It's crucial to season your cast iron pan by oiling it and baking it in the oven. When doing so, it's best to set the oven to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about an hour.

The high heat allows the oil’s fat molecules to break down and form a non-stick coating on the pan. That keeps food from sticking when cooking and protects the iron from rusting.

To start, wash the pan with warm, soapy water and dry with a towel. Next, spray a thin layer of cooking oil on the pan’s inside and outside, being careful not to make it sticky.

Bake the pan upside down in the oven so that the oil doesn't pool in one spot. Be sure to place a baking sheet under the pan to catch the drippings and let it cool before removing.