A Dutch oven is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you can own. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, Dutch ovens like ours—made with cast iron and lined in a protective enamel coating—are excellent for soups, stews, braises, baking, slow cooking, and even frying. A Dutch oven can also transition from stovetop to oven without damage. And since they come in a variety of attractive colors, you can take them from stove to table come serving time.
Below, we’ll talk about ten different uses for your Dutch oven to help you get the most out of this versatile tool.
1. Baking Bread
Unless you’re lucky enough to own a professional-style oven, a Dutch oven can mimic the setting in which the best crusty, picture-perfect loaf of bread is baked. When you bake a loaf of bread in a Dutch oven, it traps heat and steam, letting the loaf quickly rise and get that quintessential crumb of an artisan loaf. The same logic means you can use your Dutch oven to make tender, pull apart rolls, too.
2. Slow Cooking and Braising
Since it’s made of cast iron, Dutch ovens retain heat and make it easy to cook low and slow without worrying about constantly adjusting the heat. Braise tender, flavorful dishes like beef stew, pot roast, pork belly, or beans. Plus, the enameled surface means you can cook acidic ingredients without worrying about reactivity. The enameled surface also helps prevent sticking, making cleanup that much quicker.
3. One-Pot Meals
Dutch ovens were made for one-pot meals. Chili, casseroles, and pasta dishes—especially ones that go from stovetop to oven—are all excellent in a Dutch oven. Check out a few of our favorite one-pot meals here.
4. Soups and Stews
Since the Dutch oven retains heat so well, they’re also an excellent tool for soups and stews that you want to simmer for an hour or two to develop deep flavors.
5. Frying and Deep Frying
The heat retention enameled cast iron is known for is also very useful when shallow and deep frying. The trickiest part of frying is maintaining the oil temperature. With a Dutch oven, it’s much easier. Plus, the high walls make it less of a mess, since you're less likely to splatter oil.
6. Roasting Meats and Vegetables
A Dutch oven conducts heat incredibly well, making it ideal for roasting. While we also love a good roasting pan, a Dutch oven can be a perfect substitute, especially when working with smaller cuts of meat (or even a small whole chicken) and a few servings of vegetables. And, unlike a roasting pan, you can start off your roast covered with the Dutch oven lid, trapping heat and speeding up the cooking process.
7. Cooking Casseroles
Since they’re oven-safe and heat evenly, Dutch ovens are excellent for casseroles of all types, from lasagna to hot dish to macaroni and cheese. If you’re taking your casserole to dinner with friends or family, then simply let it cool completely, put the lid on, and you’re ready to transport and reheat right in the Dutch oven.
8. Making Sauces
A Dutch oven is perfect for reducing sauces, thanks to its ample surface area which helps liquid evaporate quickly and evenly. Whether it’s a savory sauce like gravy or Bolognese or a sweet fruit sauce for dessert, your Dutch oven makes it easy.
9. Searing and Browning Meats
The heavy bottom of a Dutch oven means it’s an excellent pot in which to sear and brown meat without worrying about burning or uneven cooking. Bonus: you can use the fond leftover on the bottom of the pot to make a flavorful pan sauce.
10. Outdoor Cooking
Do you aspire to cook over a grill or fire? Grab a Dutch oven. Its rugged construction can handle the elements and make many a memorable campfire meal. Do be careful of damaging the enamel coating over direct contact with flames, though. If you prefer high heat, high flame action, then we’d recommend a non enameled option like a carbon steel griddle or pan.
Ready to Cook?
A Dutch oven is sturdy, conducts and retains heat evenly, and makes for an excellent display piece for your kitchen to boot. Is there anything a Dutch oven can’t do? The only way to find out is to look through your options and pick one out for yourself.
