It would be impossible to have a functional kitchen without an appropriate casserole dish. Not only do they make an amazing lasagna, a succulent roast, or a tasty cobbler, but they can also be used to create an impressive presentation from your oven to your table.
When it comes to picking out a casserole dish, your specific needs often dictate what you should pick. As an example, if you’re looking for a casserole dish you can immediately take out of the oven and place in the freezer for later use, ceramic casserole dishes will not suffer from thermal shock. In contrast, if you want a piece of cookware that can be used both on the stove and in the oven, an oven-safe cast iron casserole dish with a lid is a good option.
When choosing a casserole dish, you should also consider your budget. You can splurge on high-quality brands if you want to make a significant investment, but they are also available at a more affordable price if you’re looking for an easy dinner. Now let’s take a look at the casserole dishes in 2023 available right now and find the one that’s just right for you…
1. Lodge Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish
Features
- Brand: Lodge
- Color: Caribbean Blue
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 14.61 pounds
- Dimension: 14.4 x 12.55 x 3.4 inches
Were you fed up with purchasing kitchen appliances only to have them break within a short period of time? It is no longer possible to purchase products that will last a lifetime. With the Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid, all of that has changed.
The design of this product features a solid cast iron construction. Materials made of this material are known for their durability and resistance to chipping and denting. This tile is covered with two layers of porcelain enamel that make it exceptionally resistant to chipping.
Cast iron offers the additional benefit of superior heat retention. The result is that your dishes will remain warm even after you remove them from the oven. An additional measure of heat retention is provided by a tightly fitting lid.
Similarly, the porcelain enamel coating ensures that this casserole dish will never need seasoning. Lacquer comes in three cool colors that add a touch of modern aesthetics. You can use this casserole dish to add a splash of color to your kitchen in addition to its practical use.
The quality and durability of these products do come at a price. Due to the fact that it’s made of solid aluminum, it’s rather heavy. It’s unquestionably one of the dishes with lids if you are looking for a product that will truly last.
You may also like this:
2. Pyrex Basics Glass Oblong Baking Dish
Features
- Brand: Pyrex
- Color: Clear Glass Red Lid
- Material: Glass, Plastic
- Weight: 3.9 pounds
- Dimension: 15.2 x 9.5 x 2.5 inches
Pyrex is a brand of bakeware that has been around since the 19th century. Their products are known for their strength and durability. There are already a majority of households that have at least one Pyrex product in their kitchen.
It may give you pause for thought that this casserole dish is made out of glass. Handling glass should be taken with caution as it is not as durable as stoneware or cast iron. Both sides of the Pyrex Basics 3 Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish feature large heatproof handles.
While transparent designs do have their advantages, there are also disadvantages. Monitoring the cooking process will be very easy without having to remove the dish from the oven. This makes this model ideal for lasagna casseroles as well as for other dishes where timing is important.
This casserole dish has a non-porous surface that doesn’t absorb flavors or odors from food. The material is also very easy to clean and highly resistant to stains. This casserole dish is dishwasher safe and microwave friendly.
Including a plastic lid, the Pyrex Basics 3 Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish from Pyrex is made of glass. This BPA-free plastic is designed to prevent flavors from evaporating when refrigerated or frozen. Nonetheless, take care not to heat or microwave the lid.
3. Lodge Cast Iron Casserole Casserole Dish
Features
- Brand: Lodge
- Color: Island Spice Red
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 13.23 Pounds
- Dimension: 14.4 x 12.55 x 3.4 inches
Each type of casserole is not meant to be rectangular. When you are looking for something beyond the classic, this round option is a great buy. Additionally, this casserole dish is larger than most others on this list, making it ideal for feeding a crowd of your trademark mac and cheese.
Paella and roasts can also be prepared well in round baking dishes, making them an incredibly versatile option. The enamel cast iron finish allows them to be easily cleaned. Another piece of durable cookware that will last a lifetime.
4. Emile Henry Large Rectangular Baker
Features
- Brand: Emile Henry
- Color: Twilight Blue
- Material: Ceramic
- Weight: 5.51 pounds
- Dimension: 13 x 9 x 2.95 inches
You will need a casserole dish that has excellent heat resistance if you plan to bake in it. You don’t want your new dish to crack in the oven when you put it in. The handles also need to be heat-resistant to make them easy to use and safe.
This Emile Henry HR Modern Classics Large Rectangular Baker can be used in the oven up to 520°F. The mighty model guarantees excellent heat distribution and retention. This model will ensure that your dishes are perfectly cooked from top to bottom.
Patented clay technology by Emile Henry provides this assurance. With such a durable design, it can be used on a stovetop or even used under the broiler. There is room for five quarts of food, which is adequate for a dinner party.
The model comes in five cool colors as an added bonus. Among the options are spring green, rouge red, leaves yellow, sugar-white, and twilight blue. Aside from being suitable for everyday use, it is a great focal point at a dinner party.
The casserole dish is guaranteed for ten years. The result is that it will be with you for many years to come. The Emile Henry HR Modern Classics Large Rectangular Baker may even last for generations if it is properly cared for.
You may also like this:
5. Rachael Ray Cucina Casserole Dish Set
Features
- Brand: Rachael Ray
- Color: Agave Blue
- Material: Stoneware
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
- Dimension: 13 x 7 x 11.5 inches
Having a dinner party requires more than one casserole dish. You need to be willing to prepare a lot of dishes at the same time if you have a lot to prepare. Matching dishes will simplify the entire process and make it easier.
You will receive two matching casserole dishes with the Rachael Ray 58314 Cucina Casserole Dish Set with Lid. A matching lid provides a particularly tight seal as well. This makes prepping and cooking various dishes simultaneously an easy process.
Besides the large handle that makes it easy to lift, the dish sides also feature handles for easy handling. Each casserole dish is coated in a non-stick glaze for easy cleaning. For added convenience, the dishes are dishwasher and microwave safe.
With the Rachael Ray 58314, Cucina Casserole Dish Set with Lid you can keep your dishes in the freezer. The whole casserole can be frozen if you have leftovers at the end of the meal. The result of this is a casserole dish that is sure to be one of the best options for the freezer.
Rachael Ray 58314 Cucina Casserole Dish Set with Lid should not be used in a stovetop. It can be used in an oven for up to 500 degrees F, though. It’s a stoneware set that is built to last, so you can be sure it will last a long time.
6. Le Creuset Covered Rectangular Casserole
Features
- Brand: Le Creuset
- Color: Caribbean
- Material: Stoneware
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Dimension: 19.1 x 13.8 x 14.7 inches
What makes a casserole dish bland and boring? You will enjoy this piece of kitchen equipment for many years to come and it will fit into your style perfectly. Thanks to its wide variety of colors, the Le Creuset Stoneware Covered Rectangular Casserole is available in many different colors.
Stoneware has been used for this attractive and easy to clean model. Food will not stick to the glazed interior due to a durable coating. Due to its dishwasher-safe design, any food residue can be easily removed.
Aside from being stylish, stoneware is also known for its excellent heat distribution. You can cook your food without any scorching or hot spots thanks to this device. The consistency of your preparation is particularly important when cooking a dish like a lasagna.
You can pop this casserole dish into the microwave without having any worries. It can also be frozen right away if you prefer. You can prepare the meal in advance, which makes it one of the dishes for new moms.
A bonus is that Le Creuset Stoneware Covered Rectangular Casserole can be heated to 500°F. The casserole dish should be handled with care after it is taken out of the oven. It has narrow handles that tend to become extremely hot.
You may also like this:
7. Neoflam Non-Stick Ceramic Casserole Pot
Features
- Brand: Neoflam
- Color: Plum
- Material: Clay, Stoneware, Ceramic
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
- Dimension: 8.26 x 7.4 x 3.54 inches
What is the dish for stovetop use? The majority of casserole dishes are oven-safe, but they cannot handle direct flames. Neoflam Kiesel 2QT Stovetop Ceramic Cookware is capable of surviving temperatures as high as 752°F.
You can use this casserole dish for a barbecue directly on the grill. This makes the model particularly versatile in serving a variety of needs. With this model, you can even pop it right in your high-heat pizza oven or even portable pizza oven.
Clay designed to be heat resistant can keep food hot for a long time. The heat will not pass through the clay though. The dish comes with a lid that fits snugly around the large knob in the middle.
There is a special glaze on the casserole dish that makes it scratch and shock-resistant. In this way, the model will continue to look stylish for a long time. This casserole dish is provided with a lifetime warranty, which makes it an excellent heirloom.
The two-quart capacity allows you to prepare enough food to feed an entire family. The glaze makes this dish easy to clean and non-stick. However, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that this casserole dish can also be put in the dishwasher.
8. Fiesta Individual Oval Casserole Dish
Features
- Brand: Homer Laughlin
- Color: White
- Material: Non-stick
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Dimension: 9.38 x 5.25 x 2 inches
When you’re truly ready to start living a casserole lifestyle, consider getting a few of these small casserole dishes and serving your family individual servings of mac and cheese. You can mix and match the colorful dishes (more than a dozen fun colors are available) for an eye-catching table setting.
Aside from being chip resistant, they are also dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe, making them low maintenance. In addition to serving individual fruit cobbler or crisps at dessert, these would be great for serving individual desserts. When you aren’t hosting dinner parties, this size is perfect for poaching garlic cloves in oil without using a gallon of oil to get the job done.
9. Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Casserole Dish
Features
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Color: Casserole W/Cover
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 4.44 pounds
- Dimension: 13.19 x 11.61 x 3.54 inches
Would you like to try something a little different? Despite their style, traditional casserole dishes can be quite expensive. They are also rather heavy because of the thick cast iron or stoneware. With the Cuisinart MCP55-24N MultiClad Pro Stainless 3-Quart Casserole with Cover, this won’t be a problem. A large handle is built into the sides to keep it cool to the touch. There is also an additional handle built into the lid of the box.
This casserole dish’s tapered rim makes pouring liquids much easier. The reduced mess and the reduced risk of burns make it perfect for serving. In addition, its triple-layered construction ensures very even heating. A lifetime warranty is included with this casserole dish as an additional bonus. You will be assured of quality and peace of mind with this sticker. It is designed to last several generations when properly cared for.
Getting to grips with a stainless steel casserole dish can be challenging if you haven’t used one before. The good news is that once you master the technique, it is very simple. However, despite food sticking on the interior, this model can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Buying Guide: Best Casserole Dishes
It’s important to choose the right casserole dish carefully. You should be able to use this piece of equipment for quite some time since it is designed to last. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for casserole dishes.
Size
It is possible to purchase casserole dishes in a variety of sizes and styles. Make sure you take your specific needs into account before making a purchase. You’ll need a model with a capacity of at least two quarts if you are feeding a lot of mouths.
Materials
Your casserole dish’s durability will be directly dependent on its material. The ability of some materials to withstand extreme heat is a very important factor. Among the best choices for durability and heat retention are stoneware and cast iron.
Lid
If your casserole dish has a lid, you will reduce the chance of spills during cooking. These models are also better at managing heat distribution. While cooking, make sure the lid fits tightly so that flavors remain sealed.
Handles
Due to the fact that a casserole dish is likely to get very hot and heavy, the handles need to be taken very seriously. A large handle is necessary to ensure you have a good grip on the tool. You should be able to avoid burns because the handles will stay cool, so you won’t need oven mitts unless you want to be extra cautious.
You may also like this:
Maximum Heating Capacity
Casserole dishes’ maximum heating capacity will vary depending on the material used. Glass and stoneware are usually heat-resistant up to 350 degrees, while copper, cast iron, and porcelain can be cold-resistant up to 1000 degrees.
Ease of Cleaning
A casserole dish that has baked-on food can be challenging to clean. You should therefore pick a casserole dish that has a non-stick coating. Your casserole dish will be especially easy to clean if it is dishwasher-safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage of them should be gentle, especially with glass lids. They are very durable, however, if struck hard enough they can chip or crack. Keeping them clean after each use is also important. Cleaning cookware and bakeware thoroughly is essential for many of these items. Leftover foods may interfere with the subsequent meal you prepare.
There is a difference between a baking dish and a casserole, both of which are types of bakeware. The term casserole refers to a single-vessel dish baked in the oven, though the terms are often interchangeable. Keeping in mind that a casserole can refer to either a vessel or a meal is beneficial.
You should always use oven mitts (or pot holders) when you take a hot casserole dish to the table and a heat-proof trivet to protect the table. Place your casserole into a box lined with towels before taking it to a potluck, and roll up extra towels to prevent it from sliding around. A towel liner will catch any liquid that drips from your casserole.
Yes, of course. You can easily prepare most casserole dishes ahead of time and freeze them, then just pop them in the oven when you are ready to eat them. Try to use a dish with a silicone lid when making these types of casseroles to avoid freezer burn.
