Remember These Steps To Season Your Cast Iron Ducth Oven

Materials You'll Need:

Cast iron dutch oven

Vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, or shortening (avoid using olive or other low-smoke point oils)

Paper towels or a clean cloth

Aluminum foil

Oven mitts or gloves

Step 1: Clean Your Dutch Oven:

Before seasoning, ensure your dutch oven is clean. If it's new, wash it with warm, soapy water to remove any factory residues. If it's already been used, scrub off any food debris with a scrub brush or non-metallic scrubber. Rinse it thoroughly.

Step 2: Dry Thoroughly:

Completely dry the dutch oven using a clean towel or by placing it on a stovetop burner set to low heat for a few minutes. Make sure it's entirely dry to prevent water from interfering with the seasoning process.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375-400°F (190-200°C). This will help open the pores of the cast iron, making it more receptive to the seasoning.

Step 4: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil:

Take a paper towel or cloth and apply a thin, even layer of your chosen oil to the entire interior of the cast iron pan. Make sure to get the bottom, sides, and lid.

Step 5: Wipe Off Excess Oil:

After applying the oil, take a fresh paper towel or cloth and wipe off any excess oil. The dutch oven should have a thin, almost invisible layer of oil.

Step 6: Place in the Oven:

Put your dutch oven, without the lid, upside down on the oven's center rack. Place a piece of aluminum foil or a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.

Step 7: Bake Your Dutch Oven:

Bake your dutch oven for about 1-2 hours. The heat will cause the oil to polymerize, creating a durable non-stick surface. You might notice some smoke during this process, which is normal. Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated.

Step 8: Cool and Repeat:

Once the time is up, turn off the oven and let the dutch oven cool down naturally inside the oven. You can repeat the seasoning process two or three times to build a better seasoning layer.

Step 9: Store Properly:

After seasoning, store your cast iron dutch oven in a dry place with the lid slightly ajar to prevent moisture buildup.

Remember, the more you use your cast iron dutch oven, the better the seasoning will become. Regularly cooking with it and maintaining its seasoning will keep it in great condition and ready to serve you in your culinary adventures.