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Quick Start Guide for Cooking in Cast Iron

Step 1

Seasoned and Ready to Use

Lodge cast iron comes seasoned and ready to use right out of the box. Just give it a quick rinse, hand dry, and start cooking.


Step 2

Pre-Heat Your Skillet

To ensure even heating, gradually pre-heat the cast iron skillet on a similar-sized burner. Since cast iron holds heat, it's not necessary to use a heat setting above medium. These steps help prevent food from sticking. Don't forget to use a hot handle mitt!


Step 3

Add a Little Oil

Once your pan is pre-heated, add a little oil or fat. Then simply add your food! (Note: if you want to use butter, start with oil, and then add butter right before you add your food.)


collage of savory recipes in Lodge cookware

 

What does seasoning mean?

Seasoning is just a fancy term for the oil baked onto the cast iron pan. It's what gives your skillet that classic black patina look. Seasoning forms a natural, easy-release cooking surface and helps prevent your pan from rusting. A well-seasoned cast iron pan can last for generations.

Discover more about seasoning

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How to Fry an Egg With Lodge Cast Iron

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Lodge Recipes

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Delicious recipes the whole family will love.

Discover more about the tradition of cooking with cast iron.