Ballarini Just Launched a New Line of Cocottes and They’re Perfect for Winter

Ah winter, how you have finally descended upon us with chilly temperatures, snow in some places, rain in others, and festive cheer in all. Welcome! We’ve been waiting for you. Why? Well, because we’re anxious to get started on our cozy, yummy, warming, nostalgic cooking (and baking!) projects! Yes, I’m talking briskets, toffee, homemade sourdough … all the comforting staples. So, considering the fact that our hearts and bellies are usually craving the tender bite of fall-off-the-bone meat or a spoonful of hearty chickpea curry, there’s one piece of cookware that’s a home cook’s best friend this time of year: the Dutch oven. With endless versatility, superb heat distribution, and excellent moisture retention, these workhorse pieces can be found sitting on the stovetop in any Kitchn editors home this very minute (yes, I am willing to place a bet on that). While most of us have one, or a few, that we’ve relied on throughout our cooking years, there’s a new Dutch oven in town that all of us here on the team have our hearts set on it. Meet Ballarini’s all-new Bellamote Cocotte.

If you’re unfamiliar with Ballarini, well, allow me to introduce you. Although we first stumbled across the Italian cookware brand back in 2019 — when my colleague Vanessa fell in love with their Parma Nonstick Frying Pan — these kitchenware masters have been in business since 1889! (So, you can trust in their design, construction, and quality of materials, to say the least. I mean, they’ve been at it for over 130 years!) Traditionally, Ballarini specializes in high-quality, nonstick cookware, but they recently applied all that experience into the new line of cocottes. (In case you were wondering, “cocotte” and “Dutch oven” are just different names for the same kind of cookware, though cocottes tend to be a touch smaller.)

The Bellamonte line is stocked with a variety of sizes of Dutch ovens in three differing, equally stunning hues (BTW, if you were to buy one of each color, you’d essentially be recreating the Italian flag on your stovetop — thank you Ballarini for fulfilling my nonna’s dream). In both oval and round variations, the pieces range from 4.75 to 7.5 quarts in size. Which means, no matter on how you plan on using the do-it-all piece, there’s a cocotte here that’s just right for you.

Size aside, when considering the Bellamonte line, you can expect unparalleled succulence and browning thanks to a spiked lid, which collects and redistributes condensation. You’ll also experience even, steady heat (get that perfect sear baby!) from the high-quality cast iron and cream-colored, enameled interior. You can be prepared for effortless cleanup — both lid and body are dishwasher-safe. Plus, the pieces have wide, easy-to-grip handles that aid you in safely transporting your dish from oven to table (or to the back of the car, nested in a pile of towels, for the journey to a holiday feast). The cherry on top? Each oven comes with a stunning brass knob that imbues the elegant pieces with an extra-luxurious touch.

Priced under comparable models — it’s on sale right now — and undeniably seasonally appropriate, there really should be nothing in your way when it comes to acquiring one of these special, gorgeous pieces. I know I’m heading right over the the site and getting my hands on the 4.75-quart Oval in green pronto!