A cookware handle includes a plastic grip portion molded over a portion of an insert. The insert inserts into a bore of a flange. The grip portion is externally flush with the flange interface and the insert internally connects the grip portion to the flange. This allows the grip portion to be over molded on a first part of the insert so the other portion can be welded or otherwise attached to the flange after external surface finishing of the flange. The insert and flange may be welded together along a portion of the insert that contacts the flange within the bore and that is not visible when the flange is attached to a cookware vessel sidewall to provide the grip molded as a handle for the cookware vessel.