I remember the first time I cooked with a cast iron pan. I was so excited to do it right—I’d heard how amazing they were, how they’d last forever, how you could cook everything from a fried egg to a cobbler in one pan. But after that first attempt, I was left with eggs glued to the bottom, a smoky kitchen, and one big question: why is everything sticking?
If you’ve been there too, I want you to know: it’s not just you. And the good news is, the fix is simple. It all comes down to proper seasoning.
First, What Is Seasoning?
Seasoning has nothing to do with salt or pepper—it’s the layer of polymerized oil that builds up on your cast iron pan over time. This natural nonstick coating forms when you heat oil past its smoke point, creating a slick, protective barrier that keeps food from sticking and prevents rust.
But that layer takes some love to build—and even more care to maintain.
Why Your Food Might Be Sticking
If your pan isn’t properly seasoned (or if it’s been scrubbed too harshly, or stored damp), it might not have enough of that good, slick surface to keep food from clinging. Here are a few common reasons food sticks:
- The pan is too new (and hasn’t built up enough seasoning yet)
- You didn’t preheat it long enough
- You’re not using enough fat when cooking
- The seasoning has worn down or been washed away
The solution? Season it the right way—and keep it up over time.
How to Properly Season Your Cast Iron Pan
- Wash and dry it completely. Start with a clean slate. If it’s brand new or has any rust, give it a good scrub (yes, this is the one time soap is okay).
- Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil. We love using flaxseed oil or grapeseed oil—just a very light coat over the whole pan, inside and out.
- Bake it upside down. Place the pan upside down in a 450°F oven, with a baking sheet or foil underneath to catch drips. Bake for an hour, then let it cool inside the oven.
- Repeat 2–3 times for best results. Yes, it takes a bit of time, but this builds up that golden nonstick surface that makes cast iron so magical.
- Keep cooking with it. The more you use it (especially with a little fat), the better it gets. Cooking things like bacon or roasted veggies helps keep your pan in great shape.
Our Favorite Cast Iron Seasoning Products
We keep it simple here, and we only carry products we actually use and love. If you want to give your pan the best possible start—or refresh an old favorite—we recommend:
- Cast Iron Conditioner – Easy to swipe on after cooking to maintain that gorgeous, glossy surface.
- Cast Iron Scraper - Scrape off the grime and give your pan a new life!
Final Thoughts from a Fellow Cast Iron Lover
Cast iron can be intimidating at first, but once you get into the rhythm of using and seasoning it, it becomes one of the most satisfying tools in your kitchen. Mine lives on my stovetop—I use it nearly every day, and I love that it only gets better with time.
So if your food is sticking and your pan’s looking dull, don’t give up! With the right care (and maybe a little help from us), you’ll be flipping perfect eggs and golden grilled cheese sandwiches in no time.
See you soon!
Emily, Owner