A Dutch oven is well-known for braising, roasting and sauteing, but some may not realize how easily this kitchen staple bakes bread.
Whether you’ve tried making bread unsuccessfully, if you’re new to making bread or even if you’re a seasoned bread baker, you’ll quickly learn a Dutch oven turns out perfectly baked bread with superb softness on the inside and artisanal crunch on the outside. The famous French brand Le Creuset offers a signature 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven that can help you turn out light, chewy bread, thanks to its ability to lock in steam while also maintaining even and consistent heat.
What to know before you buy a Dutch oven for bread making
Dutch oven materials
The traditional Dutch oven is made from cast iron, which is iron and carbon that has been forged together and molded into shape. Cast iron is heavy and durable, and it can last beyond a lifetime if properly cared for. Cast iron holds heat very well.
Uncoated cast iron has been around for centuries; today, you can buy cast iron cookware that has been coated in an enamel glaze. This process eliminates the need for seasoning your Dutch oven, and it also prevents rusting. Some less-expensive Dutch ovens have enamel coatings that chip easily.
If you enjoy cooking with stainless steel cookware, you can find Dutch ovens made from this material as well. Although this material is used primarily for making stews and meats, you can bake bread in it. You don’t have to season stainless steel, and you don’t have to preheat it. However, stainless steel doesn’t distribute heat as well as cast iron, making it a little trickier to bake bread.
Seasoning a Dutch oven
Dutch ovens made from cast iron need to be seasoned. This consists of lightly coating the inside with oil that has a high heat point, such as vegetable or canola oil. This forms a shiny non-stick surface and keeps your Dutch oven from rusting. Several manufacturers pre-season their cast iron prior to packaging it so you don’t have to.
If your Dutch oven is coated with enamel, or if it is made of stainless steel, you do not have to season it.
Dutch oven styles
Dutch ovens come in a variety of colors and shapes. Although a traditional cast-iron Dutch oven is black, coated cast iron is sold in several beautiful colors such as teal, grey, red and more. The most common shape is round, but you can also find Dutch ovens that are oval, octagonal and diamond shaped. The most common styles for baking bread are round and oval.
Dutch oven features
Dutch oven lids
Since steam and moisture are the foundation of Dutch oven cooking, a proper-fitting lid is an essential component for successfully baking bread. The lid should not allow steam to escape, as steam helps the bread rise. Then, the moisture cooks the bread from the inside out.
Dutch oven sizes
Traditionally, Dutch ovens are measured by the number of quarts of liquid they can hold, and they come in a variety of sizes. The most popular sizes are between 5.5 and 7.5 quarts. Not only are these sizes versatile enough for braising and roasting, they’re also most suitable for baking bread.
Dutch oven for bread making cost
Depending on size and quality, a Dutch oven costs anywhere from $70-$400.
Dutch oven for bread making FAQ
How do I keep from burning my bread?
A. An enamel-coated Dutch oven is more notorious than a traditional cast iron Dutch oven for burning the bottom of bread, especially sourdough bread. To avoid burning, you can try baking at a lower temperature, place your Dutch oven on a baking sheet or you can sprinkle cornmeal on the inside bottom of the Dutch oven prior to placing the bread dough inside.
How do I care for my Dutch oven?
A. Proper care will help your Dutch oven last a very long time. For best results, wash by hand with warm or hot water, a small amount of gentle dish cleaner and a cloth. Rinse and dry completely. If you have a traditional cast-iron Dutch oven with no coating, season it by rubbing a little oil on the inside.
Which Dutch oven for bread making should I get?
Best of the best Dutch oven for bread making
Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Signature Round Dutch Oven: available at Sur La Table, Macy’s and Amazon
Our take: This well-known French brand offers a premium product in a variety of colors.
What we like: The lid provides a great seal that locks in steam. The exterior has been made with extra care to prevent chipping and cracking.
What we dislike: The interior scratches rather easily.
Best bang for your buck Dutch oven for bread making
Lodge 6-Quart Enamel Cast-Iron Dutch Oven in Oyster White: available at Amazon
Our take: This round dutch oven works on any stove top or in the oven. The lid has a stainless-steel knob.
What we like: It has great heat retention and distribution up to 500 degrees. The lid fits nicely for holding steam inside the pot, making it an ideal option for bread baking.
What we dislike: Handle with care because it chips rather easily.
Honorable mention Dutch oven for bread making
Finex 5-Quart Modern Heirloom Dutch Oven: available at Sur La Table
Our take: A small team of Oregon artisans give this traditional black cast-iron selection a touch of elegance and added design.
What we like: It has an octagonal shape. It comes pre-seasoned with Flaxseed oil. The handles are designed to cool quickly. It’s very durable.
What we dislike: There’s a slight learning curve with baking in a Dutch oven that’s not enamel coated, but the trade-off is it doesn’t scratch easily.
Honorable mention Dutch oven for bread making
All-Clad 5.5 Quart Stainless Steel Dutch Oven in Silver: available at Amazon
Our take: This oven is ideal for baking bread if you like cooking with stainless steel rather than cast iron.
What we like: Stainless steel does not have to be preheated like cast iron does. It is made of five alternate layers of stainless steel and aluminum, making it lightweight but sturdy. The exterior is brushed and the glass lid is oven safe.
What we dislike: It doesn’t distribute heat as well as cast iron.
Tammy Tilley is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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