How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet
If you don’t own a cast iron skillet, I highly recommend adding one to your cookware collection. I love my cast iron skillet and use it frequently. It is such a versatile cooking utensil and with proper care it will last a lifetime.
Caring for a cast iron skillet is very simple, but like everything it will require a little maintenance and pampering to keep it looking and performing its best. A well seasoned cast iron skillet is truly non-stick, my fried eggs always turn out beautifully. But, when they do start to stick to the pan a little I know that it’s probably time to season my skillet.
Seasoning a cast iron skillet refers to baking oil onto it to give it a natural protective and non stick surface. It also gives your skillet a beautiful black patina and shine.
Read below to find out how you can easily season your skillet and keep it looking it’s best!
This is what my skillet looked like before the seasoning process. You can see it is dull and missing that beautiful dark patina.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350. Scrub the skillet well with dish soap and a sponge. Avoid using anything too abrasive. Make sure to thoroughly dry the skillet before the next step.
Add about a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the cast iron skillet.
Using a paper towel rub the oil into the pan. Make sure to get every part of both the interior and exterior of the pan.
Once the pan has been coated in oil place it in the oven upside down. Use tin foil or a baking sheet on the rack bellow it to catch any oil that may drip. Bake the pan for an hour at 350.
After an hour turn the oven off and let it cool down completely before removing the skillet. I like to do this job in the evening and let the oven cool down overnight.
And there you have a beautifully seasoned cast iron skillet ready to cook up a storm. You can see the shiny dark coating that has been baked back onto it.
With proper care and regular seasoning these skillets will last a lifetime and more. I like to place a paper towel between my cast iron skillets when storing them to prevent scratches in the coating.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Do you have to season after each time you cook in it?