The Best 5 Casserole Dishes – Wondering how to select the BEST casserole dishes to make your favorite hearty, cozy recipes? I’m highlighting my favorite pieces for everything from holiday side dishes to lasagna to easy brunch recipes! They’re durable, versatile, and the majority of them are at a very affordable price point!
Table of Contents
There’s nothing more rewarding than making a hot casserole using one of the best casserole dishes, like my Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole above! Not only does a casserole usually mean family-friendly comfort food, it also means you’ll likely have planned leftovers, which for me, is a great thing. Cook once, eat twice.
This guide is filled with my recommendations for the best casserole dishes, including ones that I own and turn to all the time. I would never suggest a casserole dish I don’t stand behind.
One of my favorites is this rectangle casserole dish I use in my family-favorite Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole with photo below.
I looked for ones that have good grip, have a heavy-duty construction — think stoneware and ceramic — are easy to clean and hold up well over time. There’s nothing more frustrating than buying cookware that breaks or chips. I’m also a fan of color in the kitchen and on the table, so you’ll see my picks for red and turquoise dishes, too.
Ahead, check out the BEST casserole dishes.
What’s in My Kitchen:
- My Favorite Oval Casserole Dish: Le Creuset Heritage Au Gratin Dish – $53.95 at Amazon
- My Go-To for Square Casseroles: Fiesta 9” x 9” Square Baker – From $49.99 at Amazon
- My Choice for Large Casseroles: Fiesta 9” x 13” Lasagna Baker – $59.99 at Amazon
- My Favorite for Smaller Recipes: Staub 7.5” x 6” Rectangular Baking Dish – $39.95 at Amazon
- My Choice for Ramekins: Le Creuset Mini Round Coquette – $21.95 at Amazon
Love Shopping Guides? I’ve Got You Covered!
Best Loaf Pans – Whether you’re making loaves of sandwich bread or mini loaves of banana bread, this post has my favorites!
Favorite Bowls – Especially geared for soups, but lots of favorite bowls from serving bowls to shallow bowls and everything in between!
Cookware for Gas Stoves – This post includes everything from my favorite stainless steel and nonstick skillets to cast iron griddles and Dutch ovens!
Reviews of The Best Casserole Dishes
1. My Favorite Oval Casserole Dish: Le Creuset Heritage Au Gratin Dish (1.7 Quart)
This casserole dish is perfect for when I’m making my Best Green Bean Casserole, The BEST Sweet Potato Casserole, The BEST Classic Traditional Stuffing, and Creamed Corn Casserole, which are all holiday side dish favorites!
And it works great for my Three Cheese Baked Ziti, which my family continually goes nuts for — and I don’t blame them!
I love this bakeware’s top-tier stoneware design and nonstick interior, which makes it super easy to scoop servings out. It’s safe to put in the dishwasher, broiler, oven, microwave, and freezer, too, so it’s definitely one of the most versatile and best baking dishes on the market.
Le Creuset’s products are built to last, and I’ve had mine for YEARS. An oval casserole dish makes a pretty presentation at the table and it’s super simple to just dump the ingredients in. I also love making my delicious Cauliflower Gratin in it, and I swear that my creamy cheese sauce will turn veggie haters into lovers!
The Specs:
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Max Temp: 500F
- Capacity: 1.2 liters
- Pan Depth: 2.5 inches
- Width: 11.25 inches
- Material: Stoneware
The Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy-to-grip handles
- Easy to clean
The Cons:
- Handles can get hot
- Shallow depth
- No lid
Buy the Le Creuset Heritage Au Gratin Dish:
2. My Go-To For Square Casseroles: Fiesta 9 x 9 Inch Square Baker
I’m a HUGE fan of Fiestaware and not just because the ceramic pieces are fun to collect, but because they also add punches of color to my kitchen.
I love the versatile 9 by 9-inch size, but the only caveat is that you want to read recipes VERY carefully. There’s nothing worse than the finished product looking thin or having excess food when you dump it into the pan.
This is my go-to pan for square casseroles like my Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole with photo above, which is a definite crowd-pleaser that is SUPER EASY to make.
The Specs:
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Max Temp: 500F
- Capacity: 64 ounces
- Pan Depth: 2.3 inches
- Width: 9 inches
- Material: Ceramic
The Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- 5-year chip resistance warranty
- Easy to clean
The Cons:
- Heavy
- No lid
Buy the Fiesta 9 x 9 Inch Square Baker:
Tips for Baking Using Casserole Dishes
Cooking Spray is your Friend! Make sure to liberally spray any baking or casserole dish VERY well.
With that in mind, you shouldn’t have an issue with food sticking, even in the gooiest situations, like overnight syrup on the bottom of French toast or in your favorite marshmallow sweet potato casserole.
Nothing is worse than having to soak pans for hours in sudsy water and then deal with that mess!
3. My Choice for Large Casseroles: Fiesta 9 x 13 Inch Rectangular Lasagna Baker
If you have a large family or often cook for groups, you absolutely NEED to get this Fiesta pan. It holds up really, really well thanks to the ceramic construction and its handy nonstick interior. It’s also safe to pop in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven up to 500F.
I use this casserole dish for some of my all-time favorite recipes, such as my Pizza Pasta Casserole with photo above, or Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole, and Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole.
It’s also great for weekend-brunch dishes like Overnight Syrup on the Bottom French Toast, because who doesn’t love waking up to a hot breakfast?
The Specs:
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
- Max Temp: 500F
- Capacity: 96 ounces
- Pan Depth: 2.5 inches
- Width: 13 inches
- Material: Ceramic
The Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- 5-year chip resistance warranty
- Available in fun colors
- Great size for larger meals
The Cons:
- Heavy
Buy the Fiesta 9” x 13” Lasagna Baker:
4. My Favorite for Smaller Recipes: Staub 7.5 x 6 Inch Rectangular Baking Dish
Sometimes I use this smaller Staub baking dish when I don’t want to lug a heavy casserole dish out of the cabinet if all I’m doing is baking a side dish, but you can also use it if you’re cooking entrees for a smaller party.
By halving the recipes (make sure to halve them though!) a casserole dish like this works for my favorite entrees like Classic Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole, King Ranch Chicken, or Best Homemade Lasagna. This size casserole dish and halving the recipe is useful when you’re feeding a smaller family or don’t want tons of leftovers!
You can pick between a TON of different fun colors like rustic red or neutral cream. The porcelain-enamel finish is even scratch-resistant, which I absolutely LOVE. If you’re looking for a larger dish, it’s also available in the 9×13 size.
- Weight: 2.16 pounds
- Max Temp: 570F
- Capacity: 1.16 quarts
- Pan Depth: 2.2 inches
- Width: 9.9 inches
- Material: Ceramic
The Specs:
The Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Large handles
- Fun colors to pick from
- Durable
The Cons:
- Too small for main dishes for larger groups
- No lid
Buy the Staub 7.5” x 6” Rectangular Baking Dish:
5. My Choice for Ramekins: Le Creuset Mini Round Cocottes
I like to use these little casserole dishes from Le Creuset when making Easy Chocolate Pots de Crème, so they’ve earned an honorable mention on my list! While they’re not your classic casserole dish, they’re SO cute and PERFECT for small sides or desserts. You can choose from a ton of fun colors and the top-tier stoneware makes for a beautiful presentation!
I have these ramekins in the Caribbean color and I absolutely ADORE them, but they’re available in a bunch of other bright colors too. Also, aren’t those handles both adorable and functional?
The Specs:
- Weight: .8 pounds
- Max Temp: 500F
- Capacity: .25 liters
- Pan Depth: 3.5 inches
- Width: 5.3 inches
- Material: Ceramic with enamel finish
The Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Includes lid
- Oven safe up to 500F
- Lasts forever
The Cons:
- Handles can get hot
- Can only be used for small-quantity recipes
What Others Are Saying
The Le Creuset Mini Round Cocottes earned a 4.6-star rating on Amazon out of more than 2,800 reviews.
Buy the Le Creuset Mini Round Cocotte:
Other Casserole Dishes to Consider
OXO Good Grips Glass 3-Quart Baking Dish with Lid
Amazon shoppers name this among the best casserole dishes with lids, giving it an average 4.7-star rating from more than 15,700 reviews. I think it’s perfect for taking food on the go or to a friend’s or family member’s home. But I worry about the plastic lid: While it has a good grip now, it may need to be replaced later on because of cracks. It’s also not as durable as a stoneware or ceramic lid. The OXO Good Grips Glass 3-Quart Baking Dish with Lid is available at Amazon for $22.99.
Staub Stoneware Rectangular Baker
I really like Staub’s stoneware smaller rectangular baker without a lid, but if you need a lidded dish this one is of excellent quality. However, it’s a definite splurge if you don’t plan to use it frequently, but it might be a good wedding gift for someone. The Staub Stoneware Rectangular Baker is available at Williams Sonoma for $149.95.
CorningWare French White 7-Piece Ceramic Set
This tried-and-true brand has been around this long for a reason: it holds up. This CorningWare casserole dish that’s in a handy seven-piece set might even be a one-and-done purchase with the matching glass lids. Everything is dishwasher-safe, but it’s probably not the best buy if you’re just in the market for a simple casserole dish. The CorningWare French White 7-Piece Ceramic Set is available at Amazon for $35.99.
Pyrex Basics 3-Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish with Lid
I like the size of this Pyrex casserole dish: You could own this and pretty much bake all of your favorite casseroles in it, but the three-quart size might be too large for some. And, again, as mentioned with the OXO baking dish above, that lid won’t last as long as stoneware or ceramic. The Pyrex Basics 3-Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish with Lid is available at Amazon for $24.99.
All-Clad Specialty Stainless Steel 12 x 5 x 15 Inch
I absolutely LOVE All-Clad products and this one is perfect if you’re looking for the best portable casserole dish. The handles are sturdy and that lid looks like it snaps on tight. But I didn’t name this one of my top picks because it’s made from stainless steel. That material’s construction can affect dishes you make with acidic ingredients, so this means baking a lasagna in here is out. The All-Clad Specialty Stainless Steel 12” x 5” x 15” is available at Amazon for $99.95.
Lodge 3.6-Quart Round Enameled Cast Iron Dish with Lid
It’s tough to find a round casserole dish—not to mention the best cast iron casserole dish—so I was pleased to find this in a sea of oval and rectangular options. But the huge size and its weight that’s just shy of 15 pounds is a concern. The Lodge 3.6-Quart Round Enameled Cast Iron Dish is available at Amazon for $79.90.
Chicken Gnocci Soup anyone?
Why You Can Trust Me
Hi, I’m Averie! I began blogging in 2009 as a way to share recipes and then decided to also share my favorite kitchen tools, ranging from cookware for gas stoves to bread loaf pans. I’ve also published two books: Peanut Butter Comfort: Recipes for Breakfasts, Brownies, Cakes, Cookies, and Frozen Treats Featuring America’s Favorite Spread and Cooking with Pumpkin: Recipes That Go Beyond the Pie.
I was named one of the Ten Best Food Bloggers by HuffPost, and my work has appeared in Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart’s Martha’s Circle, Gourmet Live, Glamour, Parade, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, and countless others over my 15-year blogging career. But on top of these credentials, I know what it’s like to bake in the kitchen.
If you look through my website, there are SO MANY recipe categories, including 30–Minute Meals, where I suggest a rectangular, square, or oval casserole dish. These are my go-to casserole dishes in the kitchen and I can’t recommend them enough. To create my list of the best, I took capacity, price, and material into account, making sure each one is something I would absolutely LOVE to use in my own space.
What to Know About Casserole Dishes
Things to Consider When Choosing a Casserole Dish
It can seem overwhelming at first when deciding on the best casserole dish. Many of them look pretty but might not be practical, and casserole dishes aren’t stackable so think before you buy!
Look for the following features:
Size: It wouldn’t hurt to jot down the recipes you make most often and what size pan you need for them. Maybe you tend to veer towards leftovers or have a large family to cook for, in which case some of my smaller-sized recommendations aren’t going to cut it. Casserole dishes most often are oval and rectangular but Fiesta does sell a square one, and I also talk about Lodge’s round dish, if that appeals to you more.
Ease of Cleaning: I hate nothing more than putting time in to prep a casserole, sitting down to enjoy it, and then bursting my bubble trying to scrub stubborn food remains out of the dish. Make sure you read reviews closely so you end up with one that’s easy to clean. If you have a dishwasher, you’ll DEFINITELY want to look for one that’s safe to throw in there, too.
Portability: Even if you’re just moving it from the oven to the stovetop, then to the dinner table, lugging around a HEAVY piece of bakeware is not fun. Stoneware and ceramic, by nature, won’t be feather light but I’ve chosen ones here that are not enormously hefty and feature handles for a good grip — using hot pads, of course.
What’s the Best Material for a Casserole Dish?
Aluminum is the most common metal used in bakeware, however, acidic ingredients, like tomatoes and citrus, can react negatively with that, creating an unpleasant metallic taste in your food. This is why lasagna and other casseroles with acidic ingredients are often baked in glass or ceramic.
Although they take longer to warm up, food baked in glass also stays hotter for longer after removing it from the oven than food baked in metal. When browning, glass and ceramic also have better properties than metal for creating perfectly browned crusts.
What is the Best Size Casserole Dish?
If you own a 9 x 9-inch dish, a 9”x 13-inch dish, plus a shallow oval dish, those three are enough to make 95% of the recipes out there. It’ll ultimately depend on what you plan to use your casserole dish for, so consider this before you decide on a size.
Can You Put a Casserole Dish in an Air Fryer?
The short answer is almost always yes — 99% of casserole dishes are oven-safe, because why would a company sell a casserole dish that can’t bake a casserole in the oven? The best options for casserole dishes to put in an air fryer are those made from glass.
Can You Freeze Glass Casserole Dishes?
Just like a casserole dish will indicate it’s safe to use in the microwave, oven, or dishwasher, many also note that freezing a casserole dish is totally fine. In fact, glass is even better. You won’t damage the dish or compromise the quality when you’re ready to reheat and enjoy. Just make sure you remember when you put it in the freezer to begin with!
How to Clean Casserole Dishes
In my experience, you can put many of the glass, ceramic, or even enameled cast iron dishes in the dishwasher, although for the best longevity of your items, always handwash.
Some of My Favorite Casserole Recipes
When I’m baking casserole recipes, casserole dishes like the ones I recommend here are my go-tos. I like how you can do the prep work and then dump it into the baker and then pop it into the oven. Check out some of my FAVORITE casserole recipes below!
- Best Homemade Lasagna (recipe photo above)
- Overnight Syrup on the Bottom French Toast
- Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
REALLY ENJOY THE RECIPES ON YOUR SITE. PLS. CONTINUE!
I made sesame chicken and working on the Orange Chicken.
Thank you so much for your support and glad you’re enjoying everything!