First Time Recipes & Cast Iron Skillet Care Guide

Getting Started with Your Lancaster Cast Iron Skillet

Welcome to the Lancaster family! Whether this is your first cast iron skillet or your tenth, we’re here to help you get the most out of your new heirloom-quality cookware. This guide will walk you through how to care for your skillet, what to cook first, and how to build up a beautiful, non-stick seasoning that lasts for generations.

Step 1: Unbox, Wash, and Dry

Your Lancaster skillet is pre-seasoned and ready to use right out of the box. Before cooking your first meal:

Remove your skillet from the packaging.
Wash it with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
Dry the skillet thoroughly with a towel to remove any moisture.

Your skillet is now ready to hit the stovetop.

Step 2: Cooking for the First Time

To help build up the seasoning and ensure a great cooking experience, here are a few tips for your first dozen uses:

Use extra oil during the cooking process.
Avoid acidic ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, and wine until the seasoning is well developed.
Use a lower temperature than normal, as our cast iron responds to temperature more quickly.
Stick to beginner-friendly recipes that help add layers of seasoning to your pan.

Our favorite starter dishes include:

Sautéed Onions & Peppers

Vegetables are a forgiving and flavorful way to break in your skillet.

Preheat your skillet on low to medium heat.
Add about 1 tablespoon of oil before it gets too hot.
Once the oil is shimmering, add your sliced veggies.
Stir occasionally until the onions turn translucent and start to caramelize.

For a fresh summertime sauté, add yellow squash and zucchini to this recipe.

Cornbread

Few recipes season a skillet like cornbread. It coats both the bottom and sides, building up a beautiful layer of seasoning while delivering a delicious dish. Try our Traditional Amish Cornbread Recipe to get started.

Bacon

There’s no wrong way to cook bacon, and it’s one of the easiest ways to season your skillet. Just lay a few strips in your pan, set it to medium heat, and let the fat work its magic. Whether you like it soft or crispy, bacon helps kick-start your pan’s non-stick surface.

Step 3: Cleaning and Caring for Your Skillet

Proper cleaning is the key to maintaining your skillet's seasoning and extending its life for decades. Here's how to do it:

After Each Use:

Wipe out food particles with a paper towel or cloth.
If needed, rinse with warm water and use a stainless steel chainmail scrubber for stuck-on bits.
Thoroughly dry your skillet with a towel.
Place on low heat for about 2 minutes to evaporate remaining moisture.
While still warm, wipe the interior with a few drops of oil or our Lancaster Cast Iron Seasoning using a paper towel.

For Tougher Cleanup:

Fill the pan half full with water (never pour cold water into a hot skillet — it can cause it to crack).
Set it over medium heat.
After simmering the water for a couple of minutes, pour the water out of the skillet, and gently scrape away food with a wooden or silicone spatula.
Use chainmail to remove any remaining bits.
Follow the drying and oiling steps above.

These simple steps keep your skillet rust-free and help build up a smooth, durable seasoning over time.

Seasoning: What It Is & Why It Matters

Each time you cook with oil or fat, your skillet develops a thin, natural layer called seasoning. As this builds, your skillet becomes more non-stick, more durable, and easier to clean. So don't worry if food sticks a little at first — that's totally normal. With regular use and proper care, your Lancaster skillet will get better every time you cook.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Learning to cook with cast iron is a rewarding journey. With a bit of patience and regular use, your Lancaster skillet will become a well-seasoned tool you'll rely on daily — and eventually pass down.

Still have questions? Check out our Cast Iron Cleaning Guide and Seasoning Guide or get in touch — we’re always happy to help.