Dutch Oven Dutch Baby {Camping Recipe} - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

FAQs

Is a Dutch oven worth it for camping? ›

The answer is simple – whatever is cooked in it tastes fantastic, and it cooks just about everything. The Dutch oven is also called a camp oven, outdoor oven, kitchen oven, and bean pot.

Dutch ovens can also be suspended over a campfire using a tripod, placed on a campfire cooking grate over a fire, or placed directly on top of embers. Depending on your stove, it is also possible to use a Dutch oven on a camp stove. Our Dutch oven's legs fit in between the grates covering our camp stove's range.

Enameled cast–iron has a smooth, non-porous surface and can go from the stovetop, to the oven straight to the table. They should not be subjected to extremely high temperatures, so avoid using your enameled cast-iron dutch oven on a grill or in a campfire.

Add ingredients to your dutch oven, then heat the dutch oven gradually on the stovetop or in the oven (according to your recipe). Dutch ovens retain heat well and don't often require high heat settings to cook effectively, so gradual heating can help you keep a close eye on cooking temperatures.

Now look at the outdoor Dutch oven. It has legs that are designed to keep it just above coals, preventing direct contact with the heat and permitting oxygen to get to the coals. that are supposed to transfer juices back into roasts, basting the meat.

Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods in Cast-Iron Pans

You should avoid cooking acidic sauces in cast-iron pans for two reasons: first, the acid loosens trace amounts of molecules from the metal that can then leach into your foods, imparting a metallic flavor.

For the uninitiated, a Dutch oven involves farting in bed, then quickly pulling up the sheets to trap your significant other with the smell. It's a decades-old trick that has surely ruined countless relationships, yet many dudes still dare to try it.

Boil Pasta

Boil water in the Dutch oven, and when the pasta is perfectly al dente, strain it and place it back in the pot. The Dutch oven then acts as the perfect vessel for finishing the pasta with sauce, a pat of butter, and some pasta water.

Take your oven's diameter in inches and double it. This is the number of high-quality, standard-size charcoal briquettes you will need to heat your oven to 325 degrees every time. For a 10-inch oven, you need 20 briquettes. For a 12-incher, you need 24 briquettes, and so on.

Ways to Use Your Campfire Dutch Oven

You can even boil pasta and enjoy a hearty Italian dinner al fresco in your hammock. Sear: Made of cast iron, which is great for high-heat cooking because it transfers heat evenly, a Dutch oven can be used like a skillet for searing steaks, chops and chicken.

Do you leave the lid on a Dutch oven in the oven? ›

You may need to take the lid off part way through the cooking process. However, some recipes may call for the lid to be off from the beginning, so consult your recipe. If the lid is not oven-safe, you'll need to leave it off no matter what. Tip: Most Dutch ovens come with oven-safe lids, but not all do.

A Dutch oven is, in essence, a big pot with a lid designed to let very little steam escape. (This is useful when you're braising or stewing something and don't want a lot of evaporation.)

The Dutch oven is a must-have for home cooks—it's something you'll use almost daily. Heavy-bottomed, with a tight-fitted lid to help retain heat and moisture for cooking flavorful and tender meals like soups and stews, it's a kitchen workhorse.

What is the difference between a "Dutch oven" and a "camp oven"? Both are cast iron “heavy pots” but have different design. A camp oven has three short legs to perch it over coals or charcoal briquettes, and it also has a flat lid with a rim around it to hold more coals or briquettes.

Since our initial assessment, we've retested it and compared it to other similar products to ensure our recommendations remain up to date. Thanks to its versatility and quality construction, the Camp Chef Classic Dutch Oven continues to be one of our favorite Dutch ovens.