Seamlessly going from stovetop to oven, they are ideal for so many different dishes.

Cooking in layers with a Dutch oven is how to add depth and complexity to your flavors.

Brown your proteins first to build your starting layer.

A Dutch oven with stew inside

This method helps enhance your dish, giving it that proper umami taste.

Always wash your Dutch oven by hand to avoid any damage in the dishwasher.

While a frying pan can warp, your Dutch oven could actually crack.

Chicken in a Dutch oven

Another mistake to look out for is to confirm the knob to your lid is oven-safe, perReal Simple.