As beautiful as it is functional, the Signature Oval Baker is a workhorse in the kitchen and an elegant option for entertaining. The sturdy shallow dish is crafted from our legendary enameled cast iron, with a colorful exterior and wide looped handles. The baker can be used directly on the stovetop, in the oven and on the table for maximum versatility and efficiency, no need for separate dishes. With exceptional heat distribution and retention qualities to lock in flavor and keep dishes warm or cold at the table, this unique piece will be your go-to choice for sides, desserts, baked goods and more. Keep reading for some of our favorite recipes to prepare in this multifaceted addition to the ideal Le Creuset collection.
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Roasted Red Pepper Ratatouille with Goat Cheese
The Signature Oval Baker is the perfect vessel for this beloved French stew with its wide surface area and stovetop to oven to table versatility. Leeks and red peppers are sauteed in olive oil on the stovetop until smooth and buttery before pureeing for a saucy base. Thinly sliced veggies are carefully layered on top of the puree in a circular pattern before moving to the oven for a stunning one-dish masterpiece. The beauty of this ratatouille is the combination of a richly flavored red pepper sauce combined with tender layered vegetables and tangy goat cheese for a contrast in flavor and texture. Serve this colorful casserole right from the oven to keep it warm at the table, alongside roasted meats, fish or even just crusty bread for a sophisticated taste of Provence.
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Vanilla Peach Cobbler
With a generous capacity ideal for serving 3-4 people, the Signature Oval Baker is a colorful choice for desserts, from fruit cobblers, crumbles and crisps to rich brownies and blondies. This juicy recipe for Vanilla Peach Cobbler is particularly stunning when served in this unique baking dish in fresh and cheerful Pêche. The even heat distribution means that the fruit is tender and caramelized while the cobbler topping is crispy and evenly browned on top. Topped with sweet vanilla ice cream, this summertime classic can be a year-round favorite when made with off-season fruit or frozen peaches. And the excellent heat retention of cast iron will keep the cobbler warm for maximum contrast with the cold ice cream.
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Apricot, Pistachio and Saffron Crispy Rice
In this vibrant Persian-inspired recipe, fragrant basmati forms into a golden crust thanks to the exceptional heat distribution and shallow depth of the enameled cast iron Signature Oval Baker. A crispy outer layer cradles fluffy grains of rice infused with saffron then topped with dried fruit and toasted nuts. The key to an evenly browned and crispy crust is to combine al dente rice with a mixture of yogurt and egg yolks, then bake tightly pressed into the colorful Oval Baker. Our version is topped with apricots, pistachios and parsley but feel free to get creative with any combination of fresh herbs, dried fruit and crunchy nuts. This delicious grain side dish is the perfect accompaniment to a rich lamb stew or juicy roast chicken.
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Mustard Brussel Sprouts Gratin
The long, oval shape is also ideally designed for casseroles, roasted vegetables and grains, and will become your side dish hero. This Mustard Brussel Sprouts Gratin recipe has similar flavors to a traditional green bean casserole, so it checks all the right boxes for a satisfying side dish. The sprouts are roasted in a creamy cheesy sauce until golden and tender, then topped with plenty of bacon and crispy fried onions. The versatility of the Signature Oval Baker means that the crispy bacon and cream sauce can be made on the stovetop before the gratin goes into the oven to finish cooking. Move over potatoes, we’ve got a new favorite vegetable to gratin.
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Bacon, Gruyere and Shallot Biscuits
Bacon-laced buttermilk biscuits rise tall and fluffy when tucked close together and baked in the enameled cast iron Signature Oval Baker. The shallow, low-profile design allows heat to circulate around baked goods like biscuits and rolls for an optimally browned exterior and tender, fluffy interior. With caramelized shallots, minced bacon and nutty gruyere layered into a buttery dough, these decadent biscuits are equally at home on the holiday appetizer buffet as they are at the breakfast table. For even baking and easy serving, use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to punch out small biscuits that are the perfect size to enjoy out of hand.
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