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Casseroles are one of the most versatile and delicious types of food. To make them, however, you need the right tools! With the right casserole dish, you can make and re-heat casseroles with ease. Finding the best dish for you and your cooking style can be difficult, but luckily we've narrowed down some options. To name just a few, our list offers dishes with lids, individual dishes, dishes with handles, and various other types so you can find the perfect one for you.
Our favorite is Libbey Store Baker's Basic 3-Piece Glass Casserole Baking Dish Set. This casserole dish set can be used for many recipes and comes with three sizes, all labeled and with lids, and the clear glass lets diners see what's inside. Check out more products on our best 10 list, and read through our buying guide, written in collaboration with a professional chef, for plenty of helpful information.
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
After looking through the different types of casserole dishes on the market, it's difficult to decide which one is right for you. This buying guide lays out the types of casserole dishes, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, to steer you in the right direction.
People say you only need one good casserole pot for life. It’s a versatile kitchen tool to have because you can create soups, pot roasts, sauces, stews, bread, and so much more in a casserole dish. So, this is an investment that requires careful consideration. For starters, there are four main types of casserole dishes you can choose from.
The most common options are ceramic or tempered glass casserole dishes. Glass dishes, while being fragile, have great heat retention. They also make it possible to keep an eye on your food as you cook, so you can monitor doneness. Glass will retain a lot of heat, but be aware that it doesn't always distribute it evenly.
Ceramic dishes are similar to glass dishes because they are also non-reactive to acidic foods. Unfortunately, they also share some of the disadvantages of glass, like fragility and uneven heat distribution. However, they have a high heat tolerance and are easy to clean due to their natural non-stick properties.
But, be careful putting any glass or ceramic dishes through any rapid temperature changes. They are sensitive to this, and it could result in damage. Many glass and ceramic dishes are dishwasher-safe, but not all. Be careful to note any metal in the dish, especially in decorations or glaze, for microwave use.
The durability and heat retention of cast iron is unmatched in the kitchen. Cast iron is especially good for searing on the stove and then transferring to the oven. Plus, it naturally acquires a non-stick coating with proper oil seasoning.
Cast iron will remain useful for years, but it requires regular care. A perk of enamel-coated cast iron is reduced maintenance and time spent re-seasoning your dish. However, you will need to practice caution when handling this type of dish, as the enamel coating can chip, peel, or crack.
Enameled cast iron is very resistant to acidic broths or mixtures. You can leave your dish cooking for hours on low heat in an enameled cast iron pot without the risk of taste changes due to any acidic ingredients.
You can also get a casserole dish using metals such as steel, aluminum, or copper. You will want to choose the material based on your priorities in the kitchen.
Aluminum is a rarer material for casserole dishes. However, it is very durable, has excellent heat transfer, and is lightweight. When aluminum is anodized, it becomes even thicker and more durable, making it longer-lasting.
However, it is best to avoid cooking anything acidic in aluminum, anodized or not. Foods like tomatoes, vinegar, and any citrus ingredients should be avoided, as aluminum can alter the flavor.
Stainless steel casserole dishes are fairly lightweight, non-reactive to acidic ingredients, and dishwasher-friendly. However, they aren't great when it comes to heat retention. The material also heats up slowly and unevenly compared to the other metals.
Copper conducts heat very well, and has the ability to cool very quickly. It offers even heating and can go from the stovetop to the oven to the table for serving. Like aluminum, though, copper reacts with acidic foods, so most if not all copper casserole dishes are lined with non-reactive stainless steel.
Casserole dishes can be circular, oval, or rectangular. It may not seem crucial at first, but experienced chefs recommend going for oval casserole dishes if you are working with pot roasts or cooking whole poultry.
Round pots are great for meats due to the even space for air circulation, while rectangular ones are ideal for dishes where you want browning over the whole top. With this in mind, a casserole dish for a juicy roast might need to be deeper than one you use for dishes like lasagna, macaroni and cheese, or shepard's pie.
If you don't have the resources to grab a few casserole dishes in multiple shapes and sizes, a standard oval one gives you enough leeway to try many fantastic casserole recipes.
A pan's measurements depend on your needs, whether you're cooking for yourself or a larger group. Standard casserole dishes are often 12 inches in diameter and can hold up to three or four quarts. This equates to a hearty meal that serves a family of four to five people.
You may prefer to bake individual portions in smaller ramekins, however. This way they'll cook faster, and it makes for a nice presentation at the table, where each diner gets their own dish.
The maximum temperature and heat retention ability mainly depends on the material and size of the dish. Most casserole dishes will be safe for at least 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, but cast iron can tolerate temperatures up to 700 degrees. Cast iron dishes also offer great heat retention. Copper is generally safe up to 450 or 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heavy, thick-bottomed casserole dishes evenly distribute the heat inside the pot, giving you thoroughly cooked meals. They also tend to retain heat better than lighter cookware and are much more durable. If weight is a problem, whether in handling or storage, you can opt for a more lightweight casserole dish made of aluminum.
The product description will often state the weight of the pot, along with its capacity. Be careful to not go over the listed capacity, because your food may not cook all the way through.
Lids can be a very beneficial addition to your casserole dish. However, some can used in the oven, while others are only suited for the stovetop. The lid of a casserole dish may have grooves on the inside of the lid to collect and redirect any condensation back to your dish while it cooks, which prevents the food from drying out.
It's also important to note if the dish itself has handles for taking the dish out of the oven, bringing it to the table, and carrying it to potlucks. Some dishes have large handles made for gripping easily, while others are smaller and hard to hold onto. Dishes without any handles at all can be difficult to carry and work with.
A good handle can make a huge difference when cooking and serving. It can be especially hard to hold onto a pan while wearing oven mitts or other protective covers, so large handles can accommodate you. It will be one less thing to worry about when you're in the kitchen.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
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1 | Libbey Store Round Cocotte | $53.15 Mid | Best Set of Casserole Dishes | ||
2 | Copper Chef Oval Casserole | $59.99 High Mid | Best for Fast and Even Heat | ||
3 | Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet | $51.16 Mid | Best Shallow Dish | ||
4 | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven|L8DD3 | $49.90 Mid | Best for Multiuse Cooking | ||
5 | Lagostina Easy Grab Glass Casserole Dish With Glass Lid|Q5544464 | $74.89 High Mid | Best for Long-Term Use | ||
6 | Dowan Porcelain Ramekins | $22.99 Low Mid | Best for Individual Portions That Cook Quickly | ||
7 | Emile Henry HR Modern Classics Large Rectangular Baker | $64.99 High Mid | Best for Bright Color Choices | ||
8 | Anchor Hocking French White 4 Quart Oval Casserole | $13.62 Low | Best Smaller Casserole for Bringing to Lunch | ||
9 | Anchor Hocking Casserole Dish With Lid | $21.97 Low Mid | Best for Potlucks and Picnics | ||
10 | Corningware TrueFit Bakeware Glass Casserole Dish | $28.34 Low Mid | Best for Baking and Serving |
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If you're in need of several casserole dishes, this is a great option for you. This set can be used in the oven, microwave, fridge, or freezer provided you don't subject the glass to sudden temperature changes. It comes in three different sizes, so you can always cook the perfect amount! They stack inside of each other for easy storage, too.
Some reviewers were dissatisfied with these dishes' handles and felt they were small. However, they say this set works great in the oven. They love how the lid is heavy enough to keep all the contents of the dish inside. They also say it's fairly durable and can be used for hot or cold recipes.
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If you need a dish that can provide heat as quickly and evenly as possible, this is a great choice for you. This product comes with a deep and shallow roasting pan to accommodate all of your needs, and the anodized pans make it extra durable and promote even heating.
Although some reviewers noted that the dish flakes in the dishwasher, they love the versatility it has. Customers say the dish cooks food thoroughly and retains heat very well. They also enjoy the large amount of food they can cook at a time with the deep roasting pan.
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If you like to fry, sauté, or sear and then transfer your dish to the oven to bake, then this is the cast iron casserole for you. Not only can it cook almost anything you might have in mind on any stovetop or oven, but the off-white enamel finish makes it suitable for serving at the table.
A few reviewers experienced chipped enamel. Users advised steering clear of sharp utensils when working with this pan. Many reviewers commented that this pan is ideal for everyday cooking. Plus, users appreciated that this product has the heat retention of cast iron without the troublesome seasoning.
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This cast-iron casserole dish has a lid that doubles as a 10.5-inch skillet. Turn the lid upside down, and you have yourself a frying pan. You can sauté, sear, grill, fry, bake, roast, and so much more with this durable two-piece set of cookware.
Some reviewers experienced black flaking after using the casserole for the first time. However, many users confirmed this was a versatile piece to add to any kitchen. They loved how they could use the pan and lid in so many ways, whether they were baking bread or whipping up dinner.
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This copper dish is a great tool to have in your kitchen as something that can be used over and over again for a long time. It can handle up to 500 degrees, making it useful for most dishes. It's very sturdy and has a heavy lid to prevent leaking. The handles also make it easy to transport or serve when needed.
Reviewers noticed some discoloring of the dish after using it, which is natural. To keep it shiny, you should purchase copper polish. Buyers agree that it is durable, easy to clean, and that food doesn't stick to the bottom. They also say the handles don't get too hot and are perfect for moving it in and out of the oven.
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These dishes are best for those looking to cook individual portions. You can use them for mini mac and cheeses, French onion soup, or single-serving pot pies. They're also very versatile and can be used in the microwave as well as the oven.
A few reviewers were disappointed that the ramekins cracked easily. However, many customers found this to be perfect for individual casseroles and cooking a variety of dishes in a short amount of time. They say that it's very helpful with portion control and not wasting food!
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This ceramic dish is resistant to rapid temperature changes, so you can transfer it from the freezer to the oven without problems. It comes in five colors as well, so it makes a great option to use as both a baking and serving casserole dish.
Some reviewers were concerned about the weight of this dish, saying it made it difficult to carry and transport. However, others commented that it can make practically any dish. They also noted that the size is perfect for lasagna and baked pasta. It was easy to clean and maintain.
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This dish is perfect for anyone who wants to bring their baked lunch to work. You can use this dish to cook, take it right out of the oven, and use it to transport it. It's also easy to clean, as it doesn't stain and is dishwasher-safe.
Some reviewers struggled to fit the lid onto the dish, saying it didn't shut tightly enough. However, they do love how versatile the dish is. Customers also say that it is great for transporting food, and like that they are able to do so without dirtying another container!
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You can cook your food in this glass dish that is safe for the oven, microwave, fridge, and freezer. Then, you can use the insulated tote to keep it fresh as you take it with you. This is great for picnics, potlucks, or any other time you might need to easily take food to share with you.
Although reviewers had some complaints about the plastic lids, they agreed that this is a very effective way to cook food and keep it at your preferred temperature. Some mentioned that it's especially convenient when bringing food to parties.
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If you're looking for a simple dish that's easy to cook with, this is a great choice. This dish is made of ceramic with an oven-safe glass lid, and offers plenty of depth. The dish is also safe for the microwave and freezer. It's very durable, and due to its material, you don't have to worry about it absorbing any flavors or odors while cooking.
Reviewers noted that this lid doesn't fit on the dish very well and tends to move around a lot. However, they say that this dish is very easy to cook with and store. They also love that the handles make it so easy to move in and out of the oven.
Are you on the lookout for other kitchen essentials? We've found the best products for you, whether you're baking up a batch of muffins or whipping up pasta for dinner.
Want to see more options? Check out the most popular casserole dishes on Amazon before you decide.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Libbey Store|Round Cocotte
No. 2: Copper Chef|Oval Casserole
No. 3: Amazon Basics|Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet
No. 4: Lodge|Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven|L8DD3
No. 5: Lagostina|Easy Grab Glass Casserole Dish With Glass Lid|Q5544464
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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