What's the difference in baking bread in a loaf pan vs. in a Dutch oven?
When I bake bread, I always use my loaf pan. Recently, I've seen some people who bake bread in a Dutch oven (or something similar). Why is this? What are the differences between the two?
Best Answer
There's two important distinctions:
The dutch oven is preheated, so the oven conveys a lot of heat, rather quickly. This causes some steam to be pretty much immediately made.
The dutch oven is covered. This traps the steam previously made. This is trying to replicate steam injection and the goal of most methods that cover the loaf.
Steam keeps the crust from hardening and promotes better oven spring and crisper crust. The steam basically allows the bread to 'swell' more in the oven. Steam also gelatinizes the starches in the crust and formes a better 'shine' and 'crisp' on the finished product. The dutch oven is then uncovered after awhile and the crust hardens.
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Quick Answer about "What's the difference in baking bread in a loaf pan vs. in a Dutch oven?"
A loaf pan directs the dough into a specific shape as it cooks (and as the oven spring makes it expand), while loaves cooked in a dutch oven are free to expand outward. This results in a lower, broader loaf.Is it better to bake bread in a Dutch oven?
In fact, many no-knead and other artisan-style breads are actually better when baked in a Dutch oven, compared to a sheet tray or bread tin. That's because a Dutch oven creates a steamy environment for the bread to bake in. The results are superior lift and a fantastic crispy crust.Can you use a loaf pan instead of a Dutch oven for bread?
As long as the loaf pan itself is oven-safe, you can cook it inside the Dutch oven just as you would with a larger, ordinary oven. Dutch ovens are heavy pots with thick walls and a tight lid. They are also safe to put inside a traditional oven.How do I substitute bread in a Dutch oven?
Place your bread inside a clay pot/casserole dish/any large pot that is oven safe and has a securely fitting lid on it (it won't be as good as a Dutch oven, but it will be better than not using one). Place a large deep roasting pan or stainless steel bowl, or other oven safe bowl over the loaf when baking.What is the best pan to cook bread in?
Most bakers prefer to bake loaves of bread in metal pans. Metal loaf pans conduct heat quickly and easily, which helps bake loaves evenly by allowing the heat to pass through the pan and into your dough.Minecraft wait what meme part 258 (Scary Alex-Endetman)
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Answer 2
In addition to rfusca's quality points, the dutch oven is very helpful for eliminating hot spots in the oven, leading to a more even rise across the loaf.
Answer 3
Another difference is shape. A loaf pan directs the dough into a specific shape as it cooks (and as the oven spring makes it expand), while loaves cooked in a dutch oven are free to expand outward. This results in a lower, broader loaf.
I believe that the loaf pan's restriction may also result in a tighter crumb, and I would be grateful to anyone who can confirm or refute this.
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