20 Best Vegan Cast Iron Skillet Recipes | Perfect Vegan Camping Food (2024)

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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.

20 Best Vegan Cast Iron Skillet Recipes | Perfect Vegan Camping Food (1)

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 bestvegan 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.

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.

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20 Best Vegan Cast Iron Skillet Recipes | Perfect Vegan Camping Food (2)

Vegan Skillet BBQ Baked Beans

Photo Credit:The Vegan 8

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!

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Vegan Homemade Skillet Naan Breads

Photo Credit:Mr Ishtanna

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!

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Gluten Free Baked Vegan Bacon Ranch Pasta Skillet

Photo Credit:Strength and Sunshine

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!

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Chickpea, Cashew & Broccolli with Garlic Sauce

Photo Credit:Make It Dairy Free

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!

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Vegan Skillet Shakshuka

Photo Credit:Choosing Chia

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!

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Charred Tomatillo Salsa Verde With Avocado

Photo Credit:Fried Dandelions

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!

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'Beefy' Skillet Lasagna

Photo Credit:Vegan Travel Eats

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.

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Vegan Meatballs

Photo Credit:Minimalist Baker

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.

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Vegan Asparagus Potato Frittata

Photo Credit:Green Scheme TV

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!

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Vegan Feta Chickpea Skillet

Photo Credit:Ve Eat Cook Bake

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!

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Easy Vegan Mac & Cheese

Photo Credit:Sweet Simple Vegan

This easy skillet mac and cheese uses a yummy cashew-based cheese sauce and is topped with breadcrumbs and hemp seeds for extra crunch.

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Tex-Mex Chickpea Tater Tot Casserole

Photo Credit:Connoisseurs Veg

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.

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No-Knead Artisan Bread

Photo Credit:Simple Veganista

Soft, fluffy bread that needs no-kneading (now that's a tongue twister!), and baked in a skillet. I am HERE for this.

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Simple Oatcake Wraps

Photo Credit:Kind Earth

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.

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Creamy Hot Broccoli Dip

Photo Credit:Karissa's Vegan Kitchen

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!

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Sauteed Broccoli Rabe & Kale

Photo Credit:Rhubarbarians

A super easy green side dish with a garlicky taste - the perfect healthy accompaniment to any main meal.

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Giant Vegan Double Chocolate Skillet Cookie

Photo Credit:Fragrant Vanilla

Did someone say GIANT CHOCOLATE SKILLET COOKIE?! Be everyone's favourite person for like, ever, if you make this recipe.

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Crispy Berries Plum Crumble

Photo Credit:Vibrant Plate

This delicious fruity dessert is made in a cast iron skillet for no-fuss cooking - and looks absolutely gorgeous!

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Grilled Blackberry Cobble

Photo Credit:Vegan Yack Attack

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.

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Roasted Plums In Port Sauce

Photo Credit:Sunny Side Hanne

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!

20 Best Vegan Cast Iron Skillet Recipes | Perfect Vegan Camping Food (2024)

FAQs

What can vegans eat when camping? ›

Vegan camping recipes
  • Mushroom & potato curry. A star rating of 4.3 out of 5. ...
  • Coconut & pineapple cooler. A star rating of 5 out of 5. ...
  • Zingy blackberry lemonade. ...
  • Rainbow fruit skewers. ...
  • Vegan banana & walnut bread. ...
  • Peanut butter overnight oats. ...
  • No-bake flapjacks. ...
  • Sweet potato & caramelised onion rolls.

Do vegans need cast iron skillet? ›

According to the Food and Nutrition Board, vegans require nearly twice as much iron as meat eaters because of this lower absorption. A little extra from a cast iron pan—especially when it's used to cook foods that aren't especially acidic—is not likely to hurt us.

How do you season a cast iron pan vegan? ›

Using a clean cloth, spread vegetable oil (canola or avocado are fine, avoid olive oil) over the entire surface of the skillet, including the handle and bottom. A thin layer is sufficient, the skillet shouldn't be dripping! Place the skillet upside down in the oven again and “bake” at 350 degrees F for about an hour.

What is the trick to cooking with cast iron skillet? ›

For one, cast iron pans aren't perfectly smooth and foods like eggs may get stuck. For the best results, make sure to keep your cast iron pan seasoned, and preheat the skillet for a few minutes before you add any food to it. This allows the pan to heat evenly and prevents most food from sticking. Add fat as needed.

What food is surprisingly vegan? ›

18 Snacks and Foods You Didn't Know Were Vegan
  • Sriracha Mayo. I'm just as surprised as you are that Flying Goose's brilliant sriracha mayo is completely plant-based. ...
  • Hackney Gelato Dark Chocolate Sorbetto. ...
  • Lotus Biscoff Spread. ...
  • Lindt Excellence 70% Dark Chocolate. ...
  • Ritz Crackers. ...
  • Jacob's Cream Crackers. ...
  • Oreos. ...
  • Twiglets.
Jan 11, 2023

What does 100% vegan eat? ›

A vegan diet is based on plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and foods made from plants. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

What foods Cannot be cooked in cast iron? ›

4 Foods You Shouldn't Cook in Cast Iron
  • Acidic foods (unless you make it snappy) ...
  • Fish (particularly delicate varieties) ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Skillet brownies (if you just fried a batch of chicken last night) ...
  • A lot more (if your skillet isn't properly seasoned)
Mar 11, 2023

What are the top vegan foods for iron? ›

  • 1 Legumes. Lentil, beans, and peas all contain iron, but some have higher amounts than others. ...
  • 2 Soy products. Soy-based proteins like tofu and tempeh have decent amounts of iron. ...
  • 3 Nuts and seeds. ...
  • 4 Dark, leafy greens. ...
  • 5 Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. ...
  • 6 Potatoes. ...
  • 7 Certain mushrooms. ...
  • 8 Tomato paste.
Jan 4, 2024

What are the symptoms of anemia in vegans? ›

Your body needs adequate iron to produce healthy red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout your body. When iron levels drop too low and red blood cell production is low, it leads to anemia, which triggers symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, low body temperature, and headaches, among others.

What is the best oil to season cast iron with? ›

All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.

Is Crisco good for seasoning cast iron? ›

The best oil to season your cast iron, according to Ross, is Crisco. It's not only versatile and easy to find, but it's also food safe. You need to reseason your cast iron only occasionally—the pans actually get better with age when cared for properly—but you should still apply a fine layer of oil after every use.

Is lard good for cast iron? ›

Traditionally, lard was used to season cast iron, and while that is still okay, we do not recommend it unless you frequently use your cookware. If the cookware is stored for too long, lard and other animal-based fats can go rancid. Using flaxseed oil to season cast iron pans is a growing trend.

Why do you put salt in a cast iron skillet? ›

Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of coarse kosher salt into your cast iron skillet. (If you have a smaller pan, one tablespoon will do just fine.) It's important that you use a coarse grained salt—this will provide the traction you need to remove food particles.

Is tomato sauce OK in cast iron? ›

You should avoid cooking acidic sauces in cast-iron pans for two reasons: first, the acid loosens trace amounts of molecules from the metal that can then leach into your foods, imparting a metallic flavor. While perfectly safe to consume, these metal flavors can be unpleasant.

Is soy sauce OK in cast iron? ›

Making Sauces in a Cast Iron Melting Pot

Add a small amount of fat, like butter or olive oil. Add minced garlic or shallots and cook until translucent. Add aromatics like rosemary, thyme, or sage. Add additional ingredients, like broth, soy sauce, and tomato sauce.

How to eat vegan while travelling? ›

Eat healthy, wherever you roam, by following these whole food plant-based travel tips:
  1. Research local restaurants ahead of time.
  2. Use Instagram hashtags to locate veg-friendly spots.
  3. Identify vegan options in the airport.
  4. Pack loads of vegan snacks.
  5. Learn how to order whole food plant-based meals at any restaurant.

How do vegans eat when traveling? ›

Vegan snacks: It's always a good idea to have some vegan snacks on hand while traveling. Nuts, seeds, trail mix, dried fruits, and granola bars are all great options. Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals and can help you stay energized while on the go.

What snack foods can vegans eat? ›

Try These Popular Vegan Snacks (Chips, Cookies, and More)
  • Vegan Rob's Chips.
  • Rivalz Extra Chedda' Mac.
  • Outstanding Foods PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds.
  • Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars—Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate.
  • Trader Joe's Almond Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets.

What foods are off limits for vegans? ›

Vegans don't eat any foods made from animals, including:
  • Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat.
  • Chicken, duck, and other poultry.
  • Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels.
  • Eggs.
  • Cheese.
  • Butter.
  • Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products.
  • Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks)
Nov 3, 2023

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