Dutch ovens are one of the most popular types of cookware out there. They are versatile, durable, and can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. But can a dutch oven go in the oven?
The answer is yes! In fact, Dutch ovens work especially well when cooked in an oven because they can withstand high temperatures and maintain even heat distribution. Let’s take a closer look at how you can use your dutch oven safely and successfully in the oven.
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What is a Dutch Oven?
Before we get into how to use a dutch oven in the oven, let’s take a minute to make sure we understand what a dutch oven is. A dutch oven is usually made from cast iron and has two handles for portability.
It’s used for both stovetop cooking and baking in an oven, and it’s perfect for making stews, soups, roasts, casseroles, breads and other dishes that require long cooking times at low temperatures.
Heating Your Dutch Oven Before Use
One of the most important things to remember when using your dutch oven in the oven is to always heat it up before adding your ingredients.
This is especially important if you plan on using a cast iron dutch oven because cast iron retains heat very well, so it’s best to preheat it for at least 10 minutes before adding your ingredients. This will help prevent any hot spots from forming and ensure that everything cooks evenly.
Cooking with Dutch Ovens
When cooking with a dutch oven, it’s important to remember that they are designed for slow cooking, so you should use low temperatures and longer cooking times than you would normally use with other cookware.
When baking with a dutch oven, preheat your regular kitchen oven to 350°F (175°C) or lower and then place your dutch oven inside. You may need to adjust your baking time slightly depending on what type of dish you’re making— lighter dishes will usually require less time while heavier dishes like stews or roasts may need more time.
Cleaning Your Dutch Oven After Use
Once you’ve finished using your dutch oven, let it cool completely before cleaning it. To clean enameled cast iron dutch ovens, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or paper towel; for regular cast iron pots and pans, scrub them gently with warm water and a mild soap before drying them thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Make sure not to soak them for too long as this could cause rusting or discoloration over time.
Check out this video on how to clean a dutch oven by Krocks In The Kitchen.
Conclusion
Dutch Ovens are incredibly versatile pieces of cookware that can be used on both the stovetop as well as in an electric powered kitchen range, built in convectional heating system or conventional gas fired walloven/stove combination unit.
Furthermore once used they are relatively easy to clean either by handwashing or through dishwasher cleaning cycles when necessary - thereby preserving their intended purposeful usage far into the future!
As such it is no surprise why these classic cooking implements remain popular today amongst many home cooks looking for both quality results as well as cost effective solutions when addressing their everyday culinary needs!
Don't have a dutch oven? No problem! Check out our top picks for the best dutch ovens.
