Sensational Skillets

Dishes that dazzle with cast iron goodness

By Alison Bailin Batz

Few kitchen tools command as much respect as the humble skillet. Versatile and timeless, it transforms simple ingredients into dishes that dazzle, whether sizzling with savory flavors or brimming with sweet indulgences. From bubbling breakfasts to golden-crusted dinners and decadent desserts, these skillet dishes deliver comfort and creativity in every bite.

Warm Goat Cheese Dip
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store, Scottsdale

Smooth, tangy goat cheese is blended with rich cream and lightly seasoned, then baked until perfectly melted. Topped with vibrant mango salsa, the sweet-tart fruit balances the cheese’s tang, while a drizzle of sweet soy glaze adds a subtle umami note. Toasted macadamia nuts provide crunch and a buttery depth. Served with crisp sourdough crostini for dipping, each bite delivers a layered array of flavors. $15. www.tommybahama.com/scottsdale.

Harissa Shakshuka
Prep & Pastry

This popular brunch dish, which hails from North Africa, boasts a sizzling hot skillet filled with sunny-side up eggs, marinated olives and feta. They are enveloped in a fiery harissa sauce, which is made with smoky red chili pepper paste, dried chiles, garlic, olive oil, coriander, cumin, and caraway. It is served with a side of sourdough for dipping, and for an added charge may be enhanced with turkey or pork sausage. Starting at $15. www.prepandpastry.com.

Skirt Steak Fajitas
Blanco Cocina and Cantina

Here, juicy skirt steak is cooked and caramelized, then placed on a sizzling skillet to finish alongside blistered peppers. Next, charred onions are heaped onto the skillet for smoky depth, and the dish is finished with a homemade tomatillo-spy glaze. The skillet is served with warm tortillas and a host of optional complements ranging from cheese to sour cream. $30. www.blancococinacantina.com.

Eggs in Purgatory
North Italia

Named for its vibrant red sauce, which resembles the fiery concept of purgatory, this traditional Italian dish showcases eggs that are poached in a skillet with housemade Calabrian sausage-spiced marinara sauce. They are topped with breadcrumbs, Grana Padano cheese and fresh herbs, and served with crispy grilled ciabatta for dipping as well as a bright arugula and cherry tomato salad. $16. www.northitalia.com.

Chile Verde Pork Skillet
Salt + Lime Modern Mexican Grill

This bold dish features slow-roasted pork that is simmered to perfection in a rich, spicy sauce made from green chiles, onion, jalapenos and cilantro. It is crowned with ample Mexican Oaxaca cheese, which melts the moment it touches the skillet. It’s served with freshly made tortilla chips for dipping but guests can also opt for warm flour or corn tortillas instead. $14.75. www.saltandlimeaz.com.

Pizookie Platter
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Desert Ridge

Initially a secret menu item solely for those in the know, today this sharable skillet dessert is the star of the sweets menu. It boasts the guests’ choice of four cookie flavors – chocolate chunk, strawberry shortcake, cookies n’ cream, triple chocolate, salted caramel and sugar – each of which are baked to order in a piping-hot skillet before being topped with creamy vanilla ice cream and optional toppings including chocolate chips, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and more. $25.99. www.bjsrestaurants.com.

Pull Apart Pretzel Skillet
The Phoenician Tavern

Equal parts chewy, crispy and doughy, this starter features a generous portion of housemade pretzel dough, which is formed into individual rolls and placed tightly into a cast-iron skillet. Once the rolls are glossed with butter and topped with a sprinkling of course salt, they are baked until golden brown. They come to the table with two dipping sauces – a spicy brown mustard and a creamy cheddar ale dip. $14. www.thephoenician.com.

Chorizo Hash
Pitch

Both Scottsdale Pitch locations feature a full menu of skillet offerings every weekend for brunch, including a carnitas hash with queso fresco, a biscuit and gravy skillet with scrambled eggs, and this hearty chorizo hash skillet. The chorizo is made in-house, paired with potatoes, caramelized onions, red peppers, and a fried egg. The creation is then topped with melty mozzarella cheese and a fried egg. $20. www.pitchpizzeria.com.

Italian Saganaki
The Sicilian Butcher

This Italian appetizer in a skillet is loaded with imported Kefalotyri cheese and is brought to the table before being flambeed right before guests’ eyes, creating a dramatic presentation and a warm, melted cheese experience. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon and served alongside grilled ciabatta, this dish combines bold flavor with interactive flair. $16. www.thesicilianbutcher.com.

Apple Pie Mac & Cheese
Shiv Supper Club

Two American comfort classics are brought together in one unexpectedly sweet-and-savory side dish skillet. It starts with tender cavatappi pasta, which is combined with a rich, velvety cheese blend. Rather than simply serving as-is, the popular macaroni and cheese is taken to the next level with the addition of apple bourbon chutney and hand-buttered breadcrumbs on top. The balance of savory and sweet makes this dish a standout companion to any main course. $18. www.shivsupperclub.com.

Greek Goddess Hash
Hash Kitchen

This Greek-inspired breakfast skillet starts with crispy hash browns layered with savory lamb and beef gyro and melted mozzarella. It is topped with a fresh cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad and served with warm pita bread. The dish is finished with a creamy tzatziki hollandaise, a Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic and herbs, bringing a cool, tangy balance to the rich and hearty flavors. $21. www.hashkitchen.com.