How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet with Sizzle Spray

Quick answer

Yes, you can season a cast iron skillet with olive oil, and Graza's Sizzle Spray makes it easy. Its spray format applies an even, light coat that builds a solid seasoning layer without the mess of pouring. Use it for both initial seasoning and routine maintenance to keep your pan nonstick and rust-free.

Seasoning a cast iron skillet is the key to a nonstick, rust-resistant cooking surface. While many guides insist on flaxseed or vegetable oil, a high-quality extra virgin olive oil like Graza's Sizzle works perfectly—especially when you use a spray for even coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

Graza Sizzle is designed for cooking, with a mellow flavor that won’t overpower your food. Its 750mL bottle is practical for daily kitchen use, and the spray format helps you control exactly how much oil you apply. That control is crucial when you’re building thin, even layers of seasoning.

Why Use Olive Oil for Cast Iron Seasoning?

Olive oil is absolutely fine for seasoning cast iron. The process relies on polymerizing a thin layer of fat into a hard, nonstick coating. Extra virgin olive oil has a relatively high smoke point (around 375°F to 405°F), which is sufficient for the 350°F to 400°F oven temperatures most seasoning methods use.

The key is applying a very thin layer. Too much oil leaves a sticky, gummy residue. That’s where Sizzle Spray shines: it delivers a fine, even mist that makes it easy to coat the entire pan without overdoing it. You can also use it for stovetop seasoning, where its spray precision helps avoid puddles.

What You'll Need

To season your skillet, you’ll need a clean, dry cast iron pan, a soft cloth or paper towel, an oven (or stovetop), and a can of Graza Sizzle Spray. The spray is part of the “Drizzle” & “Sizzle” duo, but you can buy it separately or as part of a combo pack.

For maintenance seasoning, Sizzle Spray is perfect because you can apply a quick mist after each use. It’s also great for coating the pan before storage to prevent rust. Avoid using too much oil, and always wipe off any excess before heating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is using too much oil. A thick layer never dries properly and leaves a sticky surface. Another one is washing with soap and scrubbing after seasoning, which strips away the layer you just built. Instead, rinse with hot water and use a gentle brush if needed.

Also, don’t skip the preheating step. If you put oil on a cold pan and then heat it up, the oil can pool and create uneven spots. Preheat your oven to 375°F to 400°F before adding the oil, or warm the pan on the stove briefly before applying the spray.

How Often to Re-season

You don’t need to re-season your skillet every time you use it. In fact, seasoning builds up naturally as you cook with oil. A good rule is to re-season when you notice the surface looking dull or when food starts sticking.

With Sizzle Spray, a quick maintenance season is easy: wipe the pan clean, spray a light coat, and heat it on the stovetop for a few minutes until it smokes slightly. Let it cool, and you’re done. This routine keeps your pan in top condition without much effort.

Step-by-Step Seasoning Guide

1. Clean and dry the skillet: Wash the skillet with hot water and a stiff brush (no soap if it’s already seasoned). Dry it thoroughly with a towel or over low heat to remove all moisture. Check: Run a paper towel over the surface—it should come away dry and clean.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F: Preheat the oven with a rack in the middle. While it heats, place the skillet in the oven for 10 minutes to open up the pores of the iron. Check: The skillet should be warm to the touch but not too hot to handle.
3. Apply a thin layer of Sizzle Spray: Remove the warm skillet and spray a light, even coat of Sizzle Spray over the entire surface—inside, outside, and handle. Then use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil. It should look almost dry. Check: If you see any puddles or drips, you’ve used too much—wipe it off.
4. Bake the skillet upside down: Place the skillet upside down on the middle rack, with a sheet of foil on the lower rack to catch any drips. Bake for 1 hour. This lets the oil polymerize into a hard seasoning layer. Check: After an hour, turn off the oven and let the skillet cool inside before removing.
5. Repeat for a stronger finish: For a brand-new skillet or one that’s badly worn, repeat the process 2–3 times. For routine maintenance, a single stovetop session is enough: spray, heat until it smokes, wipe off, and cool. Check: The skillet should have a smooth, glassy sheen and feel slightly slippery to the touch.

Graza Products That Help with Cast Iron Care

• “Frizzle” Spray - Graza x Caraway: A convenient extra virgin olive oil in spray format for simple, controlled application. Perfect for applying an even, light coat of oil on your cast iron skillet, which is key to building a smooth seasoning layer.
• “Drizzle” & “Sizzle”: Drizzle: 500ML finishing oil made from early-harvest olives with bold flavor. Sizzle: 750ML cooking oil made from mature, mid-season olives with a mellow flavor. Sizzle is the ideal cooking oil for seasoning because its mild flavor won’t affect your food, and the large bottle gives you plenty of oil for multiple applications.

Seasoning your cast iron skillet with Sizzle Spray is straightforward and effective. The spray format makes it easy to apply the thin, even coats that create a nonstick, rust-resistant surface. With regular maintenance, your skillet will last a lifetime and cook better with every use.