We teased her endlessly about the pan. “Mom, seriously, what the heck are you supposed to cook in a teeny tiny cast iron skillet?” I asked.
She just laughed. But she never actually answered my question.
Was this a joke?
Well the cute little pan has grown on me and, after using it for a few months, I can now testify that this is a pretty genius little gadget. Besides it being small (perfect for any minimalist out there) and therefore taking up very little space in your kitchen, it has a number of incredible uses. Here are 17 that come to mind.
What to do with a 3.5-inch Miniature Cast Iron Pan
The obvious, like…
1. The Perfect Fried Egg
2. Works for Over Easy Eggs too
3. Marvelous for some tiny Bacon Bits…
4. For a Bacon, Red Pepper, Tomato, and Cheddar Mini Frittata
But it also works great for non-egg items too, like…
6. Searing Baby Steaks….
7. For a Tiny Steak and Cheese Quesadilla
8. Or Roasting Garlic
9. Your friends will love this one at your next cocktail party, paired alongside some delicious charcuterie, smoked almonds, and super fancy artisan salts.
10. A Teeny Tiny Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Go ahead and dig in… It’s a pizza party!!! Woohoo!
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but it’s never too late for a romantic…
11. Cheese Fondue for One…
12. Or Chocolate Fondue… also for One
Still feeling up for something sweet? How about a…
13. Deep Dish Cookie… Cooked in a Teeny Tiny Cast Iron Skillet?!
13.1 Don’t forget the Ice Cream!!!
Yum
But just because it’s labeled a pan doesn’t mean its powers are limited to just food. Think outside the box for more uses for this amazing teeny tiny pan, like…
14. Statement Jewelry
Nothing says, “I’m a Badass,” like wearing a miniature cast iron skillet around your neck while sporting your faux leather jacket around your shoulder.
15. Christmas Tree Ornament
I’m pretty sure my dear mom will be receiving her very own magical teeny tiny miniature cast iron skillet this year in her stocking.
16. Dog Bowl for your Teeny Tiny Dog
17. A Wine Coaster for your Favorite Bottle
Seriously. This is a life changing pan! You can get your very own for the price of a couple Starbucks lattes. And for this price, and all the incredible uses for this teeny tiny skillet, you should probably invest in the 4-pack, and give some away to your friends. #minicastironskillet4-eva
Video
And with the holidays coming up, this miniature 3.5-inch cast iron skillet is the perfect for that foodie on your list!
Make sure to tag us on Instagram with your tiny cast iron pictures!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for that super teeny tiny miniature Lodge 3.5 inch cast iron skillet. That means if you buy one of these cute little pans based off this recommendation I get something like ten cents because the thing is so darn cheap. That money will go directly into my Christmas fund to give everyone in my family their very own tiny skillet.
I cherish all 4 of my small pans . I fry out sliced sausage, make 4 individual Dutch Baby oankecakes, I put a rim of chili around the edge and a egg in the he middle fry it on stove top add cheese and bake it in the oven and serve! I will use one as a top over the other to fry up chicken parts for pizza. I use my black iron pans every day!,
I have six, one of my favourite uses: pear tart with maple syrup, cover fruit with a circle of puff pastry and place in oven, when cooked run knife round edge and carefully invert so crunchy pastry is on bottom, lovely brown slices of pear on top and guests get a nice surprise when they cut into a crispy base ,serve with ice cream, custard or cream
Hola! No tenia idea de como usarla gracias a este post la uso a diario con porciones perfectas para mi familia, ademas que se ven preciosas cuando adorno la mesa gracias saludos desde tijuana baja california mexico
I have 6 inch and 8 inch cast iron skillets and a couple of one-cup containers and they are genius for portion control. They live in the oven and get filled with meats, veggies, desserts, whatever, then go back in the oven or on the range top for individualized meals.
No worries about spilling a heavy skillet of grease, or dropping it on my foot, or breaking my tile floor.
Haha, so cute. Love the necklace idea. I think you’re on to something. I like using mine for desserts when entertaining. People go crazy when their dessert is served in one of those.
Hahaha! I am loving this post, Mary. What a fabulous albeit heavy statement necklace 😉 The little Lego minifig guys are the perfect touch to all of the photos. Brilliant!
I really love the idea of using them as ornaments. That’s just darling. I have a stick of butter ornament that I purchased at Paula Deen’s restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. I think a butter and skillet tree might just have to happen next Christmas. =)
Love this post Mary! What a great roundup of uses! Love your stylin’ outfit too! I have a couple mini cast iron skillets, but they’re square. I recently made some cheesy enchilada dip in them, that way each guest gets their own serving – No double dipping worries!
My husband is OBSESSED with cast-iron skillets. We have a little one like this and it is amazing how much use we got out of it. I haven’t thought of the tiny pizza or the cookie yet though. Great list!
Hahahahaha! I never would have thought to use is as a christmas ornament or jewelry, but somehow it works! 🙂 I love this, and now I need to buy at least three!
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Jan Narkiewicz says
Loved the necklace :-). I was sending these to a friend for personal cornbread/tamale. There you go, uses 18 and 19.
SHARON LITTLE says
Solid PSA 🙂
Regi says
They make great utensil rests on the stove, and great ashtrays too
Bruce Holmes says
I cherish all 4 of my small pans . I fry out sliced sausage, make 4 individual Dutch Baby oankecakes, I put a rim of chili around the edge and a egg in the he middle fry it on stove top add cheese and bake it in the oven and serve! I will use one as a top over the other to fry up chicken parts for pizza. I use my black iron pans every day!,
Sean Martin says
Brilliant!
Sandra Williams says
I have six, one of my favourite uses: pear tart with maple syrup, cover fruit with a circle of puff pastry and place in oven, when cooked run knife round edge and carefully invert so crunchy pastry is on bottom, lovely brown slices of pear on top and guests get a nice surprise when they cut into a crispy base ,serve with ice cream, custard or cream
Sean Martin says
This is brilliant! Thanks for sharing!
Debra says
I live alone and when I seen this skillet I said this will be perfect for me when I want to bake cornbread , a peach, apple, or black berry cobbler.
Sean Martin says
Thanks for sharing! It is a great tool for that single portion!
Brenda B. says
I literally just spit my drink out laughing at #14!
D says
I love the ornament idea.
I would also use it to bake and serve separate quiches, etc.
It would be a blast!
Mary says
Oh my gosh that is an awesome idea.
Carolina says
Hola! No tenia idea de como usarla gracias a este post la uso a diario con porciones perfectas para mi familia, ademas que se ven preciosas cuando adorno la mesa gracias saludos desde tijuana baja california mexico
Mary says
Muchas Gracias!!! My gusta la pequeña cacerola!! 😉
Bob says
Don’t forget candleholder
Mary says
😉
Patricia Uselton says
I have 6 inch and 8 inch cast iron skillets and a couple of one-cup containers and they are genius for portion control. They live in the oven and get filled with meats, veggies, desserts, whatever, then go back in the oven or on the range top for individualized meals.
No worries about spilling a heavy skillet of grease, or dropping it on my foot, or breaking my tile floor.
Nicole Hood says
I have one of these skillet and I use it all the time to make an egg. Never thought of it for statement jewelry though!
Mary says
Like I said, it’s a genius invention 😉
ashley says
We just started using our cast iron skillet more and now I want like 10 of these for dishes! Especially the fondue. YUM!
Mary says
🙂
Jenn Slavich says
Haha, so cute. Love the necklace idea. I think you’re on to something. I like using mine for desserts when entertaining. People go crazy when their dessert is served in one of those.
Mary says
Right?!?! Dessert is so impressive when served in one of these little pans! (And so good!!)
Bonus is if everyone gets their own nobody has to share 😉
Emma {Emma's Little Kitchen} says
Haha! I’ve always wanted a teeny tiny skillet! Such a fun round up 🙂
Mary says
They’re so much fun! I’m a total believer now!
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says
Hahaha! I am loving this post, Mary. What a fabulous albeit heavy statement necklace 😉 The little Lego minifig guys are the perfect touch to all of the photos. Brilliant!
Mary says
The neckless doubles as a weapon if I’m out and about and need to resort to self defense 😉
Brettni Brumfield says
I really love the idea of using them as ornaments. That’s just darling. I have a stick of butter ornament that I purchased at Paula Deen’s restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. I think a butter and skillet tree might just have to happen next Christmas. =)
Mary says
Haha I love it! Yes, the skillet ornament would be perfect next to the butter 😉
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
Love this post Mary! What a great roundup of uses! Love your stylin’ outfit too! I have a couple mini cast iron skillets, but they’re square. I recently made some cheesy enchilada dip in them, that way each guest gets their own serving – No double dipping worries!
Mary says
I love it! No double dipping worries! An excellent use for a teeny cast iron skillet indeed!
Tiffany says
These are genius! The necklace made me laugh. The fondue looks incredible!
Mary says
Ha 😉 Thanks!!
Ashley says
My husband is OBSESSED with cast-iron skillets. We have a little one like this and it is amazing how much use we got out of it. I haven’t thought of the tiny pizza or the cookie yet though. Great list!
Mary says
Thanks!! It has been a lot of fun trying to find out all the many uses for it!!!
B Ousnamer says
He should check out my Dad’s business – he’s just getting started and appreciates any interest! https://www.etsy.com/shop/NOMOMilling
Samantha says
Hahahahaha! I never would have thought to use is as a christmas ornament or jewelry, but somehow it works! 🙂 I love this, and now I need to buy at least three!
Mary says
They’re so much fun, for jewelry or cooking 😉
Rowan says
Ohhh I could kiss you for this. I was debating whether or not to throw mine out! This has fixed that! Thank you!
Mary says