Found this in an old house or just moved in... Almost no one knows what it is.

 

Found in an Old House: The Cast Iron Griddle and a Hearty Breakfast Skillet Recipe

Sometimes, you stumble upon something unexpected that instantly sparks curiosity. It's like unearthing a forgotten piece of history. This happened to me when I was helping to clean out an old house. There was dust on every surface, cobwebs in corners, and old, creaky wooden floors that whispered the stories of generations past. But amidst the clutter, there it was—an old, sturdy cast iron griddle tucked away at the back of a forgotten kitchen cupboard.

At first, I had no idea what it was. Its thick, heavy surface felt almost ancient. It had seen better days—rust in some spots, worn patches where the seasoning had long since faded—but the potential was still there. After cleaning it up and seasoning it with love, I quickly realized just how versatile this piece of cookware could be. I could already imagine the crispy edges of pancakes, the sizzle of sausages, and the beautiful char on vegetables.

You see, the cast iron griddle is a piece of kitchen history. It’s been around for centuries, a staple in kitchens for its ability to distribute heat evenly and provide a perfectly crisp texture. Yet, it's an item that many people today are unfamiliar with, especially with the rise of non-stick cookware and the convenience of modern kitchen gadgets.

So, I decided to make a recipe that celebrates this old-school kitchen tool, one that could have been passed down from your grandmother or great-grandmother. This Hearty Breakfast Skillet is a tribute to that forgotten griddle, and a perfect recipe to revive it. It’s packed with layers of flavor, and every bite feels like a step back in time, full of the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals.

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The Versatility of Cast Iron

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the versatility of cast iron. If you’ve ever cooked on a cast iron skillet, you know that it offers unmatched heat retention and distribution. The heavy material allows you to cook everything from crispy bacon to delicate eggs, all with a gorgeous sear and even heat.

For those unfamiliar with cast iron, it’s known for its ability to last for generations if properly cared for. It requires seasoning, which helps create a natural non-stick surface and prevents rust. Over time, this seasoning builds up with every use, enhancing the flavor of your food, making cast iron a unique and cherished piece in any kitchen.

The cast iron griddle is similar to the skillet, but it features a large, flat surface with no raised sides. This allows it to cook multiple items at once, making it ideal for breakfast dishes. So, let’s put this newfound griddle to work with a Hearty Breakfast Skillet recipe that’s perfect for any day—whether you’re starting a busy morning or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch.

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Ingredients for Hearty Breakfast Skillet

This breakfast skillet is a crowd-pleaser, filled with crispy potatoes, perfectly cooked eggs, savory sausage, and sautéed vegetables. It’s versatile, too—you can add whatever you like. But for the purposes of this recipe, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Skillet:

• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 sausages (Italian, breakfast, or your favorite variety), casings removed

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped

• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 4 large eggs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives) for garnish

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)

• Hot sauce or salsa (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Hearty Breakfast Skillet

Step 1: Preheat Your Cast Iron Griddle

The first step in cooking with a cast iron griddle is to preheat it properly. Cast iron retains heat incredibly well, so it’s important to give it enough time to heat up evenly.

1. Place the cast iron griddle on your stovetop and set the heat to medium-high. Give it a few minutes to warm up. You can test if it’s ready by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface—if the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, it’s time to start cooking.

2. Season the griddle (if needed): If your griddle hasn’t been used in a while, it might need to be seasoned before cooking. To do this, wipe the surface with a thin layer of oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or even flaxseed oil works well) and place it on a low heat for about 10 minutes. This process helps restore the non-stick surface and improve its cooking ability.

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Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

The key to a perfect breakfast skillet is crispy, golden potatoes, and the cast iron griddle is perfect for achieving that crispy texture.

1. Dice the potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even cubes, about 1/2-inch in size.

2. Heat oil: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the preheated griddle. Once it’s hot, add the diced potatoes.

3. Season: Sprinkle the potatoes with a little salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to start building layers of flavor. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

4. Cook until crispy: Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.

Once the potatoes are perfectly crispy, push them to one side of the griddle to make room for the sausage and vegetables.

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Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Now it’s time to cook the sausage. The beauty of a cast iron griddle is that you can cook everything on the same surface, allowing the flavors to meld together.

1. Cook the sausage: Add the sausage (removed from its casing) to the griddle next to the potatoes. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller crumbles as it cooks.

2. Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme or oregano for added flavor.

3. Brown the sausage: Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked through.

Once the sausage is cooked, move it to the side with the potatoes.

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Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Now that the potatoes and sausage are cooked, it’s time to bring in some vibrant vegetables to make this breakfast even more hearty and colorful.

1. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes to the griddle. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize a bit. This will bring out their sweetness.

2. Add the greens: Throw in the spinach or kale and cook for another minute, just until the greens are wilted. You can use any greens you have on hand, but spinach is an excellent choice for a tender texture and mild flavor.

Once the vegetables are ready, push them to the side to make room for the eggs.

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Step 5: Cook the Eggs

Now comes the best part—eggs! A hearty breakfast skillet isn’t complete without eggs, and the cast iron griddle will cook them to perfection.

1. Add butter (optional): If you want to add a touch of richness, drop 1 tablespoon of butter onto the griddle and let it melt.

2. Crack the eggs: Gently crack 4 eggs into the griddle. You can cook them sunny-side up, over-easy, or scrambled, depending on your preference. If you want to make sure the yolks stay intact, create a little well in the vegetables and sausage for the eggs to sit in.

3. Season: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika or chili flakes for a little heat.

4. Cook the eggs: Let the eggs cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny. If you prefer firmer yolks, cover the griddle with a lid and let them cook for another minute or two.

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Step 6: Assemble the Skillet

Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble your Hearty Breakfast Skillet.

1. Layer everything: Carefully transfer the crispy potatoes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and eggs to a large serving platter or individual bowls. You can keep everything on the griddle if it’s large enough to serve directly.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives) for color and added freshness.

3. Add condiments (optional): If you like, drizzle some hot sauce or salsa over the top for extra flavor. A squeeze of lime can also add a nice burst of brightness.

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Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about cooking with a piece of kitchen history like a cast iron griddle. It brings a sense of nostalgia and connection to the past while producing delicious, comforting food. The Hearty Breakfast Skillet made on this griddle is a perfect example of how an old, often forgotten tool can turn everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked eggs is as hearty as it is satisfying.

If you’ve just moved into an old house or discovered something unique in your kitchen, don’t overlook those pieces of history—they can often be the key to crafting meals that will become beloved family favorites. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, the cast iron griddle is a reliable tool that will help you create flavorful, hearty dishes that will stand the test of time.

So, dust off that griddle, fire up your stove, and make a meal that’s full of comfort and flavor. The past is alive in your kitchen—and with a little creativity, it’s waiting to be rediscovered.

Enjoy!