Are you tired of your cast iron pan sticking and losing its non-stick surface? Look no further than your breakfast table for the solution – bacon grease!
Yes, you read that right. Bacon grease is the perfect fat to use for seasoning your cast iron pan, creating a protective barrier against water and enhancing its non-stick qualities.
But how exactly do you season a cast iron pan with bacon grease? In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy perfectly seasoned and non-stick cooking every time.
So grab some bacon and let’s get started!
How To Season A Cast Iron Pan With Bacon Grease?
Step 1: Remove the Factory Coating
Before you start seasoning your cast iron pan with bacon grease, you need to remove the factory coating. Use a scrubby sponge or scrub brush and some dish soap to make scrubbing off the seasoning easier. Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water and dry it completely with paper towels.
Step 2: Apply Bacon Grease
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease onto the pan while it’s still on heat. Lightly dip a scrunched up paper towel in the bacon grease and wipe the insides of the pan with the grease. Make sure every inch inside the pot or pan is coated evenly with a thin layer of bacon grease. Wipe away any excess grease and get rid of it. If the pan begins to smoke excessively, reduce the heat.
Step 3: Bake in the Oven
Place your cast iron pan in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Take out the cookware using heat-resistant gloves or a heating pad. Apply more bacon grease, or shortening, with a paper towel to coat it entirely. Then get a fresh paper towel and wipe off the excess oil. Repeat this process again.
Step 4: Increase Oven Temperature
Put the cast iron back in the oven and increase the heat to 350°F. Let the cast iron sit for 60 minutes. Apply more oil or shortening again using the same method as before.
Step 5: Final Bake
After the 60 minutes has passed, raise the temperature up to 500-550°F. Wait for 60 more minutes and then turn off the oven. It will take a few hours for the cast iron to cool, and this is good. We would like for the hot iron to cool down slowly in this case.
Step 6: Use Your Cast Iron Pan
After this process is complete, you will have minimal protection for your cast iron, and it will do the job for now. Your job will be to use this cookware. Cook your breakfast on there. Use it for dinner too. Use grease, oil, or fat on there, too. Then do it again the next day and the one after that. I think what I am trying to say is USE THE CAST IRON. This will only improve the seasoning and non-stick qualities of the cast iron.
Why Use Bacon Grease For Seasoning A Cast Iron Pan?
There are a few reasons why bacon grease is a great choice for seasoning your cast iron pan. Firstly, it is a natural and cost-effective way to prepare your pan for cooking. Bacon grease is a byproduct of cooking bacon, and chances are that you already have some on hand in your kitchen. This makes it a convenient and accessible option for seasoning your cast iron pan.
Secondly, bacon grease is an effective seasoning agent for cast iron. When you season your pan with bacon grease, the fat creates a natural non-stick surface that prevents food from sticking to the pan. This makes it easier to cook with and clean up after use.
Lastly, using bacon grease to season your cast iron pan is an age-old technique that has been passed down through generations. Many people swear by this method and have seen great success in seasoning their cast iron pans with bacon grease.
Preparing Your Cast Iron Pan For Seasoning
Before seasoning your cast iron pan with bacon grease, it’s important to prepare it properly. First, use a scrubby sponge or scrub brush and some dish soap to remove the factory coating. Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water and dry it completely with paper towels.
Next, preheat your oven to 250°F. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease onto the pan while it’s still on heat. Lightly dip a scrunched up paper towel in the bacon grease and wipe the insides of the pan with the grease. Make sure every inch inside the pot or pan is coated evenly with a thin layer of bacon grease. Wipe away any excess grease and get rid of it. If the pan begins to smoke excessively, reduce the heat.
Once you’ve applied the bacon grease, place your cast iron pan in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Take out the cookware using heat-resistant gloves or a heating pad. Apply more bacon grease, or shortening, with a paper towel to coat it entirely. Then get a fresh paper towel and wipe off the excess oil. Repeat this process again.
After this step, increase the oven temperature to 350°F and let the cast iron sit for 60 minutes. Apply more oil or shortening again using the same method as before.
Finally, raise the temperature up to 500-550°F and wait for 60 more minutes before turning off the oven. It will take a few hours for the cast iron to cool, and this is good. We would like for the hot iron to cool down slowly in this case.
Once your cast iron pan has been seasoned with bacon grease, it’s important to use it regularly to maintain its non-stick qualities. Cook your meals on it regularly and use grease, oil, or fat on there too. This will only improve the seasoning and non-stick qualities of the cast iron over time.
Collecting Bacon Grease For Seasoning
Bacon grease is a fantastic way to season your cast iron pan, and it is readily available in most households. To collect bacon grease for seasoning, start by cooking bacon in a cast iron pan. Make sure to cook the bacon slowly on medium-low heat to get the best results. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and pour the bacon grease into a jar.
It’s important to note that food safety experts don’t recommend storing bacon grease in a jar or can set on the counter or on the back of the stovetop. Instead, store bacon grease in the refrigerator (up to 3 months) or freezer (indefinitely), according to the USDA. The refrigerator is best because the fat will stay soft enough to scoop, so you can have delicious solid drippings at the ready.
If you plan to freeze your bacon grease, portion small amounts by letting the grease cool slightly—and then strain and pour into freezer-safe containers. Pop in the freezer. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
We keep our bacon grease in a jelly jar in the refrigerator and then when ready to use, simply dip out with a teaspoon to use. Bacon grease kept in the refrigerator stays soft and is easy to dip out.
It’s important to note that if you plan on storing the bacon fat for more than a few months, strain out the solids first before pouring it into a jar. This will help prevent any bacterial growth or spoilage.
Applying Bacon Grease To Your Cast Iron Pan
Applying bacon grease to your cast iron pan is an essential part of the seasoning process. Bacon grease is a great option for seasoning your pan because it develops a highly-effective protective barrier against water. Here are the steps for applying bacon grease to your cast iron pan:
Step 1: Scoop Some Bacon Grease
Scoop some bacon grease into your cast iron pan and spread it with a paper towel. You don’t need to be too generous with the coating. A little bacon grease goes a long way. Just make sure you cover the entire pan, including the handle.
Step 2: Clean Your Pan
Cleaning and maintaining a cast-iron pan is part of the unique experience of owning one. Here’s how to clean your pan after it’s been used for cooking. Pro tip: It’s easiest to clean your pan when it’s still slightly warm. IMPORTANT: Don’t use soap on your seasoned pan, as harsh detergents will remove the natural non-stick surface. Instead, rinse it with hot water and scrub with a stiff brush or scratchy sponge to remove any stuck-on food. (Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads or harsh detergents, which can remove the finish.) For really stuck-on food, scrub with a mixture of 2 tablespoons bacon grease and 2 tablespoons table salt or kosher salt. Use a sponge or paper towel to scrub the pan with this mixture using a lot of elbow grease until it comes clean. Rinse thoroughly with hot water, and dry the pan immediately with a soft cloth or paper towels.
Step 3: Apply More Bacon Grease
Pour 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease onto the pan while it’s still on heat. Lightly dip a scrunched up paper towel in the bacon grease and wipe the insides of the pan with the grease. Make sure every inch inside the pot or pan is coated evenly with a thin layer of bacon grease. Wipe away any excess grease and get rid of it. If the pan begins to smoke excessively, reduce the heat.
Step 4: Bake in the Oven
Place your cast iron pan in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Take out the cookware using heat-resistant gloves or a heating pad. Apply more bacon grease, or shortening, with a paper towel to coat it entirely. Then get a fresh paper towel and wipe off the excess oil.
Step 5: Increase Oven Temperature
Put the cast iron back in the oven and increase the heat to 350°F. Let the cast iron sit for 60 minutes. Apply more oil or shortening again using the same method as before.
Step 6: Final Bake
After the 60 minutes has passed, raise the temperature up to 500-550°F. Wait for 60 more minutes and then turn off the oven. It will take a few hours for the cast iron to cool, and this is good. We would like for the hot iron to cool down slowly in this case.
By following these steps, you can apply bacon grease to your cast iron pan and season it properly for optimal performance and longevity. Remember to use your cast iron regularly to improve its seasoning and non-stick qualities over time.
Baking Your Cast Iron Pan To Set The Seasoning
Baking your cast iron pan is an essential step in setting the seasoning. It’s important to note that seasoning is just oil baked onto cast iron through a process called polymerization. This gives your cookware that classic black patina, forms a natural, easy-release cooking surface, and helps prevent your pan from rusting.
To begin, preheat your oven to at least 450°F. The goal here is to hit your chosen oil’s smoke point to trigger a chemical reaction called polymerization that bonds the oil to the pan to create that layer of seasoning. For this method, we’ll be using bacon grease as our oil of choice.
Once your oven is preheated, place your cast iron pan in the oven for 20 minutes. Take it out using heat-resistant gloves or a heating pad and apply more bacon grease with a paper towel to coat it entirely. Then get a fresh paper towel and wipe off the excess oil. Repeat this process again.
Next, put the cast iron back in the oven and increase the heat to 350°F. Let the cast iron sit for 60 minutes. Apply more bacon grease or shortening again using the same method as before.
After the 60 minutes has passed, raise the temperature up to 500-550°F. Wait for 60 more minutes and then turn off the oven. It will take a few hours for the cast iron to cool, and this is good. We would like for the hot iron to cool down slowly in this case.
Baking your cast iron pan with bacon grease sets the seasoning, giving it a non-stick quality that will only improve with use. Remember to use your cast iron pan regularly, cooking with grease, oil, or fat on it to further improve its seasoning and non-stick qualities.
Maintaining Your Cast Iron Pan’s Seasoning With Bacon Grease
Now that you have seasoned your cast iron pan with bacon grease, it’s important to maintain its seasoning. Here are some tips to help you keep your pan in great condition:
1. Clean Your Pan Properly: After cooking with your cast iron pan, it’s important to clean it properly. Use hot water and a stiff brush to remove any food particles. Avoid using soap as it can strip off the seasoning. Dry the pan completely with paper towels and then apply a thin layer of bacon grease or oil.
2. Reapply Bacon Grease Regularly: The more you use your cast iron pan, the more seasoning it will develop. However, it’s important to reapply bacon grease regularly to maintain the seasoning. You can do this by wiping a thin layer of bacon grease on the pan after each use.
3. Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods: Acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus can react with the metal and strip off the seasoning. It’s best to avoid cooking acidic foods in your cast iron pan.
4. Store Your Pan Properly: To prevent rusting, store your cast iron pan in a dry place. Avoid stacking other pots or pans on top of it as this can scratch off the seasoning.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your cast iron pan stays in great condition for years to come. And remember, the more you use it, the better it gets!