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.

Is cast iron good for vegan cooking? ›

I would say cast-iron is a good choice for them because the only oil that is absolutely required for cooking in cast-iron is at the time of seasoning. Once polymerized into that non-stick coat on top of the cast-iron itself, the oil is unlikely to leach into your food – and if it does, it will be in minute amounts.

How do you season a cast iron skillet for camping? ›

Coat the skillet with oil (high-heat oil like avocado or virgin is best). Place the pan upside on the top rack and a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips. Bake for 1 hour. Leave pan to cool inside oven.

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 disadvantages of cooking with cast iron? ›

The disadvantages of cast iron

Additionally, cast iron pans require regular maintenance, including seasoning and careful cleaning, to prevent rust and maintain their non-stick surface. Improper cleaning or using harsh cleaning agents can strip away the seasoning and damage the pan.

How do you clean a cast iron skillet after camping? ›

For Light Cleaning:
  1. While the cookware is still warm (not hot) rinse with hot water.
  2. Use a stiff-bristled brush (without soap) to scrub the inside, removing any remaining food bits.
  3. Pat dry with a towel and let sit in an open-air rack.
  4. If the finish looks black and shiny, you're all done!

How do you clean cast iron after cooking over a campfire? ›

One of my favorite tricks is to scrub those pesky bits of food away with salt. For this process, you'll actually dry off the cast iron. Then dump half a cup of coarse salt into the pan. Now, use a dish towel or some paper towels to scrub that food away!

How do you clean a cast iron skillet after a campfire? ›

Pre-heat oven to approximately 400°C, or heat over an outdoor grill. Wash the item with hot water and scrub with a stiff brush; repeat until rust is removed. Rinse and dry.

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 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.

Should I heat my cast iron skillet before adding oil? ›

The method to cooking with cast iron on the stovetop is HEAT, do not add the cooking oil until the pan feels hot, because the oil will be the benchmark of the pan's readiness. If the butter sizzles, pan's ready. Oil slides across the pan with easy, pan's ready.

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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