So, you've bought a new cast iron pan, or discovered one second-hand that's in good condition (lucky!). Either way, it's a good idea to season it (or re-season, as the case may be), so it's ready to use. Here's what you need to know, broken down in 5 simple steps.
1. Bake empty. A brand new pan needs to be seasoned. Wipe all over (including the handle and bottom) using a very small amount of vegetable oil and a paper towel. Bake the empty pan at 350F for an hour.
2. Make bacon. Use the pan regularly to allow its coating to build and strengthen — frying bacon is particularly good for cast iron.
3. No soap. For the first year, wash well with very hot water and a scrubbing brush (no soap). Each time, dry well, then wipe the inside with oil and paper towel again and heat on the stove for three minutes.
4. Yes soap. Once the pan has developed a black, shiny, smooth surface, you can wash it with soap and water.
5. Got rust? Use stiff steel wool to scrub it away, then start again from the beginning.
Now that you know how to care for your pan, here are 10 things you can make with it:
These puffy pancakes have many unusual names including bismarcks and Dutch Puffs. In every case, a simple batter poured into a hot pan creates instant, unforgettable magic. This sweet version is a perfect fast dessert or breakfast; or add sautéed mushrooms and bacon for a savoury meal. Get this Dutch baby with roasted plums recipe.
On busy nights one-pan wonders bring big flavours to the dinner table (with less mess!) Get this skillet chicken pot pie recipe.
Crispy spanakopita is a great appetizer, so we turned it into a satisfying vegetarian main course. Using frozen spinach is a time saver; be sure to squeeze the water out really well. Get this spinach and feta pan pie recipe.
An all-in-one-pan-meal you can serve for brunch, lunch or dinner! Get this skillet broccoli and potato frittata recipe.
This 25-minute appetizer is easily put together, and well-worth stepping into the kitchen (briefly) while dinner guests mingle. Get this cranberry almond baked brie recipe.
Once hot, cast iron retains heat really well. This makes it perfect for frying, where you want the oil to hold its temperature within a few degrees. Get this zucchini parmesan crisps recipe.
You want to bake it in a skillet, trust us. Not only does it look great for serving, you can mix up your ingredients on the stovetop, then pop it in the oven to broil for a perfectly golden, cheesy finish. Get this macaroni and cheese recipe.
Pour the batter into a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet, and you can slice up warm cornbread wedges at the dinner table to go with your chili. (Bonus: it will stay warm in the pan for longer, since iron retains heat so well.) Get this cornbread recipe.
A twist on a classic, this giant cookie is great for dinner parties. Get this skillet chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Get the pan hot, and the tortillas will cook in just 1-2 minutes per side. Taco-night, here we come! Get this homemade corn tortillas recipe.
A cast-iron pan gives fish golden-crisp skin that no one will be able to resist. Get this fresh walleye fish with mustard dill sauce recipe.
How to make perfect pancakes? It starts with the batter and ends with a lightly buttered, hot skillet. Get this pancakes recipe.
A filling, cheesy bread you can pair with soup, stews and chilis. Get this cheesy bannock bread recipe.
For the freedom of moving your pan from stovetop to oven for recipes like this cottage pie, cast-iron is the way to go. Get this cottage pie with celery root mash recipe.
Ae elegant grilled cheese that’s perfect for weekend brunches or weeknight dinners, your choice. Get this grilled cheese croque madame recipe.
The perfect, fried egg can go on top of almost anything, from Bibimbap to polenta and mushrooms — even grilled cheese sandwiches. Get this crispy fried egg recipe.
The best way to prepare a quick weeknight dish of veggies is to char them in a hot cast iron pan. Drizzle with a garam-masala-and-ginger-laced vinaigrette, garnish with sesame seeds, flaxseeds, fried shallots and thinly sliced Thai chilies, and even broccoli haters will be clamouring for seconds. Get this charred broccoli with chiles recipe.
A cast iron pan is best for this method, as it retains a hot, even heat very well. Read more.
Cast iron is the key to caramelizing these beauties (and the secret to cozy, cheesy french onion soup). Read more.
Related:
How to use the right pot or pan for the job
10 ways to cook without making a mess
How to pick the right sheet pan for cooking and baking
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.
Chatelaine celebrates, inspires, informs and empowers. We know that Canadian women contain multitudes, and we cover all of the issues—big and small—that matter to them, from climate change to caregiving, Canadian fashion and what to cook now.