The Dutch Oven is one of the most useful pots you can have in your kitchen as it will help you cook and prepare rustic artisan breads, deliciously roasted pork shoulders, hearty root vegetables and even sweet apple pies. Read this guide to learn more about using a Dutch Oven.
What is a dutch oven?
A Dutch oven is a wide, relatively shallow pot with a tight-fitting lid that can be used for everything from one-pot meals to crusty homemade bread to a flavorful and flavorful brisket that's cooked slowly and slowly throughout the day.
Dutch ovens are heavy, often made of cast iron, and can maintain the temperature for a long time, whether on the stovetop or in the oven. With the help of a Dutch Oven you can braise, sauté, simmer, slow cook and much more.
The two most common types of Dutch stoves are enamelled cast iron and traditional cast iron. Enamelled cast iron has a smooth, non-porous surface and can go from the stovetop, to the oven, straight to the table. They should not be exposed to extremely high temperatures. Therefore, avoid using your enamelled cast iron Dutch oven on a barbecue or around a campfire.
Traditional Dutch cast iron stoves are strong and durable. They must be seasoned before use and should only be cleaned with warm water. Like their enamelled counterparts, traditional Dutch cast-iron stoves can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. They can also be used over the fire or on the BBQ for even more versatility.
12 ways to use a dutch oven for cooking in your kitchen
Once you learn how to use a Dutch oven, you can experiment with different techniques, recipes, and uses. The Dutch Oven can be used for a variety of different cooking methods and foods, from savory dinners to sweet treats and everything in between.
1. Bake bread
A commercial bread oven uses steam injection to keep the inside of the bread moist and soft while the outside is crisp and fluffy. A dutch oven can achieve a similar result as it keeps the bread in a nice shape and retains the steam released by the bread. If you like to mixkneadAndBake your own breadTry using a dutch oven to explore its baking abilities.
2. Frying
The Dutch Oven is also ideal for frying your favorite crispy golden foods or for creative new recipes such asFried Cappuccino Pastry S'mores. Add about an inch of oil for shallow frying, and fill casserole about half full with oil for deep frying. When the oil has reached about 350°F, gently lower your food into the oil. For the crispiest results, fry food in batches to avoid overcrowding the casserole. Overloading can lower the oil temperature and cause your fried food to be soft and greasy instead of light and crispy.
3. Slow cooking
Due to their cast iron construction, Dutch Ovens are very good at retaining heat, which means they are great for slow cooking. Using the lid to lock in moisture and flavor inside, and the ability to slowly cook tender meats throughout the day makes the Dutch Oven an essential tool for slow and slow cooking methods on the stovetop or in the oven.
4. Cooling
Just as the Dutch Oven keeps things warm, it can also keep things cold. Fill your Dutch Oven with ice water for about ten minutes, then empty it. You can use it to store things likeCreamy pasta saladcold before a summer party.
5. Homemade broth
The Dutch Oven is not only ideal for roasting a whole chicken, but also for preparing homemade chicken broth afterwards. A dutch oven will help you steam the chicken evenly and lock in moisture for a tender result. When you're done roasting, save the leftovers, add some flavorful and aromatic herbs and spices, top up with water, and prepare a delicious homemade broth to use in a variety of recipes.
6. Soups and stews
One of the most classic uses for a Dutch Oven is to make a hearty and comforting soup or stew. With the Dutch Oven you can sauté onions and garlic or sauté meat before adding liquid. ONEKitchenAid® Stabmixeris a great tool for combining all the ingredients before letting the soup or stew simmer and allowing the flavors to meld together. The advantage of this method, apart from the tasty end result, is that you can achieve all this with just one pot.
7. Desserts
From peach and apple pies to upside-down pineapple pies, the Dutch Oven is a great tool for baking desserts. It might seem unique or even scary if you haven't tried it yet, but once you've tried Dutch Oven Brownies or Pecan Pralines, you'll be won over.
8. Stewed meat
Dutch Ovens are great for braising meat as the heavy, thick-walled pan helps maintain a consistent temperature so your meat is tender and delicious. Start by searing the meat in your slow cooker, then add the veggies, then the liquids. Lower temperatures and longer cooking times ensure a kitchen full of delicious aromas and a meal full of taste.
9. Outdoor cooking
For makers who also like to be outdoors, the Dutch oven does not have to stay in the kitchen. Consider taking it with you on your next outdoor adventure. In a Dutch Oven you can prepare, cook and even serve your food outdoors.
Turn your fire into an oven by preparing a meal, e.gShepherds Pie, put in the casserole and place on the coals. Cast iron casseroles can also be used over the fire or on the grill. If you have a Dutch enamel stove, you should avoid such high temperatures. Thanks to the casserole's ability to maintain temperature over a long period of time, you don't have to worry about losing heat on a chilly evening by the fire. The Dutch Oven makes for the perfect rustic meal.
10. Homemade Sauce and Gravy
It doesn't matter if you are preparing something deliciousBaked Goat Cheese MarinaraOr creamy sauce to pour over homemade crackers: you can slow-simmer your recipe in your Dutch oven. A lot of sauces and gravies rely on cooking at a low temperature and slowly, and that's one of the casserole's best qualities. Every flavor in your sauce or sauce has time to blend and the Dutch Oven's construction allows for even heating and cooking.
11. Marinating
Enamel Dutch Ovens are durable and have a non-porous finish, making them good for marinating food before cooking. Another advantage of marinating directly in the Dutch Oven is that you can cook, cook and serve everything in the same pot. If you have a cast-iron Dutch oven, you should avoid marinating in it.
12. Steaming
A slow cooker can be used for steaming with a steamer, rack or colander. You can even do two things at the same time by cooking something in the Dutch Oven and steaming another food over it in the steamer.
Tips and tricks for using a Dutch Oven
You can use a casserole to stew flavorful meats, slow cook savory stews, bake or even fry homemade bread. Use the following tips and tricks to get the most out of your Dutch Oven while bringing your kitchen inspirations to life.
1. Browning of meat
Sear large cuts of meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Browning your meat can be helpful in preparing a delicious stir fry. If the pan is too full, steam can form which can cause the meat to become tough. It is also important for the flavor of your meat that you avoid steaming.
2. Cooking in the oven
One of the best aspects of the Dutch oven is that it can be placed from stovetop to oven and from oven to countertop. Dutch Ovens make great serving dishes, but don't forget to place a trivet underneath to protect the surface of your table.
Normally, the entire Dutch Oven including the lid can be placed in the oven. The lid retains heat and moisture. Sometimes the lid of the Dutch oven has a plastic knob. The buds are often durable up to a certain temperature, but can also be removed if you're concerned about melting or otherwise damaging them. Just turn off the button and cook without it when needed. You should also check your owner's manual to make sure your Dutch Oven is oven safe.
3. Cut meat and vegetables
It doesn't matter if it's youChopping, slicing or chopping vegetablesIt is important that the pieces are of a uniform size. The same goes for cuts of meat. You don't want to risk uneven cooking. Cutting meat and vegetables into even chunks will help ensure food is not undercooked or overcooked.
4. Fry the meat and vegetables
When searing meat and vegetables, sear the meat first, then set aside on a plate. Then reduce the heat and add the vegetables. This allows the vegetables to absorb some of the flavor of the meat while they cook at their own pace.
5. Taste storage
While you might be tempted to throw everything in the pot at once, the Dutch Oven gives you the ability to layer the flavors while still being able to decide what goes in the pot and when. Try searing your meat in hot oil first to add more flavor to your meal.
6. Maintaining your Dutch oven
Proper care of your Dutch Oven can help ensure it lasts for many years. Always hand wash, and if it's a traditional cast iron casserole, season well before next use. Avoid scrubbing stains and using harsh detergents to clean your slow cooker and instead choose natural detergents like water and baking soda.
7. Low cooking and slow
One of the greatest advantages of a Dutch Oven is its ability to maintain temperature over a long period of time. This allows you to use the Dutch Oven as a slow cooker for large, tough cuts of meat or soups and stews. Slow cooking separates the meat from the bone and creates delicious, flavorful dishes.
8. Heat up your Dutch Oven
If dry cast iron is heated too quickly, the enamel can crack. Always add some oil or butter to the pan before heating. Other liquids, such as water or broth, can also help protect tooth enamel.
9. Confit-Garen
A Dutch oven can also be used to confit meat. Toconfiscate, Food is typically salted and then slow cooked in fat at a low temperature, typically below 300°F.
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Can you use a Dutch Oven in a convection oven?
In general, it is safe to place your Dutch Oven in a convection oven. Some Dutch ovens can only reach a certain temperature. So make sure you know the temperature limit for your dutch oven and the internal temperature your convection oven will reach.
You should also consider what type of food you are cooking and ifConvection is the best cooking methodbefore. For more information on your specific Dutch Oven, refer to the instruction manual.
Can you use a Dutch Oven on an induction hob?
You can use a Dutch Oven on any type of hob, including induction, as long as the Dutch Oven is made of cast iron or some other induction-compatible material. If you use the Dutch Oven on a direct heat source, make sure that the temperature does not get too high and the dish does not burn.
Can you put a cold Dutch Oven in the oven?
Rapidly changing the temperature of your Dutch Oven can cause it to burst. It is not recommended to put a cold Dutch Oven in a hot oven. However, you can put it in the oven while it is preheating. The oven and casserole can slowly heat up together.
How do I clean a Dutch Oven?
An enamel casserole can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a silicone pot scraper or nylon brush. A regular cast iron casserole should only be cleaned with hot water. Dutch ovens must be dried thoroughly before storage to prevent them from rusting. If your casserole has stains or cooking residue, you can use baking soda to remove them. Avoid scrubbing it with aggressive materials and detergents.
Although some enameled Dutch Ovens are dishwasher safe, it is recommended that you only use the dishwasher when necessary as the enamel can dull or become scratched over time.
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FAQs
Tips on Using a Dutch Oven for Cooking | Kitchen Help? ›
How do you use a Dutch oven? Dutch ovens can be used the same way you use stock pots or saucepans. The main thing that sets them apart is you can get them really hot to sear meat and then ultimately finish cooking by simmer or transferring to the oven.
What is the best way to use a Dutch oven? ›How do you use a Dutch oven? Dutch ovens can be used the same way you use stock pots or saucepans. The main thing that sets them apart is you can get them really hot to sear meat and then ultimately finish cooking by simmer or transferring to the oven.
When cooking with a Dutch oven do you keep the lid on? ›Trap the Steam
When braising meat in a Dutch oven, we always plop the lid on top, even if it's only partially covered. The lid will trap the steam inside, keeping the braised food nice and tender as it cooks.
Can you overcook meat in a Dutch oven? Yes. One way to avoid overcooking the meat is to ensure you are using the right cut. Tough cuts of beef are perfect for a slow-cooking stew because they get tender and flavorful with a long cook time.
What temperature do you cook in a Dutch oven? ›Most baking in a Dutch oven is done at 350F. For 10″ and 12″ ovens, a quick way to figure out how many charcoal briquettes you will need to achieve this temperature is to double the diameter of your Dutch oven and add one. So, for example, if you have a 10” Dutch oven, you will need about 21 briquettes for 350F.
How long will food stay hot in a Dutch oven? ›The durable cast-iron keeps the food at a consistent temperature for even cooking. Plus, when removed from the heat, the dish will stay piping hot for at least 30 minutes.
Why does food stick to the bottom of my Dutch oven? ›Because Dutch ovens do such a great job of retaining heat, using them on medium-high or high heat is actually too hot. The pot can scorch if it's this hot and food can burn and actually stick to the surface. Cooking at medium heat is more than sufficient for the pot.
How do you keep food from sticking to the bottom of a Dutch oven? ›Add enough oil to the pan before adding food. You'll want to use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Foods that are prone to sticking, like eggs, may require a bit more oil, while fatty foods, like chicken thighs, don't need quite as much oil to keep from sticking.
What are the bumps on a Dutch oven lid for? ›The lids of some enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens have bumps, or spikes, that return moisture to all areas of whatever you're cooking, effectively continually basting them. Ovens without spikes – or the raised rings some older Dutch-oven lids have – can only send condensing moisture down the sides of the pan.
How does a Dutch oven cook differently? ›A Dutch oven is a perfect pot for cooking over or in a campfire, because it's heavy weight insulates food from burning over the heat. Instead of cooking over the direct flames, bank the hot coals around your Dutch oven, and dinner will be ready in a few hours.
What are the benefits of cooking in a Dutch oven? ›
The ability of the cookware to hold this heat means that less energy is required for long, slow cooking methods. The ovenproof lid helps retain moisture and prevents drying during long cooking times. This makes Dutch ovens perfect for slow roasting meats or vegetables.
Is it better to cook in a Dutch oven? ›“A cast-iron Dutch oven will give you better results than an Instant Pot any day,” says Lance Nitahara, an assistant professor at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. In fact, this one pot can replace your slow cooker, stock pot, pasta pot, loaf pan, and deep fryer.
What foods Cannot be cooked in cast iron? ›- Tomatoes.
- All other highly acidic foods.
- Eggs.
- Delicate Fish.
- Sticky Desserts (Unless your pan is very well-seasoned)
Also, you never want to preheat it while empty — this can cause the enamel to crack — so drizzle your olive oil in first and then switch the stovetop on. This applies when you're making no-knead bread, too: Never put a cold, empty pot in a hot oven to heat up.
Can you put a cold Dutch oven on the stove? ›Switching Temperatures Too Quickly
Rapidly changing temperatures can cause cracking. Don't put a cold Dutch oven in a hot oven, for example: put it in a cold oven and preheat them together.
The magic behind enameled Dutch ovens lies in their versatility, ease of cleaning, and ability to create wonderful meals. Enamelled Dutch ovens can be used on the stove-top, in the oven, and are perfect for techniques like braising and deglazing that produce wonderful flavors.
Can you cook pasta in Dutch oven? ›There are so many different uses for Dutch ovens: Dutch ovens are great for both the stovetop and the oven, making them ideal for braising meat; cooking soups, stews, and sauces; boiling water for pasta; frying chicken; and even baking bread.
Do I need to do anything to my Dutch oven before using it? ›You should wash it first.
Before you use your Dutch oven for the first time, wash it in hot, soapy water, and dry it with a soft cloth. While many Dutch ovens are dishwasher-safe, it's generally recommended to hand-wash it when you can.
Remove Food and Oily Residues
If food remains, use a non-abrasive plastic scraper to tackle the problem. Since cast iron rusts, never leave the Dutch oven to soak in a sink of water or use steel wool or a metal scraper. Both will harm the seasoned finish.
Frying Tips from our Kitchen
Deeper and wider, Dutch ovens are best for deep frying while a shallow skillet or fry pan is ideal for pan frying. Use the right oil – Butter or extra virgin olive oil may sound tasty but they will break down and burn at the high temperature needed for frying.
Does a Dutch oven cook faster than a slow cooker? ›
A good rule of thumb is reducing the cooking time in a Dutch oven to slightly less than half that of a crock pot. Try this method: Preheat the oven to 210-225°F as you braise the meat.
Can a Dutch oven go on the stove and in the oven? ›Most dutch ovens can quickly transition from the stovetop to the oven and vice versa, letting you sear meats or vegetables on the stovetop then pop them into the oven to bake through.
What do you put under a Dutch oven? ›Coal Placement Is Key
Depending on the temperature you need to cook, you'll put a certain amount of coal underneath the Dutch oven and on top of the lid. Generally, this is one-third of the coal under the oven and two-thirds on top of the lid.
So a 12-inch Dutch oven would have 15 coals on top and nine coals on the bottom. This will give you a 350 degree cooking temperature, which many recipes call for. It does not have to be precise! Outdoor temperatures will vary coal amounts and timing.
Can you cook in a Dutch oven overnight? ›Slow Cooking
Just buy a cut of meat (preferably something on the bone), put it in some aromatic sauce in your Dutch oven, and simmer the meat for a few hours or overnight. When you take the meat out, you'll have succulent fall-off-the-bone meat that's deeply imbued with the flavor of the sauce you put in.
You do not need to season Enameled Cast Iron Cookware. However, if you have a Cast Iron Dutch Oven that is not pre-seasoned, you must season it to ensure it has a well-formed patina, which will aid in food releasing easily from the surface of the Dutch Oven.
Why preheat Dutch oven? ›A preheated dutch oven will create steam
In short, steam makes bread look and taste gorgeous. Professional bake houses use ovens that have built-in steam injectors that create the perfect amount of steam at the right time at the touch of a button.
Because of the high heat of the dutch oven, the bread will not stick. The parchment paper simply makes it a little easier to navigate using this extremely hot cookware.
How do I keep moisture in my Dutch oven? ›Speaking of the lid, store your oven in a dry spot with the lid in place. However, do use a paper towel to keep the lid slightly up so air can circulate. Another paper towel (or some newspaper) inside the oven will help with moisture.
How do you get the brown off the bottom of a Dutch oven? ›Simply rinse your Dutch oven with water, and while it's still wet, sprinkle some of Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser on the bottom of the pot or whatever spot you're trying to clean. Then, scrub the Dutch oven with a sponge using a circular motion. Finally, rinse and dry the pot completely.
Should I take lid off Dutch oven for bread? ›
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes; remove the lid and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the loaf browns fully. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool completely on a rack before slicing. Beautiful crust? Check.
Can I use foil instead of a Dutch oven lid? ›The lid on a Dutch oven retains heat and traps moisture as it evaporates from the bread, giving the loaf that beautiful artisan crust. Foil will neithe trap the moisture adequately, nor will it retain heat, but it will slow your crust from browning too quickly.
Can I put my Dutch oven with glass lid in the oven? ›Can a Dutch Oven With a Glass Lid Go in the Oven? Yes because they are made of heat-tempered glass. However, the glass lid will naturally have a lower heat rating than the cast iron pot. For example, Lodge glass lids are oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does food taste different in Dutch oven? ›Overall, the dutch oven wins when it comes to taste and appearance. However, when time allows, consider the audience and recipe.
What are 8 reasons to use a Dutch oven? ›- Reason #1: Even Heat Distribution.
- Reason #2: Self-Basting Lid.
- Reason #3: Cook Pasta Directly in the Sauce.
- Reason #4: Dutch Ovens Cook the Best Soups and Stews.
- Reason #5: Versatile Cooking Tool.
- Reason #6: Cook on the Oven or Stovetop.
- Reason #7: Make a Tough Meat Cut Tender.
- Reason #8: Lasts a Lifetime.
Yes! Dutch ovens once heated retain heat longer and heat distribution is even. A Dutch oven is a heavy-duty construction made from cast iron with a thick base, sides, and heavy lid means it can cook food faster and more efficiently than other pots and pans.
Is it healthy to cook in Dutch oven? ›Is cooking in a Dutch oven healthy? Most of the time, cooking in a dutch oven is perfectly healthy! You can make many healthy recipes in your cast iron pot! The enamel companies use is completely non-toxic and food-safe, so you don't have to worry about that.
Can you cook rice in a Dutch oven? ›Dutch ovens have a good supporting base that conducts heat well, and the tightly sealed lid is perfect to cook rice. A shallow baking dish or pan which has a lid makes a perfect alternative when cooking with the pot or cooker at the same time.
What's the best way to cook in a Dutch oven? ›Low and Slow Is Where It's At
One of the main benefits of using a Dutch oven is its ability to retain heat well over a long period. Avoid rushing the process and let your braised dishes (like short ribs or pot roast) cook low and slow for a few hours to make tender, fall-off-the-bone masterpieces every time.
A Dutch oven is a thick-walled, lidded pot.
This type of sturdy cooking vessel has been used for centuries to slow-cook soups, stews, sauces, and breads. Dutch ovens come in cast iron, enameled, aluminum, and ceramic varieties. Traditionally, though, they're made with seasoned cast iron.
Can a Dutch oven go directly on the stove? ›
Can You Use a Dutch Oven on the Stovetop? You can use a dutch oven on the stove to simmer, sear or braise recipes, whether you have a gas or electric stovetop.
What is the reason to use a Dutch oven? ›A Dutch oven is a perfect pot for cooking over or in a campfire, because it's heavy weight insulates food from burning over the heat. Instead of cooking over the direct flames, bank the hot coals around your Dutch oven, and dinner will be ready in a few hours.
Why can't you heat an empty Dutch oven? ›Preheating it empty or on high heat.
It can heat up too fast and the surface and food can burn. Also, you never want to preheat it while empty — this can cause the enamel to crack — so drizzle your olive oil in first and then switch the stovetop on.
You can use a Dutch oven to cook delicious meals in a wide variety of cooking methods: Dutch ovens can sauté, simmer, braise, sear, fry, and even bake food. Not only are Dutch ovens heavy-duty; they are virtually all-purpose.
Do you need to season a Dutch oven? ›You do not need to season Enameled Cast Iron Cookware. However, if you have a Cast Iron Dutch Oven that is not pre-seasoned, you must season it to ensure it has a well-formed patina, which will aid in food releasing easily from the surface of the Dutch Oven.
Can you use a Dutch oven as a slow cooker? ›If you love slow-cooked food and you are happy to use your stovetop or oven, a Dutch oven is a great slow cooker to invest in. It is durable, versatile and comes in various sizes. Besides, it is easy to clean and can be used to serve food as well.
Do chefs use Dutch ovens? ›Though there are many kitchen tools a good chef needs to complete their collection, a Dutch oven is arguably one of the most important due to its versatility.
Can you overcook in a Dutch oven? ›You might overcook your meat because the heat inside the oven will cause your pot to get too hot. Remember, that heat builds up within the iron faster, even when your oven is set to a specific temperature.