How to choose a casserole dish
The right casserole dish turns a handful of pantry ingredients into a warm, no-fuss family dinner.
9x13 is the standard casserole dish size for family dinners and potlucks, while an 8x8 baking dish is the better fit for sides or half a recipe. Glass casserole dishes show off browning as it happens but can't go straight from the freezer into a hot oven without risking a crack. Ceramic and enameled cast iron hold their heat longer once out of the oven, which keeps dinner warmer at the table. A casserole dish with a lid does double duty, keeping food warm at the table and covering leftovers in the fridge afterward, so check the oven-safe temperature before broiling since it varies by material.
Frequently asked questions about Casserole Dishes
What is a casserole dish?
What is a casserole dish?
An oven-safe baking dish, usually ceramic, glass, or enameled cast iron, often with a lid. Built for bakes, gratins, and anything that goes from oven to table.
How big is a 2 quart casserole dish?
How big is a 2 quart casserole dish?
Roughly 8 by 8 inches square or a 9 inch round, about 2 inches deep. It serves four to six as a side.
What size is a 3 quart casserole dish?
What size is a 3 quart casserole dish?
Usually 9 by 13 inches, the standard size most recipes assume. It serves six to eight.
Can a casserole dish go from fridge to oven?
Can a casserole dish go from fridge to oven?
Glass and ceramic can crack from the temperature swing. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes first, or start it in a cold oven.
Casserole dish or Dutch oven?
Casserole dish or Dutch oven?
Casserole dish for oven-only bakes where you want a wide surface. Dutch oven when you need to brown on the stovetop first.