What Is a Camping Dutch Oven?<\/h2>\r\nHold it! Don't even think about sticking an enameled Dutch oven in a campfire. The Dutch ovens used at home<\/a> are not the same as the ones made for the great outdoors.\r\nThe Difference Between Classic and Camping Dutch Ovens<\/h3>\r\n![\"Dutch](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/dutch-oven-comparison-graphic-UD.png?fit=700,700\")
\r\nMaterial and Finish<\/h4>\r\nHome Dutch ovens (such as those made by Staub and Le Creuset) are made of cast iron and sealed in enamel. This enamel, which is beautiful and makes for easier cleaning, can become damaged when exposed to the high direct heat of an open campfire.\r\n\r\nCamping Dutch ovens are also made of cast iron. However, they're typically uncoated and rely on seasoning to create a nonstick cooking surface. These pieces of cookware are seasoned the same way you season a cast-iron skillet<\/a>.\r\nSupport Legs<\/h4>\r\nUnlike home Dutch ovens, which have a flat bottom, many camping Dutch ovens are made with short support legs that provide stability in a campfire and allow hot coals to be tucked underneath.\r\nLid Design<\/h4>\r\nIt's not uncommon for home Dutch ovens to have a slightly domed lid. This shape helps circulate the heat and trap steam inside for even cooking.\r\n\r\nA camping Dutch oven, on the other hand, needs to have a completely flat lid with a shallow, raised rim around the edge. This shape allows for hot coals to be placed on top without rolling off while cooking.\r\nHandle<\/h4>\r\nHome Dutch ovens typically have a short knob for a handle that looks nice but is not ideal for campfire cooking.\r\n\r\nCamping Dutch ovens most often have a large, pail-style handle that can easily pivot so the pot can be picked up and moved around the fire. Its design also allows for the Dutch oven to be hung from a campfire tripod.\r\nWays to Use Your Campfire Dutch Oven<\/h2>\r\n![\"chicken](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-855939154.jpg?fit=700,467\")
\r\n\r\nNow that you know what makes a camping Dutch oven unique, let's talk about how to use one over the open flames of a campfire.\r\n\r\nThe beauty of a Dutch oven is that it opens a door to all kinds of cooking methods when camping.\r\n\r\n \t- Simmer and boil:<\/strong> Use your Dutch oven as a heavy-bottomed pot to cook a batch of your favorite soup<\/a>, stew or chili recipe. You can even boil pasta and enjoy a hearty Italian dinner al fresco in your hammock.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Sear: <\/strong>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<\/a>, chops and chicken.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Steam: <\/strong>With a tight-fitting lid, a Dutch oven is ideal for steaming rice<\/a>, vegetables or even lobster tails. All you need is a bit of water and a basic steaming basket that fits inside.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Saute and pan fry: <\/strong>Make a stir-fry<\/a>, saute onions or, for fisherman, fry up your fresh catch of the day in a bit of cooking oil.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Braise: <\/strong>For slow days around the campsite, use a Dutch oven for some low and slow braising<\/a>. Braising in a Dutch oven requires dual-direction heating, meaning coals will need to be placed on the top and below the Dutch oven to create a moist, even cooking environment for braised short ribs<\/a>, chicken thighs or pot roast.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Bake: <\/strong>You can bake in a Dutch oven by placing coals on top and below the vessel to create an oven-like environment. From artisanal no-knead bread<\/a> to coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, apple pie, biscuits and more\u2014if you can dream it you can (probably) bake it in a Dutch oven.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Heating Methods<\/h3>\r\n![\"dutch](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/GettyImages-188139929.jpg?fit=700,467\")
\r\n\r\nThe way you heat your Dutch oven will depend on your desired cooking method.\r\n\r\nAs mentioned above, baking and braising will require dual-direction heating, meaning you will need to place hot coals below and on top of the Dutch oven to create the proper cooking environment.\r\n\r\nAll other methods require a singular heat source from below. You can place your Dutch oven directly over hot coals or wood embers in your campfire set your Dutch oven on a campfire cooking grate (found on some campfire rings) or opt to hang your Dutch oven from a campfire tripod.\r\n\r\nEditor's Tip: <\/em>Depending on your camp stove<\/a>, you may also be able to place your camping Dutch oven on one of the burners, if the Dutch oven's support legs can fit between the burner grates.\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Guide<\/h2>\r\nGetting the temperature just<\/em> right in your Dutch oven is perhaps the biggest learning curve of campfire cooking (especially after you've masted these other camping cooking tips<\/a>).\r\n\r\nMost campfire Dutch oven recipes (especially those for baking) require a temp of 350\u00b0F. Without an oven thermometer, it can be difficult to gauge when your Dutch oven reaches this temperature.\r\n\r\nLuckily, there's a simple formula you can use to determine how many charcoal briquettes or wood embers you'll need to get close<\/em> to this temperature sweet spot. Simply double the diameter of your Dutch oven and add 1. So, an 8\" Dutch oven will need 17 briquettes for 350\u00b0F.\r\n\r\nWhen baking or braising you'll want to puta third of the briquettes below the Dutch oven and the remaining briquettes on the lid of the Dutch oven.\r\nThis handy chart will help you get it right! (Having trouble? Here's a guide to common Dutch oven mistakes<\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Chart<\/h3>\r\n
\r\nMaterial and Finish<\/h4>\r\nHome Dutch ovens (such as those made by Staub and Le Creuset) are made of cast iron and sealed in enamel. This enamel, which is beautiful and makes for easier cleaning, can become damaged when exposed to the high direct heat of an open campfire.\r\n\r\nCamping Dutch ovens are also made of cast iron. However, they're typically uncoated and rely on seasoning to create a nonstick cooking surface. These pieces of cookware are seasoned the same way you season a cast-iron skillet<\/a>.\r\nSupport Legs<\/h4>\r\nUnlike home Dutch ovens, which have a flat bottom, many camping Dutch ovens are made with short support legs that provide stability in a campfire and allow hot coals to be tucked underneath.\r\nLid Design<\/h4>\r\nIt's not uncommon for home Dutch ovens to have a slightly domed lid. This shape helps circulate the heat and trap steam inside for even cooking.\r\n\r\nA camping Dutch oven, on the other hand, needs to have a completely flat lid with a shallow, raised rim around the edge. This shape allows for hot coals to be placed on top without rolling off while cooking.\r\nHandle<\/h4>\r\nHome Dutch ovens typically have a short knob for a handle that looks nice but is not ideal for campfire cooking.\r\n\r\nCamping Dutch ovens most often have a large, pail-style handle that can easily pivot so the pot can be picked up and moved around the fire. Its design also allows for the Dutch oven to be hung from a campfire tripod.\r\nWays to Use Your Campfire Dutch Oven<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\nNow that you know what makes a camping Dutch oven unique, let's talk about how to use one over the open flames of a campfire.\r\n\r\nThe beauty of a Dutch oven is that it opens a door to all kinds of cooking methods when camping.\r\n\r\n \t- Simmer and boil:<\/strong> Use your Dutch oven as a heavy-bottomed pot to cook a batch of your favorite soup<\/a>, stew or chili recipe. You can even boil pasta and enjoy a hearty Italian dinner al fresco in your hammock.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Sear: <\/strong>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<\/a>, chops and chicken.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Steam: <\/strong>With a tight-fitting lid, a Dutch oven is ideal for steaming rice<\/a>, vegetables or even lobster tails. All you need is a bit of water and a basic steaming basket that fits inside.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Saute and pan fry: <\/strong>Make a stir-fry<\/a>, saute onions or, for fisherman, fry up your fresh catch of the day in a bit of cooking oil.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Braise: <\/strong>For slow days around the campsite, use a Dutch oven for some low and slow braising<\/a>. Braising in a Dutch oven requires dual-direction heating, meaning coals will need to be placed on the top and below the Dutch oven to create a moist, even cooking environment for braised short ribs<\/a>, chicken thighs or pot roast.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Bake: <\/strong>You can bake in a Dutch oven by placing coals on top and below the vessel to create an oven-like environment. From artisanal no-knead bread<\/a> to coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, apple pie, biscuits and more\u2014if you can dream it you can (probably) bake it in a Dutch oven.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Heating Methods<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\nThe way you heat your Dutch oven will depend on your desired cooking method.\r\n\r\nAs mentioned above, baking and braising will require dual-direction heating, meaning you will need to place hot coals below and on top of the Dutch oven to create the proper cooking environment.\r\n\r\nAll other methods require a singular heat source from below. You can place your Dutch oven directly over hot coals or wood embers in your campfire set your Dutch oven on a campfire cooking grate (found on some campfire rings) or opt to hang your Dutch oven from a campfire tripod.\r\n\r\nEditor's Tip: <\/em>Depending on your camp stove<\/a>, you may also be able to place your camping Dutch oven on one of the burners, if the Dutch oven's support legs can fit between the burner grates.\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Guide<\/h2>\r\nGetting the temperature just<\/em> right in your Dutch oven is perhaps the biggest learning curve of campfire cooking (especially after you've masted these other camping cooking tips<\/a>).\r\n\r\nMost campfire Dutch oven recipes (especially those for baking) require a temp of 350\u00b0F. Without an oven thermometer, it can be difficult to gauge when your Dutch oven reaches this temperature.\r\n\r\nLuckily, there's a simple formula you can use to determine how many charcoal briquettes or wood embers you'll need to get close<\/em> to this temperature sweet spot. Simply double the diameter of your Dutch oven and add 1. So, an 8\" Dutch oven will need 17 briquettes for 350\u00b0F.\r\n\r\nWhen baking or braising you'll want to puta third of the briquettes below the Dutch oven and the remaining briquettes on the lid of the Dutch oven.\r\nThis handy chart will help you get it right! (Having trouble? Here's a guide to common Dutch oven mistakes<\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Chart<\/h3>\r\n
Lid Design<\/h4>\r\nIt's not uncommon for home Dutch ovens to have a slightly domed lid. This shape helps circulate the heat and trap steam inside for even cooking.\r\n\r\nA camping Dutch oven, on the other hand, needs to have a completely flat lid with a shallow, raised rim around the edge. This shape allows for hot coals to be placed on top without rolling off while cooking.\r\nHandle<\/h4>\r\nHome Dutch ovens typically have a short knob for a handle that looks nice but is not ideal for campfire cooking.\r\n\r\nCamping Dutch ovens most often have a large, pail-style handle that can easily pivot so the pot can be picked up and moved around the fire. Its design also allows for the Dutch oven to be hung from a campfire tripod.\r\nWays to Use Your Campfire Dutch Oven<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\nNow that you know what makes a camping Dutch oven unique, let's talk about how to use one over the open flames of a campfire.\r\n\r\nThe beauty of a Dutch oven is that it opens a door to all kinds of cooking methods when camping.\r\n\r\n \t- Simmer and boil:<\/strong> Use your Dutch oven as a heavy-bottomed pot to cook a batch of your favorite soup<\/a>, stew or chili recipe. You can even boil pasta and enjoy a hearty Italian dinner al fresco in your hammock.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Sear: <\/strong>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<\/a>, chops and chicken.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Steam: <\/strong>With a tight-fitting lid, a Dutch oven is ideal for steaming rice<\/a>, vegetables or even lobster tails. All you need is a bit of water and a basic steaming basket that fits inside.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Saute and pan fry: <\/strong>Make a stir-fry<\/a>, saute onions or, for fisherman, fry up your fresh catch of the day in a bit of cooking oil.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Braise: <\/strong>For slow days around the campsite, use a Dutch oven for some low and slow braising<\/a>. Braising in a Dutch oven requires dual-direction heating, meaning coals will need to be placed on the top and below the Dutch oven to create a moist, even cooking environment for braised short ribs<\/a>, chicken thighs or pot roast.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Bake: <\/strong>You can bake in a Dutch oven by placing coals on top and below the vessel to create an oven-like environment. From artisanal no-knead bread<\/a> to coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, apple pie, biscuits and more\u2014if you can dream it you can (probably) bake it in a Dutch oven.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Heating Methods<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\nThe way you heat your Dutch oven will depend on your desired cooking method.\r\n\r\nAs mentioned above, baking and braising will require dual-direction heating, meaning you will need to place hot coals below and on top of the Dutch oven to create the proper cooking environment.\r\n\r\nAll other methods require a singular heat source from below. You can place your Dutch oven directly over hot coals or wood embers in your campfire set your Dutch oven on a campfire cooking grate (found on some campfire rings) or opt to hang your Dutch oven from a campfire tripod.\r\n\r\nEditor's Tip: <\/em>Depending on your camp stove<\/a>, you may also be able to place your camping Dutch oven on one of the burners, if the Dutch oven's support legs can fit between the burner grates.\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Guide<\/h2>\r\nGetting the temperature just<\/em> right in your Dutch oven is perhaps the biggest learning curve of campfire cooking (especially after you've masted these other camping cooking tips<\/a>).\r\n\r\nMost campfire Dutch oven recipes (especially those for baking) require a temp of 350\u00b0F. Without an oven thermometer, it can be difficult to gauge when your Dutch oven reaches this temperature.\r\n\r\nLuckily, there's a simple formula you can use to determine how many charcoal briquettes or wood embers you'll need to get close<\/em> to this temperature sweet spot. Simply double the diameter of your Dutch oven and add 1. So, an 8\" Dutch oven will need 17 briquettes for 350\u00b0F.\r\n\r\nWhen baking or braising you'll want to puta third of the briquettes below the Dutch oven and the remaining briquettes on the lid of the Dutch oven.\r\nThis handy chart will help you get it right! (Having trouble? Here's a guide to common Dutch oven mistakes<\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Chart<\/h3>\r\n
Ways to Use Your Campfire Dutch Oven<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\nNow that you know what makes a camping Dutch oven unique, let's talk about how to use one over the open flames of a campfire.\r\n\r\nThe beauty of a Dutch oven is that it opens a door to all kinds of cooking methods when camping.\r\n\r\n \t- Simmer and boil:<\/strong> Use your Dutch oven as a heavy-bottomed pot to cook a batch of your favorite soup<\/a>, stew or chili recipe. You can even boil pasta and enjoy a hearty Italian dinner al fresco in your hammock.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Sear: <\/strong>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<\/a>, chops and chicken.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Steam: <\/strong>With a tight-fitting lid, a Dutch oven is ideal for steaming rice<\/a>, vegetables or even lobster tails. All you need is a bit of water and a basic steaming basket that fits inside.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Saute and pan fry: <\/strong>Make a stir-fry<\/a>, saute onions or, for fisherman, fry up your fresh catch of the day in a bit of cooking oil.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Braise: <\/strong>For slow days around the campsite, use a Dutch oven for some low and slow braising<\/a>. Braising in a Dutch oven requires dual-direction heating, meaning coals will need to be placed on the top and below the Dutch oven to create a moist, even cooking environment for braised short ribs<\/a>, chicken thighs or pot roast.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Bake: <\/strong>You can bake in a Dutch oven by placing coals on top and below the vessel to create an oven-like environment. From artisanal no-knead bread<\/a> to coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, apple pie, biscuits and more\u2014if you can dream it you can (probably) bake it in a Dutch oven.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Heating Methods<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\nThe way you heat your Dutch oven will depend on your desired cooking method.\r\n\r\nAs mentioned above, baking and braising will require dual-direction heating, meaning you will need to place hot coals below and on top of the Dutch oven to create the proper cooking environment.\r\n\r\nAll other methods require a singular heat source from below. You can place your Dutch oven directly over hot coals or wood embers in your campfire set your Dutch oven on a campfire cooking grate (found on some campfire rings) or opt to hang your Dutch oven from a campfire tripod.\r\n\r\nEditor's Tip: <\/em>Depending on your camp stove<\/a>, you may also be able to place your camping Dutch oven on one of the burners, if the Dutch oven's support legs can fit between the burner grates.\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Guide<\/h2>\r\nGetting the temperature just<\/em> right in your Dutch oven is perhaps the biggest learning curve of campfire cooking (especially after you've masted these other camping cooking tips<\/a>).\r\n\r\nMost campfire Dutch oven recipes (especially those for baking) require a temp of 350\u00b0F. Without an oven thermometer, it can be difficult to gauge when your Dutch oven reaches this temperature.\r\n\r\nLuckily, there's a simple formula you can use to determine how many charcoal briquettes or wood embers you'll need to get close<\/em> to this temperature sweet spot. Simply double the diameter of your Dutch oven and add 1. So, an 8\" Dutch oven will need 17 briquettes for 350\u00b0F.\r\n\r\nWhen baking or braising you'll want to puta third of the briquettes below the Dutch oven and the remaining briquettes on the lid of the Dutch oven.\r\nThis handy chart will help you get it right! (Having trouble? Here's a guide to common Dutch oven mistakes<\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Chart<\/h3>\r\n
Heating Methods<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\nThe way you heat your Dutch oven will depend on your desired cooking method.\r\n\r\nAs mentioned above, baking and braising will require dual-direction heating, meaning you will need to place hot coals below and on top of the Dutch oven to create the proper cooking environment.\r\n\r\nAll other methods require a singular heat source from below. You can place your Dutch oven directly over hot coals or wood embers in your campfire set your Dutch oven on a campfire cooking grate (found on some campfire rings) or opt to hang your Dutch oven from a campfire tripod.\r\n\r\nEditor's Tip: <\/em>Depending on your camp stove<\/a>, you may also be able to place your camping Dutch oven on one of the burners, if the Dutch oven's support legs can fit between the burner grates.\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Guide<\/h2>\r\nGetting the temperature just<\/em> right in your Dutch oven is perhaps the biggest learning curve of campfire cooking (especially after you've masted these other camping cooking tips<\/a>).\r\n\r\nMost campfire Dutch oven recipes (especially those for baking) require a temp of 350\u00b0F. Without an oven thermometer, it can be difficult to gauge when your Dutch oven reaches this temperature.\r\n\r\nLuckily, there's a simple formula you can use to determine how many charcoal briquettes or wood embers you'll need to get close<\/em> to this temperature sweet spot. Simply double the diameter of your Dutch oven and add 1. So, an 8\" Dutch oven will need 17 briquettes for 350\u00b0F.\r\n\r\nWhen baking or braising you'll want to puta third of the briquettes below the Dutch oven and the remaining briquettes on the lid of the Dutch oven.\r\nThis handy chart will help you get it right! (Having trouble? Here's a guide to common Dutch oven mistakes<\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Chart<\/h3>\r\n
This handy chart will help you get it right! (Having trouble? Here's a guide to common Dutch oven mistakes<\/a>.)<\/p>\r\n\r\nDutch Oven Temperature Chart<\/h3>\r\n