5 Best Dutch Ovens for Bread Baking
A Dutch oven will completely transform your loaves of homemade bread, but you want to make sure you invest in one of the best Dutch ovens for bread baking. Whether making homemade bread is your favorite pastime or you're gearing up for some online bread making classes, using the best Dutch oven for bread baking will help you perfect your sourdough so you get that crispy crust and airy texture every time.
Dutch ovens come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles, but which one is most suited to your specific baking and cooking needs? Find the best one for you on this list of the five best Dutch ovens for bread baking. No matter which you choose, you’ll be baking artisan sourdough bread in no time!
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- Best Overall: Staub Round Cocotte 5.5 Qt
- Best Space-Saving: Staub Cocotte Round 4 Qt
- Best American Made: Finex Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5 Qt
- Most Versatile: Staub Tall Cocotte 5 Qt
- Best for Batards: Lodge 7 Quart Oval Oyster Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Bonus: Mrs. Anderson’s Round Bread Proofing Basket
1. Best Overall: Staub Round Cocotte 5.5 Qt
The Staub Round Cocotte 5.5 Qt is the overall best Dutch oven for bread baking and will become your life-long cast iron kitchen companion. The round design with self-basting spikes and the chip-resistant enamel coating make it the ideal Dutch oven for sourdough bread, especially boules. Crafted in France, this cast iron dish also cooks and browns food evenly and is great for preparing stews, roasts, soups, casseroles and more. Size, versatility and a classic black finish make this our pick for the overall best Dutch oven for bread baking.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
The versatility and user-friendliness of this Staub cocotte impress Chef Chris the most. He finds the metal lid particularly helpful as it allows him to start a dish on his stove and transfer it to the oven with no hassle whatsoever.
2. Best Space-Saving: Staub Cocotte Round 4 Qt
Just because you have a smaller kitchen doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the art of bread-baking, thanks to the Staub Cocotte Round 4 Qt. With the same features as the larger 5.5 quart size, it is still one of the best Dutch ovens for bread making, only the slightly smaller size means it will take up less space in your cabinets and on your countertops. The vibrant cherry color is an absolute show-stopper and will gorgeously accent your kitchen.
Why This Product is Cozymeal-Approved
We love high-performance cookware that looks incredible, and the Staub Cocotte Round 4 Qt. satisfies both those criteria. The eye-catching cherry red of this cocotte leaves us breathless!
3. Best American Made: Finex Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5 Qt
Hand-crafted in Portland, Oregon, each Finex Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5 Qt is pre-seasoned with organic flaxseed oil and features a non-stick, rust-resistant bronze finish. This is the best Dutch oven for bread baking made in America, featuring a unique octagonal shape for mess-free pouring. Thanks to the dual quick-cooling, stainless-steel spring handles, you don’t have to worry about losing your grip on one of the best Dutch ovens for bread baking, either!
Why This Product Is Cozymeal Approved
We're enjoy how this Dutch oven improves on a classic design with thoughtful features that add more comfort and convenience. The octagonal shape is especially appealing — pour out from any angle!
4. Most Versatile: Staub Tall Cocotte 5 Qt
If you want one of the best Dutch ovens for baking bread, but also a cast iron dish capable of conquering all your other cooking needs, the Staub Tall Cocotte 5 Qt is for you! The added height makes this taller Dutch oven perfect for cooking up large quantities of soups and stews and slow-cooking meat and vegetables, while still being the best size Dutch oven for bread, too. With this elegant, France-made Dutch oven for sourdough, soups and more stocked in your kitchen, you can prepare and serve savory dishes alongside your favorite homemade breads.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
Chef Andy raves about the versatility and perfornance of this cocotte. He loves the fact that it can do everything: fry, slow cook, bake bread and give the perfect sear you'd expect from a cast-iron skillet, except with easier maintenance and cleanup.
5. Best for Batards: Lodge 7 Quart Oval Oyster Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
When you want to bake an oval loaf of sourdough (which is ideal for sandwiches), you’ll need the best Dutch oven for baking bread in this shape, the Lodge 7 Quart Oval Oyster Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. In addition to being one of the best Dutch ovens for bread, the smooth glass surface also makes it excellent for braising, roasting and broiling, especially as it can handle temperatures up to 500ºF. With a large 7 quart capacity, it’s the best size Dutch oven for bread, as there’s plenty of room for your loaves to expand.
Bonus: Mrs. Anderson’s Round Bread Proofing Basket
You can use (and reuse) the Mrs. Anderson’s Round Bread Proofing Basket to structure and support your soft bread dough during proofing. With a coiled texture, it will give your loaf an artisan finish. It’s the perfect partner to your Dutch oven for baking bread!
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We're extremely pleased with the design and structure of this delightful bread proofing basket — perfect for consistently amazing loaves!
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Whether you’re a novice or a professional, the key to baking artisan sourdough is to use one of the best Dutch ovens for bread baking. Invest in this bread making essential and allow your bread baking skills rise to the next level.
For even more baking tools and appliances, check out chef-recommended cookware in the Cozymeal Shop.
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