Famously durable, these pans are often passed down through generations. With proper reseasoning care, years of frequent use can actually improve the pan’s “seasoning”—its natural nonstick coating. But sadly, cast iron skillets can indeed break. Here’s when to throw away a cast iron skillet.
Dealbreaker 1: A Wobbly Base
Warping can happen to all cookware, even cast iron; typically as a result of very high heat or temperature fluctuations. To test for an uneven base, set your cast iron pan on a burner and press down on the handle. If the pan wobbles, the base has warped. Slight unevenness likely won’t impact performance, though the pan will heat less evenly, so keep an eye on food and stir frequently. A dramatic wobble will make food heat very unevenly, and may actually cause food to splash or spill from the pan. In that case, it’s time to retire the pan.
Love cast iron? These fun products are for die-hard cast iron fans.
Dealbreaker 2: A Crack
If a crack appears in your cast iron pan, it’s time to ditch it. Even a hairline crack will expand and contract when heated and cooled, and ultimately the pan will split—a potentially dangerous situation if it happens during cooking! Plus, cracks are difficult to clean and may harbor bacteria and rust.
Here’s how to clean a cast iron skillet.
Dealbreaker 3: A Hole
Browsing at a vintage store? Avoid any cast iron pan with a hole in it. That often signifies that the pan was designated for a non-food use, like for holding motor oil or other harmful substances.
Probably Not a Dealbreaker: Rust
One of the most common problems with a cast iron pan is rust. If you buy a vintage pan with rust on it, or your pan gets rusty after use, it’s almost always fixable. Scrubbing a rusted cast iron with steel wool should remove all the rust; here’s a complete guide to scouring and re-seasoning.
If you find yourself in the market for a new pan, check out Taste of Home’s 12-inch cast iron skillet.
Recipes to Make in Grandma's Cast Iron Pan
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Rhubarb Crisp
I found this strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe on a box of Quaker Oats about 20 years ago. It's quick, and easier to make than pie. It's versatile, too, because you can add strawberries in spring or apples in fall. I usually pop it into the oven shortly before we sit down to eat so it's still warm for dessert! —C.E. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire
One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper
My husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays after the grandkids have gone home and we're too tired to prepare a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida
Cherry-Peach Dumplings
You can make this fruity dessert on your stovetop, but to really impress your guests, simmer it in an electric skillet right at the dinner table. There’s no more convenient way to enjoy the fruits of the season. —Patricia Frerk, Syracuse, New York
Gram's Fried Chicken
As a boy, I wolfed down my grandmother's fried chicken. I never knew how she made it, but my recipe using potato flakes is crispy close. —David Nelson, Lincolnton, North Carolina
Skillet Banana Fritters
This delicious banana treat is sure to be a hit in your home. They are so yummy served with ice cream on the side. For an extra special treat, add chocolate syrup!—Sharon Yonts, Scottsboro, Alabama
Sicilian Brussels Sprouts
I love to make this dish because the flavors jumping around in your mouth keep you coming back bite after bite. Other nuts can be used in place of the pine nuts.—Marsha Gillett, Yukon, Oklahoma
Apple Tart
For 15 years my husband, daughter and I owned and operated an apple orchard, where we raised 27 variations of apples on 2,200 trees. This easy apple tart recipe is my personal favorite. My family even prefers this wonderful dish with tart apples over traditional apple pie. I hope you enjoy it, too. —Marilyn Begres, Dexter, Michigan
Classic Red Beans N Rice
After 25 years in a place where Cajun cooking is common, we’ve come to rely on this staple menu item. If you've never tried red beans and rice before, I assure you'll like this recipe.—Jackie Turnage, New Iberia, Louisiana
Au Gratin Peas and Potatoes
While this delicious potato skillet is a wonderful side dish, we find it satisfying enough to be a main course, too. The skillet preparation takes less time than it does to bake an au gratin casserole or scalloped potatoes—but it's still good old-fashioned comfort food at its best! —Marie Peterson, DeForest, Wisconsin
Skillet Rolls
Baking these rolls in a skillet makes them soft and tender. My family requests them for most holiday dinners and other special occasions. I like them best split and spread with butter and black raspberry jelly. —Susan Baughman, Houston, Pennsylvania
Homemade Churros
These fried cinnamon-sugar goodies from the Country Woman Test Kitchen are best when fresh and hot. Try them with cups of coffee or hot chocolate. Don't be surprised if people start dunking...and then go back for more fritters.
Farmhouse Pork and Apple Pie
I've always loved pork and apples together, and this recipe combines them nicely to create a comforting main dish. It calls for a bit of preparation, but my family and I agree the wonderful flavor is well worth the effort. —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
Banana Skillet Upside-Down Cake
My grandmother gave me my first cast iron skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it ever since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee
Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie
Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, replace the chocolate chips with an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/2 cup fresh raspberries.—James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Chicken Corn Fritters
I've always loved corn fritters—this recipe adds chicken and makes them a satisfying main dish. My husband and our three young boys give it rave reviews. The chicken and zesty sauce make the fritters a wonderful brunch or lunch entree. —Marie Greene, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
So Very Berry Brie
I needed to make something quick for a wine and cheese party, and had a bounty of berries on hand. My creation went great with all the wines and looked so much more impressive than the other plain cheeses! —Kristin Larson-Jantzi, Newton, Kansas
Grandmother's Toad in a Hole
I have fond memories of my grandmother’s Yorkshire pudding wrapped around sausages, a puffy dish my kids called “the boat.” Slather it with butter and maple syrup. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Beef and Spinach Skillet
Over the years, I've tried to instill a love of cooking in our seven children. And we've enjoyed a variety of delicious recipes, including this one. —Nancy Robaidek, Krakow, Wisconsin
Berry Bliss Cobbler
A little bit sweet, a little bit tart and topped off with golden, sugar-kissed biscuits, this cobbler is summer perfection. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Fried Sweet Potato Pies
With my dad being a farmer who grew them, sweet potatoes have graced our table for as long as I can recall. These, though, resulted from an experiment at a church bake sale when we had excess pastry. People couldn't get enough!—Marilyn Moseley, Toccoa, Georgia
Turkey Biscuit Stew
This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It's also a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
Blueberry Dream Pie
This showstopping pie can be decorated to fit any season. I like to make stars for Independence Day, leaves for fall, hearts for Valentine's Day or even flowers for spring. Have fun with it! —Kerry Nakayama, New York, New York
Milk Cake
This is a simple recipe—and especially easy in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. The result is a deliciously light, airy cake. —Suzanne Coelman, Rabun Gap, Georgia
Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes
A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all you’ll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Country Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes, or latkes, are really versatile. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they can be a side dish for just about any meal or the main course for a light meal. We have them often at our house. —Lydia Robotewskyj, Franklin, Wisconsin
Pinwheel Steak Potpie
On cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you can get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on top has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York
Caraway Seed Rye Bread
My parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and my mother would pull out this rye bread recipe when guests came over for dinner. Today, every time I bake it, I get nostalgic for those days. —Millie Feather, Baroda, Michigan
Country Ham and Potatoes
Browned potatoes are a simple but perfect side for country ham. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad and dinner’s done. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia
Apple-Honey Dutch Baby
I love to make this treat on Sunday morning. It's so impressive when it's served warm right out of the oven, and the honey and apple filling is yummy. —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois
Brunch Hash & Egg Bake
When my kids were growing up, I was cooking for eight. I couldn't conveniently fry eggs for eight, so I devised this recipe that became a family favorite. Mild and salty feta cheese is my favorite for the dish, but shredded cheddar or Parmesan work, too. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Seasoned Crab Cakes
At the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these scrumptious crab cakes won me first place. I entered them on a whim after trying many crab cake recipes for my family. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland
Skillet Blueberry Slump
My mother-in-law made a slump of wild blueberries with dumplings and served it warm with a pitcher of farm cream. We’ve been eating slump for nearly 60 years! —Eleanore Ebeling, Brewster, Minnesota
Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle
My grandma used to make a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the back yard. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apple, pecans, and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Skillet Zucchini and Sausage
I lived on the Oregon coast for 20 years and had plenty of guests dropping by. I often turned to this quick and easy dish, serving it up with skillet cornbread or garlic bread. Judging by the requests for the recipe, everyone loved it! —LaBelle Doster, Vancouver, Washington
Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler
Crumbled macaroons are a surprising addition to this cobbler’s topping. We love that you can make the sweet treat in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Grandma Pruit's Vinegar Pie
This historic pie has been in our family for many generations and is always at all of the family get-togethers.—Suzette Pruit, Houston, Texas
Homey Mac & Cheese
I also call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida
Pork Chops with Tomato-Bacon Topping
My husband and I collaborated on these pork chops with sun-dried tomatoes, bacon and rosemary. They’re easy enough for any day and fancy enough for special events. —Trisha Klempel, Sidney, Montana
Country Corncakes
Although we live in a suburban area, we are lucky to have plenty of farms nearby where we can purchase fresh homegrown corn. When it's out of season, though, I do substitute canned or frozen corn in this favorite recipe. —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
Meatball Chili with Dumplings
My family enjoys this delicious recipe—it's like a spicy meatball stew with dumplings!—Sarah Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana
Plum Upside-Down Cake
Since my husband liked pineapple upside-down cake, I decided to give this recipe a try one night when we were expecting guests for dinner. Everyone pronounced this cake "Delicious!" and asked for seconds.—Bobbie Talbott, Veneta, Oregon
Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu
A dear friend from my high school days shared this recipe with me. You might think it sounds complicated to make, but it's quite easy once you've tried it. —Nancy Zimmerer, Medina, Ohio
Baked Peach Pancake
This dish makes for a dramatic presentation. I usually take it right from the oven to the table, fill it with peaches and sour cream and serve it with bacon or ham. Whenever I go home, my mom (the best cook I know) asks me to make this. —Nancy Wilkinson, Princeton, New Jersey
Sage-Rubbed Salmon
If you’ve always thought of sage with turkey, try it with salmon for a little taste of heaven. We serve this with rice, salad and sauteed green beans. —Nicole Raskopf, Beacon, New York
Diner Corned Beef Hash
I created my hash to taste like a dish from a Northern Arizona restaurant we always loved. We round it out with eggs and toast made from homemade bread. —Denise Chelpka, Phoenix, Arizona
Cherry-Peach Dumplings
You can make this fruity dessert on your stovetop, but to really impress your guests, simmer it in an electric skillet right at the dinner table. There’s no more convenient way to enjoy the fruits of the season. —Patricia Frerk, Syracuse, New York
Maple Glazed Pork Chops
Everyone cleaned their plates when my mother made these succulent, tangy-sweet pork chops when I was growing up. Now I get the same results when I serve them to my family alongside applesauce and au gratin potatoes. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Kate Smith Coffee Cake
I lived in an orphanage 50 years ago and helped out in the kitchen, Back then, I often made this wonderful coffee cake, dutifully following the recipe in the cookbook they used in that kitchen. Years later, when I saw Kate Smith on television, I realized that I had been using her cookbook to make this coffee cake. I was delighted to know I had been using one of Kate's favorite recipes! —Ruth Nast, Waterford, Connecticut
Grandma's Cornbread Dressing
Growing up, we didn’t have turkey. We had chicken, chopped and baked in my grandmother’s dressing. Now we leave out the chicken and keep the cornbread dressing. —Suzanne Mohme, Bastrop, Texas
Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet
Spicy kielbasa sausage and plentiful cabbage and potatoes give this dish a pleasing Old World flair. My husband never liked cabbage before I made this, but now he does! —Romaine Wetzel, Ronks, Pennsylvania
Almond Streusel Rolls
Try my prize-winning pastry! These rolls are so popular that they often don't even cool completely before the pan is empty. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Skillet Steak Supper
With all of the ingredients cooked in one skillet, this steak dish couldn't be quicker to prepare...or clean up! But the wine and mushroom sauce makes it seem special. —Sandra Fisher, Monroe, Washington
Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
I often bake this beautiful cake in my large cast-iron skillet and turn it out onto a pizza pan. —Jennifer Sergesketter, Newburgh, Indiana
Muenster Bread
Many years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this bread. The recipe makes a beautiful round golden loaf. With a layer of cheese peeking out of every slice, it's definitely worth the effort. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan
Old-World Puff Pancake
My mom told me her mother-in-law showed her how to make this dish, which became popular during the Depression, on their "get acquainted" visit in 1927. At that time, cooks measured ingredients in pinches, dashes and dibs. But through the years, accurate amounts were noted. My wife and I continue to enjoy this dish today, particularly for brunch. —Auton Miller, Piney Flats, Tennessee
Turkey a La King
This is a smart way to use up leftover turkey. You might want to make a double batch! —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Cran-Apple Cobbler
My cranberry-packed cobbler is the crowning glory of many of our late fall and winter meals. My family isn't big on pies, so this favorite is preferred at our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The aroma of cinnamon and fruit is irresistible. —Jo Ann Sheehan, Ruther Glen, Virginia
Farmers Breakfast
Start off your day on a hearty note! This one-dish wonder will easily keep your family satisfied until lunch. —Jeannette Westphal, Gettysburg, South Dakota
Upside-Down Apple Cake with Butterscotch Topping
This cake is a favorite of mine. I love the smell of the apples and butterscotch as it is baking. It fills the house with a perfect autumn aroma. —Sabrina Haught, Spencer, West Virginia
Southern Hoppin' John
This cherished Southern dish of peas and rice is served on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity. Make it an annual tradition for your family, too. —Anne Creech, Kinston, North Carolina
Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Pie
Apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York
Onion-Apple Pork Chops
You couldn’t ask for a better entree to serve on a fall evening. The apple, pork and maple flavors complement each other perfectly. Rice and steamed broccoli make nice accompaniments, too. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Country-Style Scrambled Eggs
I added a little color and flavor to an ordinary scrambled eggs recipe with some green pepper, onion and red potatoes. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio
Oven Swiss Steak
I was really glad to find this recipe since it's a great way to use round steak and it picks up fabulous flavor from one of my favorite herbs—tarragon. I am a homemaker with three children and enjoy cooking tasty dinners like this one for my family. —Lorna Dickau, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
Potato Pan Rolls
My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to make because you use quick-rise yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming
Chicken Cheese Strata
The spices in this simple strata with chicken, broccoli and cheese offer an extra-special taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Apples 'n' Cream Pancake
This cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I usually make a double batch—because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples...they make this a true Midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio
Oven-Barbecued Pork Chops
My mother has fixed this recipe for years and now I prepare it for my family. The chops are delicious with scalloped potatoes and home-baked bread. —Teresa King, Whittier, California
Cinnamon Apple Pan Betty
I found this recipe soon after I was married many years ago. You'll need just a few ingredients, which you probably have on hand. It's super quick to put together, too. It's a favorite of ours during fall and winter, when apples are at their best. —Shirley Leister, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Loaded Breakfast Potatoes
My kids love loaded potatoes in restaurants, so I modified them to make at home. Using the microwave for the potatoes will save you about 10 minutes. I also use thin-skinned red potatoes instead of russets to save on peeling time. — Tena Kropp, Aurora, Illinois
Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes
This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Herbed Rice Pilaf
This savory side dish has been a family favorite for years. Our 12-year-old daughter, Jennifer, is an expert with this recipe, which is a great help for a busy working mom like me. We sure enjoy this rice dish in the summer with a grilled entree. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota
Mom's Fried Apples
Mom often made these rich, cinnamon-sugar apples when I was growing up. It's a trip down memory lane when I make them. The recipe is very dear to me. —Margie Tappe, Prague, Oklahoma
Skillet Herb Bread
This recipe was one of my mother's favorites. The flavors call to mind the taste of corn bread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California
Glazed Smoked Chops with Pears
My husband would eat pork chops every day if he could. Luckily, they're good all sorts of ways, including with pears. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
The post This Is When to Throw Away a Cast Iron Skillet appeared first on Taste of Home.
Kelsey Rae Dimberg