Cooking with stoneware: How to astound your hungry family with healthy, mouthwatering meals

Safe and easy to use cookware that will transform your family meals.

Disclosure: As an Independent Consultant with Pampered Chef, I earn a commission for purchases made on my Pampered Chef website. I only recommend products and recipes based on personal experience creating delicious dishes in my home kitchen.

Cooking with stoneware is healthy, safe, and easy to do.

Equally popular among restaurants, chefs, and home cooks alike, stoneware will make you a better cook!

Made from natural clay, high-quality stoneware is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, lead-free, and entirely safe for use with all foods. For centuries, people have used pottery and earthenware to whip up delicious dishes for their family members. And with modern stoneware available in traditional unglazed, partially glazed oven-to-table ready, and fully glazed oven-to-table-to-dishwasher safe, it comes as no surprise that stoneware continues to be a popular choice among chefs worldwide.

When baking with stoneware, every dish will cook evenly and turn out well because stoneware retains and distributes heat efficiently. Your food won’t burn, and the cookware is easy to clean.

Stoneware cooking is easier than using traditional nonstick pans because there’s no need to add oil or butter before cooking. This means that less fat gets into your food, making it healthier for you and better tasting, too. Food bakes light and crispy with a moist interior, like fried food but healthier!

Best of all, it’s virtually nonporous, which eliminates oil resin residues, odors, or flavors left behind. You can use it repeatedly without deep cleaning between uses! The darker your stoneware gets, the better it cooks!

Good health, along with good taste and quality, is what every family craves. That is why it is a great idea to cook with quality stoneware in your kitchen to help you give your loved ones the best meals they deserve while supporting better health.

Don’t be afraid to learn how to cook with stoneware, and this article will teach you everything you need to get started:

Learn why stoneware is all-natural, unique, and beautiful cookware
Top 3 reasons stoneware is healthy and safe to use
Top 4 advantages of stoneware cooking
How to season stoneware like a pro: Tips for the perfect natural nonstick surface
Discover how to clean and take care of your stoneware so it lasts forever
How to select the best stoneware cookware – don’t be fooled; not all stoneware is the same
5 safe and easy stoneware cooking tips to transform your family meals
The newest stoneware recipes and secret tips will have you cooking delicious meals for your family and friends in under 30 minutes like a professional chef

Stoneware is all-natural, unique, and beautiful cookware.

What is stoneware?

Stoneware cookware is 100% natural clay pressed into shapes and fired in a kiln at temperatures over 2,000°F – wow, that’s hotter than molten lava! The firing process turns the clay into a buff-colored stone that is entirely safe for use with all food and creates a nonstick surface unaffected by moisture. It is solid and durable enough to withstand the test of time and use. Like those sold by Pampered Chef, some high-quality stoneware pieces are each hand-finished after firing, producing one-of-a-kind creations. Based on natural variations in the clay and the hand-finishing, no two quality stoneware pieces are exactly alike – making stoneware even more beautiful, unique, and fabulous to own. And with a wide variety of traditional unglazed, and unique glazed stones available, you are sure to fall in love with this beautiful cookware.

Top 3 reasons stones are healthy and safe to use.

1. Stoneware is healthier and safer to use than other cookware materials.

The all-natural clay used to make stoneware is nonreactive. Unlike aluminum and copper, natural clay stoneware does not risk leaching metal, toxins, or other chemicals into your food because quality stoneware made of natural clay is chemically stable.

2. Stoneware preserves foods natural nutrients for healthier meals.

The problem with cooking with cheaper materials is that it can destroy the nutrients found within your food, especially if that food is acidic, and absorb odors from foods leaving an unpleasant taste or smell behind. You never need to worry about nasty smell or flavor transfer with clay stoneware – you’ll leave this problem behind.

3. High-quality stoneware is safe and versatile cookware.

High-quality stoneware from top-notch manufacturers like Pampered Chef is oven safe, broiler-safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and freezer safe, making them extraordinarily safe and versatile to use.

Top 4 advantages of stone cooking.

1. Stoneware cooks better than other cookware materials.

The benefits of stoneware are numerous. The density, or how heavy it is for its size, allows stoneware to regulate heat exceptionally well, absorbing and retaining heat evenly. Stable temperature control is the key to moist interiors and incredibly light and crisp crusts for even the most sensitive baked goods. And wait until you taste how stoneware transforms your biscuits by drawing moisture away, resulting in better browning and lighter biscuits that will melt in your mouth – so delicious!

2. Heat retention is the secret to professional cooking.

Most residential ovens only maintain an average temperature. For example, an oven range set at 350°F seldom stays at that temperature. The temperature may cycle by heating up to 370°F for a few seconds, then cooling down to 340°F for a few seconds and repeating the process. Less dense and stable materials, such as thin metal pans, move up and down with these temperature fluctuations, which causes inconsistent cook outcomes, burning, or soggy results. Stoneware preserves the cooking temperature. Consistent heat means consistently good food.

3. Stoneware is solid and durable enough to last a lifetime – it only gets better with age.

How durable is stoneware?

It is solid and stable but not indestructible. Earthenware does not respond well to sudden and extreme temperature changes. This sudden change is called thermal shock and can cause small hairline cracks or breakage. However, you can easily prevent cracking or breaking with proper care, and your stoneware will last for decades. To avoid damage, try not to drop or hit your stoneware against a hard surface. Never immerse or pour liquids onto a hot stone. It is best to store your stoneware without stacking other items on top – this is a good practice for any non-nesting cookware.

4. Stoneware is an elegant and stylish alternative to nonstick cookware.

How to season like a pro: Tips for the perfect natural nonstick surface.

What is stoneware seasoning?

The “seasoning” process gradually creates a dark, nonstick but breathable surface on your unglazed stoneware. The process happens over time as part of the natural cooking process. Baking with foods higher in fat content, such as pre-made cookie dough or refrigerated biscuits, will help accelerate the seasoning. The color of your stoneware will also gradually change from its natural color to a deep brown over time. Seasoning progression may vary based on the types of foods prepared on your stone. Glazed stoneware has a beautiful nonstick surface that does not require seasoning.

Why does darker stoneware cook better?

As the stoneware sayings go, “the darker it looks, the better it cooks,” or “the worse it looks, the better it cooks.” These rhymes say that the darker the surface, the more seasoned the stone has become and the better it will perform. However, brand new stoneware still cooks famously and is easy to clean and maintain. Glazed stoneware will not darken and retain its elegant and glossy oven-to-table finish that will impress family and friends.

Discover how to clean and take care of your stone, so it lasts forever.

Stoneware is easy to clean and maintain.

How can stoneware be clean and free from bacteria without using soap?

Having a virtually nonporous surface means food particles and drippings do not embed in the stoneware. You can use a pan scraper to ensure you have removed all food particles. Simply removing all food particles and drying thoroughly before storing keeps your stoneware clean and safe to use. Before cleaning, allow stoneware to cool down naturally. Never rinse or apply cold liquids to a hot stone or place a hot stone in the freeze.

While rinsing with warm water is best, using soap will not ruin or damage your unglazed stoneware but will slow the seasoning process. Pampered Chef’s newest stoneware uses a proprietary “StoneFusion” manufacturing process that makes their cookware dishwasher safe, giving you another cleaning option if you desire. Pampered Chef stoneware does not require soaking before using, similar to other clay bakers made of terra cotta clay. Glazed stoneware cleans up quickly with regular soap and water.

How to deep clean unglazed stoneware.

Yes, you can deep clean unglazed stoneware surfaces occasionally. Here’s how:

Cool your stone to room temperature before cleaning.
Soak in clean hot water for approximately 5 minutes.
Scrap the surface with a plastic pan scraper or non-steel kitchen brush.
Mix ½ cup baking soda with 3 tablespoons of water to create a paste.
Evenly cover unglazed surfaces of the stone with the paste and let it sit for approximately 15 minutes.
Using your scraper, remove the paste and rinse your stone in warm water.
Towel dry before storing.

How to select the best stoneware cookware – don’t be fooled; not all stoneware is the same.

If you are new to stoneware, it can be overwhelming to choose from various types, styles, and clay stoneware cookware manufacturers. We’ve made it simple to understand and choose the best stone cookware to fit your needs.

What features should I look for when buying stoneware cookware?

Modern manufacturing methods, such as Pampered Chef’s StoneFusion formula, means there is no need to settle for anything other than the most durable and versatile clay stoneware on the market. But be careful. Not all stoneware cookware lives up to these standards. Look closely at the product descriptions and manufacture guarantees to ensure you are purchasing high-quality stoneware.

Consider these important features when purchasing stoneware cookware:

Withstand temperatures of at least 450°F without warping or cracking
All-natural, lead-free clay mined in the USA
Hand-finished
Stone can be preheated
Stone can go directly in a preheated oven
Conventional and convection oven safe
Broiler-safe up to 550°F
Microwave safe
Air Fryer safe
Dishwasher safe
Freezer safe
Manufacturer guaranteed

3 types of stoneware every cook should own.

Unglazed stoneware is the workhorse of clay cookware. Durable and versatile, unglazed cookware comes in all shapes and sizes for cooking and baking, including bar pans, pizza stones, loaf pans, baking sheets, and more.
Partially glazed stoneware features a beautiful glazed exterior that is perfect for oven-to-table serving with an unglazed interior that is perfect for all types of cooking – the best of both worlds! The glazed body makes cleaning super easy. Partially glazed stoneware is usually hand wash only and not dishwasher safe. Since cleaning stoneware is simple, this isn’t a big problem, especially when you consider that gorgeous and elegant glazed exterior.
Glazed stoneware features an elegant oven-to-table finish inside and out, with table-to-dishwasher versatility. This stylish cookware comes in various shapes and sizes, including rectangular bakers, chip and dip sets, deep covered bakers, serving bowls, platters, round stones, deep-dish pie plates, and more. And best of all, they require no seasoning.

Selection of stoneware bakeware and cookware favorites.

Pizza Stone

Tell your taste buds to prepare for the most delicious pizza you have ever had!

Stone Bar Pan

A staple in any kitchen, the versatile bar pan style stone is perfect for everything from ooey-gooey brownies to chicken and biscuits.

Stone Loaf Pan

Calling all bakers and bread makers – see how beautiful and golden-brown stone loaf pans will cook yeast and banana bread, pound cakes, and quick breads. Perfect every time!

Rectangular Stone

Get ready for the most delicious cookies with soft centers and crispy bottoms! Perfect family desserts. Also perfect for cooking biscuits and scones, garlic toast, pizza and flatbreads, roasted vegetables, and so much more.

Deep Covered Baker

The possibilities are endless with the classic Deep Covered Baker. Perfect for everything from chickens and turkey breasts to roasts and casseroles, let your imagination run wild!

Pampered Chef Deep Cover Baker — Pampered Chef classic that is elegant in style and the perfect cooking surface for your microwave or oven, and the graystone-glazed exterior makes it a lovely serving piece as well.

Deep Dish Pie Plate

Turn out bakery perfect pies and family favorite casseroles!

5 safe and easy stoneware cooking tips to transform your family meals.

Stoneware Cooking Tips

How do you keep chicken and steak juicy and tender? Even cooking temperature! The secret to restaurant-quality food at home is heat retention. Stoneware browns and bakes evenly for perfectly roasted food. You can even cut foods and meat directly on your stoneware for serving without damaging the surface.
Do you need to alter your old recipes made with standard bakeware to work with stoneware? Use the same temperatures and cook times as your original recipes, with one exception for baking times less than 10 minutes; you may need to bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Never use nonstick aerosol spray on your stoneware because your stoneware is naturally nonstick. And nonstick sprays will cause a sticky build-up that interferes with the seasoning process.
To encourage thorough seasoning and avoid thermal shock, distribute food evenly over the stoneware surface before cooking.
When choosing the right piece of stoneware to cook your meal, select the size that most closely matches the food item’s size. The more stone surface area you cover with the food, the better.

The newest stoneware recipes and secret tips will have you cooking delicious meals for your family and friends in under 30 minutes like a professional chef.

Want to hear your family and friends say WOW! Serve them these 5 dishes made with stoneware.

Turkey Taco Ring

Classic Family Favorite

Course: Appetizers / Cuisine: Mexican / Difficulty: Easy

Turkey Taco Ring Recipe: Try Our Delicious Family Favorite Appetizer

Delicious and easy to make in under 30 minutes. This healthy take on a classic dish will quickly become your new family favorite appetizer.

Moroccan White Bean Turkey Chili

Delicious and satisfying, a bowlful of this hearty chili will hit the spot!

Course: Appetizers / Cuisine: International / Difficulty: Easy

Moroccan White Bean Turkey Chili Feast: Eat up, you’ll be amazingly satisfied!

Vibrant and fresh! This delicious healthy chili ready in 30-minutes doesn’t disappoint.

Steamed Salom in Vegetables

Healthy and Fresh Meal in 15-minutes – say what!

Course: Dinner / Cuisine: American / Difficulty: Easy

Steamed Salmon in Vegetables: Healthy, fresh, and delicious romantic meal in 15-minutes

Quick and delicious romantic meal for two in 15-minutes. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

30-Minute Chicken Dinner

Delicious Family Meal in 30-minutes – wow!