The Le Creuset mini cocottes are a total win: they’re beautiful, easy to store, and incredibly versatile. Even so, we often hear people say, "Everyone says they can be used for everything... but what are they really for?". That’s why Laura, author of the Because gastroblog, is here today to tell us about them and give us plenty of ideas so you can get the most out of them!
I have to be honest and say it took me a long time to decide to buy the Le Creuset mini cocottes. The truth is that, although they’ve never been an expensive product—in fact, quite the opposite—I thought they were more of a whim than a kitchen tool.
But when the oval minis arrived at Claudia&Julia (and they’re so hard to find... they’re exclusive to Spain!), I couldn’t resist the design and finally bought them. The big surprise is that, besides being gorgeous, they’re one of the kitchen items I use most.
They’re the perfect portion size, so I use them almost as much as plates... well, or more, because unlike plates, the mini cocottes can withstand high oven temperatures, so at home they’re often both cookware and serving ware in the same recipe.
Features
Among the mini cocottes, we have the round ones, the oval ones (now available in two sizes, 13cm and 17cm!) and also the heart-shaped mini cocottes (without a doubt, these are ideal for surprising your partner or giving a truly original gift!)
They all have a color and quality that you’ll love: as you know, they’re by Le Creuset, so the quality of the ceramic and the interior enamel is among the best you can find. You should even know that each knob is hand-painted! The company’s care and dedication are on another level.
Both the oval and the 13cm round ones have the same price, although the oval ones have a bit more capacity (which I saw as a plus). As for the new oval size, the 17cm one, I found it really interesting: while the 13cm ones were already enough for serving appetizers and the occasional starter, the 17cm one is definitely big enough for a full dish, but with lots of style.
As for features, I should also point out that all mini cocottes, unlike the "standard" cocottes, are ceramic. They’re not made of iron and don’t have a heat-diffusing iron base, so they can’t go on the stove: they’re designed for oven cooking, microwave use, or for serving appetizers and cold dishes.
Having a lid is a plus for storing them in the fridge, since it keeps your preparation away from outside odors. And maintenance? Easier than can be, because being ceramic, they’re dishwasher-safe.
The only downside of this product is that it’s hard to choose between the range of colors and sizes... but I’ll tell you a secret: whichever one you choose, you’ll love it and use it a ton, that’s for sure!
Recipes and inspiration for serving in mini cocottes
Now that the warm weather is here, they are ideal for serving cold dishes at the table such as ceviches, marinated dishes, cheese spreads, or homemade pates. Not to mention other dishes that we can bake and serve directly, such as lasagnas, eggs in casserole, roast potatoes... Any dish you can bake in a ceramic dish, you can cook in these beautiful mini casseroles and present it at the table in an original way that will not leave your diners indifferent, whether they are guests or family at home.
Also, although I now mainly serve savory dishes in them (even salad), the first thing I used them for was desserts. Desserts served in them look spectacular. Try making brownie-style sponge cakes or chocolate coulant; in fact, they turn out so well that it’s a great idea if you’re going as a guest to bring one of these desserts inside the mini cocottes. Easy to transport, beautiful to give as a gift. Other desserts such as crême brulée, custard, or even tiramisu also find their ideal container in these little dishes.
In the photo, chocolate coulant in oval mini-casserole
Here are some recipes you can make in Le Creuset mini cocottes:
- Chocolate coulant in a mini-casserole
- Cherry tomato and cheese clafoutis
- Chocolate cake with raspberry sauce
- Individual chicken and bacon pie
- Truffled eggs with mushrooms
And if you want more, there is also a Le Creuset mini-casserole recipe book, with 40 recipes, both sweet and savory. If you look at the reviews, honestly, I can see that all the opinions are really good, and I think you’ll find plenty of inspiration there to get the most out of these lovely minis.
Comments
Son sencillamente preciosas. En Zaragoza no tienen las ovaladas y creo que el tamaño, sería perfecto para un primer plato individual. El libro de sus recetas, ¿donde lo compro? said:
Claramente mi nombre no es el que he puesto. Soy Pilar Arcarazo Garcia