Casseroles & Tureens (The Oven-to-Table Guide)

Casseroles and Tureens are the grand vessels of the dining table, designed to serve hot, communal dishes. While a casserole is often a cooking vessel that transitions directly to the table, a tureen is a formal serving piece used to present soups and stews with elegance.

Understanding the material and thermal properties of these vessels is key to ensuring your meal stays at the “Goldilocks” temperature—not too hot to eat, but never cold.

A Casserole (from the French word for “saucepan”) is designed for slow-cooking in the oven and immediate service at the table.

• Functional Design: Features thick walls to distribute heat evenly and a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture from escaping.
• Oven-to-Table: The beauty of a Le Creuset or Denby casserole is its aesthetic finish, eliminating the need to transfer food to a separate serving dish, which preserves heat.
• Common Uses: Lasagnas, gratins, slow-cooked stews, and roasted meats.

The Tureen is a deep, usually oval or round serving dish with a lid and handles, historically considered the most prestigious piece in a dinnerware set.

• The Ladle Notch: A defining feature is the small cut-out in the lid, allowing the handle of a ladle to protrude while keeping the lid closed to trap steam.
• The Underplate: High-end tureens come with a matching oversized platter (underplate) to protect the tablecloth from heat and catch any drips from the ladle.
• Historical Context: In the 18th century, the tureen was the centerpiece of “Service à la Française,” placed directly in front of the host to signal the start of the meal.

• Lid Etiquette: When lifting the lid at the table, tilt it away from the guests so the steam rises upward and away from their faces.
• The First Serving: Traditionally, the host serves the first ladle of soup. The lid should be replaced immediately after serving each guest to maintain the temperature for seconds.
• Protection: Always place a casserole on a trivet or a heat-resistant mat to protect wooden tables from thermal damage.

• Thermal Shock: Never move a ceramic casserole directly from the freezer to a preheated oven. Allow it to reach room temperature first to avoid cracking.
• Non-Abrasive Cleaning: Use soft sponges. Abrasive pads can scratch the enamel or glaze, making the surface “sticky” for future cooking.

— See Also:

• Le Creuset: Enameled Stoneware Masters
• Stoneware vs. Porcelain