How I Re-Season a Cast Iron Skillet

I’ve been in the kitchen with my dad since I was a very little kid. As such I was deemed his baking buddy. My dad has always been once of those who loved playing with kitchen gadgets, but oddly enough my absolute favorite kitchen item was introduced to me until my mid 20s. Enter my beloved cast iron skillet.

My relationship with the cast iron skillet honestly started as a love hate type. The only thing I could really successfully cook with it (without feeling like I destroyed the pan) was plain chicken or burger. I was starting to feel discouraged by having most of what I cooked get caked onto the pan.

By some random chance, I changed how I seasoned my pan. This the turning point of our relationship. If you haven’t figured out why people love a cast iron skillet, then I suggest making sure yours is nicely seasoned! A nicely seasoned skillet has allowed me to cook an egg to perfect has sauce slide off without anything getting stuck.

Why bother with a cast iron skillet?

I have plenty of friends who have completely avoided getting a skillet because they think it’s too difficult. Honestly a cast iron skillet has one day every so often that needs you to put some extra love into it. Other than that you’re mainly washing it with hot water once you’re done and patting it dry. These skillets are very useful for being used on the stove, finishing off dishes in the oven, using it on a grill or even on a campfire. Many dishes I cook in a cast iron skillet end up being one skillet dishes.

What does it mean to season your skillet?

It may sound like you’re just putting spices onto you pan, but it’s a bit different. Seasoning your skillet simply means taking a cooking oil to create a starting point for a barrier between the food. Almost like nonstick pans, but so much better. Most things will suggest using vegetable oil, but I found the best luck in using a spray canola oil.

Start Fresh

The first step you’ll take is washing your skillet with soap and water. Pat Your pan dry. Typically you avoid washing with soap to avoid ruining the hard work you took to season your pan. I use hard work jokingly as this is so easy! Preheat your Oven to 450 Degrees F

Get to Work!

Find an oil that works for you. Spray oils for me are easier to use and some times create less mess. Honestly it’s user error. Whichever oil you decide to use, you’ll want to spread it all over the skillet and rub it in with paper towel. This allows extra oil that isn’t needed to get soaked up while spreading it evenly. Once that’s done place your skillet in the oven upside down for 1 hour. I always put aluminum foil on the rack below to catch any extra oil that may have dripped down. After the hour is done, turn your oven off and leave your skillet in to cool down. If needed, repeat the process 2 to 4 times. I promise it’s worth it.