How to Season Cast Iron, According to Chefs Who Use Their Skillets Daily

Many recipes instruct us to “season to taste,” which means tasting near the end of the process, then dialing in the salt or other elements to please our own palates. While mastering how to season food with salt, spices, herbs, and acid (say, lemon juice or vinegar) in layers can take some practice, it’s pretty clear that this means to add a sprinkle or a splash of flavor to reach your desired balance and accentuate the natural flavors of the dish.

But “seasoning” is used in another part of the culinary world: in relation to cast iron skillets. So what does it mean to season cast iron, exactly? 

“Seasoning refers to the process of treating a cast iron pan or skillet with a layer of oil or fat and heating it to create a natural, non-stick coating. This coating helps protect the cast iron from rust, creates a smooth cooking surface, and gives the cookware its characteristic durability and versatility,” explains Stacy Lyn Harris, a Montgomery, Alabama-based Southern lifestyle guru, television host, celebrity chef, and author of Love Language of the South: A Celebration of the Food, Hospitality, and the Stories of My Southern Home. 

Over time, as the pan is used and if it’s maintained properly (more on this shortly), this seasoning layer builds up, enhancing the pan’s non-stick properties, and developing a unique flavor that can be imparted to food cooked in it, Harris adds.

Some cast iron skillets (or other shapes of pots and pans made from the material) come already seasoned; check the product label or manual for more details. Most cast iron creations need to be seasoned by the new owner, though. 

Read on to learn more about how to season cast iron and how to keep that seasoning strong so you’ll create a cast iron skillet that’s worthy of being passed down generation after generation.

Why Seasoning Cast Iron Matters

Unless it has been pre-seasoned or passed down by another well-seasoned (sorry!) chef, a new cast iron pan or skillet, you'll need to season your cast iron before cooking with it. This initial seasoning creates the foundation for the non-stick surface, Harris explains. As you use your cast iron, it will naturally develop and maintain its seasoning over time. 

How to Season Cast Iron

The seasoning process starts like many great recipes: with a clean pan. Then apply a thin layer of oil or fat, and heat it in an oven or on the stovetop to “polymerize” the oil, creating the non-stick surface.

Our experts teamed up to create your ultimate guide for how to season cast iron: 

1. Wash the skillet with water, mild soap, and a sponge or dishcloth. (Do not use an abrasive cleaner or scouring pad.) Rinse the pan with clean water, and use a dry kitchen towel to immediately dry every surface to eliminate the risk of rusting.
2. Preheat the oven at anywhere between 350°F and 400°F.
3. Using a paper towel, apply a thin layer of cooking oil over the entire pan, including the bottom and the handle. Use another paper towel to wipe off any excess fat. (Excess oil can drip in the oven and lead to smoke.)
4. Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven, then position the cast iron skillet bottom-side up, on the middle rack. Bake the pan for 1 hour. 
5. After an hour, turn off the oven, and allow the pan to completely cool.

Test Kitchen Tip: Keep in mind that if the skillet is brand-new or in rough shape, sometimes seasoning needs to be repeated a few times to yield a non-stick surface. If time allows, follow these steps once more before trying a cast iron skillet recipe in the pan.

How to Maintain the Seasoning on Your Cast Iron

Once you’ve built up that seasoning base, the pan doesn’t require a ton of TLC, McDaniel reveals: “The best way to maintain a well-seasoned pan is to care for it after each use.”

To clean a cast iron skillet after you put it to work, rinse the still-warm pan with hot water, then wipe each surface clean with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Rinse with clean water, then wipe dry with a towel. When the pan is dry, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the interior of the skillet. If necessary, use kosher salt and a wet sponge to remove any stuck-on pieces of food residue. Rinse under warm water, dry thoroughly, and coat with cooking oil once more. Let the skillet sit on a dry kitchen towel to ensure it’s completely moisture-free, then store in a place far from any moisture sources. If you stack your cast iron skillets to store them, place a paper towel or cloth between each pan to keep them from scratching.

Besides that, follow these pro tips to ensure your pan—and its seasoning— stays strong for the long haul:

• Don’t allow the skillet to soak too long. Soaking in water for more than 15 minutes can lead to rusting and damage the seasoning, Harris says. If possible, avoid soaking all together, and clean, dry, and store your skillet immediately after you’re done.
• Steer clear of harsh tools and cleaners. Metal equipment, such as a spatula or tongs, can scrape off some of the polymerization (aka seasoning), Ford says, leading to rust spots or uneven cooking. As can steel wool pads or other scouring cleaners. Employ more pliable, gentle tools, like those made with wood, silicone, or plastic.
• Save simmering acidic recipes for other vessels. Tomatoes, citrus, wine, vinegar, and other highly-acidic ingredients can be tough on cast iron. When acidic items hang out in cast iron for extended amounts of time, they can loosen some of the metal molecules—meaning they are released into your food and can impart a metallic taste. (This isn’t unsafe, but isn’t always pleasant.) Although you can cook acidic items for short periods of time in a well-seasoned cast iron pan, keep it to less than 30 minutes if possible. Opt for a surface like enameled cast iron for something like shakshuka or a slow-cooked marinara sauce.
• Baby the skillet if it gets burnt. While cast iron is excellent for retaining and distributing heat, cooking with excessive heat may cause the seasoning to burn off or become damaged, Harris advises. 

If you burn something in your cast iron pan or notice that food begins to stick, it's time to season your pan again. Simply follow the steps above regarding how to season cast iron, and you’re ready for your next recipe.

“Caring for your cast iron pan involves a combination of proper seasoning, regular maintenance, and gentle handling to ensure its longevity and optimal cooking performance,” Harris says. “By practicing proper care and maintenance, you can keep your cast iron pan in excellent condition for years to come, ensuring delicious meals, reliable cooking performance, not to mention an heirloom for future generations.”