This $9.99 ALDI Find That Le Creuset Fans Are Going Wild For

And it couldn’t be more festive for fall.

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Simply Recipes / Aldi

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Last year, I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw the cutest holiday table setting. Every place setting had its own adorable little pumpkin-shaped dish as the main centerpiece. It looked so nice that even though I don't usually fall for overt, seasonally-themed dishware (pun intended), I immediately knew I wanted to recreate that cozy fall vibe for my holiday gathering.

After a quick search, I found out these mini pumpkin casserole dishes were by Le Creuset—but as lovely as they were, I wasn't ready to drop that much cash. They were $50 apiece, and I needed at least eight. There was no way I could comfortably make that purchase.

But this year ALDI is all about pumpkin-inspired decor, and they've released their own mini pumpkin casserole dishes from Crofton. They're just as stinking cute and are virtual dupes of Le Creuset dishes, but at $9.99 for a two-pack, they are 10 times cheaper. So, you know which ones are getting my vote.

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Why I Love ALDI's Mini Pumpkin Casserole Dishes

First of all, can we talk about the design? They're shaped like pumpkins and come in the most delightful fall colors (orange, green, and white). They bring an instant festive touch to any table, making them perfect for everything from Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to casual fall meals.

They stun as cookware and décor, whether holding a mini pot pie or sitting pretty in a fall tablescape. And beyond the cuteness factor, they're actually very practical. The high-fired ceramic with a scratch-proof glaze means they're durable and can go from oven to table without missing a beat. The base is oven-safe up to 450°F, so I can bake directly in them and serve without dirtying another dish, which is a win for dinner parties. Each has a 1.6-cup capacity, just the right size for individual servings.

How To Use These Mini Pumpkin Casserole Dishes

These little dishes are far more versatile than you'd think. Aside from being a great way to serve individual portions of just about anything, they're perfect for making some of my favorite cozy fall recipes. One of my go-to fall recipes is a comforting chicken pot pie (similar to this recipe). I sauté some veggies (usually carrots, celery, and onions) and toss them with leftover chicken and peas in a creamy sauce. But I know my kids' heads will explode when I serve the mixture in these dishes topped with golden puff pastry. Because they're dishwasher-safe, I can even do this on a weeknight to make those school nights feel a little more special.

French onion soup, baked pasta, cauliflower curry, apple crisp, and mac and cheese are some of our other cold-weather favorites and recipes that I know would either bake up or look stunning served in these dishes. I love the idea of dinner parties and family nights, where each person gets their own darling dish. I'm even considering baking pumpkin bread or apple cake in the dishes like miniature bundt cakes. Now, any meal can feel festive and thoughtful with this simple dish upgrade.

For $9.99, they add priceless charm and are a staple for fall and winter entertaining. But knowing I can get the look of a luxury brand for a fraction of the price? Well, that's just the icing on the pumpkin-shaped cake.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.