When it comes to cookware, you can’t get much better than Le Creuset. The craftsmanship is undeniable, but the price tag? Not exactly budget-friendly. While Le Creuset eventually pays for itself after years of use, it’s always satisfying to find a lookalike or dupe that comes in at a fraction of the cost. Enter Hobby Lobby’s $5 mini stoneware pot. It’s the mini cocotte your kitchen didn’t know it needed.
Despite its small size, this piece is surprisingly versatile. It can handle everything from casseroles and chili to spinach artichoke dip and beyond. Think morning egg bakes, game-night buffalo chicken dip, or even a late-night apple crumble.
Mini Stoneware Cocotte, $5 at Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby has some insane deals if you look hard enough. This one’s one of our top finds for its versatility, ease of use, and value. However, unless you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you may not be familiar with the mini cocotte. It’s a shame, because these little pots pack some serious range.
A mini cocotte looks like a cross between a ramekin and a Dutch oven. Most hold between 8–12 ounces. They’re perfect for cooking solo portions or serving dips, condiments, and small bites. You won’t know how much you needed one until you start using it.
Related: Hobby Lobby’s Football-Shaped Slow Cooker Will Keep Your Food Warm Through Every Quarter
How Does the Hobby Lobby Version Compare to Le Creuset?
Le Creuset’s iconic ombré glaze is hard to beat, but Hobby Lobby’s version holds its own with solid colors in black, green, or white. The black and green come with a cream-colored base, while the white keeps things all-white and is a dollar cheaper.
Size-wise, Hobby Lobby’s cocotte measures 2 inches tall and 3.75 inches wide (not including handles or lid) and holds 6 ounces. Le Creuset, on the other hand, offers three sizes, including an 8-ounce option that’s 5.3 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall, plus a 14-ounce version.
The big difference comes down to price. Le Creuset’s 8-ounce cocotte will set you back about $32, while Hobby Lobby’s version costs just $5. Sure, Le Creuset comes with a 10-year warranty, but with proper care, Hobby Lobby’s pot can easily last you years, too.
From single-serve mac and cheese to individual chicken pot pies, this little pot is as practical as it is reliable. It doubles as a serving dish, keeps portions tidy, and gives your food a solid presentation. You’ll find yourself reaching for it more often than you think.
