The Essential Guide to Using and Caring for Your Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is a reliable and affordable kitchen tool that can last through generations. Even the oldest, rust-covered skillet found at a thrift store is often a hidden gem, highly valued by those who appreciate its enduring value. Despite the rise of non-stick and glossy cookware, many home chefs still feel hesitant when it comes to working with cast iron.

Nicole McLaughlin, better known as NicoleMcmom, is your expert guide to mastering the art of cooking with and caring for a cast iron skillet. She'll show you how to clean and season your skillet properly so it can serve you for many years.

How to Properly Season a Cast Iron Skillet

Seasoning a cast iron skillet means applying thin layers of oil and baking them into the pan, allowing the fat to bond with the porous surface of the iron and create a natural non-stick layer. Nicole prefers to buy pre-seasoned skillets, but even then, regular seasoning is essential to improving the skillet's surface over time. Here's how to season your cast iron skillet before its first use:

1. Clean the skillet with soap and water, then dry thoroughly with a towel.
2. To ensure the pan is fully dry, place it on low heat on the stovetop for a few minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and lightly coat the pan with a small amount of vegetable oil—grapeseed, flaxseed, or standard vegetable oil work well. Using a bundle of paper towels to protect your hands from the heat, rub the oil over the entire surface, both inside and out. Wipe away any excess until you’re left with a thin layer. Too much oil will result in a sticky residue.
4. Place the skillet upside down on the center rack of a preheated 400°F oven. Put a baking sheet below it to catch any drips. Let it bake for 45 minutes.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 several times to build up a solid layer of seasoning. Just a small amount of oil each time ensures you don’t end up with a gummy coating.

Do you need to do this after every use? Not at all. Maintaining a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is surprisingly easy. We'll cover that in more detail later.

How to Cook Using Cast Iron

Here are some essential tips for cooking with your cast iron skillet to achieve the best results:

1. Always preheat your skillet before adding food. This helps eliminate hot spots and ensures even cooking and browning. Nicole prefers to heat hers on the stovetop while she prepares the ingredients.
2. When searing meat, allow it to naturally form a crust and release from the pan’s surface, instead of forcing it to move around or flipping it constantly.
3. Cast iron isn't just for savory dishes—you can also use it for sweet recipes. Some people prefer to use different pans for distinct dishes, like keeping one for frying fish and another for baking cinnamon rolls.

Discover Our Favorite Cast Iron Recipes:

These recipe collections are a great starting point for exploring all the delicious ways to use your cast iron cookware.

• The Best Recipes to Cook in a Cast Iron Skillet
• Our Best Cast Iron Skillet Desserts
• Cast Iron Recipes for Beginners That Will Make You Look Like a Pro
• 10 Comfort Food Dinners to Make in Your Cast Iron Skillet
  

How to Properly Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

Cleaning cast iron can be intimidating for those new to it. But don't worry—it's actually much simpler than it seems. Let’s break it down step by step so you can easily maintain your skillet:

1. Cleaning cast iron is easiest when it’s still warm. Start by using paper towels to wipe off any food bits or grease left behind after cooking.
2. Use warm water and a sponge or plastic scrubber to clean off anything you couldn’t wipe away. A mild dish soap is fine if needed, but avoid harsh detergents, scrubbing powders, or metal scrubbers. Never put your cast iron in the dishwasher.
3. Dry it with a towel, then set it over low heat to dry completely.
4. Once dry, rub a light coat of oil over the surface and allow the pan to cool fully before storing.