What is a Dutch oven? It’s a question I get from friends all the time. I hear it very frequently when my family or friends see it in my kitchen, or when I share a recipe with them. A Dutch oven is one of those sturdy, dependable kitchen tools that just gets the job done. I reach for mine when I want something comforting, whether it’s a pot of stew simmering away on the stove or a loaf of bread baking in the oven. In this post, I’ll walk you through what a Dutch oven actually is, the types you’ll come across, and a few everyday ways I use mine in my own kitchen.
What Is a Dutch Oven?
A Dutch oven is a heavy-duty pot with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid. It’s usually made from cast iron, which holds heat beautifully and cooks food evenly. You can use it on the stovetop and in the oven, which makes it incredibly versatile.
Some Dutch ovens have an enamel coating on the inside and outside, while others are made of bare cast iron that needs to be seasoned. I will explain more about the difference between enamel coating and bare cast iron in this and future posts. Either way, they’re built to last and perfect for making meals that need time and steady heat. Think about meals like soups, braises, and slow-cooked roasts.
If you’ve ever made a one-pot meal that needed to start on the stove and finish in the oven, that’s exactly where a Dutch oven shines, and brings wonder to the dinner time.
Common Types of Dutch Ovens
While all Dutch ovens share the same basic shape and purpose, they come in a couple of different materials that can make a big difference in how you cook with them.
Enameled Cast Iron
This is the kind I use most often in my kitchen. Enameled Dutch ovens have a smooth coating that covers the cast iron, so you don’t have to season it. They’re easy to clean, don’t react with acidic foods like tomatoes, no seasoning needed, and lastly they look so adorable sitting on the stove. The only downside is that the enamel can chip over time if you’re not gentle with it, but with proper care, they’ll last for years.
Bare Cast Iron
These are the more traditional, uncoated Dutch ovens. They’re incredibly durable and great for high-heat cooking or even campfire meals. I still have my mum’s bare cast iron Dutch oven, and she has used it since she was 18. Her Dutch oven is more than 80 years old, and we still use it on special events.
Since there’s no enamel in the bare cast iron Dutch oven, you’ll need to season the pot to keep it from rusting and to maintain a natural non-stick surface. Once seasoned well, though, they’re almost indestructible.
That’s a quick overview for now, but I’ll go deeper into the differences (and when to choose which) in another post soon. No matter which type you use, both bring their own charm to slow, cozy cooking.
What Can You Cook in a Dutch Oven?
Dutch ovens are one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you can have. I use mine for all kinds of recipes, from bread, roast, stews, and braised meat. There are many wonderful recipes that you can cook in a Dutch oven. There are so many wonderful meals you can make in a Dutch oven, and honestly, my kids grew up on Dutch oven cooking. It’s the kind of pot that quietly becomes part of your family’s food memories.
Soups & stews
A Dutch oven is ideal for soups and stews, where you want flavors to slowly build and deepen over time. The heavy lid helps everything simmer gently and evenly, so you don’t have to hover over the stove.
Braised meat
Dutch ovens are perfect for pot roast, short ribs, and other braised dishes that need low, steady heat. The meat turns out so tender it practically falls apart with a spoon. It’s one of those meals that always feels special, even though it’s not hard to make.
Bread
If you haven’t baked bread in a Dutch oven yet, you’re in for a treat. The thick walls and tight-fitting lid trap steam during baking, creating a gorgeous crust with a soft, chewy center. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels a little magical every time.
Casserole & pasta bakes
When you’re in the mood for comfort food, Dutch ovens are great for baked casseroles or pasta dishes. Just layer everything together and let the oven do the rest. It’s a hands-off way to get something hearty and delicious on the table.
I’ll be sharing even more ideas in an upcoming post all about what to cook in a Dutch oven, but for now, just know it’s perfect for almost anything cozy and comforting.
Final Thoughts
A Dutch oven is simple, sturdy, and endlessly useful, which is probably why so many home cooks (myself included) swear by it. Whether you’re simmering a pot of soup, baking a loaf of bread, or making a slow Sunday roast, it’s the kind of pot that quietly does its job and makes everything taste a little better.
If you’re new to Dutch oven cooking, I hope this gave you a helpful starting point. I’ll be sharing more posts soon about how to take care of your Dutch oven, how to choose the right one, and how to take care of a Dutch oven. Until then, happy cooking, and enjoy the comfort of something homemade. In the meantime, I suggest trying some of these recipes:
