Cleaning And Care For Cast Iron Cookware

There are many benefits to using cast iron cookware. When properly cared for, the cast iron acts as a nonstick pan keeping the food from burning, requires less oil, the food cooks evenly, cooking at high temperatures, and they are safer than most modern cookware.

They are safer because they don’t have the nonstick coating, which contains harmful chemicals you can be exposed to at high temperatures, or when the pan is damaged. In addition, a properly seasoned cast iron pan creates a natural nonstick finish for easy cleanup.

SEASONING CAST IRON SKILLET 

To season your cast iron pan is simple. Wash the pan in hot, mild soapy water, dry well and spread a very light coat of coconut oil or vegetable oil over the entire skillet.

Place foil paper on a lower rack in the oven for any drippings and then place the pan upside down on the middle rack. Bake at 375 F for one hour, then cool in the oven. After you season the pan, the more you use it, the more seasoned it becomes. 

If you know how to properly take care of your cast iron cookware, you can pass it down from generation to generation.

Cast Iron Care Essentials

Three things cast iron does not like: acidic foods, water, and harsh abrasives. Your pan will love oil, gentle cleaning with a sponge, and drying immediately after washing with hot water.

Avoiding Rust and Residue

Do not immerse your cast iron cookware in water, as it increases the risk of rusting. Additionally, making desserts in a cast iron pan can leave residue. To address this, give it a good scrub with a stiff-bristle brush and mild soap, then rinse well and dry thoroughly afterward.

Pre-Seasoned Considerations

Just a note on pre-seasoned cast iron cookware: it’s advisable to season your cast iron pans even if they come pre-seasoned.

Restoring Rusty Cast Iron: 4 Simple Steps

Scrub with a stiff bristle brush and hot soapy water. Rinse well and dry thoroughly

Brush a light coating of coconut oil or vegetable oil over the entire cast iron

Place foil paper on a lower rack in the oven for any drippings and then place the pan upside down on the middle rack. Bake at 375 F for one hour, then cool in the oven

Repeat as necessary and store in a cool, dry place

The Versatility of Cast Iron Cookware

What I love about cast iron skillets is they make perfect one-pan casseroles, dips, steaks, cheesy sides, and delicious desserts. But my favorite is a cast iron roasting pan!

Perfect Roasting Every Time

Whether you are roasting chicken or veggies, they come out cooked perfectly. As an added benefit, the cleanup is super easy. The more you use the roasting pan, the more seasoned it becomes, and they last forever.

Check out our selection of  GLUTEN-FREE CAST IRON SKILLET RECIPES to get you inspired creating your next dish using the cast iron skillet.