Cast iron skillet seasoning is simply thin layers of oil baked onto the iron until they bond into a slick, black, naturally non-stick coating. Once you know the method, you can restore a rusty pan or build a better finish on a new one.
Here is the oven method, step by step.
The Short Answer
Wash and completely dry the skillet, rub a very thin layer of neutral oil over every surface, wipe off as much as you can, then bake upside down at 450 to 500°F for 1 hour. Let it cool in the oven. Repeat 3 to 4 times for a durable base layer.
Best Oils for Seasoning Cast Iron
- Vegetable shortening: reliable and easy to spread thin.
- Canola or vegetable oil: inexpensive and effective.
- Grapeseed oil: high smoke point and neutral.
- Flaxseed oil: makes a very hard finish but can flake for some cooks.
Avoid butter and olive oil for oven seasoning; they burn and turn sticky.
How to Season Cast Iron in the Oven
Step 1: Clean
Scrub with warm soapy water. For rust, scour with steel wool until you reach bare metal.
Step 2: Dry completely
Towel dry, then heat on the stove for a few minutes to drive off all moisture.
Step 3: Oil very thinly
Rub about 1 teaspoon of oil over the inside, outside and handle, then wipe it off with a clean cloth as if you made a mistake. Too much oil leaves a sticky finish.
Step 4: Bake
Place upside down on the middle rack at 450 to 500°F, with foil on the rack below. Bake 1 hour.
Step 5: Cool and repeat
Turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside. Repeat 3 to 4 times.
How to Maintain Seasoning
- Cook with fat often; searing, frying and roasting build seasoning.
- After washing, dry on the stove and wipe on a drop of oil.
- Avoid long simmering of acidic foods like tomato sauce until the seasoning is established.
- Clean with a gentle brush; see how to clean a cast iron skillet.
Troubleshooting
- Sticky surface: too much oil. Bake another hour at 450°F.
- Flaking: re-scrub the loose spots and re-season.
- Rust spots: scrub with steel wool, dry, oil and bake.
Equipment I Used
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Season a Cast Iron Skillet FAQ
What temperature do you season cast iron at?
450 to 500°F for 1 hour, then let it cool in the oven.
How many times should I season cast iron?
3 to 4 oven coats create a durable base. Regular cooking maintains it.
Why is my cast iron sticky after seasoning?
Too much oil was left on. Bake it again for an hour to finish polymerizing the oil.
Can you ruin cast iron seasoning?
Soaking, the dishwasher and leaving it wet can strip or rust it, but seasoning can always be rebuilt.
