BEST Dutch Oven Soup Recipes! (2024)

FAQs

Are Dutch ovens good for soups? ›

Dutch ovens are great for stews, sauces, soups, braises or any other moist-heat cooking method. This pot can cook a casserole or a whole chicken. You can brown meat and vegetables on the stove and let them simmer away or transfer your pot to the oven to finish cooking there.

Dutch ovens are perfect to use with making soup, but can also be used for roasts, stews, casseroles, or even for braising meat! Le Creuset features enameled cast iron which ensures superior heat distribution and retention.

No matter the style or size, any Dutch oven will open up endless recipe opportunities. Create beautifully braised meat, pot roasts, hearty beef stew, healing chicken soup, or the creamiest mac and cheese. Use it like a slow cooker, a bread cloche, or a pot for frying.

The metal knob is safe in the oven up to 500 degrees, so I have no qualms going from stove to oven. I think what I like most is the pot's pretty paint job.

And while there are plenty of sizes to choose from, like oval Dutch ovens, or shallow Dutch ovens, Cimarusti prefers the classic Le Creuset 5.5-quart Dutch oven. “The attention to detail is just great,” he says. If a Michelin-starred chef uses one everyday, it's worth adding to your kitchen.

It holds the heat evenly, and the enamel makes it great for easy cleanup.” He went on to say that at his restaurant, chefs use the brand's pans, and all of the sauces are made in Le Creuset sauce pots.

Traditionally, a Dutch oven is a cast iron seasoned pot. This has changed over time, and now the Le Creuset pots (and knock-offs similar to it) are enameled cast iron and don't require seasoning. Lodge is a very well-known cast iron brand and is one of the few to still sell seasoned dutch ovens.

When you buy from Le Creuset, you're paying for high-quality pots and pans that are designed to stand the test of time. Rather than aluminum or stainless steel, Le Creuset craft their pieces from cast iron, which has a much higher heat capacity.

What makes Dutch ovens (also sometimes called French ovens) so enduring is their versatility. The sturdy build helps store and maintain heat, the heavy lid traps condensation and allows for more efficient heating, and the single-piece construction means Dutch ovens move easily between the cooktop and the oven.

Another versatile alternative to a Dutch oven is the classic pot or stockpot - and the best thing about this substitute is that every kitchen should already have a large pot! Stockpots work particularly well, as they have high sides and a lid that will allow you to simmer your ingredients for an extended time.

What are 10 reasons to use a Dutch oven? ›

While they may not be as durable as Le Creuset, they still offer decent quality for everyday cooking. You might also find that Martha Stewart cookware is lighter and more practical for a college student who won't be doing as much heavy-duty cooking.

The key piece of information to keep in mind is the enamel coating—do you prefer the ease of mind that comes with a non stick surface and protection from rust? If so, choose enameled. Does the thought of a little care and maintenance not bother you? If that's the case, you can go with unfinished cast iron.

A: This is what the Le Creuset Care and Use manual says for Oven Use: "For our SIGNATURE range of enameled cast iron, with black phenolic lid knobs, the maximum oven use temperature is 480 degrees. Products with integral cast iron handles or stainless steel knobs can be used at any oven temperature.

Medium-sized is the most universal

Anywhere between a 5- to 7-quart Dutch oven is the right all-purpose size for most cooking tasks.

Warm up your Dutch ovens for soup season. You won't be able to resist whipping up a pot of these Dutch oven-approved soups, stews, chilis, and classic chowders.

This means that soups, stews and anything with "braised" in the title should be at the top of your Dutch oven recipe list. The durable cast-iron keeps the food at a consistent temperature for even cooking. Plus, when removed from the heat, the dish will stay piping hot for at least 30 minutes.

Your Dutch oven can keep food cold and fresh

Plus, because your Dutch oven can be covered, it's ideal for storing food overnight. Food 52 adds that in some cases, like in stews, flavors even get better the longer they sit in your Dutch oven.