The basics of Dutch Oven cooking are a must for your outdoor cooking toolbox. These pots allow you to braise, bake, simmer, fry, and boil with a simple heat source like charcoal briquettes or campfire embers. The lid can even be turned upside down and used as a griddle!

Dutch Oven Cooking: The Basics

A traditional Dutch Oven for camping is made from cast iron. This makes them extremely durable for rough use but also extremely heavy. Thus, this type of cooking is best suited for cabins, river trips, car camping, or a day at the beach.

Note: you may use an enameled coated Dutch Oven at home. These are not recommended for outdoor use with a campfire or briquettes. Cast-iron Dutch Ovens are widely available at all of your favorite outdoor retailers, including REI and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

My preference for Dutch Oven cooking is charcoal briquettes as I find that this is the most reliable heat source. In addition to the oven and charcoal, also pack heatproof gloves, tongs, and a pair of needle-nose pliers. This will help you maneuver the pot and place the briquettes for the appropriate heat distribution. The pliers are clutch to check the cooking process.

Dutch Oven Cooking Temperature Chart

Where to place the briquettes depends on how and what you are cooking. Where do you want the heat to come from to lock in moisture?

For Roasting: Heat should come from the top and the bottom evenly. Place equal amounts on the top and the bottom of the oven.

For Frying: All heat should come from the bottom.

For Stewing: Almost all heat should come from the bottom. Place briquettes in a 4:1 ratio with the more briquettes on the bottom.

For Baking: Almost all heat should come from the bottom. Place briquettes in a 3:1 ratio with the more briquettes on the top.

So how many total briquettes are needed? The following chart will guide you.

DUTCH OVEN TEMPERATURE CHART

Size of Dutch Oven	325^o	350^o	375^o	400^o	425^o	450^o
8-inch	16	18	20	22	24	26
10-inch	20	22	24	26	28	30
12-inch	24	26	28	30	32	34
14-inch	28	30	32	34	36	38
16-inch	32	34	36	38	40	42

It is best to rotate the briquettes at different intervals. Also, remember briquettes decrease in size as they burn. For recipes that take longer than 30 minutes to cook, replenish the charcoal to maintain a consistent temperature. If you have several Dutch Ovens going, stack the ovens to maximize the use of your briquettes.

Dutch Oven Cooking Recipes

Now… do you need some inspiration on what to cook? Check out some of my favorite Dutch Oven recipes!