Kamil Perry
Cleaning a cast-iron skillet can be challenging, especially when it comes to removing stubborn, stuck-on food like burnt cheese. While some sources recommend using soap and water, others advise against it, claiming that soap strips away the seasoning of the cast iron. So, how do you get cheese out of a cast-iron skillet without damaging its seasoning? One effective method is to use an abrasive agent like salt or baking soda, which helps lift the food away, and scrub the pan with a paper towel, soft brush, or a cast iron scrubber. You can also try using vinegar, red wine, or a small amount of water to loosen the cheese before scrubbing. Remember to dry the skillet completely and re-season it with oil before putting it away.
How to get cheese out of a cast iron skillet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean while the skillet is still hot | Use a cast iron scrubber to remove stuck-on food |
| Clean with hot water and no soap | Soap strips the seasoning from the pan |
| Use salt | Sprinkle salt and scrub with a dry towel to lift away the cheese |
| Boil water in the pan | Boil water to loosen the cheese |
| Use vinegar and water | |
| Use oven cleaner | Spray the pan with oven cleaner, place it in a plastic bag, and let it sit for 2-3 days. Then scrub with a brass brush and reseason. |
| Use baking soda | Make a paste with water and scrub with a stiff brush |
| Use dish soap | Some sources say that dish soap strips away cast iron, but modern dish soap is gentler. |
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What You'll Learn
Use cold water and a scraper
To get cheese out of a cast-iron skillet, one recommended method is to use cold water and a scraper. This is because heat will just loosen the cheese, making it harder to remove.
First, wait until the cast-iron skillet has cooled down. Then, fill the pan with cold water and use a scraper to remove the cheese. If you are using a non-metal scraper, it is especially important to wait until the skillet has cooled down, as you don't want to melt or burn the scraper. Use cold water as needed throughout this process.
Wooden scrapers are a good option for cast-iron skillets. They are environmentally friendly, attractive, and effective when used properly. They are made from hardwood and are untreated. However, you may want to wear protective gloves when using a wooden scraper, as the edges can be sharp.
Metal scrapers can also be used, but only when the pan is cool to prevent burned edges. Chain mail scrubbers are another option, which are made of stainless steel links. These are excellent for removing gunk and rust without gouging into the metal.
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Boil water in the skillet
Boiling water in your cast-iron skillet is an effective way to remove stubborn burnt-on cheese. Firstly, fill your skillet with around 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and place it over high heat. After the water boils, use a wooden or plastic spoon or spatula to gently nudge and scrape away the burnt-on cheese. You can also use a cast-iron scrubber, a stiff brush, or a non-abrasive scrubber held with tongs to scrub away the cheese.
It is important to note that you should not let the cast-iron skillet sit in water or get soaked for an extended period, as it can damage the seasoning. Instead, use a small amount of water, just enough to loosen the baked-on cheese. After removing the cheese, dry the skillet completely by placing it in an oven at 350 °F (177 °C) for about 10 minutes, or until all the water evaporates. Alternatively, dry the skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
Once the skillet is completely dry, you can re-season it with a thin coat of oil. This will help maintain the non-stick properties of the cast iron and prevent future cheese sticking incidents.
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Use vinegar and water
To remove cheese from a cast-iron skillet using vinegar and water, follow these steps:
Firstly, use a rubber spatula to scrape off as much of the cheese as possible into the garbage. This step is important to prevent grease from going down your drain. Next, place the skillet back on the stove and heat it up on high heat for about a minute. Once it is hot, turn off the heat and carefully pour a half cup of water into the skillet. The hot water will help to loosen any remaining cheese, making it easier to remove.
After pouring in the water, you can add a cleaning agent to boost the cleaning power of the water. Some people recommend adding a tablespoon of kosher salt and rubbing it around the skillet with a paper towel. The salt acts as an abrasive scrubber, turning grey as it removes the cheese. Alternatively, you could try adding a drop or two of mild dish soap, which can help to scrub away the cheese without causing harm to the skillet.
If the cheese is particularly stubborn, you can try using vinegar in addition to water. Boil some vinegar and water in the skillet for a few minutes. Be aware that this method can produce a strong, unpleasant smell. After boiling, use a brush, sponge, or paper towel to wipe away the loosened cheese.
Once you have removed the cheese, be sure to dry the skillet completely before storing it. You can do this by placing the skillet in an oven preheated to 350 °F (177 °C) for about an hour, or by placing it on the stovetop over medium-high heat until all the water evaporates. After drying, it is important to re-season the skillet by wiping it with a thin coat of oil, such as grapeseed, vegetable, flaxseed, olive, or soybean oil, before storing it in a cool, dry space.
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Coat with kosher salt
To clean a cast iron skillet, coarse salt, such as kosher salt, can be used to scrub away stuck-on food. This method is especially useful for removing stubborn, burnt-on food. Firstly, scatter a generous amount of kosher salt over the base of the skillet. Next, use a paper towel or soft scrub brush to scrub the salt around the pan until the cheese is lifted away. The salt can also be mixed with lukewarm water and scrubbed with a folded kitchen towel. The dirty salt mixture can then be discarded, and the pan can be rinsed with hot water and dried with a clean towel.
Another method is to use a potato along with the salt. Sprinkle the salt into the pan and use a cut white potato to scrub the salt around the pan. The potato's moisture and natural oxalic acid help to dissolve any burnt bits.
For spots with rust, cut a fresh lemon in half, dip the cut end in kosher salt, and rub it vigorously over the rusted spot. Wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
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Use dish soap
Using dish soap is a viable option for cleaning a cast-iron skillet. While some sources claim that dish soap strips away the seasoning of cast iron, modern dish soap is gentler. The seasoning on the cast iron also keeps the metal safe. To clean your cast-iron skillet with dish soap, scrub the surface with warm water and a drop or two of dish soap, using steel wool or a stainless steel scrubber. You may need to scrub and rinse the surface multiple times to ensure no soap remains.
If your cast-iron skillet is only lightly soiled, you can use a paper towel or dish rag with a bit of oil to rub the pan clean, wiping out any food pieces. This method is also suitable for pans with food lightly stuck to them. For pans with food that is really stuck on, sprinkle an abrasive agent like coarse sea salt, cornmeal, or baking soda into your skillet. Scrub the pan with a paper towel or dish rag, then scrape any food pieces into the trash. Finish by rubbing the pan down with oil.
If you are dealing with burnt-on food, you can try boiling water in your skillet to lift away stubborn stains. Fill your skillet with around 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and place it over high heat. Once the water boils, scrub the pan to remove any remaining food. Remember to always dry your skillet completely and re-season it after cleaning.
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Frequently asked questions
Use cold water and a scraper. Heat will only loosen the cheese, making it harder to remove.
If you don't have a scraper, you can try using a paper towel or soft scrub brush to scrub the cheese out. Sprinkle an abrasive like kosher salt, coarse sea salt, cornmeal or baking soda over the skillet first to help lift the cheese away.
Some sources say that soap strips away cast iron, but modern dish soap is gentler and the seasoning on the cast iron should keep the metal safe. If you want to use soap, use it sparingly with warm water and a soft cloth or plastic scraper.
You can try using vinegar and water, or red wine. If you have a charcoal grill, you can try burning off the cheese in a very hot oven, then scouring the pan with coarse salt.
You can dry your skillet on the stove by placing it over medium-high heat for around 10 minutes, or until all the water evaporates. Alternatively, you can preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C), then place the skillet inside for one hour.
