This New $24.99 ALDI Find Is a Game-Changer—I Use It All the Time

As a bread lover and baker, I've long dreamed of owning a fancy bread oven for baking my bread in. At the same time, spending nearly $300 on a single-purpose kitchen gadget isn't exactly in my "sensible adult" playbook.

So I almost dropped my sourdough starter when I saw that ALDI was selling the Crofton cast iron bread dome. At just $24.99, it's a fraction of the cost of its Le Creuset counterpart, which is (literally) 12 times more expensive.

I believe in investing in quality kitchen tools, but when I can get the same results at a budget-friendly price, the math doesn't math for me. The price of ALDI's bread dome was right, as they say, and I saw it as an opportunity to finally get one. So, for all of my fellow homemade bread lovers, this one's for you! 

Why I Love ALDI's Crofton Bread Dome

The Crofton bread dome is made from heavy-duty enameled cast iron, just like its pricier counterpart, which means it retains heat exceptionally well. Its design helps to create a perfect steam-filled environment that bread dreams are made of.

I christened it by baking my favorite sesame and semolina loaf shortly after bringing it home, then tested a loaf of no-knead bread the following day. Each time I lifted the lid, I was greeted with a deeply golden, delightfully crunchy crust and a spongy crumb with the perfect chew. I'll be making a smaller batch of focaccia in it this evening, and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

While it might not come in Le Creuset's rainbow of colors, there isn’t much else that’s different about it. The classic white or jewel green enamel finish of the ALDI dome looks sleek and timeless anyway. Plus, like any enameled cast iron cookware, it’s easier to keep clean because there's no seasoning required!

I Use My Bread Dome for Much More Than Just Bread

Yes, I bought this dome with visions of crusty boules dancing in my head—and it does deliver on that front—but its 9-inch enameled cast-iron base makes it more versatile than you might expect.

It’s oven-safe up to 482°F and can be used on any stovetop, including induction stoves. The base alone could be a beautiful stove- or oven-to-table piece of serving ware for a seasonal crisp or cobbler. I also plan to use it for roasting chicken thighs, baking deep-dish pizza, and smaller braises.

My latest breakfast obsession, Dutch babies, would turn out with a beautifully fluffy center and Instagram-worthy puffed edges. I've even wondered if it could work as a tagine of sorts.

A tagine is typically made from earthenware (like clay) and has a conical top to trap and return moisture to the food. But Elise Bauer gave me hope in her recipe for Moroccan chicken with olives when she shared that "you don't absolutely need to use a tagine to make this dish; just use a large, shallow, thick-bottomed, covered skillet." That's what I've got! This could open up a whole new world of cooking possibilities for me.

All that is to say, don't let the name of this piece of cookware deter you! Whether it remains a one-trick pony is totally up to you. As a bread enthusiast, I’m obviously thrilled to have a bread dome, but I’m even more excited to see this ALDI find become so much more than a bread-baking tool.

It's a beautiful, versatile kitchen must-have that can deliver a whole host of delicious dishes—and I’m here for all of them!