Has anyone else noticed the sourdough starter craze taking over lately? My friend Jordan, who I never took for a cooking fanatic, talks about his sourdough baking experiences non-stop these days. I have to say though, I’ve tried the bread and it’s pretty good!

So you have your starter, and now you need to bake it. I’d recommend a Dutch oven between 5 qt and 5.5 qt for the best results. From a material perspective, you have options here. You can go for stainless steel, cast iron, or enameled cast iron, which is basically cast iron with a ceramic coat on the outside. I will explain the difference, in the article, so be sure to read the whole thing!

HexClad 5 Qt

Click here to start making sourdough bread on your own!

It’s interesting that HexClad only offers a few Dutch ovens, because this is an absolutely top-notch product. Admittedly, cast iron is not their wheelhouse, but I appreciate having options when it comes to material. That’s exactly what you’re getting here with their hybrid stainless steel technology.

I think the biggest benefit here is the light weight. Dutch ovens, and frankly, cast iron in general, is quite heavy. It’s a two-hand job. With this, you can comfortably pick it up without having to brace yourself. I wanted to list this here because it’s unique and gives you a different look. Plus, you can use this as a “regular” pot if you’d like.

Smithey 5.5 Qt

Considering Smithey is the king of cast iron, no article about the best Dutch oven would be complete without mentioning their name. Let me start with the look. This is what a Dutch oven should look like! It has an old-school feel while simultaneously being modern. The gold lid handle is a nice touch. Breaks the monochromatic look with a subtle touch of flavor.

I think this material is your best bet for how to cook sourdough the right way. You’re looking at the best heat retention & the longest lasting product. If I was on an episode of Beat Bobby Flay and I chose sourdough, I’m going for cast iron.

Our Place 5.5 Qt Perfect Pot

Enameled cast iron is an interesting proposition. On one hand, you’re eliminating a lot of the downsides of cast iron, including rusting and ability to clean. On the other hand, you’re sacrificing heat distribution. For me, enameled is the middle ground between stainless steel and true cast iron. It’s also the best looking, especially when you consider all the color options.

Le Creuset 5.5 Qt Round

Le Creuset, to me, is the most aesthetically pleasing dutch oven there is. The azure colorway is an absolute beauty, but there are all sorts of options out there depending on your taste. And let the record show, they’re much more than a pretty face. This product truly lives up to its lofty reputation.

A lot of you sourdough amateurs out there are probably trying to make a tough decision. Lighten up! Regardless of which Dutch oven you choose, celebrate your newfound hobby, and as always, happy cooking!