What Is a Dutch Oven—and How Do You Cook With It? (2024)

FAQs

What Is a Dutch Oven—and How Do You Cook With It? ›

A Dutch oven is a heavy-duty pot with lid designed for browning meat and veggies and then simmering on the stovetop or braising in the oven. It can also be used for soup and more simple tasks like boiling pasta. It's often used to make bread as well.

A Dutch oven is, in essence, a big pot with a lid designed to let very little steam escape. (This is useful when you're braising or stewing something and don't want a lot of evaporation.)

Add ingredients to your dutch oven, then heat the dutch oven gradually on the stovetop or in the oven (according to your recipe). Dutch ovens retain heat well and don't often require high heat settings to cook effectively, so gradual heating can help you keep a close eye on cooking temperatures.

You can use a dutch oven on any kind of cooktop, including induction, as long as the dutch oven is cast-iron or another induction-compatible material. When you are using the dutch oven on a direct heat source, just make sure that the temperature does not get too hot and scorch it.

One of the main benefits of using a Dutch oven is its ability to retain heat over a long period. Its lid design helps to trap steam and retain moisture for more flavorful, juicy dishes.

Typically made of enameled cast iron or stainless steel, dutch ovens heat quickly and maintain temperature effectively, making it an ideal vessel for searing and browning. Meanwhile, the tight-fitting lid traps moisture within the pot, enabling Dutch ovens to cook braises and stews evenly over several hours.

What makes Dutch ovens (also sometimes called French ovens) so enduring is their versatility. The sturdy build helps store and maintain heat, the heavy lid traps condensation and allows for more efficient heating, and the single-piece construction means Dutch ovens move easily between the cooktop and the oven.

An enameled dutch oven is one of the most versatile cooking tools you can own! Use it on the stove and in the oven up to 500˚ F, or safely store it in your fridge to marinate food or refrigerate leftovers.

Why did my Dutch oven crack? ›

The enamel can crack if heated when empty, so never set a dry cast-iron pan over a flame. Instead, pour in some fat, like oil or butter, to heat up along with the iron. Some liquid, like broth or even water, will also keep the surface safe. Warm up with these Dutch oven recipes for winter.

What Is “Dutch Oven” Slang For? Dutch oven is a slang term for farting in bed and pulling the covers over your partner's head, sealing in the stench of your gas. This gassy gag is named after an actual cooking device called a Dutch oven: a large metal pot that traps heat (and smells) under its lid.

Some common substitutes include using a slow cooker, a casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid, or even a heavy-bottomed pot with aluminum foil as a makeshift lid. Some substitute techniques may require a longer cooking time (like a slow cooker) but may be more convenient to dump and go.

With a Dutch oven in your kit, you don't have to worry about packing multiple saucepans and baking trays as this versatile piece of equipment will do the job. It can be used as a frying pan, a serving tray, and as a pot, as well as being used to keep cooked food hot before serving.