Ready to master the art of cast iron cooking? This Beginners Guide to Cast Iron Cooking is here to help you get started! This quick-start guide covers everything from understanding the benefits of unseasoned, seasoned, and enamel cast iron to learning how to properly care for your cookware and includes delicious, flavorful recipes.
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Why I Choose Cast Iron Cookware
Superior Heat Retention: Ensures even cooking temperatures, ideal for searing, slow-cooked dishes, and even baking cornbread.
Naturally Non-Stick Surface: When properly seasoned, cast iron provides a chemical-free non-stick cooking experience that improves with each use.
Longevity: With proper care, cast iron cookware can last for generations, becoming a treasured heirloom in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning Your Cast Iron Skillet
Proper seasoning is crucial for maintaining the non-stick surface and preventing rust. Here’s how to get your skillet in top shape:
Clean Thoroughly: Wash the skillet with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. A little soap is okay when seasoning, but you’ll want to avoid it for everyday use once the seasoning is built up.
Apply Oil: Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a thin, even layer of vegetable, canola, or flaxseed oil to the entire surface, including the handle and bottom.
Bake: Place the skillet upside down in a preheated 400°F oven for one hour. Put a baking sheet or foil on the lower rack to catch any drips.
Cool: Allow the skillet to cool in the oven before handling.
Repeat: For a strong, non-stick surface, repeat the seasoning process 2-3 times. Each layer builds up that protective, glossy finish.
Donya’s Must-Have Cast Iron Tools
If you’re just getting started with cast iron—or want to add to your collection—these are the tried-and-true tools I reach for in my own kitchen:
- Lodge 9” Cast Iron Skillet – This smaller skillet is perfect for cornbread, side dishes, or when you’re cooking for two. It heats evenly and lasts forever.
- Lodge 12” Cast Iron Skillet – A true workhorse. This pan can handle everything from seared steaks to one-skillet meals for the whole family.
- Cast Iron Grill Pan – Brings those beautiful grill marks indoors. Great for burgers, chicken, and veggies—no matter the weather.
- Cast Iron Grill Press with Wooden Handle – Helps cook food evenly and gives you that delicious sear. I love using it for sandwiches or bacon.
- Heat-Resistant Handle Covers – These silicone covers are a game changer. They slip right on and protect your hands from hot handles—no more scrambling for a towel.
- Cast Iron Scrub Brush – Makes cleanup easy without damaging the seasoning. A good brush like this one keeps your skillet in top shape.
- Dutch Oven – My Favorite – This is my go-to for roasts, stews, and baking bread. It’s heavy-duty, beautiful, and does it all.
Cooking with Cast Iron: Tips for Success
Cooking with cast iron is all about patience and confidence. Here’s how to make the most of your skillet:
- Preheat Properly: Always let your skillet heat up slowly to ensure even heat distribution and prevent hot spots.
- Use the Right Tools: Wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils protect the seasoning layer. Metal spatulas can scrape it away.
- Avoid Acidic Foods Initially: Until your skillet is well-seasoned, go easy on acidic foods like tomatoes, vinegar-based sauces, and citrus. They can wear down the seasoning.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your food space to sear properly. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of crisping.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance of Cast Iron Cookware
Maintaining your cast iron cookware is easier than you might think:
- Cool Down: Let the skillet cool a bit before cleaning to prevent thermal shock.
- Scrub Gently: Use a brush or non-abrasive sponge with warm water to remove food residues. A sprinkle of coarse salt can help scrub off stuck-on bits.
- Dry Completely: Immediately wipe the skillet dry with a towel. This is key to preventing rust.
- Oil Lightly: Apply a thin layer of oil to the inside (and outside, if you like) before storing it. This keeps the seasoning strong and protects against moisture.
Pro Tip: Modern dish soaps are generally safe for cast iron, but avoid soaking the skillet to keep the seasoning intact.
Storage Tips
- Store in a Dry Place: Moisture is the enemy of cast iron.
- Layer with Paper Towels: Place a paper towel between stacked cookware to absorb any residual moisture.
Cast Iron Skillet Recipes
Oven Fried Chicken (Crispy And Juicy)
Learn how to make crispy, succulent chicken in the oven, without sacrificing flavor or texture! This simple recipe for Oven Fried Chicken is a winner on busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you want delicious fried chicken without a lot of work.
Southern Fried Corn Recipe
Buttery, Fried Corn is a classic Southern side dish that's a pure delight. It's simple, made in minutes with fresh corn, and is destined to shoot to the top of the list of your favorite recipes after the first time you make it!
3-Ingredient Spicy Sausage Dip
Three-ingredient Spicy Sausage Dip is the perfect (and quick) appetizer to whip up for your next party, game-day gathering, potluck, or snack on over the weekend. Delicious, homey ingredients are combined for a taste that will leave everyone wanting more.
Easy Gluten Free Sausage Frittata
Learn how to make this easy, gluten free Sausage and Cheese Frittata recipe that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple weeknight dinner! It's a great make-ahead dish that reheats well and can be customized with loads of different ingredients.
Easy Sautéed Mushrooms
If you want to elevate your meals, these rich, juicy, easy-to-make Sautéed Mushrooms are the answer! Perfect for topping off a burger or serving as a side dish, these mushrooms add that extra something special to any dish.
Southern Cornbread in Cast Iron
This Southern cornbread is made totally from scratch, and is not sweet.
Pan-Fried Okra
Crispy and crunchy on the outside yet tender on the inside with just the right sprinkle of sea salt. My extra because your family will eat this fried okra up!
Green Chili Cheese Cornbread
Soft and tender on the inside, with a delicious crackly crust on the outside, this Green Chile Cheese Cornbread made in a cast-iron skillet is a family-favorite recipe all year round!
Skillet Beef Stew
Beef Stew that's tender and juicy, simmered in a rich sauce along with carrots and potatoes is a family favorite meal!
Skillet Green Beans
Fresh, crisp Skillet Green Beans made in just 15 minutes is one of life's simple pleasures! Made in just one pan and infused with garlic and lemon with just the right amount of red pepper, these green beans are sure to be at the top of your side dish list in no time.
Skillet Chicken Spaghetti
Juicy chunks of chicken with tender spaghetti in tomato sauce cooked in a cast iron skillet makes a great one dish meal. Topped with cheese then baked in the oven turn into a family favorite dish!
Skillet Cinnamon Apples
Simple, easy Skillet Cinnamon Apples makes an amazing side dish, or dessert and is perfect for breakfast. Sauteed in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon your favorite fall apples are turned into a decedent creation that's hard to resist!
Garlic Parmesan Skillet Rolls
Garlic Parmesan Rolls baked in a skillet are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The golden brown rolls are the perfect side dish to just about any meal and are ready to hit the table in just 30 minutes!
Easy Squash Casserole Recipe
Squash Casserole is a classic Southern side dish that's pure perfection! Beautiful yellow squash is layered into a cast iron, topped with a crunchy, cheesy crust, and then drizzled with a light butter sauce to create an irresistibly flavorful dish everyone will love.
The Benefits Of Enamel Cast Iron
As someone who loves cooking hearty soups, stews, and chilies, I can’t recommend enamel cast iron enough. I’ve had my beloved Dutch oven for over 23 years!
This versatile cookware is perfect for slow-cooking and simmering. As if that were not enough, with enamel cast iron (Le Creuset is my favorite), I don’t have to worry about seasoning, and the non-reactive surface means I can cook acidic dishes like tomato-based stews without any metallic taste. Plus, it’s easy to clean and comes in beautiful colors that brighten up my kitchen.
Benefits Of Enamel Cast Iron Cookware
- No Seasoning Required: The enamel coating provides a non-reactive, non-stick surface right out of the box, making it easier to use and maintain.
- Versatile Cooking: Enamel cast iron is oven-safe and can be used on all stovetops, including induction, making it versatile for a wide range of cooking techniques.
- Easy to Clean and Durability: Enamel cast iron can often be washed with soap and water without damaging the surface. Proper care can last for many years, making it a long-term investment for your kitchen.
- Heat Retention and Even Cooking: Enamel cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring even cooking and maintaining a consistent temperature. This makes it perfect for slow-cooking and keeping dishes warm for serving.
Delicious Enamel Cast Iron Recipes
Healthy Mushroom Soup
This healthier version of mushroom soup with no dairy added is rich, loaded with meaty Portabella mushrooms, and has a deep flavor that's amazing. If you're a mushroom lover, then this is the soup for you!
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce, made with ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, has a deep rich flavor that tastes like it's been simmered for hours. This is not your average "easy recipe" for spaghetti sauce! It's thick, meaty, made in about an hour, and is terrific served with pasta and warm bread for a meal that will soon become a staple for your family.
Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
The Best Chili recipe starts off with beef and beans in a rich sauce is loaded with amazing flavor! That's perfect for tailgating, game day, or when you're feeding a crowd. Simmered for hours, it is comfort food at its BEST.
Bloody Mary Chili Recipe
If you're a Bloody Mary fan, then you're going to LOVE this chili! With all the bold flavors of that popular drink, it's a hearty bowl of goodness that's loaded with beef, beans, and warm spicy flavors.
Southern Style Chicken Stew
This classic, “Southern Style” recipe has been around for generations. It’s full of tender chicken in a creamy broth seasoned with salt and pepper. It’s simple, straightforward, and absolutely delicious!
Easy One Pot Lasagna Soup
One-Pot Lasagna Soup is full of all the flavors that you love from classic lasagna, but so much easier to make! This simple recipe made with ground beef in a rich tomato broth topped with creamy ricotta and rich Parmesan is a one-pot meal that's comfort food at its best.
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Creamy White Chicken Chili is warm, comforting, and ready to serve in just 30 minutes. Made with cream cheese and tender chicken, this chili hits the spot on a cool night and is great for game day.
Quick And Easy Ground Beef Chili
Ground Beef Chili has all the flavors of your favorite classic chili recipe but made in half the time! It's comfort food that warms the soul with each hearty bite.
One Pot Mushroom Rice
Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!
Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor
