{"id":865846,"date":"2019-01-29T13:28:11","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T19:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=865846"},"modified":"2024-04-28T12:46:28","modified_gmt":"2024-04-28T17:46:28","slug":"why-you-should-preheat-cast-iron-before-baking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/why-you-should-preheat-cast-iron-before-baking\/","title":{"rendered":"The Secret Trick for Best-Ever Baking with a Cast-Iron Skillet"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best thing you can do for your cast-iron pan<\/a> is pretty simple\u2014use it! But for best results, you still need to make sure you're using it properly. Master cast iron cooking with our guide.<\/a>\u00a0When baking, knowing how to preheat cast iron can make a world of difference. Here's why.<\/p>\r\n

(Don't own a cast-iron skillet yet? Here's our Test Kitchen's favorite.)<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Benefits of Preheating<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

We love baking in cast iron for a number of reasons. The skillet holds heat better than other materials, is incredibly versatile and actually adds a bit of iron to your diet. But despite some popular cooking myths, cast iron does not heat evenly\u2014or quickly.<\/p>\r\n

That's why preheating is such an important (and often overlooked) step. Whether you're baking, searing, frying or roasting in the oven, preheating the pan will help your food cook faster and more evenly\u2014but that's not where the benefits end.<\/p>\r\n

Preheating will also keep dough from sticking, help to caramelize the bottom of a tart or cookie, and create a bit of char on protein (like this gorgeous steak<\/a>) if you're going savory. Plus, it's a super simple step!<\/p>\r\n\r\n

How to Preheat Cast Iron<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

In the oven<\/h4>\r\n

While you preheat the oven for your recipe, just put the pan inside as you prepare the recipe. When it's time to remove the skillet, do so carefully\u2014it'll be scorching hot. (These handle hot pads will help.)<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n

On the stovetop<\/h4>\r\n

First, find out if your stovetop will support cast iron<\/a>. Heat the pan gradually\u2014about 10 minutes is recommended\u2014and rotate it on the burner every few minutes so the heat is evenly applied. Same with the oven-heating method: Be careful!<\/p>\r\n

If you get distracted and forget to rotate the pan, let it cool down and start again. Remember, cast iron retains heat beautifully\u2014whether you want it to or not\u2014so it'll take a bit to lose the hot spot.<\/p>\r\n

So, now that you know the secret, go bake up one of these amazing cast-iron skillet treats!<\/a><\/p>\r\n

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