How to Prepare a Cast Iron Pan

Before you begin cooking with your new cast iron pan, you need to season it. Cast iron pans are durable and versatile. You can cook on top of the stove as well as bake bread in the oven. A well seasoned cast iron pan will prevent food from sticking better than any nonstick pan in the store. Seasoned cast iron pans will last a lifetime and can be passed from generation to generation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dish liquid
• Paper towels
• Shortening or lard
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil

1. Scrub the cast iron pan with dish liquid and the scrub side of a sponge or steel wool pad. This is done to remove the coating the manufacturer put on the cast iron pan to prevent the pan from rusting during shipping.

2. Dry your cast iron pan thoroughly with paper towels. Let the pan air-dry overnight, or set the oven to 125 degrees and heat the cast iron pan for 20 minutes. Moisture can become trapped in the pores of the iron which could cause the pan to rust.

3. Apply a light coat of shortening or lard to the inside of the cast iron pan with a paper towel. Turn on the oven and set it to 300 degrees.

4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place the cast iron pan upside down, with the bottom facing up, on the baking sheet. Put the pan in the oven and bake it for one hour. After 15 minutes, use a paper towel to wipe off excess grease, then continue baking.

5. Turn off the oven and let the pan cool. Season your cast iron pan two more times to create a stronger bond. Season the pan if food begins to stick.

Tips & Warnings

• Cook fatty food such as bacon or sausage the first few uses. The grease from the food will help to further season the cast iron pan. Clean cast iron pans in hot water only, don't use dish liquid. Always hand wash your cast iron pan. Any kind of soap will cause the seasoning in the pan to break down. Store cast iron pans with the lids off to prevent moisture from forming in the pan.
• Don't cook acidic food in a cast iron pan. This can cause the pan to become damaged. Never store food in a cast iron pan because it will lead to a breakdown of the pan's seasoning. Don't put a hot pan into cold water. It will warp or break.

References

• Kitchen Emporium: Seasoning Cast Iron
• The New Homemaker: Cooking with Cast Iron
• Superior Cast Iron Cookware

Resources

• Cast Iron Cookware: How to Care for Cast Iron Cookware
• Baking Pans: Cast Iron Pans

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