17 Genius Uses for A Mini Cast Iron Skillet

Apr 01, 2016, Updated Jun 03, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more at our disclosure policy.

Ever wonder what you could do with a miniature 3.5-inch cast iron skillet? Here are 17 Genius uses for that teeny tiny miniature cast iron pan! From recipes to home decor we have you covered.

17 Genius Uses for a Teeny Tiny Miniature 3.5 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

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What to do with a 3.5-inch Miniature Cast Iron Pan
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Where to Buy a Tiny Cast Iron Pan

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This past Christmas my mom gave me one. A super teeny tiny miniature cast iron skillet. It is small. Really small. Like 3.5-inches wide small.

Uses for a Lodge Miniature Cast Iron Skillet

It’s just like this Lodge miniature skillet.

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. You can check out our roundup of our favorite cast iron skillet recipes for more ideas.

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…

Frying Bacon in a Mini Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

4. For a Bacon, Red Pepper, Tomato, and Cheddar Mini Frittata

“Ready for plating, sir.”

Mini Frittata cooked on a Mini Cast Iron Skillet

5. Egg Muffin Sandwich

Who needs Starbucks or McDonalds when you have your very own teeny tiny miniature cast iron pan??? Find an awesome breakfast sandwich recipe for this pan here!

Two Breakfast Sandwiches with Smoked Sausage and Bacon

But it also works great for non-egg items too, like…

6. Searing Baby Steaks….

Seared Steak on a Mini Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

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!

Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza in a Mini Cast Iron Pan

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but it’s never too late for a romantic…

11. Cheese Fondue for One…

If you don’t want to make a big fondue portion, you can always make a personal version.

Cheese Fondue for one in a Tiny Cast Iron Pan

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12. Or Chocolate Fondue… also for One

Chocolate Fondue in a Mini Cast Iron Pan

Still feeling up for something sweet? How about a…

Deep Dish Cookie Cooked on a Mini Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

13.1 Don’t forget the Ice Cream!!!

Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Cooked on a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

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

Uses for a Miniature Lodge Cast Iron Skillet -- 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

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And with the holidays coming up, this miniature 3.5-inch cast iron skillet is the perfect for that foodie on your list!

Where to Buy a Tiny Cast Iron Pan

Get the perfect stocking stuffer from Amazon. We love the Lodge Cast Iron version.

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.

About Vindulge

Mary (a certified sommelier and recipe developer) and Sean (backyard pitmaster) are co-authors of the critically acclaimed cookbook, Fire + Wine, and have been creating content for the IACP nominated website Vindulge since 2009. They live in Oregon on a farm just outside Portland.

17 Genius Uses for A Mini Cast Iron Skillet

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