August 13, 2021

THE BENEFITS OF CAST IRON CASSEROLE

Do you want cookware that has range and provides value to your kitchen? Looking to invest in a pot that can make all sorts of mouth-watering foods and delicious meals? Want to take your cooking to the next level?

Look no further, for there’s one cookware that can do it all. Introducing: the cast iron casserole.

Cast iron casseroles are versatile, durable cookware that every kitchen should have. You can depend on these pots to help you create great meals that your family will love. They can prepare a wide range of foods that extend from chowders to pulled pork. In fact, these pots are so strong that they can be put into the oven straight from the stovetop, and can even be used over a campfire!

Put simply, cast iron casserole pots are reliable cooking tools that are worth the investment. If you’re interested in getting one, here are a few things to know:

How is a cast iron casserole different from a regular casserole dish?

Many households are already very familiar with the common casserole dish. You’ll see this cookware make an appearance on the weekends serving up familiar staples like rice and pasta casseroles. Often made from glass or ceramic, this cookware sees its primary use limited to the oven.

A cast iron casserole is similar in concept to a normal casserole dish, but is made out of cast iron that is often coated in enamel. Through this simple change, a cast iron casserole gains many advantages that allow you to do much more with this versatile cooking tool.

What are the advantages of a cast iron casserole?

A cast iron casserole is a versatile pot that provides many advantages to a kitchen. Often referred to as a Dutch oven, the cast iron casserole offers superior heat retention that cooks food evenly. It distributes heat equally by way of its cast iron material as well as a sturdy construction that features a thick base and walls.

This cookware also benefits from having a specially designed lid. In addition to retaining heat and smoothly distributing it throughout the pot, this heavy lid keeps steam and moisture in to allow for “self-basting” that naturally keeps food supple and moist. 

Another thing about cast iron casseroles is that they are very adaptable. They can be used with a variety of heat sources and cooktop ranges that include ceramic, halogen, and even gas stoves. Due to this versatility, this type of pot can cook at temperatures both high and low. Additionally, it can be used over long periods of time to accommodate slow cooking techniques that can provide some amazing results.

The most noticeable characteristic of a cast iron casserole is its heavy weight, something that adds to their durability. Cast iron casseroles are known to last, and are durable workhorses that will serve your kitchen for years to come.

With its unique ability to retain heat, the cast iron casserole dish offers a wide variety of advantages that extend its usefulness in the kitchen.

Fun fact: Known throughout the world by other names that include Tetsunabe and Casuela, the Dutch oven is named after the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1700s. Despite what its name suggests, this pot does not have European origins.

What can a cast iron casserole do? What kind of food does it make?

This type of cookware can broil, braise, and bake. It can sauté, simmer, or fry on any stovetop. You can use it to roast food in the oven up to 500° F, or use it to marinate and refrigerate ingredients. In fact, with the lid off, you can use it in a pinch to even bake bread.

Some cast iron casserole recipes you can make include:

• Braised beef, braised lamb shanks
• Pulled pork, beef short ribs, and other fall-off-the-bone dishes
• Soups, stews, chowders, and chilis like chili con carne
• No-knead bread
• Pot roast with carrots and potatoes 
• Slow cooked salsa verde chicken

If you love food and love to cook, a cast iron casserole is a must-have for your kitchen.

What kind of benefits does enamel coating provide for a cast iron casserole?

The first thought many people have when thinking about cast iron cookware is the time and effort required to properly take care of them. As much as this is true for many cast iron frypans, this is not the case with cast iron casseroles—especially when it comes to ones equipped with enamel coating.

Cast iron casserole dishes with enamel coating provide all the benefits of cast iron without any of the hassle. This type of cookware has been coated with thin layers of porcelain enamel. This coating makes the surface of these cookware non-stick and easy to clean, two of the most important advantages that most customers look for when shopping for new pots and pans. As food won’t stick and clean up is a snap, cast iron casserole dishes are convenient and practical to use.

One great advantage provided by enamel coating is that these types of pots are non-reactive and non-leaching. Unlike uncoated cast iron, enamelware pots don’t react with acidic ingredients; this gives you free reign to use ingredients such as tomatoes, and allows these pots to make soups and stews. 

And, perhaps most importantly, cast iron casseroles with enamel coating have the great advantage of being rust-proof. Unlike regular cast iron that requires special seasoning techniques, this special cookware is ready to go at all times, making it a great choice for your kitchen.

Lastly, there’s one further benefit of enamelware that shouldn’t be overlooked: color. Compared to the standard black of all cast iron skillets and frypans, cast iron casseroles with enamel coating can come in a variety of colors. If you want to add a pop of color to your kitchen, enamelware is a great option that allows you to stylize your kitchen decor the way you want.

How do I care for an enamel-coated cast iron casserole?

This type of enameled cookware needs a bit of care to make it last. When looking after your new cast iron casserole, try these following tips:

1. Be sure to clean your enameled cast iron casserole regularly. This will keep it in good shape, prevent stains from building up, and stop flavors from carrying over to the next use.
2. Use warm water to wash your enameled cast iron casserole. If there is a build-up of stubborn stains, try leaving it to soak for an extended period of time.
3. Use a non-abrasive sponge and wash by hand. These pots are safe to put in the dishwasher, but will really benefit from personal attention.  

If used properly without incident, a cast iron casserole pot will be able to serve you for many years to come.

Where can I get a good cast iron casserole?

If you’re looking for a cast iron casserole for your family, consider Berlinger Haus’ Cast Iron Casserole w/ Enamel Coating. This 9.4 inch version comes from the Emerald Collection, and is also available in Burgundy. 

This amazingly adaptable cookware can help expand the culinary possibilities of your kitchen. Its turbo induction base is ideal for all cooktop ranges—including ceramic, halogen, and even gas stoves—so you can get the most out of every meal and every tasty idea.

Other variants include an 11.8 inch oval version along with a 10¼ inch shallow pot. Browse the Cast Iron Collection to find a diverse selection of cast iron casseroles along with our great lineup of tajine pots! 

Come browse the Berlinger Haus online marketplace to find the perfect cookware and kitchenware for your home!

More Recipes