When someone says “Dutch oven,” you might imagine a heavy iron vessel hanging over a campfire – or maybe you picture a decorative enameled piece like a Le Creuset. But whether your Dutch oven is enameled, cast iron, aluminum, or ceramic – you can use it in your regular oven! Dutch ovens are great for baking bread, braising a chicken, slow-cooking veggies, and even making a lovely cake for dessert!
Can a Dutch Oven go in the Oven?
Yes, Dutch ovens can go in the oven! Use these tips:
What temperatures are Dutch ovens oven-safe to?
Dutch ovens come in a variety of different materials. You may have a Dutch oven in cast iron, enameled cast iron, coated in ceramic, or even stainless steel!
Keep in mind that even in the same material, different brands may be rated to different oven-safe temperatures. It’s also important to keep in mind that the knob on the lid may not be oven-safe to the same temperature.
For example, older Le Creuset knobs were made of phenolic resin and were only oven-safe to 375°F. Many Le Creuset users learned this the hard way when a viral no-knead bread recipe led to melted knobs!
Thankfully Le Creuset has since updated its knobs, but it is still important to check your individual Dutch oven’s product page or manual.
| Dutch Oven | Oven Safety |
|---|---|
| Lodge Cast Iron | 650°F (343°C)* |
| Lodge Camp Cast Iron | Not Intended for Indoor Use |
| Le Creuset Enameled | 500°F (260°C) |
| Staub Enameled | 500°F (260°C) |
| Caraway Ceramic Coated | 550°F (287°C) |
| Tramontina Stainless Steel | 500°F (260°C) |
Oven-Cooking In A Dutch Oven
The first rule of cooking in a Dutch oven is that size matters. A mini cocotte that is only 2 quarts is perfect for reheating leftovers, but it won’t make a good loaf of bread or braise a chicken for Sunday dinner. You also don’t need a heavy 9-qt Dutch oven to make a small loaf of bread. In general, a 5-qt Dutch oven is most versatile. 5 quarts is a great size for a four-person meal.
If you want to bake bread in a Dutch oven, choose the optimal shape and size to give your loaf good oven spring. An oval Dutch oven will work better for long loaves or batards. A round Dutch oven is preferable for round loaves.
I love baking bread in my Le Creuset French oven. But in my Dutch oven tests, the Staub cocotte produced an amazing crust thanks to its self-basting lid design.
One Pot Meals in a Dutch Oven
Dutch ovens put the “one pot” in one pot meals! You can start ingredients on the stove and then move the whole thing in the oven to finish. From searing meat to making a mirepoix, I love starting soups and stew prep stovetop in my Dutch oven, then letting it slow cook in the oven. And, since you can store food in an enameled Dutch oven, too, it cuts way back on cleanup!
Be careful when you take the lid off your Dutch oven. The lid is intended to trap heat and moisture, so watch out for a face full of steam when you peek at your food!
Frequently Ask Questions
Can it go from oven to fridge?
Do not put a hot Dutch oven in the fridge. Rapid temperature changes can cause your Dutch oven to crack, whether it is enamel, natural (or “raw”) cast iron, or ceramic coated. Stainless steel can warp or crack. If you want to go from oven to fridge, let it come to room temperature first. A hot Dutch oven will also heat up your fridge, or could shatter the shelves inside.
Can it go from fridge to oven?
No, it can’t go directly from the fridge to the oven. A rapid change in temperature can damage your Dutch oven, causing it to crack, no matter what material it is made from. Stainless Steel can also warp. The rule of thumb is if you can hold it in your hand, you can put it in the oven.
Can it go from stove to oven?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite things about Dutch ovens. It’s an amazing piece of cookware for one-pot meals because it can easily go from stove to oven, allowing you to sear meat and then finish your meal in the oven.
What size Dutch oven should I buy?
It depends on what you want to do with it! Dutch ovens can range from 1-qt up to 20-qt! Check out our amazing chart to help you decide which size Dutch oven will fit your needs best. A 5-qt Dutch oven is considered the best to make a 4-person meal.
What’s the best size Dutch oven to bake bread in?
A 5-qt or 6-qt Dutch oven is best for baking bread. Keep in mind the shape of the Dutch oven too, as an oval shape is better for long loaves, while a round Dutch oven is better for round loaves. Our favorite iron pan to bake bread in, though, is the Challenger.
Conclusion
A Dutch oven is an amazing piece of cookware to have in your kitchen! Its ability to go from stovetop to oven makes it incredible for one-pot meals. It’s also fantastic for making beautiful loaves of bread, baking desserts, or braising.
So what are you waiting for? Go grab that Dutch oven and get to baking! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments!
