The main difference between casserole dish and Dutch oven is their usage. Casseroles made of ceramics or glass can be used in ovens, but they cannot be used directly on the stovetops; however, Dutch ovens can be used directly on stovetops and in ovens.
Casseroles and Dutch ovens are two types of large pots we can use to make different types of food like stews, pasta, braised meat dishes, and baked items. Some websites, as well as vendors, use the two names casserole and Dutch oven interchangeably. But there is a distinct difference between casserole dish and Dutch oven.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Casserole Dish
– Definition, Features
2. What is a Dutch Oven
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Casserole Dish and Dutch Oven
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Casserole Dish and Dutch Oven
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Casserole Dish, Dutch Oven
What is a Casserole Dish
A casserole dish is a large and deep pan or bowl we can use for baking as well as serving. The word casserole has two meanings – one referring to the dish and the other referring to the food made in a casserole dish. We can cook a variety of food in an oven.
Casseroles come in a variety of materials. They are available in glass, ceramics, cast iron, steel, and aluminium. When comparing with Dutch ovens, casseroles dishes offer the most variability in terms of materials. They may also come in different sizes, but the most common dish size is 9 x 13 inch. This is what we call a classic casserole dish.
You can also use other pans in place of casseroles, but you may have to adjust the recipes. For example, if the recipe involves a layered casserole in a 9×13 pan, but you have a round dish with less surface area, the dish will be thicker and deeper and may require additional cooking time. If you use a large jelly roll pan instead, it may require less baking time.
What is a Dutch Oven
Dutch oven is a cooking pot with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid. They are usually made of cast iron. Dutch ovens can retain heat, provide heat distribution, and can tolerate a high heat range. More importantly, Dutch ovens are durable and can be used in both ovens and stovetops. We can also use them for outdoor cooking.
Furthermore, it’s important to know that Dutch ovens do not have an enamel coating on the interior. It’s French ovens that have this enamel coating. Dutch ovens are seasoned using oil.
Similarities Between Casserole Dish and Dutch Oven
- Casserole dish and Dutch ovens have a round or oval shape.
- We can use both of these dishes in the oven.
- They have tight-fitting lids that can retain moisture and heat.
- Both are available in cast iron.
Difference Between Casserole Dish and Dutch Oven
Definition
A casserole dish is a large and deep pan or bowl that can be used for baking as well as serving while a Dutch oven is a cooking pot with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid.
Materials
Casseroles can be made from a variety of materials like ceramics, glass, cast iron, and aluminium while Dutch ovens are made from cast iron.
Usage
Casseroles made of ceramics or glass can be used in ovens, but they cannot be used directly on the stovetops; Dutch ovens can be used directly on stovetops and in ovens.
Conclusion
The main difference between casserole dish and Dutch oven is their materials and usage. Casseroles are available in a variety of materials like ceramics, glass, cast iron, and aluminium, but Dutch ovens are made from cast iron. However, you can use ceramics or glass casseroles only in ovens, not on stovetops. But you can use Dutch ovens directly on stovetops and in ovens.
Reference:
1. Durand, Faith. “Good Question: What’s a Casserole Dish?” Kitchn, Apartment Therapy, LLC., 3 May 2019, Available here.
2. “Can I Use a Casserole Dish Instead of a Dutch Oven?” OvenSpot, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “2067686” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “4837266” (CC0) via Pixabay
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