Le Creuset Just Launched Stoneware Casserole Dishes to Make Baking a Million Times Easier

Casserole dishes often go under-appreciated, when in fact they actually do so much more than cook easy cheesy dinners and sides. They’re the ultimate cookware for making one-pot dinners, easily transporting food, and baking delicious desserts. Our friends at Kitchn have a handful of editor-favorite casserole dishes, but there’s one that consistently comes out on top: the Le Creuset Casserole Dish. It was picked as number one in their annual Kitchn Essentials: Tools Edition this year for its gorgeous look, even heating, and easy-to-clean smooth surface. 

And now, Le Creuset has launched a new stoneware line exclusive to Williams Sonoma that includes two genius features to make baking with these already-amazing casserole dishes even easier. The new San Francisco Stoneware collection boasts upgraded handles and knobs for the lidded Le Creuset Stoneware Rectangular Covered Baker and the Le Creuset Stoneware Square Covered Baker, as well as the rectangular dish and square dish that both come without lids.

The most notable feature of these new Le Creuset baking dishes is the handles. Unlike the brand’s usual tab-style handles, these dishes have looped handles that make gripping the dish with oven mitts much easier. Additionally, the covered casserole dishes now feature a stainless steel knob that will provide a more secure grip when you have bulky oven mitts on. 

Of course, these pieces include the same high-performance qualities that Le Creuset is known for. When put to the test, the rectangular casserole dish works beautifully, resulting in perfectly browned mac and cheese and restaurant-quality meatballs. It also cleans up super easily thanks to its smooth interior, and it can keep food piping hot for a whopping three hours with the lid on.

If you’re already dreaming of all the potluck sides, no-fuss dinners, and easy cobblers you can make with these baking dishes, then now is the best time to scoop one up. The Williams Sonoma line is available in three chic colorways: French Grey, Matte White, and Cerise, all of which are sure to be a hit at your next picnic or dinner party.

Buy: Le Creuset Stoneware Rectangular Covered Baker, 4-Qt., $130; Le Creuset Stoneware Square Covered Baker, 3-Qt., $110

This post originally appeared on Kitchn. See it here: Le Creuset Just Launched Stoneware Casserole Dishes That’ll Make Baking a Million Times Easier