittata, sans eggs! This classic cast iron skillet recipe has been vegan-ized to result in a beautiful, light and summery frittata recipe that is egg-free and made with one pan!
Vegan Feta Chickpea Skillet
Who said you have to miss cheese if you go vegan? This vegan feta cheese skillet recipe with tomatoes, chickpeas, and spinach makes the perfect quick healthy meal - I think this would be amazing paired with some crusty bread!
Easy Vegan Mac & Cheese
This easy skillet mac and cheese uses a yummy cashew-based cheese sauce and is topped with breadcrumbs and hemp seeds for extra crunch.
Tex-Mex Chickpea Tater Tot Casserole
This skillet casserole made with tater tots, chickpeas, and Tex-Mex spices is the perfect indulgent, comforting meal when you just need something heart and home-cooked.
No-Knead Artisan Bread
Soft, fluffy bread that needs no-kneading (now that's a tongue twister!), and baked in a skillet. I am HERE for this.
Simple Oatcake Wraps
These simple oatcake wraps are made with just oats, water, and a little seasoning, and the perfect filling-holder for a light and healthy lunch.
Creamy Hot Broccoli Dip
This creamy, hearty broccoli dip uses a base of vegan cream cheese and cashews, and is the perfect healthy (ish!) dip for tortilla chips, pitta, or just a good old spoon!
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe & Kale
A super easy green side dish with a garlicky taste - the perfect healthy accompaniment to any main meal.
Giant Vegan Double Chocolate Skillet Cookie
Did someone say GIANT CHOCOLATE SKILLET COOKIE?! Be everyone's favourite person for like, ever, if you make this recipe.
Crispy Berries Plum Crumble
This delicious fruity dessert is made in a cast iron skillet for no-fuss cooking - and looks absolutely gorgeous!
Grilled Blackberry Cobble
Fresh blackberries and blueberries with a fluffy biscuit topping - really, what more could you ask for? This vegan cast iron skillet dessert looks like an absolute show-stopper if I ever saw one.
Roasted Plums In Port Sauce
Dessert couldn’t be simpler than this recipe which roasts up fresh plums in sweet port wine with an added sprig of rosemary.
I hope this post has given you some inspiration for making vegan skillet recipes – let me know what recipe you plan on making next!