Cast Iron Bread Baking Made Easy
We believe there's nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of homemade bread. Whether you're a seasoned baker or looking to explore new recipes, our cast iron cookware will enhance your bread-making experience and give you bakery-style results in the comfort of your home. With our expert advice and easy-to-follow recipes, we'll guide you on achieving baking perfection using cast iron. Get ready to create delicious bread that will leave everyone craving more!
What are the benefits of baking in cast iron?
Our cast iron casserole (also known as a Dutch oven) creates an ideal environment for bread baking and simulates the steam-injected ovens typically used by artisan bakeries—giving you professional results. Steam from the wet dough is trapped inside the pot, and helps the dough to rise and form a loaf with a crispy crust and tender interior crumb. Enamelled cast iron is also exceptional at heat distribution and retention to keep the temperature inside the pot more constant than a regular oven, which also helps the baking process.
Did you know? We also offer a specialist Bread Oven, designed specifically for bread making. It's the perfect addition to elevate your baking experience.
Get your bread baking off to a great start by reading through our top FAQs.
How to make basic bread: Step-by-step recipe
Now that you know more about why cast iron is great for baking, why not bring the smell of freshly-baked bread to your home in just a few steps with this basic recipe. Perfectly suited for all levels, even beginners, it can easily be customised by adding your preferred ingredients to make a delicious sweet or savoury bread. This recipe uses a 24cm Signature Round Casserole.
Mix
Mix 360g bread flour, ¼ tsp instant yeast, and 2 tsp salt. Add 375ml warm water and stir. Cover bowl with plastic wrap (or a damp tea-towel) and let it rise overnight.
Fold
On a floured surface, fold the dough over once or twice then cover with plastic wrap for 15 minutes.
Rest
With floured hands, create a ball shape. Coat a cotton kitchen towel with flour and place the dough on it seam side down. Cover and let it rise for 2 hours.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 230°C with the casserole inside. Remove the pot from the oven and place the dough in, seam side up. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake again for 15-30 minutes until golden.
Find your next bread baking project
From sourdough to brioche to focaccia, discover some of our best bread recipes to try in cast iron.
Cast iron bread baking 101: Answering your questions
Should you preheat cast iron to make bread?
Preheating the oven helps with the lift and rise of bread recipes for both a Cast Iron Casserole and the Cast Iron Bread Oven. The dough is placed in the hot product, ensuring maximum rise on certain breads, especially those that use natural yeasts (like sourdough, for example).
How do you keep bread from sticking to cast iron?
Greasing the product beforehand makes it easier to remove the finished bread. The interior black enamel of the Bread Oven and selected Casseroles develops a natural patina (brownish film produced from oils released from foods) over time, which also assists with food release.
How to prevent the bottom of the bread from burning?
For the best baking results, remember this important tip: avoid using too high of a temperature throughout the entire baking process. Begin with a high temperature initially, then decrease it once the bread is set. Additionally, make sure to uncover the Casserole or Bread Oven at this stage.
Do you need to use parchment paper?
Parchment paper does help when baking in a Casserole. It makes it easier to transfer the bread to and from the pot, and also helps with preventing burning on the bottom of the bread. Parchment paper is not required when using our Bread Oven, as this product has raised rings on its base which help to elevate the bread.
What is the maximum oven temperature for cast iron bread recipes?
Timing is highly dependent on the recipe for making bread. But a good rule of thumb is as follows:
- Start covered at approx. 230-260°C for about 30 minutes
- Remove lid, reduce heat to 180-190°C until bread is golden brown all over and reaches an internal temperature of at least approx. 90°C.
Essentials to perfect your bread baking
Discover our best bread-baking tools and accessories in colours to match your kitchen.
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