Best Dutch Ovens for Making Bread: Complete Guide

Baking bread in a Dutch oven may seem, to some, too difficult to attempt. A Dutch oven, when used correctly, will give you a loaf of bread that looks like you purchased it from an artisan baker. Just like the sourdough bread from the famous Boudin Bakery in San Francisco…

In fact, a Dutch oven is the closest cooking pot that emulates a traditional Bakers Oven. More on that later… What size Dutch oven is best for baking bread?

The best Dutch oven for bread is seasoned or enameled and is sized between 5-1/2-Quarts and 7 Quarts is the perfect size oven to bake a standard size loaf of bread of your choice. A larger size will allow you to double the recipe or prepare bread rolls or bread in shapes other than round.

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Baking Bread in a Dutch Oven

To many of us, bread baking conjures up visions of our grandmothers spending a day preparing a loaf of bread pounding, kneading, rising, kneading, rising, kneading, rising, rising… finally baking.

Well, I am here to tell you that making homemade bread has evolved. Yes, bread making is an art form. An art that presents us with the most beautiful looking, exquisite smelling and a feast for the tastebuds loaf of bread we all love to eat.

But with the evolution of bread and the science behind bread-making “NO Knead” has also come into our lives. No-knead is also evolving every day.

Ways are being created and opened up to home chefs to be able to make bread quicker and easier at home every day. So throw away your electric bread maker and learn how to use a Dutch oven for baking bread…

Why Bake Bread in a Dutch Oven?

The benefit of baking bread in a Dutch oven is that the high heat the oven retains makes steam that remains inside the oven allowing it to rise and cook from the inside out… Here are a couple of other reasons a Dutch oven is the best way to bake bread and why I love bread baking in one.

Bread Oven

Dutch ovens are the closest alternative to a baker’s oven you will find. Like a baker’s oven, an extra dough rise will occur and you will get a final rise (spring), producing a light but moist texture inside the loaf, and a crunchy crust.

Additives

We all know about additives. Predominately they were added to food to elongate its freshness and shelf life, also to make food taste better. (Argh)

But as time has gone by additives have increased and food is lasting longer.

We all want healthy and fresh ingredients in our food – unfortunately, almost always you will not know exactly what has been added to the pre-prepared food you purchase.

Convenience

Once you have the standard ingredients, including a Dutch oven, for bread making in your home you can prepare a loaf of bread at any time.

Remember you can freeze bread – yes even homemade bread.

Toast and butter smell and tastes just as good as fresh bread…

Versatility

Home cooks are not limited to baking bread in a Dutch oven as you are an electric bread maker. The uses for using a cast iron pot cooking are only limited by your imagination. You can even use this cooking pot for outdoor use while on vacation as well as in the kitchen.

Recommended read Dutch Oven Uses

Pure Enjoyment

Deriving enjoyment from a piece of freshly baked and butter bread that you made.

We all deserve the time to enjoy this simple pleasure! Regularly…

Read more about making bread in a Dutch Oven in my article here – also get great tips you may not have thought of…

So Is a Cast-Iron Dutch Oven Any Good for Baking Bread?

Yes, cast iron Dutch ovens are a great option as it is a heavy pot that has thick bases, walls, and integrated handles. Able to withstand higher temperatures and hold their heat. Their heavy lids allow the steam to give the bread its final rise, cook the outside of the loaf, finish cooking the inside of the bread, and lastly remove the lid to achieve crusty bread.

What is the Best Size Dutch Oven for Baking Bread?

The best size Dutch oven for baking bread is a 5 to 5 1/2 quart Dutch oven.

All my standard bread, no-knead bread, and sourdough recipes have enough room for the steam to circulate efficiently and the loaves expand outwards and rise up without sticking to the sides of the lid of the Dutch oven.

My 5-quart Lodge seasoned double Dutch oven with a flat, not domed lid, always has plenty of room for loaves to expand and rise.

A larger Dutch oven will provide room for larger loaves, oval or different shaped loaves other than round, and bread rolls.

When choosing a larger Dutch oven consider the weight when laden and the inefficiency if you are cooking standard-sized loaves of bread only.

Best Dutch Ovens for Baking Bread

My recommendation for Dutch ovens for making the best Dutch oven bread is based upon the Dutch ovens I use personally or would consider using in the future. Various sizes of cast-iron ovens in seasoned bare cast iron and enamel finish something for everyone outdoors and in the kitchen.

For my Dutch oven bread made in the kitchen, Le Creuset Dutch ovens like their most popular French oven the Le Creuset Signature 5.5-quart Dutch oven, a Lodge Dutch Oven the one I own is a Lodge double Dutch oven, a small Staub Cocotte, and the best option for any campfire a large Camp Chef Camp Dutch oven with legs.

There are different types of Dutch ovens including an oval shape that is perfect for bread baking, let’s check them out and find one for your cooking needs.

1. Le Creuset 5 1/2-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (Top Pick)

Perfect for baking bread at 5.5-quarts, it falls right into the range for the average loaf of bread. Although the cast iron and layers of enamel are lighter in weight than some other brands make no mistake the lid fits perfectly and is heavy enough to seal the steam in for the “spring”.

The handles on the “Signature” are larger than the previous “Classic” model they are integrated into the Dutch oven, so molded with the original casting, for safety.

Most Signature pieces come with stainless steel today. If you need to interchange knobs there are of course a choice of knobs that are readily available Gold, Silver, and Black. For baking bread, you will need the silver knob oven safe to 500°F.

With almost a century of proven performance, this French-made Dutch oven still follows the same manufacturing process as when Le Creuset first began production in 1925.

The piece you buy will be original as the sand castings are broken and recycled once Your Dutch oven is made. Before it leaves for retail sales the pieces are inspected and inspected again. The old adage that you get what you pay for applies to Le Creuset you will not be disappointed.

Pros	Cons
45% larger handles than the previous model (Classic) for a safe grip	Price – Most Expensive
Second to none heat distribution and retention	Weighs 12.7 pounds
This Dutch oven has advanced sand-colored interior enamel that resists wear and chipping	Hand washing is the best practice with all cast iron cookware, even though the label says dishwasher safe
Can be used for temperatures up to 500 °F including handles and knob	Limited lifetime warranty
The lid is built with lid stabilizers for a snug, non-slip fit
Lightweight enameled cast iron cookware
Easy cleanup, Le Creuset cleaning products available
Made in France
Large range of different colors Black, Caribbean, Cherry, Hibiscus, Dune, Flame, Marine, Marseille, Midnight Grey, Oyster, Palm, Truffle, Soliel, and White
Durability – you will be using a Le Creuset for a long time

See my in-depth review of this 5.5-quart Le Creuset enamel Dutch oven

2. Lodge Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven (Runner Up)

The Lodge enameled Dutch oven is sturdy and its rounded base hugs the dough you will turn into bread. The heavy lid definitely keeps the steam inside for the perfect loaf of bread.

6-quart size is right in the range for the best size Dutch oven for bread. Generous integrated handles, ovens safe to 500 °F including the knob, light interiors with many bright colors available for any kitchen.

You absolutely will be utilizing this Dutch oven for everyday use along with making baking bread.

Pros	Cons
Porcelain enamel interior is ideal for cooking, its surface does not impart flavors or absorb odors	Handwash recommended
Safe for induction, halogen, glass/ceramic, gas, and electric stove-tops	Weighs 16 pounds
Metal Knob – Stainless Steel Knob oven safe to 500 °F	Made in China
Large handles for oven mitts
1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6-quart sizes
Different shapes
8 décor colors
Limited lifetime warranty

See my in-depth review of this 6-quart Lodge enamel Dutch oven

3. Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (Budget)

This affordable Le Creuset look-alike Dutch oven has a cast iron core that is coated with safe porcelain enamel.

Coming in at 6.5-quarts it is a practical all-around Dutch oven. You will not only be limited to baking bread but you will use it every day with a family. A couple with meal prepping in mind will be able to create dishes for a whole week in advance.

Pros	Cons
The solid cast iron body is coated with PFOA and PTFE-free porcelain enamel	Reports of sticking the bottom when on an electric hob
The durable stainless steel knob on the heavy lid gives superior heat retention and distribution qualities	Weighs 12 pounds
Use on gas, electric, ceramic glass, and induction cooktops, oven safe to 450 °F	Handwash only
Colors – Cobalt Blue, Ombre Red, Gray	Limited lifetime warranty
Perfect for a family of 4 to 6 people
No seasoning required

See my in-depth review of the Tramontina Dutch Oven

4. Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven (Versatile)

The Lodge seasoned double Dutch oven is 5-quarts of one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you can own as it is two pieces in one.

Both the lid and oven have integrated handles that match up for easy transport, which you will need because this Dutch oven gets hot.

The oven is deep just right for baking bread but you will notice how deep the lid is also for an even higher “spring” if it is possible.

The Iconic brand Lodge manufacturing still produces their seasoned cast iron cookware sustainably in the USA after decades of perfecting the art of sand casting molten iron.

Pros	Cons
5-quart pre-seasoned oven made of cast-iron material and comes with a skillet cover	Weighs 12.4 pounds
It has integrated side handles on the lid and base for easy and secure transport	Needs Seasoning
The lid is 1.5 inches in depth	Hand washing
Its lid converts to a 10.25-inch Skillet	Limited lifetime warranty
Flat bottom so it is oven safe
The Dutch oven and the lid can withstand temperatures of 500 °F

See my in-depth review of the Lodge Double Dutch Oven

5. Combekk Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (100% Recycled Materials)

This Dutch oven is made in the Netherlands from recycled railway sleepers.

At 6.3-quarts it falls into the range for the best size Dutch oven for baking bread. It is solidly built and can be used on all cooking surfaces including induction.

Available in 3 sizes and 2 colors, with or without the thermometer. Even heat retention on all stovetops, unfortunately, the layered enamel coating doesn’t suit the campfire setting.

The unique built-in thermometer actually works, yes there was skepticism out there regarding this feature.

See one happy customer’s successful bread baking attempt in their new Combekk Dutch oven, all that was needed was a little cornmeal sprinkled on the base to stop the bread from sticking.

Pros	Cons
Cast Iron is recycled from railway sleepers	Weighs 13.42 pounds
Coated with PTFE-free chip-resistant enamel finish	The quality of the 6.3-quart is reflected in the price
This Dutch oven has advanced sand-colored interior enamel that resists wear and chipping	Searching for negative reviews and could not find one…
Each Dutch oven is stamped reflecting the origin of the metal
2 sizes – 4.25 quart and 6.3 quart
Fitted thermometers are available to further enhance the use
40-year guarantee

See my in-depth review of Combekk Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

6. Crock-Pot Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (Brand)

Crock-Pot Brand has been around since August 1970 when they introduced us to the Crock-Pot slow cooker. Over time the brand successfully branched out into many other areas of the food industry so the enamel cast iron Crock-Pot was born.

This 5-quart is compact compared to the other brands you see today, but compact is what some of us need. This size Dutch oven will fit a regular size loaf of bread, a 10″ breadbasket will fit inside this oven. Hey, you can adjust a recipe to suit if this is the size you are after.

Good sized handles compared to other brands and a bonus spiked lid for self-basting most brands don’t offer this feature.

12 colors to choose from oven and knob are oven safe up to 450 °F. This would make the perfect oven for cooking bread alone or an awesome entry-level cast iron Dutch oven. For a very reasonable price for those just starting out with cast iron cooking, this is perfect.

Features	Price
Affordable price for bread making	Handwash only
Perfect for Cooking, Serving, and Storing	Reported cracking
Large handles make it easy to carry	Made in China
Self-Basting Lid
Works on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction cooktops
Oven safe up to 450 °F
3 sizes – 3, 5, and 7 quart
Colors include Aqua, Blue, Blush, Burgundy Wine, Demin Blue, Gradient Teal, Gradient Red, Gray, Pistachio, Red, Slate Gray, Sunset Orange, Teal, and Teal Ombre

7. Lodge Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven (Campfire Cooking)

Although I personally use a Camp Chef Dutch oven with legs, I have chosen a similar Lodge because this cast iron is made in the USA. I do own a Lodge Double Dutch Oven so I can attest to the quality of this cast iron.

Although these Dutch ovens have integral legs for standing amongst coals it also has a wire bail handle. This helps you control the intense heat while camp cooking by hanging it on a tripod.

Baking bread while camping is so convenient because it can be carried out between meals, you have it out to cook meals anyway when not baked as well. This bread baking while camping cookbook teaches us how to get the perfect loaf in the wild.

Pros	Cons
Pre-seasoned from the factory and ready to use	Heavy 19 pounds
Campfire or fireplace Dutch oven	Needs seasoning
Can withstand extreme temperatures	Can be used in an oven, but it is awkward with the legs
Lodge Company has been manufacturing cast-iron cookware for decades in the USA
Lifetime warranty

See my in-depth review of Lodge Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven

How to Choose the Best Dutch Oven for Baking Bread

The first step is choosing what type of Dutch oven suits your needs. Cast iron Dutch ovens are the best for the high temperatures and heat/steam retention required to get the best loaf of bread.

There are two types of Dutch ovens seasoned cast iron which history tells us have been in production for thousands of years and enameled coated Dutch ovens that are coming up to 100 years in production.

Seasoned Dutch Ovens vs Enameled Dutch Ovens

There are many types of Dutch ovens made from different materials. The two types of cast-iron Dutch ovens I refer to in this article are the traditional seasoned Dutch oven and the enamel-coated Dutch oven.

Seasoned Cast-Iron Dutch Ovens

The traditional seasoned cast-iron Dutch oven has been around for hundreds of years. This seasoned type of Dutch oven was used over open flames.

Even today there are versions of the original oven that are used for campfire cooking. The iron is protected and retains a natural non-stick surface if the seasoning does not break down. Regular use or light seasoning will maintain the iron.

• use outside and inside
• no temperature limit
• can be preheated
• lifetime

Enamel Coasted Cast-Iron Dutch Ovens

The other is enameled cast iron which is used in a kitchen setting, it retains most of the features of traditional seasoned cast iron with a few limitations.

• cannot use outside
• temperature limit
• no preheating – enamel is like glass
• enamel fragile
• limited lifetime

Recommended read How hot can a Dutch oven get?

Seasoned Dutch Oven and Enameled Dutch Oven Comparison Table

Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Ovens	Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Ovens
Indoor and Outdoor Use	Indoor Use Only
Exposed cast iron can withstand high temperatures over 500°F	Limited Temperature up to 500°F (manufacturers advice)
Integrated cast iron lid loops or knobs are oven safe. As are metal knobs up to 500°F	Metal knobs are oven safe up to 500°F (check manufacturers advice)
Integrated cast iron handles are oven safe	Integrated enameled cast iron handles oven safe. If handles are attached externally check the manufacturer’s instructions
Can be preheated	Should not be preheated (empty)
Non-stick when seasoning is maintained	Can be non-stick (depends upon use)
Seasoning required	Enamel does not need seasoning, but the exposed cat iron rim of the oven and lid should be seasoned just like bare cast iron
No staining when maintained	Enamel will stain and breakdown over time
Life span – infinite	The oven will rust if the enamel is compromised
	Life span – limited
PRICE – Affordable	PRICE – More expensive

Best Shape and Size Dutch Oven for Bread

The size and shape of the Dutch oven are dependent upon the amount of bread you want to prepare in one bake. The standard Dutch oven bread recipe requires an oven either round or oval of about 5 quarts.

Both Round and oval Dutch ovens are suitable for any bread recipe you choose it is just a matter of shaping your loaf or using a proofing basket or banneton. If using a banneton an inch between it and the walls of your Dutch oven is all you need.

The type of bread and volume of the dough also comes into play here. For example, sourdough bread, given enough room, can increase by 4 times its volume. Remember the final rise (spring) happens up not across.

The walls of the oven need to be high. So don’t make the mistake of purchasing a 5-quart shallow Dutch oven as your bread will not have the necessary room to rise.

This size leaves plenty of room for “the rise” as well as enough room for circulation that will give your bread the lovely outer shell.

Rule of thumb 2.2 pounds of dough needs a deep 4-quart Dutch oven at the very least.

The best size Dutch oven for baking bread is a Dutch oven between the sizes 5-quart and 7.5-quart – to accommodate the standard loaf of bread recipe.

1. 5-quart to 7.5-quart provides plenty of room for the loaf to rise, form, and crust.
2. Under 5-quart the Dutch oven can be used for stews and casseroles and is adequate for up to 4 people – BUT there is no room in a small Dutch oven for bread to be baked without adhering and sticking to the sides of the Dutch oven.

Quality Control

A good quality Dutch oven will give the optimum results with any form of Dutch oven cooking. Baking bread is no exception.

When you unbox your new Dutch oven, whether seasoned or enameled, give it a very thorough inspection. Check the following of both the oven and its lid;

• cast-iron is smooth without cracks, ridges, and rust
• enamel smooth has no chips or cracks and is shiny
• check around handles that they should be integrated (cast in one piece with the oven)
• the lid is heavy and fits tightly on the oven
• a flat bottom Dutch oven should sit on a surface correctly and not be warped

If you are not completely happy with the oven after your inspection return it before use for a new one or a refund.

You should be aware that the cheaper the Dutch oven the more likely it is that it has been mass-produced. Hence probably a little rough around the edges.

Brands like Le Creuset and others like Staub in a similar price range still handcraft, finish and inspect their products before they enter a box.

So I would fully expect a higher range of Dutch ovens will be finished and presented perfectly without the required return or exchange.

Recommened read Le Creuset vs Staub

Lid

If the Dutch oven has a knob it needs to be oven safe for temperatures up to 500°F.

The lid should not let steam escape when preparing any Dutch oven recipe as the steam and moisture are the foundation of Dutch oven cooking.

The most important feature a Dutch needs to bake bread is a heavy and tight-fitting lid. It is the lid that keeps the steam in and assists the bread to get its “SPRING”.

The “spring” is what happens to the loaf when the steam hits the dough and it continues to expand before being fully cooked through.

The loaf rises first, the moisture cooks the bread from the inside first and lastly, the bread outside of the bread is sealed and crusted up.

Removing the lid at the end of cooking and exposing the bread to the oven browns the crust without drying the bread out.

Related read Le Creuset Replacement Knob Guide

Dutch Oven Accessories

Ensure that the Dutch oven handles, looped lid handle, and any other fittings it may have attached to it are conventional oven safe. You will be heating the Dutch oven to as high a temperature as the manufacturer permits you do not want pieces melting while cooking.

Recommended read the only Dutch Oven Accessories you need…

Dutch Oven Care and Maintenance

Cast iron cookware is the ultimate home bread maker and if cared for correctly will outlast any other cookware type.

If you are a regular visitor to my site you will have run across one of the many articles referring to the cleaning, seasoning, and maintenance of cast-iron Dutch ovens. So a quick reminder is in order here as well.

Providing you use oil and/or parchment paper I cannot imagine that you will come across any trouble regarding sticking or burning. If you do go through the usual regime to keep your Dutch oven in perfect working order.

Warning: Avoid Thermal Shock AKA heat fluctuations – do not pre-heat your Dutch oven before use. This in turn stops enamel coatings from cracking and chipping and protects the cast iron core from rust.

Safety: If you want the maximum performance from your Dutch oven ensure that the handles are integrated with the oven. Do not buy a Dutch oven with handles attached as it is likely these handles will not be able to withstand the same extreme temperatures as to oven.

Clean & Maintain Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Ovens

To keep the shiny dark surface or “Patina” non-stick the correct cleaning methods and regular seasoning is required.

Cleaning

1. No dishwasher
2. Always clean as soon after the dish is complete
3. Remove food particles and not let them dry out
4. Do not soak cast iron
5. Cool the Dutch oven to prevent thermal shock
6. Clean with hot water and a scrubbing brush
7. Hard to remove particles or stains – boil some water for a short time and clean again
8. Dry immediately after cleaning – best practice is on a warm surface, oven, or grill
9. Store away from humidity to protect the iron from rust

Maintenance

Remember the aim is to maintain the natural non-stick surface for as long as possible. To achieve this

1. Use plenty of oil while cooking
2. Take care when using your cooking utensil along the top of the cast iron Do not gouge the surface, but scrap a flat-faced tool along the top

Check out my list of the best utensils to use on cast iron cookware

When should you re-season cast iron? You will know when food starts to stick or the surface becomes dull. Regular re-seasoning is hassle-free when your cast iron is clean and dry.

Find out how to season cast iron Dutch ovens in my article here.

Clean & Maintain Enamel Dutch Ovens, French Ovens, or Cocotte

1. cool the Dutch oven
2. hand wash with water and a nylon scourer
3. no dishwasher
4. dry thoroughly – immediately – both enamel and seasoned cast-iron
5. invert inside the oven you used to make your bread and it will be perfectly dry
6. store your Dutch oven safely – no stacking avoids chips and cracks

Check out this seasoning cast iron article that will help you keep your cookware in top shape

Recommended read Dutch Oven Bread Sticking

Best Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

This is my absolute favorite quick no-knead Dutch oven bread recipe. This is the recipe I use when I do not want to try something new and just want a perfect loaf of Dutch oven bread – without thinking…

Ingredients	Preparation
4 cups all-purpose flour	Mix yeast and water – sit for 5 minutes
1 ½ tablespoons salt (I prefer iodized sea salt)	Combine dry ingredients
1 teaspoon or 1 envelope of active dry yeast	Make well in the center
2 cups warm water (temperature 90˚-110˚F or 30˚-40˚C)	Add water and yeast
	Mix together, cover, 1 to 2 hours – double the original size
	Remove and knead a couple of times
	Cover and sit for another hour
	Place in the Dutch oven
	Cook for 40 minutes
	Remove lid cooker for further 15 minutes to brown
	Remove cool for 20 minutes before cutting
	Enjoy

Check out a quick Dutch oven bread recipe with detailed instructions in my article

FAQs

Quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding bread baking and using a Dutch oven to do it.

Can you bake bread in enameled cast iron?

Yes, you can bake bread in an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven because it will heat up to the temperatures required to make the perfect loaf. When covered the Dutch oven will allow the moisture to steam causing the “final rise” of the loaf. You will also get the wonderful crisp crust when finishing off the loaf.

What can I use in place of a Dutch oven?

Almost any oven-proof dish with a lid can be used like a Dutch oven. Check out the full list of Dutch oven alternatives in my article.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven Sizes

Round Le Creuset Dutch oven sizes range from a small one that feeds 2-3 people to a large Le Creuset Dutch oven that feeds 13-14 people.

Oval Le Creuset Dutch oven sizes range from a small one that feeds 3-4 people right up to an oven that feeds 15-16 people.

See a full range of Le Creuset cookware sizes in my article here…

If you need more information about Le Creuset size by letter you can see my article here…

What size Dutch oven for sourdough bread?

As with all bread-making in a Dutch oven, the size of the Dutch oven will depend upon the size of the loaf required.

The ingredients for a standard size loaf of bread of 1 1/2 pounds or 680 grams will suit a 5 to 7-quart Dutch oven. There will be plenty of room for the rise, the loaf will not stick to the sides of the oven and it will be finished with a crisp crust.

What size Dutch oven for Tartine bread?

You need to choose the size of the bread you want to bake before choosing a Dutch oven size. For a standard bread recipe use this calculation;

1 part bread dough = 5 times the rise (just to be safe) = a 5-quart Dutch Oven

What size Dutch oven is best for no-knead bread?

For the standard no-knead bread recipe 5-quart to 7.5-quart leaving room inside the oven for the dough to rise without sticking to the inside.

Final Thoughts – Best Dutch Ovens for Making Bread

So just like the gorgeous loaves of artisan bread, we can purchase from the famous Boudin Bakery you too can bake bread in your own quality cast-iron Dutch oven.

Given all the information above – I myself have a 7.25-quart (28cm) Le Creuset round Dutch oven. This size allows me to prepare any dish, or bake for up to 8 people.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks