America’s ‘Cast Iron Cowboy’ Champions the Timeless Appeal of Traditional Skillets

Chuckwagon cook and YouTube star Kent Rollins, known as America’s ‘Cast Iron Cowboy,’ is championing the enduring appeal of traditional cast iron skillets. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Rollins highlighted the benefits of cooking with cast iron, emphasizing its durability, versatility, and potential health benefits through iron enrichment.

Rollins, who has become a modern-day guardian of the old-school skillet, recently revealed his preference for cast iron in an interview with Fox News Digital, ahead of the upcoming TV series ‘Cast Iron Cowboy.’ The show, filmed across iconic ranches like the Bighorn Basin and Ruby Mountains, captures the American spirit through open flame cooking. Rollins described it as ‘Mother Nature’s kitchen,’ noting the dramatic temperature shifts experienced during filming.

Unlike modern materials like Teflon or stainless steel, Rollins explained that cast iron is a long-lasting tool that can be passed down through generations. He noted that people would fight over a cast-iron skillet, unlike Teflon pans, which are rarely mentioned in wills. Rollins also highlighted the health benefits, attributing his childhood health to the widespread use of cast iron in cooking, which may contribute to iron enrichment in food.

Despite some home cooks finding cast iron challenging to clean, Rollins insists it’s the ‘easiest thing to clean in the world,’ requiring nothing more than a wipe and a hot water rinse. Proper care, including seasoning, drying, and storage, ensures cast iron can last for decades, making it a practical and sustainable cooking tool.

Rollins, raised in ranch country, recalled the long days of herding cattle and preparing meals outdoors, emphasizing the connection between cooking and the land. He believes cast iron remains essential for cowboy cooking, capable of handling everything from frying to baking. The ‘Cast Iron Cowboy’ series premieres on the Outdoor Channel in September, capturing the essence of traditional cooking and the cowboy way of life.