Her Husband Gave Her the 157-Piece Le Creuset Set From Costco — Here’s What She Uses a Year Later

We all saw it break the internet last year: rumors of a legendary 157-piece Le Creuset set from Costco that cost a jaw-dropping $4,499.99 but was nowhere to be seen. We very nearly didn’t even believe it existed — that is, until we saw it, pallet and all, on a viral TikTok from Valerie Cervantes in Ames, Iowa, whose husband bought her the entire set for Christmas. 

It’s hard to fathom what anyone might even begin to do with a 157-piece Le Creuset collection, but Cervantes set a goal to use every single piece in 2024. We caught up with her this year to see what she’s actually been using from the set, how it’s changed her cooking, and what’s surprised her most from the experience. Read on for her favorite pieces, and some of our own favorite Le Creuset pieces that are gift-worthy — whether for yourself or for someone else.

The Best Le Creuset Pieces

• Le Creuset Vancouver 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $250, originally $312 at lecreuset.com
• Le Creuset Stoneware Pasta Bowls, Set of 4, $72 at amazon.com
• Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Crepe Pan with Rateau, $96, originally $120 at amazon.com
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, $340, originally $420 at amazon.com
• Le Creuset Stoneware Round Pizza Stone, $90 at amazon.com
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet, $220 at amazon.com
• Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Rectangular Dish, $90 at amazon.com
• Signature Enameled Cast Iron 7-Piece Cookware Set, $1,000, originally $1,430 at lecreuset.com

Le Creuset Stoneware Dinnerware Set, 16-Piece

First off, Cervantes really truly replaced all the dishware in her kitchen with the plates, mugs, and bowls from her Le Creuset set. When her husband gave her the set last year, she had mismatched dishware pieces that were immediately usurped by the Le Creuset dinnerware set. “The Le Creuset set is all I have and use now,” Cervantes tells Food & Wine. 

Le Creuset Stoneware Pasta Bowls, Set of 4

As a stay-at-home mom to a 2-year-old and 2-month-old, her “mugs, dinnerware, and pans get used daily.” However, she’s especially taken with the pasta bowls, which she uses every day to serve a variety of dishes. The gently sloping sides make for the ideal vessel for pastas, soups, salads, rice bowls, and more.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Crepe Pan with Rateau and Spatula

Cervantes has especially been enjoying expanding her cooking style with all of her new cookware, like the crepe pan she now calls “one of [her] favorite pieces.” Though she’d never made crepes before owning this set, she’s now able to turn out sweet and savory crepes with ease thanks to the Le Creuset crepe pan. 

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven

The Le Creuset Dutch oven has also replaced her beloved Crock-Pot slow cooker. “I rarely use my Crock-Pot anymore,” Cervantes shares. For braises, stews, and other dishes that require time for flavors to develop, the Dutch oven is now her go-to.

Le Creuset Stoneware Round Pizza Stone

Well, what on earth could her husband get her next? Cervantes shares that the next Le Crueset item on her wishlist is the pizza stone, which is a great choice, thanks to how well it can retain and distribute heat to achieve crispy yet fluffy pizza crust.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet

Our tested favorite enameled cast iron skillet from Le Creuset gives an even, golden sear to a piece of beef chuck and thoroughly bakes cornbread. It heats evenly across the surface and is a well-designed piece that’ll last for years to come.

Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Rectangular Dish

As one of our top casserole dish picks, this one from Le Creuset bakes evenly and can transition straight from oven to dining table. The glossy finish makes it easy to clean, even when there are stuck-on bits of cheese and sauce.

Signature Enameled Cast Iron 7-Piece Cookware Set

Maybe you can’t get your hands on the 157-piece Le Creuset set from Costco, but you can save $430 on this 7-piece cookware set that has all our favorite essentials from the brand, including the Dutch oven, enameled skillet, grill pan, braiser, and roasting pan.