Having a decent casserole dish is essential for every home regardless if you are a whizz in the kitchen or even someone who just follows a recipe book.
Casserole dishes can be used for more than just casseroles.
They’re so versatile and can be used to make soups, pasta-bake dishes, desserts, or even just as storage for large quantities of food.
They’re great cookware for creating simple or more complex recipes whilst being more efficient on time, as most recipes require you to put all of the ingredients into the dish, cook, and then voila.
It can often be daunting to find a good casserole dish however, from the outside they often tend to be very similar in shape and size but they all differ and all features can do different things for your cooking experience.
If you don’t know what to look for then don’t worry, we’ve made it our job to find the best one for you.
In this article, we’re going to show you the 5 best casserole dishes on the market currently. There’ll also be a buyer’s guide at the bottom so you can make a note of what you’ll need with your new casserole dish.
If you have any further questions after that, there’ll be a small frequently asked questions section where we cover some of the common queries people have with casserole dishes.
Run out of time?
If you haven’t got the time right now to read the whole article then we’ve fast-tracked our top choice right here so you can click away and buy the best casserole dish.
Our top pick is the CorningWare French White Bakeware, it excels in every department but here’s a summary of why it is top of our list.
- Range of sets to choose from
- Color is classic and won’t go out of style
- Dishwasher safe
- Lovely ceramic finish
- 1-year warranty
- Non-porous surface
- Microwave safe
- Plastic lids included for storage
- Easy to clean
- BPA-free
- Crack-resistant
- Even heating
OUR TOP PICK
The 7 piece CorningWare French White set is our top choice and it’s a great option for versatile cooking and we love everything about it.
In the 7 piece set, you get a 2.5-quart casserole dish, a 1.6-quart dish, and also a 16-ounce casserole dish as well.
You also get two glass lids for the quart dishes to use when cooking and also extra plastic storage lids to use when you put them in the refrigerator or freezer.
This is the main reason as to why it is our favorite because for the price of one casserole dish you can get a 7-piece set which includes 3 different sized casserole dishes.
It really is still especially when you consider the quality of these stoneware dishes.
The plastic lids included are BPA-free so are super safe to use to store and keep your food fresh.
We also love the option of having plastic lids for storage as it reduces the weight of the dish in comparison to if you were going to use a ceramic lid.
It makes transferring and storing your food a lot easier.
The dishes have a lovely white timeless finish, which will go with any kitchen over future periods.
They look classy and more expensive than they actually are, the white color is such a nice contrast next to rich and colorful foods and looks attractive when served on a dining table.
The stoneware materials used for these casserole dishes are chip resistant and great for use for years to come.
All pieces of the set are dishwasher safe making washing up after cooking a really simple task.
You may not even need to use a dishwasher with these as the surface of the dishes are non-porous and are super easy to clean by hand.
The CorningWare French range comes in a selection of sets extending from a 7-piece set to a 20-piece set, the latter is best if you are a keen chef or like to host parties and events that require lots of cookware.
The 7-piece set that we’ve tried is good for general use in everyday homes and is the ideal amount for typical families.
The only downside we do have with these dishes is that they don’t come with handles attached to them, this does mean you have to be more careful when inserting and removing your dishes from the oven.
However, this is easily fixed with a good pair of oven gloves, we recommend silicone ones as they have the best grip.
Pros
- Range of sets to choose from
- Color is classic and won’t go out of style
- Dishwasher safe
- Lovely ceramic finish
- 1-year warranty
- Non-porous surface
- Microwave safe
- Plastic lids included for storage
- Easy to clean
- BPA-free
- Crack-resistant
- Even heating
Cons
- No handles
EDITORS CHOICE
The Cuisinart 7 QT Casserole dish is the only cast-iron on our list of best casserole dishes.
It comes in a wide selection of subtle colors with even some more vibrant choices for those who want something snazzy.
The interior of all the dishes is cream, which is prone to darkening when cooking with rich and bright foods.
We’re sure you can use some products to keep it nice and bright, but even the best cooks don’t have perfect cookware, right?
The casserole dish is very large in size and is perfect for most dishes (apart from lasagne unless you want a giant one?).
You can even cook shanks in the dish as it is so deep. It’s great for meal prepping or even if you have a large party round for dinner.
The large size means you’ll probably have to distribute into smaller portions to keep in the refrigerator unless you have masses of storage space.
The handles on the casserole dish are simply sublime (the best on the list) and make maneuvering this pot in and out of the oven and even to the dining table a stress-free experience.
You can get a firm grip and properly grasp around the handles with all your fingers through the oven gloves, so you definitely won’t drop it.
This large dish is great as it comes with a matching lid included, great for cooking and storage.
You even get a sturdy metal handle on the lid of the dish, so you can check on the food whilst it cooks in the oven.
The best way to cook food in this casserole dish is in the oven as it allows it to have even heat distribution so will cook the food thoroughly without it being uneven on one side.
You can cook it on the stove but will want to start with a low to medium temperature and then increase as time goes on.
This will ensure that the food is cooked slowly and doesn’t burn on the edges where it is most hot.
Pros
- Large size
- Lovely choice of colors to choose from
- Cast-iron materials make it strong
- Dishwasher Safe
- Easy to clean
- Brilliant handles
Cons
- Cream interior can be tinted from food
BEST VALUE
The OXO Baking dish is the first and only glass baking dish on our list and is definitely the best one out on the market.
It has convenient dimensions and size adequate for various recipes such as casseroles (obviously) and intricate lasagne.
So is perfect for serving your family or even to make sure there are lots of leftovers.
You can even use your dish for storage for picnics as it comes with a secure lid to keep your food fresh.
The lid is also BPA-free so you guarantee safety for your food and health and also prevents food from spilling over the edge when storing it.
The roof of the lid is also convex so even won’t squash any solid foods.
It comes with good handles that are safe and secure to grip whilst maneuvering your food around the kitchen with your oven gloves on.
It also makes it easier to pull out of the oven without touching the scorching hot base.
It’s made from borosilicate glass which can withstand high temperatures without cracking.
The glass material is great for peeping at your dish whilst it’s cooking in the oven, without even having to open the door.
Efficiency is also a bonus with this casserole dish as it can be popped into the dishwasher after use and can also be put in the microwave to heat up leftovers.
The only negative we have to say about the OXO good grips dish isn’t from our personal experience, but those of others read online.
We’ve read a couple of people say that the glass has shattered when cooking, we’re not sure how genuine these comments are, we have found no issues with the dish so far and have cooked various dishes at different temperatures.
We do not put food straight from the freezer into the oven if they are in glass containers, however, this OXO model does claim it is safe to do so.
OXO does offer a better guarantee, which ensures a repair or replacement if you are not happy with your purchase.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Made in the USA
- Lids are BPA free
- Non-porous surface
- PVC-free
- Good handles
- Shatter-resistant
- Good size for a variety of recipes
Cons
- There have been claims that is has shattered
RUNNER UP
Fourth on our list is another ceramic casserole dish and it's the Emile Henry Large Rectangular Baker and it definitely delivers on functionality and design.
The burgundy clay materials can keep in microwaves and ovens and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re short on time or love to prep food for the entire week, this casserole dish is great as it’s resistant to thermal shock.
So you can put your food directly from the oven into the freezer and vice versa, making cooking gorgeous recipes a seamless experience.
It comes in three attractive colors such as red, yellow, and the classic white, which is perfect for any kitchen.
Despite it being lightweight for its size, the dish is very durable and scratch-resistant and will last for so many years even.
We’ve poked and prodded food in the dish with cutlery and utensils and we can’t see any scratches yet.
The dish is safe to use in the dishwasher and is extremely easy to wash up and won’t require hours of scrubbing at the sink.
If you want to serve your Emile Henry rectangular dish directly at the table instead of plating up then, the burgundy clay material will retain the heat, so food will stay hot on the table for longer so saves you having to put it back in the oven.
The handles on the dish will make it easier to transport your dish around the kitchen and is great for being able to pass around the dining table once it's cooled down slightly.
You’ve also got the reassurance of a 10-year warranty with this fabulous casserole dish, so nothing can come between you and your tasty recipes from now until then.
The brand has been around since 1850, so know exactly what excellent ceramic cookware should be like.
Pros
- No chipping
- Scratch-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Attractive design and colors
- 10-year warranty
- Superb heat retention
Cons
- No lids included
RUNNER UP
The final option on our list is the Cucina Casserole Dish set with lid by none other than Rachael Ray, but by no means is this a bad recommendation.
The set comes with a 1½-quart and 2-quart casserole dish and a lid, so you can alternate if one is in the dishwasher or even cook two at the same time if you have guests. The materials are durable and made from solid stoneware to last you forever.
The dishes come in a tasteful agave blue color and are definitely more rustic and unique than other casserole dishes we have seen.
This may not be to everyone’s taste, but the dish still serves functionally and conveniently for modern cooking.
It’s large enough in size to cook soups, stews, and casseroles and can be served directly onto the table once ready.
The dish features flared contours which also incorporate as freeform handles, which is a bonus. However, we found that these are not the biggest and can be difficult to handle and grip with bulky oven gloves on.
The dish is safe to use in the oven for up to cooking temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can also be stored safely in the freezer once it has cooled down.
You’ll have no fuss when trying to wash it up easily, soapy warm water will do the job or if you’re lucky enough to have the pleasure of a dishwasher, you can pop it in there.
Pros
- Two dishes included
- Gorgeous rustic look
- Large size
- Option to get matching tray and utensils
- Safe for high temperatures
- Even cooking
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No fully formed handles
Best Casserole Dish Buying Guide
Size & Weight & Shape
There are a variety of shaped casserole dishes out there including oval, rectangular and circular, whatever you choose is up to you, the shape doesn’t really impact the cooking time.
Round casserole dishes tend to be the deepest and are perfect for using for other recipes like soup or stew. Rectangular casserole dishes tend to be used for recipes like lasagne as they’re long but not too deep.
If your casserole dish has a large depth then it will take longer to cook than something that is a lot more shallow.
If you want to use a casserole dish for large parties then you’re best getting something that is big in length and that also has a big depth to make sure you can get large quantities out of it, generally these will take the longest to cook.
Some ceramic and cast-iron casserole dishes can be heavy even without anything in, so if you’re not very strong you might want to try and find something that is a bit letter.
You’ve also got to consider if your oven requires you to bend down to insert and remove items, as you don’t want heavy weight and be straining whilst you’re bending over.
The same goes if your oven requires you to lift cookware up into it, if you don’t have the body strength to lift a full casserole dish out of the oven then you’re going to encounter some problems.
Glass casserole dishes tend to be the most lightweight.
Materials
Glass casserole dishes will keep your food very hot for a long period of time due to the glass being a great conductor of heat.
Another benefit is that you can see your food through the glass whilst it cooks so you can see when it looks ready to come out of the oven.
You’ll also be able to keep these in the freezer and put them in the microwave to warm up again.
Stoneware or ceramic casserole dishes tend to be the ones people go for if they want something in various colors.
They are very durable and can be used in the microwave and also put in the freezer for storage.
Surface
Most casserole dishes will have a non-porous coating or surface inside, this will help keep odors away even after cleaning.
Non-porous casserole dishes are also easier to clean, so you won’t have to use tons of elbow grease when doing the washing up.
However, most casserole dishes tend to be dishwasher safe nowadays.
Handles
The handles may be the smallest feature on your casserole dish but they play a vital role in how you use your dish.
Lifting all casserole dishes in and out of the oven will require you to wear oven gloves to avoid burning yourself.
Some casserole dishes have no handles at all, which tend to make it more difficult to lift in and out of the oven as you don’t have a firm grip on the dish.
Casserole dishes with large grooved handles tend to be the meat for maneuvering it around your kitchen, they allow you to have a secure grasp for secure transportation in and out of the oven.
Lids
Most average casserole dishes come with a fitted lid included. Using a lid on your dishes will help keep moisture trapped inside so your food doesn’t burn and go crispy.
Having a lid will also reduce any leakages that may occur whilst transporting your very full casserole dishes.
Having a lid for your casserole dish will allow you to store your food easily in the fridge, meaning you won’t have to use excess cling film or foil to keep it nice and covered.
Color
Color may not be a big deal for some, but for others, it can make or break their decision, especially if you are trying to make your casserole dish match the aesthetic of your other cookware.
Most ceramic casserole dishes will offer a lovely variation of colors that will suit any household.
If you want something that’s not too fancy then you could go with a glass casserole dish, that way it’ll suit every setting and will match your tableware too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a casserole dish need a lid?
Covering your food in your casserole dishes will trap moisture whilst if you keep them uncovered they will be more likely to go crispy and brown.
Certain recipes will specify if you need a lid for a dish but some don’t.
There isn’t any set rule about whether you should have a lid for your casserole dish, but you’ll just want to check it regularly whilst it’s cooking to make sure it is to your preference.
If your casserole doesn’t come with a lid, you can always use two layers of aluminum foil on top of the dish, it’ll do the same trick.
What can I use if I don’t have a casserole dish?
Casserole dishes are used because they can withstand high temperatures so you’ll need something that also has that feature.
You can use a cast-iron skillet if you own one that’s deep enough. If you’ve got some oven-safe saucepans or dutch ovens then you can also use them as a replacement.
You can also use a baking pan that you would normally use for baking larger items like brownies etc, they have similar heat conduction as casseroles so will cook at similar times.
If you’re lucky enough to own a slow cooker that has a removable dish, then you can use that as your alternative casserole dish.
Why did my casserole dish explode in the oven?
If you try reheating your food in the casserole dish from the freezer straight into the oven or onto the hob, then the rapid change in temperature will cause it to crack or explode.
Make sure you let defrost at room temperature before attempting to cook it again.
Do casserole dishes cook faster covered or uncovered?
Covering your food will help it cook faster as it will trap the heat and not let it escape into the oven.
