Dutch Oven Alternatives to Try
No need for an extra appliance with these alternate methods!
A Dutch oven may be the most versatile item in the kitchen, as it can be used for sautéing, steaming, stewing, frying, braising, baking, and roasting. But if you don't have a Dutch oven on hand, there are plenty of Dutch oven substitutes you can try instead! The best way to determine what substitute to use is to think about what type of cooking you would be doing in a Dutch oven, and choose an alternative that also excels in that type of cooking. With our guide to Dutch oven alternatives, one of them is sure to meet your needs.
Stock Pot: Rachael Ray Create Delicious 6 Qt. Non-Stick Aluminum Stockpot With Lid
If you were planning to use a Dutch oven to make a soup, stew, or sauce, to boil pasta, or to simmer broth, a stock pot is an ideal alternative. A stock pot has tall sides and is made of stainless steel. Because the stock pot may not trap heat in the same way as a traditional cast-iron Dutch oven, you may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature slightly.
While stock pots have a thin base to conduct heat quickly and are best for thin soups, soup pots have a thicker base to prevent burning and are best for thicker soups. If you were planning to use a Dutch oven to make a thicker soup or stew, consider using a soup pot as an alternative.
Slow Cooker: Hamilton Beach 8 Qt. Oval Slow Cooker
A slow cooker, such as a Crock-Pot, can also be a perfect Dutch oven substitute. Many recipes call for a Dutch oven because the food needs to cook slowly and for a prolonged period of time. A Dutch oven's insulated walls trap heat and allow food to cook evenly throughout the pot. Similarly, a slow cooker is also designed to hold in heat and cook food slowly and evenly for a prolonged period. For recipes that require stewing or slow-cooking, this appliance is a good Dutch oven alternative.
Cast Iron Skillet: Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Skillet
One of the best and most unique capabilities of Dutch ovens is that they can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. A cast-iron skillet is one of the few other types of cookware that also can be used in both ways. For recipes that require braising, sautéing, frying, or baking, a cast-iron skillet is a suitable stand-in for a Dutch oven. Depending on the recipe, you may need to locate a lid that will fit your skillet securely.
Oven-Safe Casserole Dish: Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware 4 Qt. Rectangular Casserole With Lid
For Dutch-oven dishes that finish in the oven, you can always substitute an oven-safe casserole dish. A ceramic casserole dish with a lid is ideal because a Dutch oven always has a lid. However, a glass casserole dish can also be a Dutch oven alternative; simply use aluminum foil to create a makeshift lid while completing your baking.
If you were planning to use a Dutch oven for frying, consider using a wok instead. A wok – usually used for making stir fries – can also be used for deep frying, whether you're making French fries or fried chicken. With its flared sides, a wok prevents oil from splattering all over the kitchen and from boiling over.
Dutch ovens can be used for cooking many different foods via a variety of cooking methods. When determining what to use instead of a Dutch oven, focus on the type of cooking you need to do, and that will help you figure out the best Dutch oven alternatives.
Article by Nancy Mann Jackson.
