Do you have to preheat the dutch oven?

Hi, I have a le creuset enameled dutch oven and when I bought it I was told not to heart the dutch oven when it is empty because that can cause cracks. Is it preheating step absolutely necessary? Do you use an enameled dutch oven when you do this?

lilybakes
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Table Loaf
Recipe question for: Table Loaf

1 Comment

HalfPint
HalfPint May 12, 2020
Actually, you can put the dough into the dutch oven cold and have it heat up with the oven. King Arthur Flour has done this: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/blog/2017/07/05/baking-in-a-cold-dutch-oven

This is a wonderful read, fully researched with pictures of side by side comparisons. I've used this method of baking too and it has worked out very well for me.
 
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