16 Things You Should Never Cook in Cast Iron

This post may contain affiliate links.

A cast iron skillet is an incredibly versatile piece of kitchen cookware, perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It is excellent for baking old-fashioned treats, searing meats, or cooking veggies to perfection.

However, despite its many strengths, a cast iron skillet isn’t suitable for every dish. While proper techniques can help you avoid some potential problems, it’s still best to steer clear of certain foods when using cast iron. To keep your favorite cookware in tip-top shape, there are some things you should avoid cooking in a cast iron skillet:

Seafood 

Cooking fish and seafood in a cast-iron skillet can be tricky, often leading to the fish falling apart. This is particularly true for delicate white fish with a soft, flaky texture. If your skillet isn’t well-seasoned, the fish may stick to the surface, making it difficult to flip. Additionally, fish has a strong odor due to its high omega-3 content, which can be tough to eliminate from the skillet afterward. To avoid this, consider using a less odorous fish or opting for a different cooking method entirely.

25 Delectable Seafood Recipes That Will Have You Hooked

Acidic Foods

Extended exposure to high-acid foods can damage the seasoning on your cast-iron skillet. It’s best to avoid cooking items like tomatoes, citrus fruits, kimchi, pickles, acidic soups, and wine-based sauces in cast iron.

Grits

Grits have a tendency to soak up liquid and cling to the bottom of the skillet, making cleanup challenging and increasing the risk of damaging the seasoning.

Polenta

Similar to Grits, Polenta tends to stick to the bottom of the skillet. Thus, it can be difficult to clean it and avoid the risk of scratching the seasoning of the cast iron skillet.

Egg products 

Eggs and egg products can create a sticky mess in a cast-iron skillet. When they are heated, the proteins in eggs can coagulate and thicken, transforming from a liquid to a solid. Unless your skillet is well-seasoned, the thick consistency of eggs can cause issues with stirring, overcooking, and cleaning. 

Wine

It’s best to steer clear of adding wine to your cast iron skillet. Not only can these ingredients harm the skillet’s seasoning, but they may also impart a metallic taste to your food.

Delicate Pastries

It’s best to avoid baking delicate pastries at high temperatures in a cast iron skillet. The bottom may become overly crisp, dry, or even burn while the inside and top remain undercooked. Additionally, cast iron can retain odors from previous dishes, which might alter the subtle flavors of your pastry. Finally, the sugar and butter in these pastries can stick to the skillet, making cleanup more difficult.

16 Easy Desserts Using Just a Box of Pudding Mix

Sugary items 

Caramelized sugars can enhance any dessert with rich flavor and appeal, but foods with a high sugar content tend to burn and adhere to the bottom of a cast iron skillet. This creates a sticky mess and makes cleaning difficult.

25 Easy No-Bake Dessert Cups That Are Absolute Perfection

Desserts 

The seasoning on your cast-iron skillet can easily absorb the flavors of foods you’ve cooked, especially if they include ingredients like onions, garlic, or meat. If you don’t want your dessert to carry a hint of garlic, it’s best to avoid using your cast iron for baking sweets. However, if you have a separate skillet reserved just for desserts, feel free to use it!

Tips on How to Bake Brownies in a Cast Iron Skillet

Marinades

Marinades made with acidic ingredients like wine, vinegar, or mustard can damage the seasoning of a cast iron skillet. Instead, it’s better to use glass or ceramic dishes for these types of marinades.

Spice Up Your Kitchen With These 18 Amazing Seasoning Blends

Cheese

To avoid a sticky mess, it’s best to skip cooking cheesy dishes in your cast iron skillet and opt for easier-to-clean cookware. Cast iron heats up slowly and retains heat for extended periods, but cheesy dishes need gentle temperatures to prevent burning. Trying to scrape off melted cheese can damage the skillet’s protective layer, so it’s better to use other types of cookware.

Foods with High Sodium Content

Due to its corrosive properties, Foods with High Sodium Content can break down the coating of your skillet. In addition, a large quantity of sodium can leave stains that are difficult to clean without harsh scrubbing.

Popcorn

It can be challenging to control the temperature when popping popcorn in a cast iron. This often leads to unevenly popped or burnt kernels. Unlike lightweight pots that are ideal for shaking and moving to ensure even popping, cast iron skillets are heavy and cumbersome for this task.

Sauces

Cast iron skillets can have hot spots, making it challenging to maintain the precise temperature. Thus, delicate sauces can burn easily and create a sticky mess. Fine sauces can stick to the bottom, creating problems with cleaning and scrubbing. Opt for non-reactive cookware such as stainless steel or non-stick pans.

Fried Foods with Delicate Batters

Cast iron skillets can develop hot spots, making it tricky to keep an even temperature. This can cause delicate sauces to burn and stick, leading to a sticky residue that’s tough to clean. For smoother results and easier cleanup, consider using non-reactive cookware like stainless steel or non-stick pans.

Large Cuts of Meat

Cast iron skillets are designed to cook foods at very high temperatures. It can be difficult to cook large cuts of meat evenly. The exterior of the meat will brown quickly, while the interior will remain undercooked.

23 Easy Pork Recipes You Wish You Made Sooner

Microwavable Meals

When it comes to ready-made meals, following the packaging instructions is crucial. These meals are specifically designed to be reheated quickly in a microwave, which isn’t something a cast-iron skillet is suited for. Attempting to heat or cook these meals in a cast-iron skillet can not only be ineffective but also potentially hazardous. Microwave meals are typically pre-cooked and meant for quick reheating, so it’s best to stick to the microwave for these types of foods.

22 Recipes to Make in a Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is one of the toughest, most durable cookware. You can cook almost anything in it, from simple weekday dinners to fancy steak nights and hearty casseroles. These 22 recipes will show you just how special your cast iron skillet is.

22 Recipes to Make in a Cast Iron Skillet

24 of Mom’s Best Casserole Recipes You’ll Love

Casseroles are perfect for any time of the year when you’re looking for something warm and comforting. They’re easy to make, never go out of style, and are great for both quick weeknight meals and special occasions. So, grab your casserole dish and get ready to try out these 26 tasty homemade casserole recipes.

24 of Mom’s Best Casserole Recipes

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet with Olive Oil

Here’s how to perfectly season your cast iron skillet with olive oil, ensuring a lifetime of sizzling meals. Our guide covers all you need to know.

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet with Olive Oil