Cast iron skillets are versatile, hardworking, and can last a lifetime. However, they can seem intimidating because they take a little extra care than your standard pan, but caring for your cast iron skillet can be easy with Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening. Its high smoke point and ability to create a durable, even seasoning make it a favorite for maintaining cast iron cookware. Here’s everything you need to know:
Why Do You Need to Season a Cast Iron Skillet?
Seasoning isn’t just about making your skillet look shiny. It’s what transforms raw cast iron into the naturally nonstick pan people love cooking with. A properly seasoned skillet helps:
- Create a naturally nonstick cooking surface
- Improve food release
- Develop rich flavor and beautiful browning when searing
- Protect against rust
- Extend the life of your cookware
Seasoning works by heating a thin layer of fat until it polymerizes, creating a durable coating that bonds directly to the iron.
Why Use Crisco to Season Cast Iron?
For decades, home cooks have relied on Crisco to season cast iron because it delivers consistent, reliable results. Crisco is an excellent choice because it has a high smoke point that’s ideal for seasoning, creates a smooth, durable nonstick layer, bonds well with cast iron during the seasoning process, and has been trusted by generations of cooks for cast iron care. The key is using just enough shortening. A thin, even layer creates the best finish, while applying too much can leave your skillet sticky.
How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet with Crisco
Whether you’re seasoning a brand-new skillet or restoring a rusty one, follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Clean the Pan
Wash the skillet with warm water and a small amount of mild soap.
If you’re restoring an older pan, scrub away rust using steel wool or a chainmail scrubber until the surface is clean.
Step 2: Dry Thoroughly
Dry the skillet completely with a lint-free cloth.
Any remaining moisture can interfere with seasoning and encourage rust, so many cooks also place the pan over low heat on the stovetop for a few minutes to remove any hidden moisture.
Step 3: Apply Crisco
Using a lint-free cloth or paper towel, rub a small amount of Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening over every surface of the skillet, including:
- Inside cooking surface
- Outside of the pan
- Handle
- Bottom
Once coated, buff away any excess shortening. The pan should appear lightly coated—not greasy.
Tip: Too much shortening is one of the most common mistakes and can leave your skillet with a sticky finish.
Step 4: Bake the Skillet
Place the skillet upside down on the center oven rack.
Place a sheet of foil on the rack below to catch any drips.
Starting with a cold oven:
- Set oven to 450°F
- Bake for 1 hour
- Turn the oven off and allow the skillet to cool completely inside the oven
The slow cooling helps the seasoning bond evenly.
Step 5: Repeat if Needed
If you’re seasoning a brand-new or previously rusty skillet, repeat the process 3 to 4 additional times to build a strong, durable cooking surface. Each layer makes the seasoning smoother and more resilient.
How to Maintain Your Cast Iron Seasoning
The good news is that maintaining cast iron is much easier than starting from scratch. After each use:
- Wash with warm water only.
- Skip the dish soap whenever possible.
- Dry completely with a lint-free towel.
- Place the skillet over low heat for a few minutes to remove any remaining moisture.
- Rub on a very thin layer of Crisco before storing.
Store your skillet in a dry location. Many cooks prefer storing it upside down to help keep dust from collecting inside.
When Should You Re-Season Your Cast Iron?
Most well-loved skillets only need a full seasoning once or twice each year. However, it’s time to re-season if you notice food beginning to stick, rust spots, a dull or uneven finish, or areas where the seasoning has worn away. If your skillet ever develops a sticky surface, scrub it with baking soda, rinse thoroughly, and repeat the full seasoning process.
Put Your Freshly Seasoned Skillet to Work
One of the best ways to enjoy your newly seasoned skillet is with a classic cast iron favorite: cornbread. A hot, well-seasoned cast iron skillet creates crisp, golden edges while keeping the inside tender and moist, exactly what you want from homemade cornbread.
Serve warm alongside your favorite bowl of chili, barbecue, soups, or roasted meats for a comforting meal that’s made even better by cooking in cast iron. Looking for inspiration? Try Crisco’s delicious Spiced Apple Skillet Blondie recipe for a sweet twist on a classic side dish.
Keep Your Cast Iron Cooking for Generations
With just a little routine care, a cast iron skillet can last for decades and often becomes better with every meal. Using Crisco to build and maintain your seasoning helps create the naturally nonstick surface that makes cast iron such a kitchen favorite.
