Best Sourdough Recipes Baked in a Cast Iron Skillet
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If you're like me and love using your cast iron skillet for as much as you can in your kitchen, then grab your sourdough starter and let's get to it! I've put together a collection of the best sourdough recipes that can be baked in a cast iron skillet just for you!
From the most delicious sourdough focaccia breads to cookies skillets and soft sourdough dinner rolls, there's sure to be something here to tickle your tastebuds ... and use your sourdough starter to create something delicious!
What is a Cast Iron Skillet?
A cast iron skillet is a versatile and durable piece of cookware that is revered in kitchens around the world for its exceptional heat retention and even heat distribution. Typically made from a single piece of cast iron, these skillets feature a thick bottom and sturdy handles, making them perfect for a wide range of cooking tasks.
From searing and frying to baking and roasting, cast iron skillets excel in both stovetop and oven cooking, making them indispensable in any kitchen. One of the key benefits of cast iron skillets is their ability to develop a natural non-stick surface over time, enhancing their usability and reducing the need for excessive oil or butter.
Additionally, cooking in cast iron can impart subtle traces of iron into food, fortifying meals with an added nutritional boost. With proper care and maintenance, a cast iron skillet can last a lifetime, making it a timeless and invaluable tool for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Which Cast Iron Skillet To Use for Sourdough?
You really can use any cast iron skillet to bake these sourdough recipes. I have mostly used a 12" round cast iron skillet for these recipes. However I also have an enamel cast iron skillet that I use for some recipes (although I don't love the enamel cast iron skillet).
You really can use whatever cast iron skillet you have on hand. I will say that if your skillet is smaller than 12", just make sure you don't overload it. You may need to split some of these recipes into 2, or reduce them using baker's math.
Getting The Most Out of Your Sourdough Starter
Having an active sourdough starter on hand is key to being able to whip up delicious sourdough treats whenever the mood takes you. The best way to do this is to keep your sourdough starter on the counter and feed it daily.
If you don't want to bake everyday, storing your sourdough starter in the fridge might be the best solution for you.
No matter where you store your sourdough starter, you will find these resources helpful in maintaining an healthy and active sourdough starter that is bubbly and resilient:
- How To Feed A Sourdough Starter
- How To Get Bigger Bubbles in your Sourdough Starter
- How To Strengthen Your Sourdough Starter
- How To Keep Your Sourdough Starter Warm
- Sourdough Starter vs Sourdough Discard - what is the difference?
Best Sourdough Recipes Baked in a Cast Iron Skillet
If you are like me and don't like to have a tonne of cookware in your cupboards, you'll love that you can use a simple cast iron skillet to bake so many different sourdough recipes!
Some of the recipes I've listed might not be traditionally baked in a cast iron skillet, but can easily be adapted in order to use your skillet productively.
Sourdough Skillet Rolls
These delicious golden sourdough skillet rolls are baked in a cast iron skillet, giving them a pillowy soft crumb and soft, buttery top. The addition of sweet honey thyme butter makes them irrestisable!
Sourdough Skillet Cookie
Indulge in gooey decadence with this Sourdough Skillet Cookie, baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet for a crispy edge and soft, chewy center. The recipe also gives lots of irresistible flavor variations like spiced pecan chocolate chip and salted caramel.
Sourdough Cornbread Baked in a Cast Iron Skillet
Baking this sourdough cornbread in a cast iron skillet gives it the most delicious golden crust and tender crumb. It's such a comforting dish that can be served alone with whipped honey cinnamon butter or as a full bodied side dish.
Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the best Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe, featuring tangy sourdough bread toasted to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet for irresistible flavor and texture.
Sourdough Dutch Baby
Delight in a fluffy and indulgent breakfast treat with this Sourdough Dutch Baby, baked in a cast iron skillet for a puffy, golden exterior and tender interior. This one is a must bake next time you want to use your cast iron skillet and use up sourdough discard.
Sourdough Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
Start your morning on a sweet note with my Sourdough Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls, baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet for a gooey, caramelized exterior and soft, pillowy interior.
Sourdough Focaccia Bread Recipe
Treat your taste buds to savory goodness with this Sourdough Focaccia Bread Recipe, baked in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust and tender crumb, perfect for pairing with soups or salads .... or just enjoying as it is, sprinkled with fresh rosemary and sea salt and drizzled in a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
Sourdough Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Experience the rustic charm of traditional Irish cuisine with this Sourdough Irish Soda Bread Recipe, baked in a cast iron skillet for a hearty, crusty loaf with a tender crumb. It's a no wait sourdough discard recipe that uses baking soda as a leavening agent, hence the name, soda bread.
Sourdough Pizza Focaccia Bread Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Sourdough Pizza Focaccia Bread Recipe, baked in a cast iron skillet for a crispy, golden crust and flavorful toppings. I think the best thing about this recipe is it makes 2 rounds of pizza focaccia bread! YUM!
Sourdough Pancakes
Sourdough pancakes taste so much better cooked in a cast iron skillet! As long as your skillet is properly seasoned, your pancakes will get those lovely crispy edges! You could try these sourdough pumpkin pancakes or sourdough banana pancakes too!
Sourdough Discard Rolls Recipe
Whip up a batch of these Sourdough Discard Rolls Recipe for fluffy, tangy rolls baked in a cast iron skillet, perfect for serving alongside a hearty winter stew (like this sourdough beef and Guinness stew) or filling with delicious pulled meats.
Sourdough Discard Flat Breads
Enjoy the versatility of sourdough with these Sourdough Discard Flatbreads, cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet for a crisp, chewy texture that's perfect for dipping or topping. I love making these sourdough flat breads and serving them with this roasted vegetable hummus or this whipped ricotta dip.
Fried Sourdough Pizza Dough
Satisfy your craving for crispy, cheesy goodness with this Fried Sourdough Pizza Dough. It's delicious however you fry it, but it tastes so much better when fried in a cast iron skillet!
Sourdough Naan Bread
Adding Sourdough To Any Recipe
Another thing to note when using your cast iron skillet for sourdough in your kitchen is that you can add sourdough discard to pretty much any recipe that uses flour.
I've created a full guide to adding sourdough discard to any recipe here.
Think about adding sourdough discard (or sourdough starter) to any recipes you might bake in a cast iron skillet like pancakes, waffles, cakes, casseroles or even pies.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Cast Iron Skillet
Cleaning and maintaining a cast iron skillet is relatively simple. After each use, allow the skillet to cool slightly before rinsing it with warm water and scrubbing gently with a stiff brush or sponge.
Avoid using soap, as it can strip away the skillet's seasoning. Instead, use hot water and elbow grease to remove any food residue. For stubborn, stuck-on bits, you can sprinkle coarse salt or use a paste made from baking soda and water as a gentle abrasive. Once clean, rinse the skillet thoroughly and dry it immediately with a clean towel to prevent rusting.
To maintain the seasoning of your cast iron skillet, it's essential to dry it thoroughly after each use and apply a thin layer of oil or fat while the skillet is still warm. This helps to replenish the skillet's protective coating and prevent it from drying out or rusting.
Additionally, store your cast iron skillet in a dry place and avoid stacking it with other cookware to prevent damage to the seasoning (that's why you'll often see people hanging their skillets).
If your skillet does develop rust or begins to lose its seasoning, you can restore it by scrubbing with steel wool, re seasoning with oil, and baking it in the oven.
With proper care and maintenance, your cast iron skillet can become a beloved kitchen companion for generations to come (just like your homemade sourdough starter).
