4 simple steps to restore your rusty cast-iron cookware

#4 HEAT AND COOL

Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the cookware upside down on the middle rack, with a baking sheet on the rack below (above). Inverting the cookware keeps any excess coating from pooling as it melts, and the sheet beneath catches the drips.

Bake for an hour, then let the pan cool completely in the oven. Cases of extreme neglect may require you to repeat this process several times. You’ll know the pan is properly seasoned when the surface is shiny and smooth (below). Then there’s only one thing left to do: get cooking.