Open Baking vs. Dutch Oven Baking Sourdough Bread

When it comes to baking sourdough, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to bake it:

Open on a baking stone or steel, or inside a Dutch oven/closed vessel. Both methods can create beautiful artisan loaves, but they behave very differently—and understanding those differences helps you choose the best method for your kitchen.

Below is a complete guide to each technique, the science behind them, and practical ways to add steam for that coveted blistered crust.

Why Steam Matters in Sourdough Baking

Steam is the secret to:

• A glossy, blistered crust

• Maximum oven spring

• A thinner, more delicate crust early in the bake

• Better caramelization later in the bake

Without steam, the crust sets too quickly and prevents the loaf from expanding fully.

Baking in a Dutch Oven (Closed Baking)

Dutch ovens are beloved in the sourdough world for one simple reason:

they trap steam naturally.

How It Works

When your dough hits the hot pot, the moisture inside the dough evaporates and fills the enclosed space. This creates a mini steam chamber—no extra equipment needed.

Benefits

• Consistent, reliable oven spring

• Beautifully blistered crust

• Beginner‑friendly

• Works in any home oven

Drawbacks

• Size limitations (boules only, unless you have an oval DO)

• Heavier and harder to maneuver

• Can over‑brown the bottom crust

Amazon sells a reasonable dutch oven if this option is your preference. The double dutch oven for small round bread is a great. Think bread bowls for soup or dips. In the past I tried adding two small loaves to one Dutch oven...the shapes were comical! When handling Dutch ovens they can retain a crazy amount of heat. I purchased these gloves and they have saved the skin on my hands and arms. You won't regret it!

Open Baking (Baking Stone or Baking Steel)

Open baking is the method used in professional bakeries. It gives you more control and can produce exceptional results—but it requires intentional steam.

How It Works

You bake the loaf directly on a baking stone or baking steel, which stores heat and transfers it quickly to the dough. Steam must be added manually.

Benefits

• Superior bottom crust

• More even browning

• Ability to bake multiple loaves at once

• Works for boules, batards, baguettes, and more

Drawbacks

• Requires steam‑generation tools

• More variables to manage

• Less forgiving for beginners

How to Add Steam When Open Baking

If you choose open baking, you’ll need to create steam manually. Here are the most effective methods:

1. Lava Rocks + Steam Pan Method

This is the closest you’ll get to a professional steam‑injected oven.

How to Do It

1. Place a metal pan on the bottom rack.

2. Fill it with lava rocks (they hold heat and release steam slowly).

3. Preheat the oven with the rocks inside.

4. When you load your dough, pour 1–2 cups of boiling water over the rocks. Be very careful not to drip any water on the oven door glass. Some will place a kitchen towel over the area to offer extra protection.

5. Close the oven quickly to trap the steam.

You will need: Lava rocks, stainless steel steam pan and an electric kettle

2. Ice Cube Method

A simpler, hands‑off option.

How to Do It

1. Place a cast iron skillet or metal pan on the bottom rack.

2. Add a handful of ice cubes right after loading your dough.

3. The slow melt creates a longer steam release.

You will need: Cast iron skillet or heavy-duty metal pan.

3. Spray Bottle Method

This method is less effective alone but great as a supplement.

How to Do It

1. Load your dough.

2. Spray the oven walls with water (avoid the glass door).

3. Repeat 2–3 times during the first 5 minutes.

You will need: High‑quality food‑safe spray bottle.

4. Inverted Roasting Pan Method

A hybrid between open baking and Dutch oven baking.

How to Do It

1. Place your dough on a baking steel or stone.

2. Cover it with a large inverted roasting pan or stainless-steel bowl.

3. Remove the cover halfway through the bake.

This traps steam from the dough itself—just like a Dutch oven—but gives you the benefits of open baking.

You will need: Stainless steel bowl or roasting pan. Two loaf pans will also do the trick.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

My Recommended Setup for Home Bakers

If you want the best of both worlds:

1. Start with a Dutch oven for reliability.

2. Upgrade to a baking steel once you’re comfortable.

3. Add a steam system (lava rocks or ice pan) for professional‑level results.

This progression gives you confidence, consistency, and eventually bakery‑quality loaves.

Happy Baking!