26 Favorite Cast Iron Side Dishes Every Table Needs

I’m the kind of person who enjoys a good side dish almost as much as the main course.

So, I decided to compile some of my all-time favorite cast iron sides and present them to you all in one post.

We are starting out with 25 for now, or is it 26? I can’t remember, but you can bet I’ll add to it as time passes.

And don’t worry if you are a picky eater or if you are not a fan of complicated recipes; we have you covered! So check them out!

Homemade chocolate chip bagels on a cooling rack.

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Chocolate Chip Bagel Recipe

Who knew making bagels was so easy? These have the perfect balance of chewy and chocolatey, making them a great option for a brunch side or a snack on the go.

Using our cast iron dutch oven, we’ve perfected the recipe to ensure every bite is packed full of chocolate chips. Plus, homemade bagels always taste better than store-bought.

Fresh made lamb potstickers with homemade chili sauce in a bowl next to it.

These Lamb Potstickers are a must-try for anyone who loves Asian cuisine. Filled with tender ground lamb (or ground pork) and a blend of spices, these potstickers are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

I enjoy them with chili sauce, but some prefer soy sauce. They make a great appetizer or light lunch option. Plus, they’re super easy to make! Simply whip up the filling, stuff the pastry skins, and pan-fry until golden brown. Yum!

Cheesy steak and potato side dish in a large serving dish.

Cheesy Steak and Potato Skillet

You are going to love our perfectly cooked juicy steak and tender potatoes combined with gooey melted cheese. I usually make this with sirloin, but any steak will work.

And the best part? It’s all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. If you make this for a party, be sure to have a bowl of chips nearby for easy dipping!

Crispy chicken wings being eaten off of a plate.

One of a Kind Chicken Wings

If you’re in the mood for some finger-lickin good chicken wings, check out our favorite Chicken Wings recipe. These wings are boiled, then broiled to crispy perfection and coated in hot sauce, making them a great snack to enjoy during the game.

These chicken wings are truly one of a kind! Crispy and flavorful, they’ll quickly become a favorite at any gathering.

What sets these wings apart is the unique way they are made. Serve them up with some blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for the ultimate game-day snack.

Deep Fried Meatballs

This recipe here needs no introduction. They are dipped not once, not twice, but three times in batter before frying.

Try it today and let me know what you think!

Homemade Fried sauerkraut in a white bowl with brats next to it.

Skillet Fried Sauerkraut

If you are not a sauerkraut fan, then maybe you’ll want to pass over this recipe. For the rest of you, this makes the perfect side dish for bratwursts or a tasty addition to my Polish soup.

The frying process may be different to some, but let me tell you, it gives the sauerkraut a unique texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy and slightly sour taste.

Plus, the dish is incredibly easy to make and only requires a handful of ingredients.

Sticky pork belly burnt ends served on a small plate with a white checkered towel.

Pork Burnt Ends

Pork Burnt Ends are a delicious and sticky treat that are so good you’ll need a roll of paper towels nearby to clean your fingers. First, we coat them in a dry rub, then the glaze. Let’s just say there is no shortage of flavor.

Cajun chicken bites in a small skillet cooling on a checkered towel.

Cajun Style Chicken Bites

These Cajun-style chicken bites are the ultimate side dish! Seasoned to perfection with a blend of spicy herbs and spices, these chicken bites are deceptively easy to make.

The crispy outer layer gives way to tender, juicy chicken, making them the perfect snack or meal. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce for an added kick.

Thick slices of homemade cornbread in a cast iron skillet.

Simple Cast Iron Cornbread

Made with just a few simple ingredients, this cornbread is perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

The best part? It’s so easy to make, even if you’ve never baked before. All you need is a cast iron skillet and a hungry stomach!

The skillet gives the cornbread a wonderful crunch that you’ll love, and it’s the perfect side dish for any meal.

Roasted squash with crunchy bits of bacon and melted cheese in a large cast iron pan.

Cheesy Roasted Squash with Bacon

For a veggie-packed side dish, try out our Cheesy Roasted Squash with Bacon. You don’t have to love squash to enjoy this one.

It’s loaded with crispy bits of bacon, and unnecessary amounts of cheese, making it the perfect side dish to any meal.

Fried Chicken Tenders

Whether you serve these as the main dish or a side, you can be sure these fried chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed full of flavor.

Made with a simple breading of flour and seasonings, these tenders come together in minutes, and you can make them in a dutch oven or cast iron skillet on the stovetop.

When it comes to game nights with your closest friends, you can’t go wrong with my homemade fried chicken tenders.

Meatballs on a roll with fries and pickles.

Stovetop Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

These meatballs are perfect for any night of the week. Made from scratch, these juicy meatballs are perfectly cooked in a cast iron skillet and smothered in a delicious marinara sauce.

The best part? It only takes a few simple ingredients to make, and you can customize the recipe to your liking by adding in your favorite herbs and spices.

Fried Zucchini Cakes

These Fried Zucchini Cakes are the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these cakes are made with fresh zucchini and a delicious blend of spices.

Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the savory flavor and satisfying crunch. Plus, they’re super easy to make and a great way to use up any extra zucchini you have on hand.

Dishing out baked beans with a wooden spoon.

Baked Beans with Smoked Ham Hocks

Who doesn’t love a good summer BBQ? Baked beans pair perfectly with ham hock, making them the perfect side dish to add to your menu.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the smoked ham hocks add a delicious flavor that’s hard to resist.

The beans are tender and have the perfect amount of sweetness. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. And the best part? You don’t need a barbeque pit!

Roasted brussel sprouts being tossed in garlic and parmesan cheese.

Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts

Perhaps you are wondering if we have ever heard of veggies here. Well, not to worry, it’s time to indulge in these delicious Brussel sprouts.

Tossed in garlic and parmesan before roasting them in the oven; this is one way anyone can get on board the brussel sprout bandwagon.

Tall stack of homemade egg rolls on a small plate.

Veggie Egg Rolls

Speaking of vegetables, these homemade egg rolls are one of our favorite recipes here. Packed full of flavorful veggies and fried in a cast iron skillet until crispy, they are sure to be a hit! Just don’t forget the soy sauce.

Dipping a homemade pizza roll into a small ramekin of marinara sauce.

Game-time Pizza Rolls

Are you looking for a quick and easy pizza fix? Our from scratch pizza rolls are the perfect solution!

Using our favorite cast iron skillet, these rolls are crispy, delicious, and customizable with your favorite additions. I like stuffing them with mini pepperoni or Italian sausage.

Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for a snack or party appetizer. So skip the hassle of ordering takeout and whip up some delicious pizza rolls in no time!

Spinach Artichoke Dip

I’m always in the mood for some creamy and delicious spinach dip. The creamy and savory combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese makes for a perfect dip that everyone will want to scoop up.

Serve it warm with some tortilla chips or pita bread, and watch it disappear before your eyes.

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

For a little bit of a twist on classic garlic bread, try out the Korean Style Garlic Bread. This bread is loaded up with garlic, a little bit of spice, and a whole lot of cream cheese, making it the perfect complement to any meal.

A stack of cinnamon sugar donuts after they have been dipped in my sugar powder.

Fried Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Looking for a deliciously sweet treat that’s easy to make? Look no further than our Fried Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe!

These donuts are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a mouth-watering blend of cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for brunch, a snack, or a dessert, these donuts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

And because they’re made in a cast iron skillet, they come out perfect every time. Serve them up with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.

Beefy enchilada side dish right after pulling it out of the oven.

Game Time Enchilada Dip

This game time enchilada dip is always a hit at any party or gathering. It’s packed full of flavor with a blend of enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and seasoned ground beef.

Simply bake it in your skillet, and you’ll have a delicious and easy appetizer that everyone will love. Don’t be surprised if this dip becomes a regular addition to your game-day lineup.

Using a pair of tongs to hold the bacon up and let the grease drip off.

Perfectly Cooked Bacon

When it comes to cooking bacon, the cast iron skillet is the way to go. Not only does it cook the bacon to perfection, but it also makes cleanup a breeze.

Whether you’re making breakfast or adding bacon to your favorite recipe, the cast iron skillet is the secret to perfectly cooked bacon.

So go ahead and indulge in this classic comfort food, knowing that you’re using the best tools for the job.