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.
Growing up in the South, I learned about cast iron cooking from my grandmother, who could whip up the most incredible meals using her trusty skillet and Dutch oven. There’s something truly special about cooking with cast iron—it’s like connecting with generations of family cooks who came before me.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, I’m here to guide you through the basics, just like my grandmother did for me. With a bit of practice, you’ll be creating delicious dishes that your family will love. Trust me, you’ll never look back once you start cooking with cast iron!
Benefits Of Cast Iron Cooking
Cast iron cookware offers a range of benefits that make it a favorite in kitchens worldwide.
- One key advantage is its incredible heat retention and even heating, which ensures your food cooks uniformly every time. Cast iron is chemical-free, unlike nonstick pans, and provides a natural nonstick surface when properly seasoned.
- Cooking with cast iron can add a small amount of iron to your diet, which is especially beneficial for those with iron deficiencies.
- Cast iron’s durability is unmatched. With proper care, it can last for generations, making it a timeless investment for your kitchen.
How To Season A Cast Iron Skillet
Seasoning a cast iron skillet is easier than you might think. There’s no magic or superstition, just a few straightforward steps.
- When you get your new pan, give it a good scrub with warm, soapy water, then dry it thoroughly.
- Rub the pan all over, buffing it on the inside and out, with vegetable, canola, or corn oil. You don’t need to buy any fancy oil.
- Put the oiled pan in a preheated 400-degree oven and leave it there for an hour. I like to turn the pan upside down and put a baking sheet or piece of foil underneath if the oil drips.
- For the best results, you can repeat the seasoning process 2-3 times to build up a strong, even seasoning layer. Be careful, though; the pan will be hot!
- That’s it! Let your pan cool, and you will be ready to cook.
How To Clean Cast Iron After Cooking
Cleaning cast iron might initially seem intimidating, but it’s simpler than you think.
- After cooking, allow the skillet to cool slightly, then rinse it under hot water.
- Use a brush or sponge to remove any stuck-on food. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the seasoning from your pan. If food is stubbornly stuck, sprinkle some coarse salt into the pan and scrub it with a brush—this acts as a natural abrasive.
- Once clean, dry the skillet thoroughly with a towel or place it on a low burner to evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Finally, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the skillet’s surface while it’s still warm and store it in a dry place.
Pro Tip
Always, always dry your cast-iron skillet entirely with a dish towel, or place it over low heat so that the water evaporates until completely dry. Before storing, lightly coat the skillet’s surface in vegetable oil with a paper towel.
Delicious Cast Iron 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.
