Cleaning Cast Iron Popover Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cast iron popover pans are versatile, inexpensive, and long-lasting. They require some TLC when it comes to cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good condition. The cleaning process involves handwashing without soaking, drying thoroughly, and then rubbing a light layer of oil on the surface. For stuck-on food, a pan scraper or nylon brush can be used, and for stubborn residue, boiling water in the pan and then scraping can help loosen it. It is important to note that cast iron should not be put in the dishwasher or left in water as it can cause rust. Proper care and maintenance of cast iron popover pans will ensure they last for generations.

Use lye to remove cooking residue and polymerised oils

Lye is a highly alkaline substance derived from wood ashes. It is often used in soapmaking, where it is combined with oils or fats to create a soap that hardens into a solid bar. For cast iron cleaning, a lye bath uses a sodium hydroxide solution to break down and dissolve hardened greasy build-up from cast iron pots and pans.

To clean your cast iron popover pan using lye, follow these steps:

Prepare the Lye Solution:

• Find a sturdy plastic container capable of holding its volume in water. A large plastic bucket or a cut-in-half heavy-duty barrel can be used. Make sure the container has a secure cover to keep out children and pets.
• Always add the lye to the water. The ratio should be one pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water. Adding water to lye can cause a violent thermal reaction, leading to splashing.
• Wear protective gear, including skin and eye protection, and clothing that can get stained.

Soak the Popover Pan:

• Suspend the popover pan in the lye solution using steel coat hangers. Ensure that the pan is completely submerged.
• Leave the pan in the lye bath for several days. The duration depends on the thickness of the build-up. The warmer the solution, the faster it works.
• Rinse the pan with fresh water after removing it from the lye bath. Be cautious as residual lye can cause skin irritation.

Remove Remaining Grease:

• If there is still grease on the pan, try wiping it with a stainless steel scouring pad or brush.
• Repeat the lye bath process if necessary.

Neutralize and Dry:

• Wash the pan with dishwashing soap and warm water, then rinse thoroughly.
• Dry the pan by placing it in an oven set to a low temperature, such as 200°F. Alternatively, let it air dry.

Re-season the Pan:

• After drying, brush the pan with a fine steel brush or a wire wheel.
• Apply mineral oil or another type of oil generously, coating the entire item. Let it stand overnight.
• Wipe off the excess oil with a paper towel and buff with a soft cloth.

Lye is a dangerous substance and should be handled with caution. Always follow safety instructions and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your surroundings.

Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge

When cleaning a cast iron popover pan, it's important to remember that it can't be soaked in water or left to air-dry, as this will cause rusting. Similarly, cast iron is quite brittle, so avoid "shocking" a hot pan with cold water, as this could cause it to warp or crack.

To clean your cast iron popover pan, start by scrubbing it with water using a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid using metal scouring pads or scrubbing brushes with stiff or rough bristles, as these can damage the pan's seasoning. Instead, opt for a soft sponge or scrub brush, such as a Dobie sponge or the soft side of a Scotch-Brite sponge.

If your pan has stuck-on food or stubborn residue, there are a few additional steps you can take. First, try adding a small amount of kosher salt and a few drops of warm water to the pan while it is warm, not hot. Use your non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub the pan and remove the stuck-on food. The salt will dissolve as you scrub and won't damage the seasoning.

If the food is still stuck, try the boiling water method. Simply add 1 to 2 cups of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. The boiling water will help loosen the stuck-on food. You can then use a wooden spatula to gently scrape up any remaining bits.

After scrubbing and removing any stuck-on food, be sure to rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it completely. You can place the pan over low heat on the stovetop or in an oven set to a low temperature (200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure that all moisture is evaporated. It is crucial to get your pan completely dry before storing it to prevent rusting.

Once your pan is dry, the final step is to coat it with a thin layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This step will help maintain the seasoning and prevent rusting.

Dry promptly and thoroughly

Drying your cast iron popover pan promptly and thoroughly is a crucial step in the cleaning process. Leaving your cast iron pan to soak in water or air dry after washing can cause rust, so it's important to dry it thoroughly.

First, rinse the pan well and then set it on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes to dry. You can also put it in the oven at 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure all the moisture evaporates. It is important to get your pan bone dry before storing it, otherwise, it may rust.

Once the pan is completely dry, you can then move on to the next step of coating the pan with a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray.

Apply a light layer of oil

After cleaning your cast iron popover pan, it's important to dry it thoroughly and then apply a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray to the surface. This will help to maintain the seasoning and prevent rust. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. Be sure to get into all the crevices of the pan so that it's thoroughly coated. You'll know you've applied enough oil when the surface looks dark and smooth.

It's important to note that you should not use too much oil, as this can cause your pan to become sticky. If you use too much oil, your cookware may also produce a blotchy, uneven seasoning and generate a lot of smoke during the baking step. A very thin layer of oil is all that's needed to protect your cast iron popover pan and keep it in good condition.

If your cast iron pan has become rusty, you can remove the rust and then apply a thin layer of cooking oil before placing the pan in the oven upside down at a temperature of 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. This will help to restore the finish of your cast iron cookware.

Re-season if necessary

If your cast iron popover pan is well-seasoned, it will have a natural, non-stick finish. However, if you've stripped the seasoning off your pan, or if it's a new pan that hasn't been seasoned yet, you'll need to re-season it to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface.

To re-season your cast iron popover pan, start by applying a very thin, even layer of cooking oil to the cookware, inside and out. If you use too much oil, your cookware may become sticky. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven, and put a large baking sheet or some aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any oil drips. Then, preheat the oven to between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pan for one hour. Allow it to cool, and repeat the process as necessary until you achieve the classic black patina.

You can use a variety of neutral oils to season cast iron, including canola, soybean, sunflower, linseed, grapeseed, refined coconut, vegetable oil blends, and vegetable shortening. Avoid using saturated fats like butter, which won't season properly, and extra virgin olive oil, which can become sticky or develop off-flavours.

Frequently asked questions