How to Season A Cast Iron Skillet With Bacon Grease

Seasoning a cast iron skillet with bacon grease is a natural and cost effective way to preserve the quality of your cast iron cookware and to prepare the pan for cooking. 

Cast iron cookware is the only cookware we use. We ditched our non-stick frying pans years ago, and have never looked back! I discuss my favorite cast iron cookware in this post about Quality Cookware You NEED That Will Last a Lifetime.

Why Use Cast Iron Cookware in The First Place?

Excellent heat retention: Cast iron retains heat extremely well, which means it can maintain a consistent cooking temperature for extended periods. This makes it ideal for slow cooking, braising, and searing meats.

Even heat distribution: Cast iron distributes heat evenly across its surface, preventing hot spots and ensuring that food cooks uniformly. This even heating is beneficial for baking, frying, and sautéing.

Non-stick properties: When properly seasoned, cast iron develops a natural, non-stick cooking surface. This reduces the amount of oil or fat needed for cooking, making it a healthier option and also making cleanup super easy.

Versatility: Cast iron is versatile and can be used on various cooking surfaces, including stovetops, ovens, grills, and even open fires. This versatility makes it great for those looking to reduce the amount of items they own because it is suitable for a wide range of recipes and cooking methods.

Durability: Cast iron cookware is incredibly durable and can last for generations with proper care. It’s resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent long-term investment in your kitchen.

Flavor enhancement: Over time, the seasoning layer in cast iron can impart a subtle and unique flavor to dishes, adding to the appeal of certain recipes like cornbread, fried chicken, or fajitas.

Health benefits: Cooking with cast iron can increase the iron content in your food, which can be beneficial, especially for those with iron deficiencies. The amount of iron released depends on the acidity of the food and the cookware’s seasoning (source).

Environmentally friendly: Cast iron cookware is typically produced without the need for toxic or non-stick coatings, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Its long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving you money and reducing waste in landfills.

Aesthetic appeal: Many people appreciate the classic, rustic look of cast iron cookware. It can add a touch of nostalgia and charm to your kitchen and dining table.

Cost-effective: While initial costs can be higher compared to some other cookware, cast iron’s long life span and multi-functionality make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Why Do You Have to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet?

Cast iron is prone to rust when exposed to moisture. Seasoning creates a protective layer of oil or fat on the skillet’s surface, acting as a barrier to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the iron. This prevents rust and helps prolong the skillet’s lifespan.

A properly seasoned cast iron pan develops a natural non-stick surface. The seasoning process creates a smooth and slick layer on the skillet’s cooking surface. This non-stick property makes it easier to cook many foods with less sticking and less oil or fat required.

Over time, as you continue to cook with your cast iron skillet and build up the seasoning layer, it can impart a subtle and unique flavor to your meals. This seasoning can enhance the taste of your food, especially when it comes to certain recipes such as cornbread.

Seasoned cast iron skillets are easier to clean and maintain. You can often clean them with hot water and a stiff brush, avoiding the need for dish soap or excessive scrubbing, which could remove the seasoning.

Well-seasoned cast iron skillets have excellent heat retention and even heat distribution. This makes them ideal for cooking a wide range of meals, from searing meats to baking in the oven.

Why Use Bacon Grease To Season a Cast Iron Skillet?

There are many oils that you can use to season your cast iron cookware such a neutral cooking oil such as vegetable oil, olive oil and canola oil. Using leftover bacon grease allows you to season your cast iron naturally and at no additional cost! 

1. Flavor enhancement: Bacon grease imparts a delicious, smoky flavor to the skillet. This flavor can then infuse into the foods you cook in the skillet, giving them a unique and savory taste. This is particularly desirable when cooking items like fried eggs, potatoes, and other breakfast dishes.
2. Waste reduction: Using bacon grease is an eco-friendly choice because it allows you to repurpose something that might otherwise be discarded. Instead of throwing away bacon grease, you can use it to season your skillet, reducing food waste.
3. Cost-effective: Bacon grease is readily available in most kitchens, and using it for seasoning is a cost-effective way to maintain your cast iron skillet. It saves you from having to purchase specialty oils or fats for the purpose of seasoning.
4. Nostalgia and tradition: Many people have fond memories of their parents or grandparents using bacon grease for seasoning cast iron skillets. This tradition can add a nostalgic and sentimental element to your cooking.
5. Natural and chemical-free: Bacon grease is a natural fat without added chemicals or preservatives. When used for seasoning, it creates a non-stick surface without introducing synthetic compounds to your skillet.
6. Non-stick properties: The high-fat content of bacon grease helps create a slick, non-stick surface on your cast iron skillet, making it easier to cook a wide range of foods.
7. High smoke point: The best thing about using bacon grease to season cast iron is it’s high smoke point.

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How Often Should You Season a Cast Iron Skillet?

The frequency of seasoning a cast iron skillet depends on how often you use it and how well you maintain it. Below I have listed a few general guidelines to help you determine how often you should season your own cast iron skillet:

1. When you purchase a new cast iron skillet: When you first purchase a new cast-iron pan, you should season it before using it for the first time. This initial seasoning is crucial to creating a good non-stick surface. 
2. After each use (sometimes): You don’t necessarily need to season your skillet after every use. In fact, regular cooking with fats and oils can help maintain and even improve the seasoning. Simply clean the skillet properly after each use with warm water, dry it thoroughly, and add a thin layer of bacon grease while it’s still warm. This will help maintain the existing seasoning.
3. When it loses its non-stick properties: If you notice that your cast iron skillet is no longer as non-stick as it used to be, or if food starts sticking to the surface, it’s time to re-season it. You might need to do this every few months or more often if you use the skillet frequently.
4. If it becomes rusty or damaged: If your cast iron skillet develops rust or shows signs of significant wear and tear, it should be re-seasoned. You’ll need to remove the rust, wash and scrub the skillet, and then reapply the seasoning process from scratch.
5. Seasoning maintenance: Some people choose to season their cast iron skillets periodically (e.g., every few months) as a preventative measure, even if they haven’t noticed any issues with the seasoning. This helps maintain the skillet’s non-stick surface and rust resistance.

The Best Way to Store Cast-Iron Cookware

Proper storage of cast-iron cookware is important to maintain its seasoning, prevent rust, and extend its lifespan. There are two common storage methods for cast iron cookware; stacking and hanging. 

Stacking: If you choose to stack your cast iron cookware, place a paper towel or a clean cloth between each piece to prevent them from scratching or chipping the seasoning. Make sure the cookware is completely dry and cooled before stacking.

Hanging: Hanging your cast iron cookware is a great option, as it prevents any contact that could lead to chipping of the seasoning. You can use sturdy hooks or a purpose-built pot rack for this purpose.

Store your cast iron cookware in a dry place. Avoid storing it in a damp or humid place, as moisture can lead to rust. If your cast iron skillet has a lid, it’s best to store the lid separately to allow for proper air circulation. Placing it upside down on a shelf or rack is a good way to prevent moisture from getting trapped.

Be mindful of what you place on top of or around your stored cast iron cookware. Heavy items can cause damage or make it more difficult to access your cookware. Periodically inspect your cast iron cookware for any signs of rust. If you find any, use a scouring pad or steel wool to remove the rust, then re-season the affected area.

Learn how to store bacon grease in your fridge for cooking and future cast iron seasoning!

What You Need to Season a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillet: You’ll obviously need the cast iron skillet you want to season.

Bacon grease: Collect enough bacon grease and save it in the fridge. This can be saved from cooking bacon, and it should be strained to remove any food particles. You’ll need enough to thinly coat the entire surface of the skillet. I use something similar to this ceramic bacon grease keeper for our bacon grease, but you can simple put excess bacon grease in a glass jar and pop it in the fridge. Be sure to separate the hot grease and bacon bits before storing.

Paper towel, clean cloth, or pastry brush: You will need one of these tools to rub the bacon grease into the clean and dry cast iron pan. 

Baking sheet: This is optional, this will be used to capture and dripping bacon grease during the process of heating the bacon grease covered cast iron pan. 

Oven: You’ll need an oven to bake the skillet during the seasoning process. Make sure your oven is clean and preheat it to the recommended temperature for seasoning (usually between 350°F and 450°F, as mentioned in a previous response).

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet With Bacon Grease

1. Clean the skillet: If your cast iron skillet is new or needs a good cleaning, start by washing it with warm water and mild dish soap. Use a stiff brush or scrubber to remove any stuck-on food particles. Rinse thoroughly and dry the skillet completely.
2. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (175-200 degrees Celsius).
3. Apply the bacon grease: Place the skillet in the oven while it is preheating for about 10 minutes to heat it up. This will open up the pores of the cast iron, making it more receptive to the seasoning, improving your nonstick surface. Once the skillet has finished heating, take a paper towel or clean cloth and scoop up a small amount of bacon grease (enough to coat the cooking surface) and rub it all over the inside of the pan, including the cooking surface, sides, and handle. Make sure you don’t use too much grease; a thin, even layer is all you need.
4. Wipe off excess grease: After you’ve coated the skillet with bacon grease, use another clean paper towel or cloth to wipe off any excess. You want a very thin layer on the skillet. The skillet should look dry to the touch but still have the grease’s protective layer.
5. Bake it: Place the skillet upside down on the oven’s center rack to allow any excess grease to drip off. Put a piece of aluminum foil or a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. Bake the skillet for about an hour. This process will heat the bacon grease onto the skillet’s surface, creating a non-stick coating and helping prevent rust.
6. Cool and repeat: After an hour, turn off the oven and let the seasoned pan cool down naturally in the oven. Once it’s cool enough to handle, check the skillet’s surface. If it looks dry or you notice any spots without seasoning, you can repeat steps 3-5 a few more times to build up the seasoning layer. The more you use the skillet, the better the seasoning will become over time. Now enjoy your well-seasoned cast iron pan!