Today I’m excited to bring you a guest blogger who will talk about something we all need to know: the right way to season a cast iron skillet. Richard Hall is a Mechanical Design Engineer, so he might not seem like the best person to be a food blogger. But his Southern roots, common sense, and willingness to share what he knows with us make him the perfect person for a topic that is very important to any Southern cook! Thank you, Rich!
I thought it might be helpful to share how to season a cast iron skillet or other types of cast iron cookware since Southern Plate has so many great Southern recipes. You might be wondering what seasoning is and why you should do it to your cast iron skillet. The answer is easy. Seasoning cast iron makes it non-stick like all the new miracle cookware. That’s because all you need to buy and take care of a non-stick skillet is vegetable oil, shortening, and common sense. It will never break. The cast iron skillet can be used to cook on the stovetop, the oven, or the grill. A good iron skillet can be passed down as an heirloom if taken care of properly.
As a cast iron enthusiast and passionate home cook, I’m always looking for ways to keep my pans in tip-top cooking condition. After years of trial and error with different seasoning techniques, I’ve landed on my favorite method – using sizzling hot bacon grease!
Seasoning with bacon grease infuses your cast iron with rich salty flavor that just gets better over time. The rendered bacon fat provides the perfect slick smooth cooking surface. And nothing smells better than bacon-y cast iron sizzling away on the stove!
In this article I’ll walk through my simple, mess-free process for seasoning cast iron with bacon grease. I’ll also share tips on cleaning, storage and care so your bacon-seasoned pan stays in prime condition for years to come. Let’s get cooking!
Why Season with Bacon Grease?
Before we get started, let’s look at why bacon grease is so magical when it comes to seasoning cast iron:
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All-natural: Bacon fat contains no artificial ingredients, just pork deliciousness.
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High smoke point: The high smoke point of bacon grease makes it perfect for seasoning at oven temperatures.
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Loaded with flavor: Infuses the cast iron with smoky, salty, fatty bacon essence. Yum!
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Non-stick: The rendered fat polymerizes onto the pan for a smooth, non-stick finish.
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Prevents rust: Creates a protective layer to prevent rusting.
No other fat or oil brings the same combination of flavor and function. So grab that bacon drippings and let’s get to seasoning!
Supplies Needed for Seasoning with Bacon Grease
Cast iron seasoning is simple, but you’ll need a few basic supplies:
- Cast iron skillet, pan or Dutch oven
- Paper towels
- Fresh bacon grease
- Oven
- Potholder or oven mitt
To get started, cook a batch of bacon in your cast iron pan. No need to clean it first – the seasoning process will take care of that.
Save the cooled bacon grease in a heat-safe jar or container. Resist eating all the bacon in one go…you’ll need about 1/4 cup of grease for a 10-inch pan.
Step-by-Step: How to Season Cast Iron with Bacon Grease
Once you’ve got your bacon grease ready, follow these simple steps:
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Wash – Use hot water and a sponge or stiff brush to scrub any stuck-on bits from your cast iron pan. Dry thoroughly.
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Wipe – Wipe a very thin layer of bacon grease all over the inside cooking surface with a paper towel. Cover every inch!
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Bake – Place the oiled pan upside down in a 350°F oven for 1 hour. The grease will melt and bond to the iron.
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Cool – Turn off oven and leave pan inside until completely cool. This completes the polymerization process for a smooth, hardened season.
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Wipe – Give it one more wipe with a clean paper towel to remove any debris.
That’s all it takes for a beautifully seasoned cast iron pan with bacon-y goodness!
Helpful Tips for Bacon Grease Seasoning Success
Follow these handy tips for stellar results:
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Apply a very thin layer of grease – too much will get sticky.
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Keep oven heat at 350°F max – hotter may burn off the grease.
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Always hand wash gently to leave seasoning intact.
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Cook a fatty breakfast every week to replenish your bacon grease supply!
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If pan develops sticky spots, repeat seasoning process.
With proper care, your bacon-seasoned cast iron will only get better with age!
Cleaning and Maintaining Bacon-Seasoned Cast Iron
Cleaning and care are key to preserving your bacon-infused seasoning:
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Hand wash only with a soft sponge or brush – no soap!
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Dry immediately and apply a very thin grease layer after each use.
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Store pan greased-side down to avoid rusting.
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Re-season occasionally when pan seems dry.
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Avoid abrasive scouring pads or cleaners which can damage seasoning.
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If rust appears, scrub gently with steel wool and re-season.
Treat your cast iron right and it will develop a natural non-stick patina that perfectly sears, crisps and browns.
Troubleshooting Common Cast Iron Seasoning Problems
Food sticks: Heat pan longer before cooking. Grease pan very lightly before each use. Re-season if needed.
Spotty or uneven seasoning: Re-season following the bacon grease steps. Ensure very thin, even grease application.
Rust spots: Remove with steel wool and re-season. Store pan greased-side down.
Weird smells/tastes: Scrub out pan with coarse salt and re-season. Ensure to wash hands before handling seasoned pan.
With some extra love and bacon grease, you can get your pan back in tip-top shape!
Get the Most Out of Your Bacon-Seasoned Cast Iron
Here are some of my favorite recipes to cook in your freshly seasoned bacon pan:
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Smoky bacon and Brussels sprouts
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Ultimate bacon cheeseburgers
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Bacon cornbread skillet
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Cheesy bacon spinach dip
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Bacon fried rice
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Candied bacon nuts
Frequency of Entities:
bacon grease: 20 times
cast iron: 18 times
seasoning/seasoned: 16 times
bacon: 10 times
pan: 8 times
grease: 6 times
oven: 5 times
Remove from the oven
After the time is up, cut off the oven and let the skillet cool. When it’s cool enough to touch, use another paper towel to wipe it down and get rid of any extra oil or shortening. Leave a thin layer on the surfaces.
In another hour or so, wipe it down again.
The pan will continue to cool after this last wipe, and in about an hour, it will look like the last picture.
Place the skillet in the oven
After coating the pan, set the timer for 3 hours and put it in the oven at 200 degrees. The low temperature will make the pores in the cast iron bigger so the vegetable shortening can melt and get inside.
Seasoning Lodge Cast Iron Griddle on Stove Top with Bacon Grease
FAQ
Can I season a cast iron with bacon grease?
What is the best grease for seasoning cast iron?
Why does bacon stick to seasoned cast iron?