How to Use Cast Iron Skillets with Recipes & Care Tips

cast iron skillet

If you are new to cast iron cooking like I was, it can be a little intimidating. But have no fear, I’m here to help you! Here’s what you are going to learn:

  • How to get started with your Pampered Chef Cast Iron Skillet
  • How to take care of it after you have cooked a meal
  • Simple and easy recipes for your cast iron skillet

How to get started with your cast iron skillet & recipes:

Cast Iron cookware can give you the best even heating during cooking. Pampered Chef Cast Iron Skillets come pre-seasoned! Major win! The best way to keep it in great shape is to use it. You can use the Cast Iron Skillets on the stovetop (glass, ceramic, gas, induction all work), in the oven, on the grill and over the campfire too.

Here are some easy recipes to get started:

How to clean your cast iron skillet:

Because the Pampered Chef Cast Iron Skillets come pre-seasoned. They are ready to cook with out of the box. That also makes clean up easy too. Once you are done cooking:

  • Wash your cast iron with a nylon bristle scrub brush and hot water. If you still have stuck-on bits, use a pan scraper to get them off.
  • If the food is extra sticky, simmer a little water in the pan for a minute, then use the scraper after the water has cooled.
  • Thoroughly dry the pan right away with a dishcloth or paper towel.
  • After the pan is dry, rub the pan with a very light layer of vegetable or canola oil while the cookware is still warm.
  • Hang or store your cast iron in a dry place.

What happens if it rusts?

Don’t worry, it’s happened to me once too. I set the pan to dry and I forgot to dry it immediately so it started to rust within about an hour or two. It’s okay though, you can’t ruin these pans….here’s how to bring it back to life:

  • Scour the affected area with steel wool, rinse dry, and rub with vegetable oil. If the problem persists, reseason the cast iron.

How to Re-Season if Needed:

Reseasoning is a process you shouldn’t have to do very often, but if the pan is very rusty or is looking dull and splotchy, follow these steps:

  1. Wash the pan in warm water and then dry it.
  2. With a clean cloth or paper towel, thoroughly rub vegetable or canola oil all over the pan—inside and out. Continue to rub it, so there is no longer a greasy sheen. This step is important because excess oil can pool and form into hardened droplets or become sticky.
  3. Put the oiled pan upside down in preheated 450°F oven for one hour. Place a sheet pan on the rack below to catch any drips.
  4. Remove the pan with oven mitts and apply oil thoroughly again, and place back into the oven. Repeat this two–three times.

FAQ on Cast Iron Skillets

  • Can I use metal utensils? Yep!
  • What do I do if the pan gets sticky? Just apply a small amount of vegetable oil (canola is great) and don’t over-oil your pan.
  • Can I use soap? A little mild soap is okay if needed, but you shouldn’t need to use it often. Don’t use a metal brush or sponge to scrub as it can damage the seasoning. And do not put your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher.
  • What about dark residue I see on my cast iron? Its the interaction of acidic foods with the seasoning. It will go away with regular use and care.

If you just read this blog and now want your own Cast Iron Skillet, grab your own on my Pampered Chef website. Your purchase supports my small business.

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