Williams Sonoma Is Having a Huge Le Creuset Sale and It Includes Our Favorite Baking Dish

Ask any Kitchn editor what some of their favorite cookware brands are, and Le Creuset is bound to be at the top of the list. Best known for its heirloom-quality cookware and bakeware, the French brand can cost a pretty penny. So, naturally, we’re the first to jump when we can score Le Creuset on sale — like right now at Williams Sonoma. With just a few exceptions, Le Creuset’s entire line is up to 55 percent off. Yes, that includes their iconic enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, but if we had to pick one item, it would be this gorgeous rectangular covered casserole, which is currently $92 (normally $155 or $115 for select colors).

If this vibrant stoneware casserole looks familiar, it’s not your imagination. The smaller, 2.5-qt. version made our Best List last year, and our tester, Sharon, and features director, Arie, both loved it for its functionality and beauty. The larger, 4-quart covered casserole does everything its little sibling can do, with a few key differences: First, its generous capacity can fit quite a bit more food, meaning you can make deeper mac-n-cheese recipes, maxed-out fruit crumbles, and thicker lasagnas. Despite the bigger size, it only measures 14.5″ x 9.14″, making it slightly larger than a quarter sheet pan and easy to store (it can even fit in some countertop ovens).

But it’s the matching domed lid that truly sets it apart from most casseroles. Rather than glass, the tight-fitting lid is made from the same heat-proof stoneware as the dish itself, so it can be used to keep meals warm at the table. The lid can also be used in the oven to keep things like baked desserts and cheesy recipes from browning too quickly. Think of it as a convenient — not to mention, sustainable! — alternative to aluminum foil.

Since the dish and lid weigh nine pounds before being filled with ingredients, things can get rather heavy. But Le Creuset’s sturdy construction contributes to even cooking, and the dish’s two flared handles make it easy and safe to move in and out of the oven or to the table. Plus, with 17 poppy colors to pick from, it’s a definite upgrade to metal or glass casseroles.

While Le Creuset’s casserole is oven safe, it can also go in the broiler, freezer, refrigerator, and microwave — making it much more versatile than most casseroles. Just avoid putting a hot casserole under cold water or placing a cold casserole in a hot oven, as these sudden temperature changes can lead to cracking. Also, due to the nature of the casserole’s porcelain enamel glaze, it’s best to clean it with a non-abrasive nylon brush, scrubber, or sponge.

Looking for inspiration for what to make in your new casserole? We’ve got tons of easy, hearty meal ideas. And with Mother’s Day and other spring holidays just around the corner, you could make someone very happy by snagging them a casserole dish or any other deal from this epic Le Creuset sale!

Buy: Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Rectangular Covered Casserole, $92 (normally $155) at Williams Sonoma