In brief
- A Dutch oven is a spacious, deep pot for soups, stews, and one-pot meals.
- The thick bottom distributes heat evenly, ideal for slow cooking.
- You can also use it in the oven up to 220°C: detach the handle and use the oven-safe domed lid.
- With the lid on, it retains moisture and heat, perfect for stews and bread.
The Dutch oven is the workhorse for anything that needs time and space: soups, stews, and one-pot dishes. With the right lid, it can even go in the oven.
Is a Dutch oven the same as a roasting pan?
Yes, in the Netherlands a Dutch oven is mainly known as a roasting pan. Both names refer to the same type of pot: spacious, deep, and with a thick bottom that retains heat well. The difference is mainly in the name, not the pot itself.
Traditionally, a Dutch oven is made of heavy cast iron, while a roasting pan is often lighter and therefore easier to handle. In practice, you use them exactly the same way. If you’re looking for a roasting pan for soup, stew, or bread, a Dutch oven is a great choice.
What do you use a Dutch oven for?
A Dutch oven is ideal for dishes that require slow cooking and space: soups, stews, curries, one-pot meals, and large portions of vegetables. Because of its depth and thick bottom, you can first brown ingredients and then let them simmer in the same pot.
Why is a Dutch oven good for soup and stew?
The thick bottom retains heat and distributes it evenly, allowing a dish to simmer gently for hours without burning. That’s exactly what stews need: low temperature, plenty of time, and the lid on. You can read more about this technique in our guide on braising, stewing, and simmering.
Can you bake bread in a Dutch oven?
Yes, in the oven up to 220°C. Detach the ClickGrip handle and use the oven-safe domed lid, not the glass one. The lid traps steam, helping the dough rise well and develop a nice crust. Remove the lid during the last part of baking for a browner top.
The CuliStack Dutch oven
The CuliStack Dutch oven (28 cm, 5.6 L) has a 4.5 mm thick bottom and is oven-safe up to 220°C. Pair it with the domed lid for oven use. Which pot is best for what purpose is explained in our pot guide.
Looking to buy a roasting pan? Check out our roasting pan: spacious, oven-safe, and stackable with the rest of your set.
