A Dutch oven is a multipurpose piece of cookware that is most commonly used for stews, roasts, and soups but can also bake breads. That being said, these vessels aren't one-size-fits-all and their proportions can directly affect the outcome of your intended bake. Before you can choose yours, you need to know what size Dutch oven to use for sourdough in order to yield perfect results.

What Size Dutch Oven Is Best for Sourdough?

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In general, the ideal Dutch oven size for sourdough is either four or five quarts. Not only are both volumes suitable for most standard bread recipes, but they are also easier to work with than larger options – making them ideal for beginner bakers. Dutch ovens in these sizes typically allow sufficient room for the bread to rise while maintaining the steam needed to create the crunchy crust and soft, airy interior that sourdough is known for.

Why Does Size Matter for Dutch Ovens?

As sourdough bakes in the Dutch oven, it generates steam which helps raise the bread and create the correct sourdough consistency of crusty on the outside and fluffy on the inside. For this reason, your Dutch oven needs to be the right size – large enough to accommodate this increase in volume but small enough to keep the steam concentrated. A small loaf baked in an oversized Dutch oven won't rise effectively because the surrounding empty space means the steam won't get close enough to the dough, resulting in an improper bake. On the other hand, a large loaf in a small Dutch oven will experience restricted growth and come out misshapen because of the cramped interior.

Tip!

Your proofing basket should be able to fit inside the Dutch oven with about a one-inch gap around it. The extra space is enough to allow the dough to expand and rise to form the correct shape and texture.

How to Choose Your Dutch Oven Size

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Before you choose your Dutch oven, you need to consider the amount of bread and the size of the loaves you intend to bake. The measurements below will guide you to the vessel that will work best for your needs. Keep in mind, for the most effective results, you want to select a high-quality Dutch oven with a well-fitting lid that will keep the steam in. Take a closer look at the different options to find out which one will be suitable for your sourdough.

0–2 Quarts: This is the smallest Dutch oven size range and is mostly used to make mini sourdough loaves. These vessels are best for very small yields and will typically bake your bread quite quickly.

3–4 Quarts: Three-quart Dutch ovens are great for small bread loaves or individually sized portions. Four quarts is great for most recipes for loaves of between 1 and 1.5 pounds. This size encourages heat and steam retention, which is ideal for creating the sourdough crust.

5–6 Quarts: Five-quart Dutch ovens are typically viewed as the standard size for bread baking and can hold loaves of up to 2 pounds or multiple smaller loaves. It is also the most versatile size because it can handle a larger variety of bread types. Six quarts can accommodate more substantial loaves from bigger recipes, making them good for larger families or gatherings. This size range is also useful for more sizable round loaves like boules and larger recipes that require more room to rise.

7–8 Quarts: Seven-quart Dutch ovens are ideal for those who bake large amounts of bread or host gatherings frequently. This size provides more room for larger dough quantities to rise correctly. Alternatively, you can bake several smaller loaves at once. Eight quarts can become too large for most sourdough recipes.

9+ Quarts: At this size, you are better off using your Dutch oven for stews, soups, and other slow-cooked meals instead of baking bread.

Tip!

If you are looking for extra sizing info, be sure to read Dutch Oven Sizes: Everything You Need to Know.

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