Dutch ovens are a unique and versatile tool for baking bread. They are a type of pot with a heavy lid that is designed to distribute heat evenly.
This makes them perfect for baking artisan breads, which require a long, slow bake to develop their flavor and texture. Dutch ovens can also be used to cook other dishes, such as stews and casseroles.
If you want to bake bread in a fast, easy, and affordable manner then look no further than the wonderful world of instant mixes and bread machines.
Not only are they fast, they make the process very simple and allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time in front of the TV watching your favorite show.
It’s called baking bread in a Dutch oven! Before we get to the best Dutch ovens for baking bread, let’s take a quick detour to cover some background info. If you prefer, go straight to our recommendations.
What is a Dutch Oven?
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The truth is, any food that you can make in a conventional oven can also be made in a Dutch oven. You can also use it to bake some bread. This bread comes out as an artisan style loaf with steam that is created inside the pot. The heavy lid retains steam, which yields a delectable crispy crust.
Historically, Dutch ovens were in use for centuries. The iron pot method is based on the age old European technique of baking inside a closed clay pot.
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Contemporary references to the Dutch oven means any large, heavy pot suitable for stovetop or oven use.
It’s also easy to make it to a full stock pot, as long as there is an oven safe lid and the pot can go straight to the oven from the stove. That’s exactly what the original Dutch oven was – a heavy, thick-walled stock pot made from raw cast iron.
Nowadays, Dutch ovens come in a variety of sizes and designs that are suited to your specific cooking needs. Some Dutch ovens also have lids so they can be used as a slow cooker, or even an oven.
Bare Cast Iron
Cast iron Dutch ovens offer durability, convenience of use and versatility of cooking. They’re available in different sizes, colors and prices to fit any budget.
Cast iron is a superior heat conductor and is the preferred material for quality cookware. This is true for chefs of all kinds who seek the perfect balance of heat transfer and temperature stability.
If you want a non-stick surface, then you will want to season the inside of your Dutch oven prior to its first use. Cast Iron is a popular choice for your oven, and with it comes a lifetime guarantee against rust or corrosion.
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Seasoning is a process of adding seasoning to a product in order to make it more tasty and appetizing. It prevents the food from sticking to the pot while maintaining the cast iron properties of the Dutch oven.
However, as is with cast iron cookware, all pieces need to be washed and scrubbed to maintain the integrity of the cookware.
Enameled Cast Iron
Enamelware is a type of cooking pot. It’s used for both culinary and non-culinary purposes. In fact, it’s one of the most popular forms of kitchenware.
Enamel-coated pots and pans are considered the best way to cook with stainless steel. Because the enamel coating is very thin, it can withstand repeated washing without having its properties changed.
Another downside to enameled cookware is that the enamel can chip and they often come with non-metal knobs that cannot be used at the highest temperatures.
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The biggest drawback to using enamel is that the enamel is very difficult to repair, even if you have the proper tools.
While a great Dutch Oven is wonderful, we are always open to a variety of bread shapes. To give you a better idea of what we are capable of doing, here are some of our other bread creations.
Buying Guide for Dutch Ovens
If you’re looking to buy a Dutch oven, make sure that you take note of a few things beforehand. The first thing is to check the capacity of the oven.
You need a big pan to bake a big bread, but you don’t want it to become a pancake. So how do you balance the two? Start with a bigger pan.
Ceramic, stainless steel, or aluminum cookware can be purchased with ease and convenience. Some Dutch ovens come with lids and handles. This can be handy, but you can also purchase separate items for more versatility.
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The different varieties of Dutch ovens can be classified as premium, French-made brands, mid-tier models and low cost brands.
This big pot is a wonderful piece that has a sturdy build. Its durability is worth every penny! You’re going to love using this for your big cookouts.
Best Dutch Oven for Baking Bread
1. Le Creuset Signature Enameled, 5 ½ Quart (Top Pick)
Although the Le Creuset Dutch Oven, which we reviewed last week, was the largest of the Dutch ovens reviewed here, there are many smaller ones that offer similar functionality. These smaller pots, which are sometimes referred to as “pancake” or “pizza” pans, are ideal for baking rolls.
The lid of the Le Creuset is made of thick cast iron that gives it the ability to retain moisture, flavor and heat within while baking. The lid can be handled easily while it retains its original shape even after years of use.
This model is available in an assortment of colors to complement your kitchen decor and color palette. The manufacturer promises that the plastic knob can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit but we recommend that you cover up the knob well with heavy-duty foil to prevent any damage.
The price may be steep, but the durability of this product make it well worth it. With such a high price tag, you know the product will last.
2. Lodge Enameled Dutch Oven, EC6D43 (Budget Pick)
This enameled Dutch oven can be used for almost any purpose including baking and other culinary uses. It is heavy-duty, meaning it can handle lots of high heat in the oven.
This bread has an interesting shape that has a few benefits for cooking and baking purposes. Curved sides make it easier to lift out the bread when cooked and allow for a better grip when kneading.
This pot is made from cast iron with a chip resistant, porcelain enamel finish and is ideal for all kinds of cooking tasks including roasting, broiling, braising and baking.
This Lodge model also features a metal knob, which is better suited for use in the oven. The price tag is pretty high for a $50 range but that’s about all you can afford these days.
3. Staub 5.5 Round Dutch Oven
Another serious contender on the list, this Staub model is made in France and features a sturdy cast iron pot with enamel coating. It is a stylish looking Dutch oven that comes with a 6 quart capacity and is resistant to chipping, cracking or rusting.
The manufacturer promises heat tolerance up to 900 degrees for the pan and 500 degrees for the lid. It features an attractive, unique looking design and comes in a variety of styles to match any kitchen decor.
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This nonstick, ceramic-coated stainless steel ovenware is great for baking, roasting and sautéing. The smooth enamel bottom is ideal for even heat distribution and its wide base and high sides work well for breads that need room to rise.
4. Anolon Vesta Cast Iron, 5 Quart Dutch Oven
This cast iron Dutch oven is a sleek looking piece that features a wide base and high sides. This pot showcases a sturdy porcelain enamel exterior with a large stainless steel loop handle on the lid.
The lid handle makes for easy grip and lid removal while the side handles provide a stable grip while handling the pot.
The Dutch oven can handle temperatures up to 500°F safely, making it a suitable option to bake bread in. The stain resistant black matte interior prevents browning and makes for easy cleaning. The flat base provides for even heat distribution and a perfect result every time you bake bread.
5. Lodge L8DD3 Double Dutch Oven
Lodge is a brand name used to describe a certain type of cast iron cookware. It is an excellent choice for your kitchen for several reasons including durability and excellent performance.
It’s a unique piece of cookware. In addition to being versatile, this Dutch Oven also has a tight fitting lid that helps lock in flavor and steam.
It is perfect for any person looking for the perfect kitchen appliance. Its design is beautiful and easy to maintain. It comes in a sleek black color which matches your kitchen perfectly. With this purchase, you will not have to break the bank.
Related FAQ
What size Dutch oven is best for bread baking?
When it comes to baking bread in a Dutch oven, there are several things to consider. The size of the Dutch oven is one of the most important factors, as it will determine how much dough can be cooked at one time.
A small Dutch oven is ideal for baking smaller loaves of bread, while a larger Dutch oven can accommodate a larger loaf or multiple loaves.
Another thing to consider when choosing a Dutch oven for bread baking is the material. A traditional enameled cast iron Dutch oven is a good option, as it will heat evenly and help to produce a crispy crust.
However, if you’re looking for something that’s a bit lighter weight or easier to clean, a ceramic Dutch oven may be a better choice.
What kind of Dutch oven do you use for bread?
When you are looking for a Dutch oven to make your bread, there are a few things you need to consider. The size of the pot is important, as is the material it is made from. A cast iron Dutch oven will heat evenly and distribute heat well, which is ideal for making bread.
If you are looking for something a little smaller, or have a limited budget, there are also enameled cast iron Dutch ovens available. These pots are less durable than the cast iron variety, but they still do a great job at baking bread.
Is it better to bake bread in a Dutch oven?
It is often said that baking bread in a Dutch oven results in a more evenly cooked and crisper loaf. But does the reality match up to the hype?
To test this theory, I baked two identical loaves of bread, one in a Dutch oven and one on a baking sheet. The results were surprising. The Dutch oven loaf was significantly larger and more domed than the loaf cooked on the baking sheet. It was also significantly darker, with a thicker crust.
The texture of the bread was different too. The Dutch oven loaf was chewier and less crumbly than the baking sheet loaf. Overall, I thought the Dutch oven loaf was better – it was more evenly cooked, crisper and chewier.
Do bakeries use Dutch ovens?
Bakeries use all sorts of ovens to bake their products, but the Dutch oven is a favorite among many. This oven is made of cast iron and has a lid that fits snugly, trapping in the heat and moisture.
This results in bread with a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy center. Dutch ovens can be used for baking all sorts of breads, as well as roasting meats and vegetables.
Can you bake bread in a 6-quart Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven is an oven that is made out of cast iron. It has a tight-fitting lid, which helps to distribute heat evenly. This makes it perfect for baking bread. In fact, you can make a loaf of bread in a 6-quart Dutch oven.
To make bread in a Dutch oven, you will need: 1 cup of lukewarm water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil, 3 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 package (or 2¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast.
First, combine the water, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Then add the oil and stir until it is incorporated. Next, add the flour to a large bowl.
Is a 4 qt Dutch oven big enough?
When it comes to finding the right Dutch oven, size is an important consideration. But what is the right size? A 4 qt Dutch oven is big enough for most jobs, but if you’re cooking for a large crowd or want to do some really big batches of chili or stew, you might need something larger.
On the other hand, a 4 qt Dutch oven is small enough that it’s easy to store and doesn’t take up too much space on your stovetop. And if you’re just starting out with Dutch oven cooking, a smaller pot might be a good way to go.
So is a 4 qt Dutch oven big enough? For most purposes, yes, it is. But if you know you’ll be needing more capacity, then go ahead and upgrade to a larger pot.
What size Dutch oven is needed for sourdough bread?
When it comes to sourdough bread, there is no bigger name than San Francisco’s Tartine Bakery. The bakery’s owner, Chad Robertson, is considered one of the world’s leading experts on the subject.
His sourdough bread recipe calls for a Dutch oven that’s at least 12 inches in diameter. If you’re looking to try this recipe at home, make sure you have a pot that size. A smaller Dutch oven might not be big enough to produce an adequate rise in the bread dough.
Can I use an oval Dutch oven for bread?
Yes, you can use an oval Dutch oven for bread. The key is to make sure the oven is hot enough so that the dough will rise and cook properly.
You can also use a Dutch oven for other types of breads, such as pizza or focaccia. Be sure to try out different recipes to see what works best in your particular oven.
Can you bake bread in enameled cast iron?
Cast iron pots and pans are made to withstand high heats, making them perfect for baking bread. The even heat distribution and retention abilities of cast iron make it the ideal material for breadmaking.
One downside to traditional cast iron is that it can be a bit heavy, but enameled cast iron offers all of the benefits of traditional cast iron while eliminating the weight issue. Dutch ovens are a type of enameled cast iron pot that are specifically designed for baking bread.
They come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that is perfect for your needs. Dutch ovens offer even heat distribution and excellent heat retention, so your bread will come out perfectly every time.
Can you bake sourdough without a Dutch oven?
Dutch ovens are a popular choice for baking sourdough bread because they create a consistent and controlled environment for the dough to rise.
However, if you don’t have a Dutch oven or don’t want to use one, there are other ways to bake sourdough bread. One option is to bake the dough in a heavy pot with a lid.
Another option is to place the dough on a baking stone in the oven and then pour boiling water into a pan on the bottom of the oven. This will create steam and help to create a crispy crust on your bread.
Do you need parchment paper for Dutch oven bread?
No, you don’t need parchment paper to make Dutch oven bread. The key is to use a liberal amount of cooking oil or butter to coat the bottom and sides of the Dutch oven before adding the dough. This will help it to form a crispy crust.
Should I preheat my Dutch oven for bread?
There is some debate over whether or not you should preheat your Dutch oven when baking bread. Some say that it’s not necessary, while others say that it helps to create a crispy crust.
I tried both methods and found that preheating the Dutch oven does help to create a crispy crust. However, if you’re using an enameled Dutch oven, it’s not necessary to preheat it because the heat will be distributed evenly.