If you're looking for an extremely versatile cooking vessel, look no further than the Dutch oven. While it does require a monetary investment for top brands, it's well worth the money! You'll enjoy quality cooking for years and years to come. But you might be wondering whether or not you can put a Dutch oven inside an oven. We've done the research to bring you the answer.
Yes! It's safe to put a Dutch oven inside an oven as long as the Dutch oven is able to slowly warm up.Â
If you still have more questions, don't worry. In this guide, we'll discuss this topic in depth so you can better utilize this handy kitchen accessory. Without further ado, let's get into it!
Can You Put A Cold Dutch Oven In The Oven?
To answer this question, we need to consider the material Dutch ovens are made of — cast iron. While cast iron is a very durable material, if it experiences rapid temperature fluctuations, it can crack. Thus, if a cold Dutch oven is placed in a hot oven, it can crack. Given that Dutch ovens are fairly expensive, this definitely isn't ideal.
It's also worth noting that the Dutch oven's enamel finish can also crack if it's heated up without any contents inside.
However, you can indeed put a cold Dutch oven in the oven and preheat the two together. Slowly changing the temperature of the Dutch oven is a safe way to preheat it. If it's heated up on too high of a setting, it can result in the food burning or getting stuck. In this case, slow and steady wins the race.
Should You Put A Dutch Oven In The Oven With The Lid On?
Whether the lid is on the pot or not depends on the recipe and what you're cooking. Placing the lid on the Dutch oven creates a seal and will, therefore, retain moisture and taste inside, keeping the contents moist and flavorful.
Your lid can even have multiple uses in the oven. For example, let's say you run out of room in the oven and can only place the Dutch oven inside but you still have some veggies to roast. Flip the lid inside out so that it's concave. Line it with foil then toss the food on top of it. Now you can cook both the contents in the Dutch oven and other foods on top of it simultaneously.
At What Temperature Do You Cook A Dutch Oven?
Cooking temperatures entirely depend on what you're cooking in the Dutch oven. However, the standard temperature is 350 degrees. If a recipe doesn't clearly state what temperature it should cook it, heat it to 350 degrees. Furthermore, Dutch ovens are excellent at retaining heat, so they really don't need to be heated to extreme temperatures anyway.
Something important to remember is that cooking it on high heat could lead to its finish being damaged. While Dutch ovens are very durable, extremely high temperatures can cause damage to that enamel we talked about earlier. Another important thing to note is that you should not use metal utensils with your Dutch oven. This can also scratch the enamel finish that you want to protect.
Can A Dutch Oven Explode?
Lucky for you, the chances are extremely slim, but it has happened before. To prevent this unfortunate scenario, abide by these rules:
- Don't put a cold Dutch oven in a hot oven; preheat both together
- Avoid high temperatures — they usually aren't necessary
- Be sure your Dutch oven isn't exposed to heat when empty
Different Ways To Use A Dutch Oven In The Oven
Like we discussed earlier, Dutch ovens are incredibly versatile in their uses. Since Dutch ovens come in an assortment of sizes, you'll be able to find the perfect size to fit your cooking needs, too. Some excellent dishes you can cook in the Dutch oven in the oven include meat, soup and stew, bread, and dessert.
Meat
Braising meat in a Dutch oven is slow and steady yet so rewarding. Braising is a cooking method that requires dry and wet heats. The Dutch oven is the perfect vessel for this process. Check out this delicious short rib recipe:
Soup
Soup is definitely a wintertime staple, but we also think it makes for an excellent dish at any time of year. Using your Dutch oven to make soup and stew intensifies the flavors and reduces the number of pots and pans you need to one. We found a yummy beef stew recipe that you ought to check out.
Bread
Baking bread in the Dutch oven is the perfect way to bake no-knead bread. It leads to a gorgeous golden loaf with the ideal crispy edges. You won't want to bake bread any other way after using your Dutch oven. Take a look at this delicious cheddar jalapeño bread recipe:
Dessert
No meal is complete without dessert, right? At this point, it should be no surprise to you that your Dutch oven can be used to make desserts. From cobblers to skillet cookies, the Dutch oven can do it all. Don't miss out on this mouthwatering Dutch oven peach cobbler recipe.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand how to use a Dutch oven. Let us know which recipes you try out! Before you go, be sure to check out these other kitchen guides:
Can You Put Hot Food In Stainless Steel Bowls?
8 Types Of Cooking Thermometers You May Need
5 Easy Baking Paper Sheet Alternatives
