How to Bake Sourdough with a Dutch Oven for Beginners

Baking sourdough at home might sound complicated, but with a Dutch oven, it’s actually pretty simple. The secret to those crusty, bakery-style loaves? Steam. 

And lucky for you, a Dutch oven does all the hard work of trapping that steam, so you don’t need any fancy equipment (just a bit of patience and a solid pot).

If you’re new to sourdough or want to level up your bread game, here’s everything you need to know to bake perfect sourdough in a Dutch oven.

The perfect sourdough in a classic round Dutch oven

Why a Dutch Oven is a Game-Changer for Sourdough

Professional bakers use steam ovens to get that deep golden crust and airy inside – but most of us don’t have a commercial bakery in our kitchens. That’s where a Dutch oven comes in.

• It traps steam, keeping the dough moist while the crust forms.
• The thick cast iron walls distribute heat evenly for a steady bake.
• It helps the bread rise properly, so you get that beautiful oven spring.

Without steam, sourdough can end up dry, dense, or too tough. A Dutch oven fixes all that, giving you that chewy, golden, crackly crust every time.

Picking the Right Dutch Oven for Sourdough

Not all Dutch ovens are created equal for baking bread. Here’s what to look for:

• Size matters. A Classic Round Dutch Oven is perfect for standard loaves, while an Oval Dutch Oven is great for longer, rustic loaves.
• Cast iron is key. It holds and distributes heat evenly, which is exactly what you want for a good bake.
• It needs depth. Your bread needs space to rise without hitting the lid too soon.
• A tight-fitting lid is a must. This is what locks in the steam for that crispy crust.

If you’re baking focaccia or other flatter breads, the Shallow Casserole Dutch Oven is a great option; it gives the dough space to spread out while still trapping steam for that perfect crisp.

At Crumble, we also have a specific Dutch oven for bread which has a big domed lid which offers maximum steam circulation for the perfect temperature and rise. 

However, any pieces from our Dutch oven range have excellent sourdough-making properties. 

Crispy, beautiful sourdough in our special bread Dutch oven. 

Step-by-Step: Baking Sourdough in a Dutch Oven

Ingredients

• Active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
• Bread flour (or a mix of white, whole wheat, and rye)
• Water
• Salt

Appliances 

• Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Bench scraper or spatula
• Proofing basket or a bowl with a tea towel
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine:

• 500g bread flour
• 350g lukewarm water
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g salt

Stir everything together until just combined. Don’t worry if it looks shaggy – it’ll smooth out. Cover it with a damp tea towel and let it sit for 30 minutes (this is called autolyse, and it helps gluten develop).

Step 2: Stretch & Fold (Instead of Kneading)

Instead of kneading, you’ll gently stretch and fold the dough over itself:

1. Grab one side, stretch it up, then fold it over.
2. Turn the bowl and repeat 3-4 times.
3. Let it rest for 30 minutes, then repeat this process three more times.

This strengthens the dough without overworking it.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation (AKA the Rise)

Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours (or until doubled in size). If your kitchen is cold, it might take longer – just be patient.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

• Lightly flour your bench and gently tip out the dough.
• Shape it into a round ball, tucking the edges underneath.
• Place it seam-side up in a proofing basket (or a bowl lined with a floured tea towel).

Step 5: The Overnight Rest (Optional but Worth It)

For even better flavour and a crispier crust, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight (8-12 hours). This slows fermentation, which improves texture and taste.

Step 6: Preheat the Dutch Oven

Preheat your oven to 230°C. Place your Dutch oven inside and let it heat up for at least 30 minutes (it might take longer, so just check your bread after 30 minutes). A hot Dutch oven gives your bread that bakery-style oven spring. 

Step 7: Score the Dough

Take the dough out of the fridge and place it on a sheet of parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to score the top – this helps the bread expand while baking instead of bursting randomly.

Step 8: Bake with Steam

• Carefully lift the parchment paper and place the dough into your hot Dutch oven.
• Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the lid and bake for another 20-25 minutes to get that golden, crispy crust.

Step 9: Let It Cool (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)

Once baked, remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Slicing too soon can make the inside gummy (it’s worth the wait!)

You’ll never want store-bought sourdough again!

Troubleshooting Common Sourdough Issues

Bread didn’t rise enough?

• Make sure your starter is active and bubbly.
• Let it ferment long enough (cold kitchens slow things down).

Crust too pale?

• Remove the lid earlier to darken the crust.
• Double-check that your oven is fully preheated.

Dense interior?

• Increase hydration slightly (add a touch more water).
• Extend bulk fermentation if your dough hasn’t doubled.

Too tough to slice?

• Let the bread cool completely before cutting (sourdough needs time to set).

Which Dutch Oven is Best for Baking Bread?

Best for Classic Round Loaves

Our Crumble Read Oven or Classic Round Dutch Oven is perfect for boules (round loaves). The deep walls trap steam, giving you that perfect rise and crust. Our 

Best for Rustic, Longer Loaves

If you prefer oval-shaped sourdough, go for an Oval Dutch Oven. The extra length gives your bread more space to expand.

Best for Focaccia & Flatbreads

For focaccia, ciabatta, or deep-dish bread, the Shallow Casserole Dutch Oven is ideal. The wide base helps dough spread evenly, creating crispy edges and a soft, airy centre.

Enjoy Sourdough Baking Made Easy with a Dutch Oven

Baking sourdough at home takes a bit of patience, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want store-bought bread again. Whether you’re making crispy boules, rustic oval loaves, or golden focaccia, a Crumble Dutch oven makes all the difference.

Ready to bake? Check out Crumble’s Dutch Oven collection and start your sourdough journey today.