What Can I Cook in a Dutch Oven? From Slow-Cooked Stews to Sourdough Bread

Wondering what you can cook in a Dutch oven? The answer is simple: pretty much everything. From stews to curries, to sourdough and chocolate cakes, to chips and donuts – a Dutch oven can handle almost anything you throw at it. Here’s how to get the most out of your Crumble Dutch oven with a general overview of what you can cook in it. 

Slow-Cooked Stews, Curries & Soups

Nothing beats the smell of a slow-simmering stew on the stove, and a Dutch oven makes it ridiculously easy. The thick walls and heavy lid lock in moisture and flavour, turning simple ingredients into rich, hearty meals. Think beef bourguignon, slow-cooked lamb shanks, or a big pot of pumpkin soup on a cold night.

If you love batch cooking, the Oval Dutch Oven is the perfect kitchen companion – it’s roomy enough to handle large cuts of meat or a family-sized curry. Meanwhile, the Classic Round Dutch Oven is a solid all-rounder, perfect for everyday soups and stews.

The Round Dutch Oven is the kitchen-all rounder for soups, stews and more!

Tender, Juicy Roasts & Braises

A Dutch oven is made for braising. You can sear your meat first on the stovetop, then pop it in the oven to cook low and slow. The result? Lamb that falls off the bone, melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, and chicken that stays juicy instead of drying out.

For bigger roasts, the Oval Dutch Oven is ideal. It gives you more space for larger cuts, plus room to pack in veggies and herbs. If you’re cooking for one or two, the Baby Dutch Oven is perfect for smaller braises, like short ribs or coq au vin.

One-Pot Pasta & Risottos

If you love cooking risottos, creamy pastas, or rich curries, the Shallow Casserole Dutch Oven is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. With a wider surface area and slightly lower sides, it allows sauces to reduce faster and evenly coats every bite.

Perfect for garlic butter prawn linguine, truffle mushroom risotto, or a rich butter chicken, the shallow design makes stirring and serving easier. And because it transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven to table, it’s great for serving straight from the pot.

The wide surface area of the shallow Dutch oven makes it great for saucy meals.

Fresh-Baked Bread with a Perfect Crust

One of the not-so-secret secrets of a Dutch oven? It’s the ultimate bread-baking tool. The heavy lid traps steam, which creates that crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside soft and airy. If you’ve ever tried making sourdough at home and ended up with a sad, dense loaf – this is the fix.

A Classic Round Dutch Oven is the best pick for sourdough, while an Oval Dutch Oven works well for bigger, rustic loaves. The Shallow Casserole Dutch Oven is also a great option for focaccia or other flatter breads that need room to spread out.

The Baby Dutch Oven is the go-to for sourdough lovers. 

Crispy Roasted Veggies

Dutch ovens aren’t just for meat lovers; they make the best roasted veggies, too. The even heat means you get perfectly caramelised sweet potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, or golden, garlicky roast potatoes without constantly checking the oven.

For smaller portions, the Baby Dutch Oven is great, while the Classic Round is ideal if you’re making a full tray of roast veg.

Deep-Fried Goodness: Chips, Chicken & Doughnuts

Because Dutch ovens hold heat so well, they’re perfect for deep-frying. Whether you’re making golden, crispy chips, buttermilk fried chicken, or homemade doughnuts, a Classic Round Dutch Oven keeps the oil at the perfect temp for that light, crispy crunch without turning everything into an oily mess.

Desserts: Pies, Cakes & Cookies

Yep, your Dutch oven can even handle desserts. Think apple pies, choc-chip cookies, or even a rich, gooey chocolate lava cake. The thick base means even heat distribution, so your desserts bake perfectly without burning.

Why a Dutch Oven is the Ultimate Kitchen Workhorse

If you’ve got a Dutch oven, you’ve basically got a do-it-all pot. From slow-cooked stews to fresh-baked bread, crispy roasts to deep-fried goodies, it’s one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you’ll ever own.

The key is choosing the right size – whether it’s the Baby Dutch Oven for personal meals, the Classic Round for everyday cooking, the Shallow Casserole for pastas and frying, or the Oval Dutch Oven for bigger roasts and family feasts. Or, if you’re a serious home cook, why not grab an essentials bundle or family cookware bundle? 

Ready to get cooking? Check out Crumble’s Dutch oven range and start making something delicious.