Soufflenheim Pottery

Soufflenheim Pottery – Exceptional Clay from the Haguenau Forest

The art of pottery first appeared in Soufflenheim as far back as the Bronze Age (1000 BC). This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation over the centuries, contributing to the development and fame of Alsatian culinary tradition, with dishes that have made it renowned : Baeckeoffe, Choucroute, Kougelhopf, Snails and Alsatian Tarte Flambée.

Soufflenheim Clay : an Exceptional Material

Soufflenheim pottery is made from a unique clay, also known as loam, extracted directly from the Haguenau Forest that borders the village. This exceptional clay has recognised refractory and culinary properties, thanks to the aluminium naturally present in its composition. Fired at over 1000°C, it guarantees remarkable heat resistance and slow, even heat distribution, ideal for preserving the flavours and tenderness of food.

Pottery made from this authentic clay can be identified by its characteristic yellowish hue after firing and its slight surface irregularities. The unglazed areas, particularly on the inside, may be slightly rough -- this is the hallmark of truly artisan pottery.

A Rare Craft that Few Potters Still Practise

This exceptional clay is difficult to extract : it requires a great deal of effort and represents a significant cost. This is why most Soufflenheim potters have given it up today, replacing it with a pre-conditioned material that is largely imported, easier and less expensive to work with. Our potters, however, have chosen quality and authenticity : our ancestors learned to master this material, and we continue their traditions.

Our Soufflenheim Pottery Collection

Crafted using clay from the Soufflenheim workshops, our pottery is hand-shaped and hand-painted by skilled artisans. With their characteristic colours -- Soufflenheim Blue, Brush Blue and Red -- each piece is unique and bears the hallmark of centuries-old expertise.

• Baeckeoffe Casseroles -- the iconic casserole for preparing and serving the legendary Alsatian dish straight from oven to table, in the purest tradition.
• Kougelhopf Moulds -- the essential piece of every Alsatian kitchen, for a soft, golden kougelhopf every Sunday morning.
• Langhopf Moulds -- the elongated Alsatian mould, for varying traditional bakes with the same quality of terracotta baking.
• Easter Lamb Moulds -- for moulding the traditional shortcrust Easter lamb and keeping alive a family tradition cherished throughout the region.
• Dishes and Containers -- salad bowls, baking dishes and terracotta containers for authentic everyday cooking and serving.
• Obernai Tableware -- the typical Obernai design on Alsatian-made pottery, for a table set in regional tradition.

Compatible with All Your Cooking Needs

• Traditional oven and fan heat -- ideal for slow-cooking Alsatian dishes, with gentle and even heat distribution.
• Microwave -- reheat your dishes without changing containers.
• Dishwasher -- easy maintenance with no compromise on the durability of hand-painted designs.

Why Choose Our Soufflenheim Pottery ?

• Authentic clay from the Haguenau Forest -- the only local clay with natural refractory properties, used by only a handful of potters today.
• Fired at over 1000°C -- for unrivalled heat resistance and durability.
• Hand-shaped and hand-painted -- each piece is unique, bearing the traces of artisan craftsmanship and the traditional colours of Soufflenheim.
• Characteristic yellowish hue -- the distinctive sign of pottery made from genuine Soufflenheim clay, recognisable above all others.
• All uses -- oven, fan heat, microwave, dishwasher and freezer.
• A meaningful gift -- giving Soufflenheim pottery means giving a piece of Alsatian history and a utensil passed down from generation to generation.

Customer Reviews

"My baeckeoffe casserole has become the centrepiece of our family Sundays. The cooking is incomparable and guests immediately recognise the quality of the pottery."

"I received a kougelhopf mould as a gift and haven't missed a Sunday since. The characteristic yellowish hue and slight irregularities give it an authentic charm that no industrial pottery can match."

"Knowing that the clay comes directly from the Haguenau Forest and that very few potters still use this exceptional earth gives each piece a very special value. A purchase to be proud of."