By Brittany Rowland

Nothing says comfort food like a rich, hot casserole. We looked at a number of casserole containers, both glass and stoneware, and found 10 that we believe do a superior job of baking casseroles, lasagna, bread, and other meals. We looked for the following qualities:

1. Safe to go in the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher
2. Easy-grip handles
3. A secure fitting lid to seal in heat and moisture
4. Durable surface that doesn’t stain, chip, or crack
5. Nonporous material that doesn’t absorb odors or flavors
6. Pre-seasoned
7. Non-sticking
8. Even heat distribution

Stoneware Buying Guide

The Benefits of Cooking with Stoneware

Stoneware dishes made of fire clay harken back to the (very) old days before people started using metal pans for baking foods. Today, stoneware is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, due in part to its durability and effectiveness at heating food.

With proper care, stoneware dishes last for years and can be passed down to your children. Today’s pieces especially are built to last, with tough enamel finishes that don’t chip, crack, or break easily. Stoneware can put up with a light amount of abuse. They’re generally safe to go in the oven, microwave, freezer, and refrigerator. You can even wash them in the dishwasher.

Tough and nonporous…

Unlike earthenware, stoneware is clay fired at extremely high temperatures, about 2,185 degrees F, making them incredibly strong. Stoneware dishes also feature nonporous surfaces, which is good because they don’t stain or absorb odors and flavors. Also, unlike earthenware, stoneware is essentially waterproof. It can stand up to regular, day-to-day use.

A seasoned, non-stick surface…

Some stoneware dishes come pre-seasoned with oil, but even if they don’t you can season them yourself periodically. Over time and multiple uses, the stoneware interior will turn a rich brown and the surface will absorb the oils and fats found in food and cooking spray. Your stoneware will naturally develop a non-stick surface, so you don’t have to worry about stuck-on foods.

If you choose to clean by hand…

If a stoneware dish isn’t specified as dishwasher friendly, you can easily clean it by hand with a nylon scraper. Some people don’t recommend soaking them in water or using soap for fear of the detergent being absorbed into the surface. A scraper can work off baked-on food before you clean it with running water and thoroughly dry it with a towel.

While most stoneware dishes sold these days are dishwasher safe, some people are set in their ways and prefer to clean them by hand. There is something to say for preserving the enamel finish.

The aesthetic appeal…

Let’s not forget that stoneware is essentially pottery. You can find pieces in decorative shapes and colors, some with painted patterns that add charm and beauty to your kitchen. Because they’re so attractive, you can take stoneware dishes right out of the oven and place them right on the dinner table.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Casserole Articles

3 Tips for Maintaining a Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven, or a large covered pot of some heavy material like cast iron, is a versatile tool for cooking casseroles, stews, roasts, and other big meals. The thick-walled cooking vessel has been a time-tested tool for several centuries. While the old-fashioned kind used for hundreds of years featured thick, sturdy legs to hold the pot over the fire… [more]

Tips for Baking and Serving Casseroles

The casserole has long been a favorite American dish, even though the word is French in origin. Casseroles are easy to bake because you simply add all the ingredients to a casserole pan and bake it in the oven. They come out hot and ready to serve. You know that … [more]

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Features we considered while compiling the top 10 list for combination microwave ovens included convection baking, oven and microwave capacities, adjustable racks, attractive design, size, and, of course, cooking performance. While these units typically run expensive, there are some … [more]

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A Dutch oven, or a large covered pot of some heavy material like cast iron, is a versatile tool for cooking casseroles, stews, roasts, and other big meals. The thick-walled cooking vessel has been a time-tested tool for several centuries. While the old-fashioned kind used for hundreds of years featured thick, sturdy legs to hold the pot over the fire, today’s modern style usually has a flat, smooth base to fit in our modern kitchen appliances.

Dutch ovens are ideal for slowly cooking, boiling, or roasting foods. They can be used in the oven, on a stovetop, or even at campfires. Sitting over the hot coals, campfire Dutch ovens can bake bread, pizza, and biscuits.

Care and maintenance

pDutch ovens are typically heavy and sturdy, but they still require proper care to help them last a long time. The material it’s made of affects how you clean it.

• If it’s made of plain cast iron, then you should wash it with boiling water and a brush, using as little soap as possible. Treat it with cooking oil to prevent rusting, and let it dry thoroughly with the lid off. If keeping the lid off isn’t possible with your storage space, then place an absorbent cloth or paper inside to suck in the moisture.
• Cast-iron ovens gradually become black, smooth, and slick. Food is less likely to stick to their surfaces, making them easier to clean.
• Enamel-coated Dutch ovens are usually dishwasher friendly. They don’t have to be seasoned before each use, but they’re not able to withstand the extremely high heats that cast-iron pots can, making them ill-suited for frying foods.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Casserole Articles

Tips for Baking and Serving Casseroles

The casserole has long been a favorite American dish, even though the word is French in origin. Casseroles are easy to bake because you simply add all the ingredients to a casserole pan and bake it in the oven. They come out hot and ready to serve. You know that … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Casserole Containers

Nothing says comfort food like a rich, hot casserole. We looked at a number of casserole containers, both glass and stoneware, and found 10 that we believe do a superior job of baking casseroles, lasagna, bread, and other meals. We looked for the following qualities: 1. Safe to go in the oven, microwave, freezer, and … [more]

Top 10 Combination Ovens

Features we considered while compiling the top 10 list for combination microwave ovens included convection baking, oven and microwave capacities, adjustable racks, attractive design, size, and, of course, cooking performance. While these units typically run expensive, there are some … [more]

Top 10 24″ and 27″ Wall Ovens

Wall ovens are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional range units because of their compact size. Most wall ovens are either 24” or 27” wide, and they are powered by either gas or electric. As we examined wall ovens for our top 10 list, we considered many important factors … [more]

You can find literally hundreds of casserole recipes in cookbooks and online because there are so many varied ingredients you can use, be they meat, fish, cheese, vegetables, pasta, or eggs. What keeps casseroles from being a conglomerated mess of ingredients is the sauce, soup, or starchy potato that holds it all together. Melt cheese on top, and you have a mouth-watering, hearty dish perfect for chilly winter days.

While baking a casserole is fairly easy, there are some tips you can remember to improve the taste and ensure that it stays fresh for a long time should you choose to freeze it.

Baking and Serving Tips

• You can top a casserole with more than just cheese. Try bacon bits, French-fried onions, bread crumbs, cracker crumbs, crumbled potato chips, and chopped nuts.
• Garnish a casserole for extra flavor and visual appeal. Use tomato wedges, olives, shredded cheese or lettuce, fresh herbs, or green onions. Hard boil an egg in advance and add the slices.
• If you’re looking for healthy alternatives, try low-fat soups or sauces and go easy on the cheese.

Freezing and Reheating Tips

• Don’t leave casseroles uneaten in the freezer for more than 2 months.
• You can freeze a casserole uncooked or cooked. If you cook it first, let the casserole cool to room temperature before sealing it in an air-tight bag it and putting it in the freezer.
• Label frozen casseroles with a description and the freezing date.
• When you decide to reheat it, let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Or, cook it extra long in the oven and stick a knife in the center to see if it’s thawed all the way.

Many people have learned how to maximize their grocery purchases by preparing large meals and freezing portions for later. With some thoughtful planning and preparation, you can cut down your cooking time and grocery bills and still avoid eating out too often.

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Top 10 Casserole Containers

Nothing says comfort food like a rich, hot casserole. We looked at a number of casserole containers, both glass and stoneware, and found 10 that we believe do a superior job of baking casseroles, lasagna, bread, and other meals. We looked for the following qualities: 1. Safe to go in the oven, microwave, freezer, and … [more]

By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for a durable, heavy-duty casserole dish that’s sure to last for years, then consider the Cuisinart CI1136-24CR, a fourteen-inch casserole in a vibrant cardinal red that can go straight from the oven to the dining room table. Made of a cast iron material with a porcelain exterior, it distributes heat evenly and also keeps dishes warm longer than other materials. We liked the size and heftiness of this casserole; just be aware that it can be very heavy when it’s holding a lasagna or a large roast. This Cuisinart casserole is available for $39.95.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

Pyrex has long been a trusted name when it comes to bakeware, and this 2-quart casserole with a lid is a durable, all-purpose dish. It cooks dishes like lasagnas and cobblers evenly and efficiently. With the lid on, you can reheat meals in the microwave without making a big mess. It’s safe to go in the dishwasher, freezer, and oven, too. Durable and hard to break or chip, it’s only at risk if you expose it to sudden temperature changes. Lightweight and fairly small, it’s still capacious enough to prepare good-size meals. With a 2-year warranty, this Pyrex casserole is a real bargain at $11.58.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

With a unique wavy design, the BIA Cordon Bleu 400585+727 will add some flair and vibrancy to your kitchen table. It’s attractive enough to go from the oven to the kitchen table as a serving dish, holding a hearty lasagna or casserole. The protruding handles makes this large, three-quart casserole dish easy to carry and transport. While we wish the casserole came with a lid, we appreciate its one-of-a-kind wavy shape that makes it stand out more than traditional rectangular casseroles. Best of all, it’s easy to clean and also goes safely in the dishwasher. This Cordon Bleu casserole is available for $23.80.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Rachael Ray’s line of stoneware features whimsical, modern designs and funky colors. This 2 ¾-quart covered casserole stoneware is deep blue and has an elegantly curved body with wide handles that look like wings. You can get a good grip on the stoneware dish from all angles, and it can withstand extreme temperatures, from your freezer to a 500 degree oven. You can even serve from it right at the table because the dish is attractive enough. We noticed that the lid doesn’t create a complete seal, which may have an effect on some recipes. But overall, this stoneware is a pretty useful piece to have in the kitchen, and it’s available for $29.99.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Functional and attractive, the CorningWare 1092037 is a welcome addition to any kitchen and a thoughtful housewarming gift. With a fresh green color, rounded design, glass lid, and flared lip with handles, it’s easy to see why this is a popular casserole container. We liked that the casserole was easy to pass around with the wide handles and that the glass lid let us see food as it was cooking to perfection. Clean up was easy, too, thanks to the rounded edges and the dishwasher-safe material. For only $24.48, it’s a valuable addition to your cookware collection.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

This rectangular stoneware bake pan from Rachael Ray features a fun, contemporary style: curved sides and wide handles that extend from the ends like wings. You can grip the pan easily even when you’re wearing oven mitts. The pan is safe to use in 500-degree ovens, microwaves, freezers, and dishwashers. Food really doesn’t stick to the pan, and any that does bake on wipes off easily. Quite capacious and able to hold large quantities of lasagna, it doesn’t spill over but still has low enough sides that provide a crunchy exterior to your dishes. This stoneware pan is available for $39.99 and will brighten up the kitchen with its warm color.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

With the lid sealing tight over this cast-iron casserole, the heat is effectively trapped within, warming everything inside. That’s one of the benefits of this Lodge Color 3-quart covered casserole dish. The cool Caribbean blue color also makes it an attractive serving dish. Its two-layer porcelain enamel surface doesn’t chip; nor does it react to the food, making it quite hygienic. While it’s safe to go on a cooktop and in the oven up to 400 degrees F, it’s not suited for outdoor grills. And while it’s technically dishwasher safe, the manufacturer recommends hand washing it to preserve its quality. At $73.74, it’s expensive, but you’ll appreciate its durability and fine quality.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

You’ll be amazed at how well this Lodge Double Dutch oven and casserole cooks and heats food. The 1.5-inch-deep lid doubles as a skillet, allowing you to cook food and keep it hot for over an hour. The casserole dish, extra deep at 4 inches, holds up to 5 quarts. The heavy-duty cast iron seals in the heat and distributes it evenly throughout the pot. There’s very little steam that escapes. The cast iron also comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, which has seeped deep into the surface to keep food tasting rich and fresh. Of course, cast-iron dishes are heavy; you’ll need two hands to carry this oven, but the handles are sturdy and easy to grip. It’s available for $34.97.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

An all-purpose casserole container with a convenient glass lid, the Pyrex 1085801 is a handsome, affordable option. With a two-quart capacity, it can handle delicious meat and vegetable dishes as well as casseroles and soups. Its soft contours make for easy cleanup, too, as there are no sharp crevices. We appreciated the wide, easy-grip handles that make it easy to grab and transport the casserole even with oven mitts on. And with its non-porous glass material, you don’t have to worry about the casserole developing stains or odors. It’s safe to go in the dishwasher as well as the oven, microwave, or freezer. This Pyrex is available for $8.99.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for a perfect gift for a college student or a young couple, then consider the Granite Ware 0613-4, a miniature version of the traditional casserole dish. This casserole holds three quarts, which is plenty if you’re making dinner for two or preparing a small side dish such as jam, dip, or soup. It can handle the big tasks, too, if you want to roast vegetables or meats, and it cleans up easily without food sticking or burning to the bottom. Double handles make it even easier to transport this lightweight (one pound) casserole. It’s available for $13.67.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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