The 10 Best Casserole Dishes
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in January of 2017. A casserole dish is a kitchen staple that every home cook needs to whip up lasagna, scalloped potatoes, cobblers, and more. We've rounded up a list of the best choices in various shapes, sizes, and materials that can fit into any budget. They look elegant enough to transfer right from the oven to the dinner table, and some are freezer-safe, so you can use them to prepare meals ahead of time. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Le Creuset Heritage
2. Pyrex 4-Piece
3. Lodge Cast Iron
Editor's Notes
August 05, 2019:
The Le Creuset Heritage is handcrafted from a clay mixture that's extremely dense, which helps it to maintain an even temperature and prevents food from scorching. Its enameled finish is fired at temperatures as high as 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit, so it won't absorb moisture or odors, and it's tough enough that you can even cut on it with a knife without scratching it. The Lodge Cast Iron is finished with two layers of porcelain enamel, so you won't need to season it, and it retains heat very well, which helps food to stay hot for longer after cooking. It works on all types of cooktops, including induction, and it's oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Another enameled cast iron option, the Cuisinart Chef Classic comes in three sizes with capacities of three, five, and seven quarts, and it's also available in an oval-shaped 5-1/2-quart model. It's suitable for oven, stovetop, and broiler use and has wide handles that are easy to grip, but the largest size weighs nearly 19 pounds, so it can be rather hard to lift when full.
If you prefer metal cookware, the Anolon Advanced and Circulon Symmetry are made from hard-anodized aluminum that's very durable and much lighter than cast iron and stoneware dishes. Both have a tough nonstick finish that can stand up to metal utensils, along with comfortable rubberized handles and shatter-resistant glass lids that let you see the food inside without letting any heat out. Note, however, that while the Circulon Symmetry is suitable for induction cooktops, the Anolon Advanced is not.
For potlucks, picnics, and outdoor parties, the Pyrex 4-Piece comes with an insulated bag that makes it easy to carry, along with an insert that can be heated or chilled to keep your food hot or cold during transport. It can be used in the freezer, oven, and microwave, and both the pan and the lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The Libbey Baker's Basics comes with a straw basket that insulates the dish and also serves as a trivet to protect tables and counters. The whole thing is made from clear glass, so it's easy to keep an eye on both the top and bottom of your casserole, and the tight-fitting lid makes it great for storing leftovers.
4. Circulon Symmetry
5. Libbey Baker's Basics
6. Cuisinart Chef Classic
7. Pyrex Easy Grab
8. Anolon Advanced
9. Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned
10. Rachael Ray Cucina
Originally from a tiny town in Virginia, Gabrielle moved to Los Angeles for a marketing internship at a well-known Hollywood public relations firm and was shocked to find that she loves the West Coast. She spent two years as a writer and editor for a large DIY/tutorial startup, where she wrote extensively about technology, security, lifestyle, and home improvement. A self-professed skincare nerd, she’s well-versed in numerous ingredients and methods, including both Western and Asian products. She is an avid home cook who has whiled away thousands of hours cooking and obsessively researching all things related to food and food science. Her time in the kitchen has also had the curious side effect of making her an expert at fending off attempted food thievery by her lazy boxer dog.