33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (2024)

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (1)

Have a tiny apartment kitchen? Tired of owning too many pots and pans, and want just one that can do it all? Look no further than a Dutch oven. Dutch ovens are cast-iron pots with lids that can go from the stovetop to the oven with ease, making them great for a variety of dishes. Whether you go classic cast iron (we've got tips for cleaning!) or a colorful enamel one (beloved by the Delish Test Kitchen), these pots really can’t be beat. Check out our 33 Dutch oven recipes to see how truly versatile they are.

Why is it called a Dutch oven? According to the marketing director at Le Creuset (a brand known for their colorful cookware), the Dutch were the first to invent the method by which Dutch ovens came to be made (in molds made of sand rather than clay). Though they’ve come a long way since then, that’s the name that caught on. The more you know!

What can you use it for? Almost everything. These pots are admittedly quite heavy, but that means they can really take a beating, whether you’re using them to make soup, like our classic chicken noodle or our copycat Olive Garden minestrone; hearty slow-cooked dishes like our braised chicken thighs or our French coq au vin; cheesy pastas like our or our broccoli cheddar pasta; or to deep-fry French fries, our Korean fried chicken, or our deep-fried Oreos. You can even use them to bake the best, most perfectly round sourdough bread ever. Have we convinced you yet?

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

1

Braised Chicken Thighs

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (3)

Here, chicken thighs are braised in a luxurious bath of ginger, garlic, shallots, white wine (or sake), and soy sauce, before being gussied up with sesame oil, sesame seeds, and green onions. Voilà! Dinner is served, all in your Dutch oven.

Get the Braised Chicken Thighs recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

2

French Fries

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (4)

Recipes that require frying are often super-specific. The temperature of the oil must be just so. Not with this method. Turns out you can put *unsoaked* potatoes in a Dutch oven, pour cold oil on top until they’re just covered, then bring the whole thing to a boil. 😋

Get the French Fries recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

3

Beef Stew

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (5)

Beef stew is a cold weather essential. It's a perfect meal all on its own, but we also love beef stew served over some al dente egg noodles. Want something a little heartier? Try ladling a bit of stew over some garlic mash.

Get the Beef Stew recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Sourdough Bread

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (6)

Baking a loaf of sourdough bread is pure therapy: food for the body and food for the soul. Not only will it fill your kitchen with delish smells of yeasty goodness, you’ll walk away with a handful of life lessons along with a piece of unbelievably fulfilling bread, made possible in your Dutch oven.

Get the Sourdough Bread recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

5

Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese

This is the creamiest, dreamiest stovetop . It's uncomplicated, comforting, and will bring back childhood memories.

Get the .

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

6

Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (8)

This is one side dish that will make everyone freak out (and run for seconds). If you have vegetarian guests, feel free to skip the bacon! We're usually all about the smoky flavor, but for this dish, it's all about the CHEESE.

Get the Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Baked Risotto

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (9)

If you’ve never made risotto because you didn’t want to stand there stirring forever, this recipe is for you. It packs all the satisfying flavor of a slow-stirred version into a fraction of the hands-on time by cooking it in your oven rather than your stovetop. Did we mention that it all comes together in one pot? 😍

Get the Baked Risotto recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

8

Smoky Pinto Beans

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (10)

We're here to say: Give pintos a chance! They're ultra-creamy, a little smoky, and super-versatile. This bacon-infused recipe works wonders on both canned and dried beans, so you can make them in under 30 minutes in your Dutch oven if you're short on time.

Get the Smoky Pinto Beans recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

9

Coq Au Vin

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (11)

Coq au vin, or rooster with wine, is a classic French dish that isn't as complicated as it sounds. Chicken is braised in a silky wine sauce, then paired with bacon, mushrooms, and pearl onions that give this dish so much flavor. It's one of our favorite chicken dinners to serve to guests—it always impresses.

Get the Coq Au Vin recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Thai Red Curry Coconut Noodles

These 100% vegan noodles are perfect for super-hungry nights when you’re short on time. Feel free to swap in your favorite quick-cooking vegetables and adjust the amount of curry paste to your spice preference. Make sure to keep stirring once your noodles are added, since they tend to stick to the bottom of the pot if left in one spot for too long.

Get the Thai Red Curry Coconut Noodles recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

11

Shrimp & Rice

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (13)

This easy shrimp and rice recipe is packed with smart cooking know-how. Rather than just topping plain rice with sautéed shrimp, you'll instead build flavor in your Dutch oven before steaming the rice.

Get the .

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

12

Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (14)

The broccoli here is a great way to sneak in an extra serving of greens before going trick or treating. Even the pickiest of eaters will eat their vegetables if they are coated in cheese!

Get the Broccoli Cheddar Pasta recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Deep Fried Oreos

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (15)

Ahh, the classic deep-fried Oreo. It's a state-fair favorite that's worth every single calorie. Now, you can make them right at home with those lingering Oreos you have (IF that ever happens). It's the perfect treat for any occasion!

Get the Deep-Fried Oreos recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

14

Ratatouille

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (16)

This colorful classic French countryside dish is chock-full of healthy vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini! Serve with crusty bread for best results.

Get the Ratatouille recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

15

Seafood Gumbo

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (17)

Gumbo is a top-notch comfort stew centered around a flavorful roux and the Holy Trinity of onions, celery, and bell peppers. Before cooking, make sure you follow our tips for cooking the most flavorful and filling gumbo ever.

Get the Seafood Gumbo recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (18)

No matter what the centerpiece of your meal is, this cheesy butternut squash skillet is sure to steal the show. The balance of sweet, salty, and creamy is EXTREMELY delicious.

Get the Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

17

One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (19)

Looking for a hearty weeknight dinner? Our smoky vegetarian chili mac is here to save the day! It all comes together in your Dutch oven, and it's SUPER-versatile. Throw in your favorite bean and pasta shape, melt in your favorite cheese, and top with whatever you like.

Get the One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

18

Chicken Cacciatore

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (20)

Cacciatore translates to “hunter” in Italian, and it’s thought that this dish arose in popularity during the Renaissance as a means to feed hunters who’d been away tracking for long periods of time. While we may not have been out hunting, after a long day, this dish is still particularly comforting, not in the least because it all comes together in one pot.

Get the Chicken Cacciatore recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Korean Fried Chicken

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (21)

Nicknamed “candy chicken,” Korean fried chicken is known for its addictively crunchy exterior and its thick sweet-and-spicy sauce. These bites pack a little capsaicin punch, so feel free to decrease the amount of dried chiles that go in.

Get the Korean Fried Chicken recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

20

Homemade Beef Chili

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (22)

Lots of other recipes call for simmering for at least an hour, sometimes even more. But that’s tough when you're looking to get dinner on the table after a long workday. Ours comes together in just 40 minutes: Weeknight chili, here we come!

Get the Homemade Beef Chili recipe.

33 Recipes To Make You Fall In Love With Dutch Ovens (2024)

FAQs

Is there anything you shouldn't cook in a Dutch oven? ›

In an enamel-coated Dutch oven, prolonged cooking with acidic ingredients may discolor the interior coating but doesn't erode it. The bottom line is, if using a seasoned cast iron Dutch oven with highly acidic foods, ensure the pot is well seasoned and limit cooking to short periods.

Why is Le Creuset so expensive? ›

When you buy from Le Creuset, you're paying for high-quality pots and pans that are designed to stand the test of time. Rather than aluminum or stainless steel, Le Creuset craft their pieces from cast iron, which has a much higher heat capacity.

What's the big deal about a Dutch oven? ›

Searing, Simmering, and Braising

The Dutch oven is the master of the stovetop. Since it's basically a wider, heavier version of a stockpot, it's a good pick to simmer broth or cook up big batches of beans. The cast iron core can get hot enough to quickly sear chunks of meat and brown veggies.

What's good to cook in a Dutch oven? ›

No matter the style or size, any Dutch oven will open up endless recipe opportunities. Create beautifully braised meat, pot roasts, hearty beef stew, healing chicken soup, or the creamiest mac and cheese. Use it like a slow cooker, a bread cloche, or a pot for frying.

Why does everything stick to my Dutch oven? ›

The most common reason food sticks to cast iron is because the pan is simply too hot. Because cast iron retains heat much better than other types of cookware, you generally don't need to use as high of a heat setting as you normally would with stainless steel or aluminum cookware.

Why did my Le Creuset crack? ›

While Le Creuset's enamel is designed to be the most durable on the market, thermal shock may still occur, resulting in cracking or loss of enamel. If there are food residues, fill the pan with warm water and let soak for 15 to 20 minutes before washing.

Is Le Creuset now made in China? ›

While some Le Creuset products are made in China, the company's enameled cast iron products are still made in its original foundry in France. Le Creuset's stainless steel and nonstick cookware is most often made in Portugal.

What pots are better than Le Creuset? ›

It's not the only Le Creuset Dutch oven alternative our team loves; here are a few other ones we highly recommend.
  • The Pioneer Woman Timeless Beauty Enamel Cast Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven. ...
  • Crock-Pot 7-Quart Artisan Round Enameled Dutch Oven. ...
  • Martha Stewart Gatwick 7-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven.
Mar 22, 2024

Do professional chefs use Le Creuset? ›

It holds the heat evenly, and the enamel makes it great for easy cleanup.” He went on to say that at his restaurant, chefs use the brand's pans, and all of the sauces are made in Le Creuset sauce pots.

What does it mean when someone gives you a Dutch oven? ›

But in slang, a Dutch oven is when you pass gas in bed and pull the covers over someone else's head, trapping it in like a Dutch oven traps heat.

How much should I pay for a Dutch oven? ›

A 6-quart enamel-coated Dutch oven costs less than $100, and their seasoned Dutch ovens and camp stoves are even more affordable. You can score a 5-quart Dutch oven for just over $50 and a camp stove for $79.95. For an enamel-coated 5½-quart Dutch oven from Milo, you'll pay $135.

Why do I love my Dutch oven? ›

A Dutch oven is the ultimate cookware for one-pot dinners. It's a large, wide, deep pan with a tight-fitting lid that stands out from other pots and pans in a well-stocked kitchen for its ability to take high temperatures and retain heat.

What is the best Dutch dish? ›

There is a lot more to Dutch cuisine than pancakes!
  1. Poffertjes. ...
  2. Hollandse nieuwe haring. ...
  3. Pannenkoeken. ...
  4. Sate. ...
  5. Stamppot. ...
  6. Oliebollen. ...
  7. Erwtensoep. ...
  8. Bamischijf.

What not to cook in a cast iron Dutch oven? ›

Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods in Cast-Iron Pans

You should avoid cooking acidic sauces in cast-iron pans for two reasons: first, the acid loosens trace amounts of molecules from the metal that can then leach into your foods, imparting a metallic flavor.

Can you cook pasta in a Dutch oven? ›

The French or Dutch Ovens simplifies the way traditional pasta dishes are prepared, allowing families to spend quality time with one another as they cook slowly.

Can you bake anything in a Dutch oven? ›

Try Dutch oven baking, from baking breads to making cheesy pasta casseroles. Dutch ovens are great for frying, braising, simmering and stewing, but did you know you can use them for baking? These heavy-duty pans have tight-fitting lids that trap steam inside, resulting in tender bread and juicy chicken.

What foods should not be cooked in cast iron? ›

What Not to Cook in a Cast-Iron Skillet
  1. Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods in Cast-Iron Pans. ...
  2. Be Aware that a Cast-Iron Surface Takes on Flavors. ...
  3. Don't Cook Delicate Fish In Cast Iron. ...
  4. Before Your Skillet Is Well-Seasoned, Avoid Sticky Foods. ...
  5. And, Whatever You Cook, Avoid Storing Food in Your Cast-Iron Pan.
Jun 23, 2017

Is a Dutch oven safe for food? ›

With a healthy living Dutch oven, you won't have to worry about toxic chemicals getting released into your food. Ceramic and cast iron Dutch ovens typically feature an enamel coating, giving them nonstick capabilities without the dangers of PFOA. They also don't leach aluminum, even at very high heat.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 6146

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.