How To Clean And Season A Cast Iron Dutch Oven

While it's fun to fill up your kitchen cabinets with an abundance of awesome cooking gadgets, allow us to suggest a handy pot that can truly do it all: the Dutch oven. Even if you're a disaster in the kitchen, you've likely heard of the popular appliance—but you may not know what it is and whether you need one. From baking and roasting to braising and broiling, Dutch oven recipes are a simple solution to busy weeknights, because one extra heavy, multi-cooking pot really can do it all. Here's a quick primer on why this handy pot should be on every cook's wish list.

What is a Dutch oven?

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round French (Dutch) Oven

Le Creuset amazon.com

$409.95

Dutch ovens (also called French ovens) are large cast-iron pots—often found with a brightly colored enamel coating—making them pretty and practical heavy-weight helpers in the kitchen. Because they're cast-iron, they can go directly from the stove top to the oven without concern, and they maintain their heat exceptionally well once brought up to temp. They're favorites for campsite cooking due to their ability to go directly over the fire pit. The enamel-coated versions come in a rainbow of colors, making them pretty additions to your tabletop, too. (Plus, the coating is porcelain and won't absorb odors from food.) Most—like Le Creuset, which has been on the market since 1925—are safe to use on all types of cooktops, including induction.

Dutch Oven with Chicken, Olive, Artichoke Hearts

Annabelle Breakey

What can I cook in a Dutch oven?

Dutch ovens are fantastically versatile and perfect for baking, roasting, browning, searing, broiling, and deep-frying. While roasts and stews are great recipes for a Dutch oven, you might be surprised to learn that you can also bake bread in a Dutch oven. If you opt for a larger size, you can bake a whole chicken in it, making for an easy one-pot meal.

What's the difference between a Dutch oven and a stockpot?

Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

If you're confused about this, you aren't alone. The two products have been called by both names throughout history, and the differences are subtle if you aren't familiar with the pots already. Stockpots are large, deep pots most commonly used to make soups, stews, or (as the name suggests) stocks. They're designed for liquids, so they're made of lighter materials than Dutch ovens, which are typically heavier than stockpots and can come in different shapes that you wouldn't see with stock pots (oval, for example). Dutch ovens can be used for everything a stockpot can be used for, but not vice versa. Dutch ovens are pricier, so it's best to evaluate your cooking needs and go from there. (Or grab one of these Lodge versions for a steal!)

What if my enamel coating becomes stained?

Enamel coating is easy to keep clean, but it can lose its pristine color over time, and it can be hard to get it back once it's gone. That said, this won't impact your pot's performance, so you can keep using it with confidence.

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