How to Reseason a Cast Iron Skillet

Many cooks swear by their cast iron skillets. They are versatile and can be used for stove top and oven cooking. If you happen to have a cast iron skillet that appears rusted or unused, you can restore it. Once you clean the surface, it will be necessary to re-season a cast iron skillet. Once re-seasoned, the skillet will once again be ready for all of your culinary cast iron cooking needs.

Things You'll Need

• Vegetable oil
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Wash the skillet in warm soapy water to remove any rust and burned on food. Rinse the skillet thoroughly, and dry it completely with paper towels.

2. Apply a thin coat of vegetable oil to the skillet with paper towels. Apply the oil all over the skillet, including the outside and the handle. If you are using Crisco grease, melt it down before applying it to the cast iron skillet.

3. Place a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any oil that will drip from the cast iron skillet.

4. Turn the oven on, and preheat it to 350 degrees. Place the cast iron skillet upside down on the top rack of the oven. You may smell or see a little smoke, but this is no cause for alarm.

5. Bake the skillet in the oven for one hour. After an hour, turn the oven off and allow the skillet to cool to room temperature inside the oven.

6. Cook using the skillet after it has been re-seasoned.

7. Clean the skillet after cooking by using boiling water and a brush. Dry completely with paper towels, and apply a thin coat of vegetable oil with paper towels.

References

• Cooking America: Cast Iron Cooking
• Cast Iron Cookware: Reseasoning Cast Iron