Different Ways to Use a Cast Iron Casserole
A Le Creuset cast iron casserole (also known as a Dutch Oven) is an extremely versatile piece of cookware and can be used for several different cooking methods and recipes. Featuring durable construction, excellent heat retention and a vibrant, colourful enamel, it can be passed on from generation to generation—epitomising the buy-it-for-life nature of our cookware.
With so many uses and cooking styles, our cast iron pots will quickly emerge as a household favourite. Be inspired by just some of its many uses: slow cooking and one-pot meals, braising and frying and baking.
Slow Cooking and One-Pot Meals
Our cast iron cookware really shines when it comes to preparing delicious casseroles, one-pot meals and stews. They're perfect when batch cooking or meal prepping because of the amount of food they can hold. The casseroles' enamelled cast iron construction offers superior heat retention, maintaining a consistent temperature and cooking food evenly throughout.
While slow-cooking meals, all the rich ingredients immerse themselves in the dish as it is being prepared. A tight-fitting lid locks in moisture and flavour, ensuring the ingredients are tender. The sand-coloured enamel allows you to monitor cooking with ease as the ingredients simmer to perfection. This Beef Bourguignon is just one example of a delicious recipe that can be prepared in a casserole.
Braising and Frying
Our cast iron cookware easily goes from stove to oven to table, ideal for braising! The Signature Shallow Casserole, in particular, is a favourite for this cooking style.
Sear on the stovetop to seal in juices and build flavour, add liquid, cover with the lid, and place into the oven to finish cooking. The steady, even heat will transform ingredients into fork-tender dishes you can bring to the table for serving. Our Coq au Vin Mousseux makes for a delicious recipe to experiment this cooking technique with.
Baking Sweet and Savoury Treats
While our cast iron casseroles are synonymous with slow-cooking recipes, they can also be used to prepare delicious loaves of bread, cakes, and other sweet or savoury baked treats—further showing off their versatility. From baking Casserole Seed Bread to Raspberry Twisted Buns, having a cast iron casserole will add to the functionality of your kitchen.
Enamelled cast iron creates the perfect environment for bread baking since it traps steam and moisture inside the pot to create artisan-quality bread with a crispy crust and tender crumb. It also maintains a gentle and uniform heat, resulting in perfectly cooked and golden-brown baked goods and desserts. Pro tip: Turn the casserole lid upside down and use it as a separate baking surface for pot pies.
Cast Iron Cooking Tips
Now that you’re familiar with the techniques our cast iron casseroles can be used for, discover our top tips for cooking with cast iron to get the very best out of your dishes and unlock their full culinary potential.
Benefits of Cooking with Cast Iron
Although buying a casserole may seem like a significant purchase, you truly get your money’s worth with this iconic piece of cookware. It allows you to prepare many dishes and perfect different cooking techniques all in one pot.
All Heat Sources
Our casseroles can be used on all hobs, including gas and induction. They’re also suitable for oven use. This is optimal when entertaining or preparing food in advance.
Superb Cooking Results
Thanks to our refined manufacturing process, our casseroles ensure even heat distribution to enhance flavour and promote caramelisation – an essential first step in many recipes.
Energy Efficient
Only low to medium heat is required to cook with and maintain the temperature.
Easy to Clean
With the right care and use, our enamel behaves like non-stick and is very easy to clean. Be sure to use our specialist Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner to maintain them.
Superior Durability
Used properly, our casseroles are so durable that they’ll go on producing a life’s worth of delicious meals, and are backed by a reassuring Lifetime Guarantee.
While all shapes and sizes of casseroles have a use, choosing one you need really comes down to what kinds of things you like to cook and how many people you typically feed. Read more on how to choose a casserole to suit your cooking needs.
More to explore
Be inspired by more of our helpful guides and articles – from getting the best out of your cast iron cookware, to expert tips on ensuring its longevity, choosing the right shape and more.
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