Sizzle And Season: Bacon-Infused Magic For Your Cast Iron Pan

Seasoning a cast iron pan with bacon grease is a great way to preserve the finish and prepare your pan for cooking. It's also a natural way to create a non-stick surface, meaning you'll need less oil for cooking and sautéing.

Cast iron pans are highly reactive and can rust within minutes, so seasoning is essential to protect the metal. The process involves heating thin layers of fat (like oil or, in this case, bacon grease) on the cast iron, which then bonds to the metal and to itself in a process called polymerization.

There are a few different methods for seasoning cast iron with bacon grease, but they all involve cleaning and drying the pan, coating it with grease, and then baking it in the oven.

Cleaning the pan

The first step to seasoning a cast iron pan is to clean it thoroughly. It's hard to say exactly what has happened to the pan between the time it was made and when it arrived in your kitchen, so it's important to give it a good scrub before starting to season.

Use hot water and a stiff brush or abrasive scrubber to remove any stuck-on food. For really stubborn residue, scrub with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of bacon grease and 2 tablespoons of table salt or kosher salt. Use a sponge or paper towel to scrub the pan with this mixture, applying plenty of elbow grease until it comes clean.

If your pan is new, it's okay to use a mild dish soap to make scrubbing off the factory coating easier. However, if your pan is already seasoned, avoid using soap as harsh detergents will remove the natural non-stick surface.

Once your pan is clean, rinse it thoroughly with hot water and dry it immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel. Even after towel-drying, some surface moisture may remain, so it's best to place the pan on a stovetop flame for a couple of minutes to drive off any lingering water.

If your pan is rusty, use steel wool or sandpaper to remove the rust. Rinse with warm water and proceed with the seasoning process.

Now that your pan is clean and dry, it's ready for seasoning!

Drying the pan

The reason for drying the pan so meticulously is that any remaining water can prevent the oil or grease from adhering properly to the pan's surface. This can result in a greasy or sticky coating instead of the desired hard, protective layer. By taking the time to ensure your pan is completely dry, you'll set yourself up for a more successful seasoning process.

It's worth noting that this drying step is not just for brand new pans. Even if you're simply re-seasoning a pan that you've had for a while, it's important to wash and thoroughly dry it before proceeding. This will help remove any built-up residue or contaminants that could interfere with the seasoning process.

Additionally, if you're in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by placing the pan on a stovetop burner and heating it for a few minutes. This will help evaporate any remaining water droplets, ensuring your pan is ready for the next step in the seasoning process.

Remember, taking the time to properly dry your cast iron pan is a crucial step in creating a durable, non-stick surface. So don't skimp on this step and you'll be rewarded with a well-seasoned pan that will last for years to come.

Applying bacon grease

Firstly, you will need about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease, which you can obtain by frying up a few slices of bacon. You can also use leftover bacon grease, which you can store in a jar or plastic container.

Next, you will need to clean your cast iron pan thoroughly with an abrasive scrubber and dish soap. You can use a scrubby sponge or scrub brush to remove the factory coating. Dry the pan thoroughly with a towel and then on your stovetop to remove any remaining water.

Now, it's time to apply the bacon grease. You can use a pastry brush or a small piece of wadded-up paper towel to apply a thin layer of bacon grease to the entire pan, including the bottom, handle, sides, and interior. Make sure to coat the pan evenly.

Once the bacon grease is applied, place the pan upside down in the oven and bake it at a temperature between 300-375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes to 1 hour. The oven temperature depends on the smoke point of your bacon grease, which can vary depending on factors such as the age of the grease. Place a baking sheet or aluminium foil under the pan to catch any drips.

After baking, let the pan cool in the oven for at least 30 minutes. You can now use your seasoned cast iron pan for cooking!

Repeat the process of applying bacon grease, baking, and cooling a few more times to create a tougher layer of seasoning on your pan.

Baking the pan

The oven temperature you should set depends on the type of fat you are using. For bacon grease, you should preheat your oven to 350°F. If you are using cooking oils, preheat to 450°F. You don't want to preheat your oven past the smoke point of your fat. The smoke point of most bacon grease is around 325°F to 375°F, but this depends on factors such as the age of the grease and whether it has been reused.

Once your oven is preheated, place a layer of foil or a baking sheet under the pan to catch any drips. Then, apply a thin layer of bacon grease to the entire pan: bottom, handle, sides, and interior. You can use a pastry brush or a paper towel to do this.

Place the pan upside down in the oven and bake for one hour. If the room gets smoky, your oven is too hot. Let it cool and preheat it about 25°F lower.

After an hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool in the oven for at least 30 minutes.

You can repeat the above steps a few times to toughen up the layer of seasoning on your pan, but this is not necessary.

Cooling the pan

Cooling your cast iron pan is an important step in the seasoning process. After applying a thin layer of bacon grease to the entire pan, including the handle, sides, and interior, you'll need to bake it in the oven. The baking process helps to create a protective coating on the pan, but it's crucial to let the pan cool afterward. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooling your cast iron pan effectively:

Step 1: Bake the Pan Upside Down

Place the pan upside down in the oven to prevent the bacon grease from pooling at the bottom. This will ensure that the grease is evenly distributed and prevent any sticky spots.

Step 2: Control the Oven Temperature

Maintain a temperature of around 350°F (175°C) in your oven. This temperature allows the bacon fat to bake into the pan's surface without excessive smoking. If you notice heavy smoke, lower the temperature by about 25°F. A little smoke is normal and indicates that the seasoning is working, but excessive smoke can lead to a fire or set off your smoke alarm.

Step 3: Let the Pan Cool in the Oven

After baking for the recommended time, turn off the oven and let the pan cool down inside. Leave the pan in the oven for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow it to cool gradually. This gradual cooling helps prevent thermal shock, which can damage cast iron.

Step 4: Remove the Pan from the Oven

Once the pan has cooled down, use pot holders to carefully remove it from the oven. Be cautious, as the pan will still be hot. You can then place it on a stovetop or a wire rack to continue cooling.

Step 5: Wipe Away Excess Grease

After the pan has cooled down, use a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe away any excess bacon grease. This step ensures that your pan is ready for cooking and helps create a smooth, non-stick surface.

Step 6: Store the Pan Properly

Once the pan is completely cool, you can store it away. Make sure to follow proper cast iron pan storage techniques, such as using a paper towel between pans to prevent scratching.

Remember, cast iron pans are designed to retain heat, so they will take a while to cool down completely. Be patient and allow the pan to cool gradually to avoid any damage. By following these steps, you'll ensure that your cast iron pan is properly seasoned and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Frequently asked questions