Care & Use Instructions

Before first use: Unbox your new Le Creuset casserole carefully—the anticipation is part of the joy of quality cookware! Remove all labels, stickers, and packaging materials. Wash the casserole thoroughly in warm, soapy water—both interior and exterior, including the lid. Rinse completely to remove all soap residue. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Your casserole is now ready for its first use.

Oven use guidelines: When using your casserole in the oven, always use oven gloves to handle it—both the dish and lid become very hot. The stoneware is safe to 260°C, but avoid exceeding this temperature. When using under the grill, maintain at least 6.5cm (2½ inches) distance between the grill element and the top of your casserole (including the lid if covered). This prevents excessive direct heat that could cause thermal shock or damage.

Freezer to oven technique: One of this casserole's most valuable features is freezer-to-oven capability—but it must be done correctly. Never place a frozen casserole dish into a preheated hot oven—this thermal shock could crack the stoneware. Instead, place your frozen dish into a cold oven, then set your desired temperature and allow both oven and dish to heat up together gradually. This gentle temperature increase prevents thermal stress. Once cooking is complete and food is piping hot throughout, your meal is ready to serve.

Heating room-temperature dishes: If you're heating a casserole that's currently at room temperature (not frozen), don't preheat your oven above 205°C (400°F) before placing the dish inside. This guidance prevents sudden temperature changes that could stress the stoneware. For recipes requiring higher temperatures, place the room-temperature dish in a cooler oven, then increase temperature gradually, or allow the dish to warm slightly before transferring to a hotter oven.

Adding liquid during cooking: If you need to add liquid to your dish whilst it's cooking in the oven, remove the casserole from the oven first and allow it to cool for a few minutes before adding liquid. Adding cold or room-temperature liquid to a very hot dish can cause thermal shock. Let the casserole cool slightly, add your liquid, then return to the oven. This simple precaution protects your investment.

Microwave use: The casserole is completely microwave safe, but with one important guideline: when covering the dish, cover only the top—leave the handles exposed. The handles can become quite hot after extended microwave use, so use oven gloves or a towel when removing the casserole from the microwave. The stoneware itself heats up along with the food, so always handle with care. For reheating, use medium power settings and check food temperature before serving.

Food safety: Before serving any dish from the oven or microwave, always verify that food is piping hot throughout—particularly important for dishes containing meat, poultry, or reheated leftovers. Use a food thermometer if needed to ensure safe internal temperatures. Stoneware's excellent heat retention means food stays hot during serving, but initial cooking must reach safe temperatures throughout.

Serving directly from casserole: One of this casserole's joys is moving directly from oven to table. The embossed holly design makes it beautiful enough for table presentation. However, protect your table surface—place the hot casserole on a trivet, heat-resistant mat, or thick folded towel. The base will be very hot and could damage table surfaces. Allow guests to serve themselves using appropriate serving spoons (avoid metal utensils that might scratch the glaze).

Storing leftovers: Once food has cooled, cover the casserole with its lid and refrigerate or freeze directly. There's no need to transfer food to different containers—the casserole is perfectly suited for storage. This convenience saves washing up and preserves food in an airtight environment. The scratch-resistant glaze won't absorb odours or flavours, so you can store strongly flavoured foods without worry.

After use—cooling: Always allow your casserole to cool down before cleaning. Never plunge a hot dish into cold water—the sudden temperature change could cause cracking. Let it cool naturally on a heat-resistant surface or trivet. If you're eager to clean up, you can speed cooling by filling the warm (not hot) casserole with warm (not cold) water. Never use extreme temperature differences.

Cleaning—general: For everyday cleaning, wash your casserole by hand in warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth—avoid abrasive scourers that might dull the glaze over time, though the scratch-resistant surface is quite durable. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Dry completely with a clean towel or allow to air dry. The smooth glazed surface means most food residues wipe away easily without scrubbing.

Cleaning—stubborn food: If food has stuck to the casserole during cooking, don't scrub aggressively. Instead, fill the casserole with warm, soapy water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. This softens stuck-on food, making it easy to wipe away. For particularly stubborn residues, you can soak longer or use a paste of baking soda and water, applying it to affected areas and letting it sit before washing as usual. The non-porous glaze means nothing penetrates the surface—it's all sitting on top, ready to be removed with patience.

Dishwasher cleaning: Your Le Creuset stoneware casserole is completely dishwasher safe. Place it securely in your dishwasher—ideally on the bottom rack where water pressure is strongest. Run a full cycle as normal. The high-quality glaze withstands repeated dishwasher cycles without fading, dulling, or degrading. For the embossed holly design, the dishwasher's water jets actually clean it effectively, reaching into the textured pattern. After the cycle completes, either leave to air dry or dry by hand.

Maintaining the embossed design: The holly embossing is permanent and integral to the stoneware—it won't fade, wear away, or require special care. However, food residues can accumulate in the textured pattern. Regular washing (hand or dishwasher) prevents buildup. If you notice residue in the embossed areas, use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) during washing to reach into the pattern. The scratch-resistant glaze means gentle brushing won't damage the surface.

Avoiding stains: Whilst the non-porous glaze resists staining, some strongly coloured foods (beetroot, turmeric, tomato sauce) may leave faint marks if left in contact for extended periods. To prevent staining, don't leave food sitting in the casserole for days. Transfer leftovers to storage containers if you won't consume them promptly, or cover and refrigerate in the casserole but consume within a day or two. If staining does occur, it's usually superficial and can be removed with baking soda paste or specialised ceramic cleaning products.

What to avoid: Never use your casserole on direct heat sources—stovetop burners, hobs, or open flames. Stoneware is designed for oven, microwave, and table use, not direct flame or element contact. Don't expose the casserole to extreme thermal shock (hot to cold or vice versa). Don't use metal utensils for serving if you can avoid them—silicone, wood, or plastic utensils are gentler on the glaze. Don't use harsh abrasive cleaners or steel wool. Don't cut food whilst it's in the casserole—use serving spoons or utensils to transfer food to plates before cutting.

Storage when not in use: Store your casserole in a cupboard or on a shelf where it won't be knocked or stressed. If stacking with other cookware, place a protective cloth or paper towel between pieces to prevent scratches (though the scratch-resistant glaze is quite durable). Store with the lid on or off—either way is fine. Some people display attractive Le Creuset pieces on open shelving, which works beautifully with this casserole's festive design during the Christmas season.

Seasonal storage: If you purchase this casserole specifically for Christmas entertaining and plan to store it the rest of the year, ensure it's completely clean and dry before long-term storage. Wrap carefully in bubble wrap or nest in tissue paper to prevent chips or cracks if other items are placed against it. Store in a safe location where it won't be crushed or damaged by heavier items placed on top.

Maintaining warranty coverage: Le Creuset's 10-year guarantee covers manufacturing defects but not damage from misuse or accidents. To maintain coverage, follow these care instructions carefully. Don't expose the casserole to thermal shock, don't use on direct heat, don't drop or impact it. Normal wear from regular use is expected and acceptable—minor glaze crazing or tiny marks from years of service don't constitute defects. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Long-term care: With proper use and care, your Le Creuset stoneware casserole should provide decades of reliable service. The specialist clays and high-quality glaze are engineered for longevity. Clean promptly after use, avoid thermal shock and direct heat, handle with care to prevent chips or cracks, and store thoughtfully. Follow these practices and your Limited Edition Holly Casserole becomes a treasured piece you'll use for many Christmas celebrations to come—and possibly pass down to the next generation of your family.