If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably noticed a common theme - foodies and home cooks are obsessed with Lodge Cast Iron breakfast recipes. From fluffy skillet pancakes to crisped-up smashed potatoes and colourful baked shakshuka, cast iron breakfasts are everywhere right now. So, what makes Lodge Cast Iron such a staple in breakfast cooking? Which recipes are taking the internet by storm? And if you’re in New Zealand, how can you get started with Lodge Cast Iron NZ cookware? Let’s dig in.
What Makes Lodge Cast Iron Ideal for Breakfast?
Many of the trending breakfast recipes you see online only work well because they’re made with cast iron. Unlike lightweight non-stick pans, Lodge Cast Iron skillets and griddles hold heat consistently from edge to edge. That means no more burnt spots in the middle while the rest of your eggs sit undercooked. Here’s why chefs, food bloggers, and home cooks swear by this kitchen upgrade:
• Presentation power: A sizzling lodge skillet doubles as a serving dish and looks amazing in Instagram photos. If you’re feeling stuck about which plate to use, cast iron makes plating an easy, yet presentable, decision.
• Naturally non-stick when seasoned: Makes delicate dishes (like omelettes or fried eggs) easier to manage. Push your culinary talents and explore recipes you haven’t tried before.
• Oven-to-table versatility: Start your shakshuka on the stovetop and finish in the oven, all in the same pan. That means one less thing to clean and tidy up at the end, making cast iron a practical option that saves time.
• Heat retention and distribution: Perfect for pancakes that cook evenly, bacon that stays crispy without burning, and potatoes that crisp beautifully. Cast irons are designed to make every meal turn out just right, with a generous margin of error for burning you won’t get elsewhere.
• Longevity: Cast iron outlasts most kitchenware.
A Lodge Cast Iron improves with use each time the heat goes on. Built with care and crafted to last, a well-maintained cast iron is a kitchen piece you can rely on for years.
Viral Lodge Cast Iron Breakfast Recipes from TikTok & Instagram
Here are two of the hottest breakfast trends all over social media that you can easily recreate at home with Lodge Cast Iron.
1. Skillet Pancake Bake
Ingredients:
Dry
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tbsp of your sugar of choice
- 6 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
Optional garnishes
- Blueberries
- Icing sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Pre-heat the oven: Set your oven to 220 °C and pop your cast iron on a rack in the top half. This lets it heat up while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Combine wet ingredients: We recommend adding the butter (saving 1 tbsp) to the microwave and allowing it to melt before mixing in your milk. Add in your eggs.
3. Add dry ingredients: Stir with a spatula or whisk.
4. Rest the batter: Give the mixture around 7 minutes to settle.
5. Add your mixture: Remove your cast iron from the oven and spread the remaining butter evenly over the skillet. Pour the batter over your Lodge cast iron, taking care to create an even layer.
6. Bake: Give it 12 to 15 minutes – long enough for a golden colour and signs of the edges crisping up.
7. Garnish and serve: Add blueberries, icing sugar, or maple syrup - or serve straight away.
2. Crispy Breakfast Smash Potatoes
Ingredients
- 700g baby potatoes
- Olive oil
- Sea salt or salt of choice
- Black pepper
- Parsley or green herbs of choice
Instructions
- Parboil to prep: We start off by boiling our whole potatoes in cold water with a pinch of salt. Bring to a heavy simmer/light boil for 10 minutes and remove once they’re fork-tender. Drain the water and steam-dry for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Heat the cast iron: Place your cast iron over a medium-strong heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water rolls around. We recommend starting this step while your potatoes are drying.
- Smash and flatten: Add your potatoes to the cast iron and, using the base of a sturdy mug, press into each potato until they’re flattened.
- Cook and crisp: Drizzle the olive oil over your now-smashed potatoes, adding salt and pepper to your taste. Cook on each side for 5 minutes, or until they’re golden. Once they have that crunchy sound, you’re ready to serve.
- Garnish and serve: Don’t forget to add your favourite herbs for extra flair. Scatter some parsley or oregano.
Want a skillet big enough for family-style portions? Try the 30cm Lodge Cast Iron Skillet.
Mastering those crave-worthy breakfasts isn’t just about the recipe - you need the right technique:
- Preheat first: Slowly warm your skillet so food cooks evenly from the start.
- Oil lightly: A thin coat of butter or oil keeps food smooth and golden.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cast iron thrives when ingredients have space to sear and crisp.
- Use the oven: Many viral recipes finish in the oven. Luckily, Lodge skillets are oven-safe.
- Serve directly in the skillet: A rustic presentation that doubles as a serving dish that keeps food hot.
Where to Start: Must-Have Lodge Cast Iron Pieces
If you’re ready to try your own viral breakfasts, a good Lodge setup goes a long way. Some essentials include:
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (30cm): The signature piece for nearly any breakfast dish, from pancakes to bacon-filled pies.
- Lodge Reversible Griddle: Perfect for fries, crêpes, smashed avo toast, or cooking pancakes in batches.
- Lodge Dutch Oven: Great for bread, cinnamon rolls, or hearty baked breakfasts.
Breakfast is more than just the first meal of the day
Breakfast is where comfort meets creativity, and with Lodge Cast Iron breakfast recipes, you can turn everyday mornings into something memorable. From viral skillets to timeless classics, these dishes are all about flavour, warmth, and sharing. Ready to bring the magic home? Start your journey at Home Essentials.
