Picture the scene. I was minding my own business, flipping through a copy of Food and Wine Magazine (which, yes, I still get delivered like an octogenarian). In between recipes for Kalua Pork Sandwiches and Cacio e Pepe Souffle, a full-page ad caught my eye, boasting the rarest of finds: a piece of kitchenware that I’d never seen.
It was, in fact, an all-new offering from the OG of cookware, Le Creuset. Perhaps they read the room following the pandemic’s spike in sourdough, or maybe they just peered into the secret desires of my very own heart. Either way, the result was there on the page in full, glossy color — a gorgeous new cast iron Bread Oven.
The Le Creuset Bread Oven was love at first sight. So, of course, the first thing I did was text my mother a photo, along with a few drooling emojis.
Available in a range of enameled hues (I’ve got my eye on you, Caribbean blue), these new ovens make a perfect addition for any home baker. Able to withstand heat on the stove or in your oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, they’re not just beautiful but also versatile for many different recipes.
Like other enameled cast irons from Le Creuset, the Bread Oven provides ideal heat distribution and requires no seasoning or special maintenance. It’s even dishwasher safe! And, of course, since this piece is meant for baking, it’s been designed with a few special features.
The unique domed lid circulates steam to create maximum rise and a crisp crust — for example, on that rosemary olive bread you’ve been craving.
Raised ridges promote even browning and leave professional-looking ring marks on the bottom of every loaf, complete with chic “Le Creuset” typography.
For chefs who value multipurpose tools, the base of this Bread Oven can also be used as a skillet or roaster!
I’ll admit, I’m not much of a baker — I have one go-to bread recipe, and that’s about it. But the sheer prettiness of Le Creuset’s new Bread Oven is calling me to the dark side.
Fortunately, this piece has been flying off the digital shelves, and 8 out of 9 colors are currently out of stock on the Le Creuset website. So that should help save me from the expense…for now.
Le Creuset Bread Oven, $290 at www.lecreuset.com