Looking for a natural, toxin-free way to make your home smell amazing? Ditch the synthetic candles, plug-ins, and oil diffusers, and turn to a time-honored, all-natural method: simmer pots. Simmer pot recipes are one of the easiest and cleanest ways to refresh your space with cozy, seasonal scents—without any of the harsh chemicals commonly found in store-bought air fresheners.
Simmer pots, sometimes called stovetop potpourri, allow you to fully customize your home’s aroma using simple, whole ingredients like citrus, herbs, spices, and fruit. Whether you're craving a citrusy spring breeze, a warm fall spice blend, or a clean herbal scent, you can create your perfect fragrance blend in just minutes. And don’t worry—we’ve curated some of our favorite simmer pot recipes below to inspire your scent journey.
To get started, all you need is a good piece of cookware—and nothing works better than our Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Collection . The 5.7 Qt Round Dutch Oven is our top pick for most simmer pot recipes, offering plenty of space and even heat distribution. For smaller spaces or apartments, the 2.2 Qt Saucepan works beautifully. Hosting a gathering or want your whole home to smell amazing? Try the larger 8 Qt Oval Dutch Oven to maximize your aroma output.
Simply fill your Dutch oven with water, drop in your chosen ingredients, and let it gently simmer. Thanks to the superior heat retention of our enameled cast iron cookware, your pot will stay warm and aromatic for longer—even after the burner is turned off. Cheaper or lightweight pots often lose heat quickly, meaning you’ll have to keep the stove on constantly. Not with Larder & Vine.
Explore the simmer pot recipes below and discover a healthier, more beautiful way to scent your space. Just remember: these recipes are meant to be smelled, not tasted!
Why use the Larder & Vine 8 Qt Oval Dutch Oven?
Choosing a pot that is big enough for your desired recipe is the first step. Our 8 Qt Dutch oven is ideal for large meals such as roasts, casseroles, or whole meats such as turkey, chicken, or ham. When hosting dinner parties or holiday gatherings, this Dutch oven is essential to feed all your hungry guests.
Now what sets our Dutch oven apart from the rest? Designed with flavorful recipes in mind, the lid comes equipped with drip bumps to keep all your meals moist and full or flavor with its self basting technology.
Functionality and versatility are a huge focus here at Larder & Vine when we are creating new pieces for your home. Not only is this a vessel made for soups, but also for bread, desserts, pastas, casseroles, roasts, and so many more recipe styles.
Discover more recipes using Larder & Vine's enameled cast iron cookware line here!
1. Autumn Orange Simmer Pot
Recipe Ingredients
2 oranges, sliced
Peels of 2 oranges
6 cinnamon sticks
2 tablespoons whole cloves
Recipe Directions
In your Larder & Vine Dutch oven, add water leaving about 1-inch of room at the top. Add all ingredients and let simmer to fill your space with Fall scents.
2. Lemon Rosemary Simmer Pot
Recipe Ingredients
2 lemons, sliced
2 sprigs rosemary
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Recipe Directions
In your Larder & Vine Dutch oven, add water leaving about 1-inch of room at the top. Add all ingredients and let simmer to fill your home with fresh and clean aromas.
3. Fall Apple Simmer Pot
Recipe Ingredients
1 apple, sliced
1 orange, sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Recipe Directions
In your Larder & Vine Dutch oven, add water leaving about 1-inch of room at the top. Add all ingredients and let simmer to fill your space with Fall scents.
4. Cranberry Winter Simmer Pot
Recipe Ingredients
2+ cups cranberries
1 orange, sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Recipe Directions
Fill your Larder & Vine Dutch oven with water, add the ingredients below and let simmer on your stovetop for as long as you want. In a matter of minutes, your home will be filled with sweet winter aromas
