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Why Your Eggs Stick to Cast Iron (And How to Fix It!)

Why Your Eggs Stick to Cast Iron (And How to Fix It!)

Ever wondered if cooking eggs in a cast iron skillet is worth the hype? Spoiler alert: it absolutely is. I get it—frying an egg in cast iron can feel a little intimidating. Cast iron skillets have a reputation for being unforgiving like they’re waiting to betray you with a sticky mess. You may as well have scrambled them from the get-go.

But here’s the truth: you’ve got this. Whether you are camping out or becoming a die-hard cast-iron pro, here are the steps and photos for how to get no-stick, crispy-edged eggs every time. Let’s crack into it. 🍳

A perfectly cooked egg in a cast iron skillet, showcasing the ideal texture and golden yolk.

What is the trick to cooking eggs in cast iron skillets?

Start off with a seasoned cast iron pan, use plenty of butter, and make sure that the skillet is preheated. When frying your egg, allow it to cook for a full minute. Don’t attempt to flip it until the edges are getting bubbly and slightly crispy. 

A sunny-side-up egg cooking in a cast iron skillet, golden and picture-perfect.

What is the trick to cooking eggs in cast iron skillets?

The secret is to make sure that the skillet is seasoned before starting. Then you want to use plenty of butter and not have the heat set too high. Finally, another important tip is not to disturb the egg once you break it in the pan. Give the egg a minute to cook before you try and flip it.

Soft, fluffy scrambled eggs in a cast iron pan, ready to serve for breakfast.

How to fry eggs in a cast iron skillet

Step 1: Place your skillet over medium heat and allow it to heat up, about three minutes.

Step 2: Add butter to the hot skillet. Spread it around the pan really well and allow it to melt fully.

Step 3: Crack the eggshell and then gently coax the egg into the center of the cast iron.

Step 4: Immediately place a lid over the skillet.

Step 5: Cook the egg for one minute. Then remove the lid.

Step 6: Use a flat, wide spatula (turner) for flipping. Be patient when getting your spatula gently under the egg. Keep in mind that this takes practice and patience. If you don’t get it the first time, don’t despair. It’s tempting to nudge the edges of the egg, but let it cook longer than you think you should. Just like other proteins, it will release from the hot pan once that side has seared fully.

A seasoned cast iron skillet with a freshly cooked egg, showing the ideal non-stick surface.

Foolproof Fried Eggs in Cast Iron

Yield: 1 egg
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes

Master the art of frying eggs in a cast iron skillet with this easy, no-fail method. Whether you love them sunny-side up or over-easy, this recipe delivers flawless eggs every time. 🍳✨

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 2 T butter

Instructions

  1. Place a cast iron skillet over medium heat. 
  2. Once the pan is hot add your butter. Allow the butter to melt. Spread the butter around in the pan.
  3. Break the egg into the center of the pan.
  4. Place a lid over the pan.
  5. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Flip the egg and cook for 30 seconds.
  7. Serve egg hot!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 275Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 247mgSodium: 254mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 7g

Did you make this recipe?

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The bottom line

Frying eggs in a cast iron skillet isn’t just a cooking method for me; it’s a family tradition. Growing up, my mamaw practically lived by her cast iron skillet—I’m not even sure she owned another pan! Every time I visited, she’d fry me up the perfect eggs, sometimes scrambling them just to keep things interesting. No matter how she made them, they were always cooked with love (and plenty of butter).

We kept it simple, but it was always delicious.

Frying an egg in a cast iron skillet is a way to make breakfast special. It adds a delicious flavor to the fried eggs and makes the meal just a little bit more special. 

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