Buying guide for best casserole bakeware sets
Few things satisfy a large, hungry group like a hearty casserole. But whether you’re making a rich, cheesy pasta dish for a dozen or a sweet berry cobbler for two, it’s important to have on hand casserole dishes of different sizes so you’re ready for any occasion.
While you could buy each dish separately, a casserole bakeware set is a simple and often more affordable solution. You can find sets that include a few rectangular casserole dishes or sets that come with extras like ramekins, mixing bowls or a pie plate. Designed with stackability and storage in mind, these sets include pieces that nest inside of each other to save space. Some also offer lids to easily transport your food and keep it fresh.
Casserole bakeware sets are commonly made of ceramic, stoneware or tempered glass. If you want casserole dishes that look beautiful on your table, ceramic or stoneware is for you. Though these materials are heavy, they are excellent for uniform heating and slow cooking. Tempered glass dishes, on the other hand, are lighter and more durable and affordable, and clear glass allows you to check your food on the bottom for doneness. However, while glass cooks food evenly, it doesn’t retain heat as well as ceramic or stoneware.
We’ve compared materials, pan sizes and functional features to zero in on the best sets on the market. We’ve chosen the CorningWare French White 12-Piece Ceramic Bakeware Set as the best overall option for its high-quality ceramic construction, superb variety of sizes and classic design that complements most dishware. If taking your food to events is a priority, we recommend the Pyrex Easy Grab 9-Piece Glass Baking Dish Set, which comes with a double-decker insulated carrying case.
Expert Tip
If you have a nested (stacking) set, place a paper towel or other soft barrier between the stacked dishes to reduce the odds of chipping and the inevitable loud clank of setting one pan inside another.
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Best casserole bakeware sets
An excellent choice for the home cook who needs to whip up a variety of recipes for both large and small groups, this versatile and affordable set of a dozen baking dishes can address a wide range of cooking and baking needs. The dishes are stackable and easy to store and include five different dish sizes ranging from a 2.5-quart oval casserole dish to a 16-ounce round dish plus two 4-ounce ramekins (plastic and glass lids are also included). Each piece is made of high-quality ceramic that is oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
The design is simple yet dignified, featuring a classic French white finish with subtle ribbed detailing that make these pieces easy to handle. The simplicity of the design is ideal for matching existing cookware and suitable for both everyday use and special occasions.
If you need to take your casseroles on the road, this highly functional nine-piece set is designed with potlucks and dinner parties in mind. It includes one rectangular 3-quart dish, two rectangular 6-cup containers and an insulated carrier with hot/cold insulator packs. Dishes can go straight from the oven to the carrier, which has two compartments that zip shut. An especially nice feature, the large handles on the 3-quart dish make it easy to lift and carry. The included BPA-free red plastic lids prevent spills and are handy for storing any leftovers right in the dishes.
Each dish is made of Pyrex’s high-quality, durable tempered glass, which heats food evenly, is scratch and stain resistant and can withstand high temperatures. It’s not uncommon for owners of Pyrex products to enjoy their purchase for two decades or more.
French brand Le Creuset is famous for making some of the best stoneware dishes on the market, and this two-piece set is no exception. It comes with a deep 2-quart, 8-inch dish, making it ideal for casseroles, quiches and roasting meat and vegetables; and a 0.5-quart, 5-inch dish that’s great for mini casseroles for two or serving up sides. Le Creuset’s high-quality stoneware cooks food evenly and retains heat well, so the food stays warm. Another plus is it features a nearly nonstick enameled surface, which, unlike nonstick coatings, is safe to use with metal utensils.
Offering thermal temperature resistance ranging from -9° to 500°, these dishes are safe to put in the broiler, freezer, oven and microwave as well as the dishwasher. With pretty, scalloped handles and nine classic colors to choose from, including a vibrant red and Caribbean blue, this is a set you’ll love showing off to your guests.
If you’re starting your dishware collection from scratch, this affordable five-piece set includes everything you need to serve and store full meals, from entree to side dish to dessert. Included are a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, an 8-by-8-inch baking dish, a 9.5-inch pie plate, a 2-quart mixing bowl and a 2-quart round casserole dish with a glass lid. Safe to use in the oven, microwave or freezer, these dishes can tackle just about any cooking need. This set is also dishwasher safe and stackable, for effortless cleanup and storage.
One of this set’s standout features is the durable glass construction that Libbey is known for.
The dishes are made of tempered glass, which resists chipping, cracking or shattering. And, of course, it’s always nice to be able to see the food inside, which is great for presentation and monitoring the cooking process.
Whether you’re making a large tray of lasagna or a small serving of brownies, this bakeware set includes three dishes that are generously deep to handle it all: a 2.3-quart dish measuring 11 by 7 inches, a 1.7-quart dish measuring 8 by 6 inches and a 1.1-quart dish measuring 6 by 5 inches. Made of high-quality ceramic, this set is oven safe up to 500 degrees, allowing you to prepare a wide variety of recipes without worrying about the dishes cracking or breaking at high temperatures.
We like the attractive and modern style and the affordable price of these ceramic dishes. The unique rippled texture and three color choices add a touch of elegance to the kitchen. Comfortable fluted handles make them easy to carry or remove from the oven while adding to their aesthetic appeal.
Made by the renowned French brand Staub, this is a premium set of ceramic dishes suited for baking and serving a variety of casseroles, entrees or desserts. The three dishes, which nest easily for storage, range from a standard 13 by 9 inches to a compact 7.5 by 6 inches.
The rustic turquoise porcelain-enamel finish makes this set great for serving food straight from the oven without sacrificing elegance or style. These dishes are especially well suited for high-heat cooking up to 575 degrees while also safe to use in the freezer. They are dishwasher safe and resist moisture retention, which guarantees even cooking and heat distribution. The ceramic is scratch and stain resistant, ensuring these dishes will remain attractive and functional for years to come.
With its glossy two-tone exterior, this three-piece stoneware set is our most elegant pick, functioning as both a practical, quality cookware set and a centerpiece on the dining table. Offering six colorways to complement your dining room décor, this set includes rectangular dishes of 9, 11 and 13 inches long. Dishwasher safe and easy to clean, these dishes have a smooth, scratch-resistant glazed interior that cooked food won’t cling to.
Oven safe up to 450 degrees, this sturdy stoneware ensures uniform cooking and excellent heat retention after being removed from the oven. If you’re looking for the reliability of stoneware with a modern, minimalist design, this set is for you.
Simple, affordable and functional define this set of a dozen white casserole bakeware dishes from Rubbermaid. The break- and chip-resistant DuraLite glass is safe for oven temperatures up to 550 degrees and great for storing dishes in the fridge or freezer. If you’re looking for a lightweight bakeware set, DuraLite glass is much lighter than ceramic or stoneware while still touting excellent heat distribution and retention.
This set includes a variety of dish styles and sizes, with a 2.5-quart baking dish for larger casseroles or entrees, three midsize dishes ranging from 1 to 1.5 quarts and four 1-cup ramekins perfect for individual side dishes, custards or crème brûlée. This set also includes plastic lids for uncomplicated storage of leftovers.
Expert Tip
When cooking a group of individual items, make sure the pan size achieves your desired effect. For example, chicken breasts need a little room around them to allow for even cooking. Canneloni, like enchiladas or bread rolls, like to be snugly in the pan.
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What to consider when buying a casserole bakeware set
Materials
Ceramic bakeware is known for its durability. It cooks food evenly and holds onto warmth even outside of the oven. Ceramic is nonporous, easy to clean and resists stains and odors. However, despite its overall durability, ceramic is prone to chipping. Proper handling and care are required, and it’s best to hand-wash these dishes rather than place them in the dishwasher.
Stoneware excels at heat retention and is an ideal choice for baking crispy foods like chicken parmesan or roasted potatoes. It’s considered superior in terms of reliability and durability, so it’s no wonder that stoneware has been around for thousands of years. But stoneware may require seasoning, especially to resist food residue. It’s also heavy, so if you have dexterity issues, it might not be the best choice.
Glass conducts heat well, which naturally facilitates the baking process. Not only is glass bakeware an affordable option, it’s also one of the easiest to clean and maintain since it’s generally dishwasher safe. However, food might cook more quickly than expected in glass bakeware, so you might need to adjust cooking times. Glass is also vulnerable to breaking and chipping, but there are strong tempered glass options available.
Mixed materials, such as metal and ceramic, are used in some bakeware sets to achieve optimal cooking qualities. Despite their cutting-edge technology, they remain on the affordable side. Because they incorporate multiple materials, there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to adjusting cooking times, especially for baked goods. It’s also important to note that if it includes metal, you can’t put it into the microwave.
Size and capacity
Generally speaking, casserole bakeware sets have dish sizes of between 1 and 6 quarts. More often than not, sets include dishes of various sizes. The exceptions here are deluxe casserole bakeware sets, which often come with multiples of the same size.
There are other perks to sets that contain different sizes. With a bit of arranging, you might be able to fit all of them in your oven to cook food simultaneously. It’s also helpful for storage purposes because these sets can easily nest or stack to save cupboard space.
Shape
Casserole bakeware sets come in four shapes: round, oval, square and rectangular. Just as these sets come in different sizes, it’s not unusual to find choices in shapes. While some types of food can be better arranged for baking in a certain dish shape, for the most part, the shape is a matter of personal preference.
Lids and covers
Not all casserole bakeware sets come with lids or covers. That means you’ll need to cover the dishes with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you want to transfer them to the refrigerator. It’s another story if you plan on transporting casseroles after cooking. In that case, airtight plastic or silicone covers are best. Some casserole bakeware sets come with glass lids, and while they’re not ideal for transport, they help to keep food warm.
Ease of care
When it comes to cleanup, each casserole bakeware material requires a different treatment. It’s a good idea to read the user instructions to see whether the dishes and accessories should be hand-washed or placed in the dishwasher. Some sets need to be treated more carefully than others, especially those with painted designs or nonstick coatings. These often call for gentle dish soap and sponges to prevent scratches.
After washing the bakeware, be sure to dry each piece thoroughly before putting it away. It’s especially important to dry bakeware stored with the lids on, because an airtight seal could trap moisture inside the dish.
Expert Tip
If your pan acquires some baked-on material, it can be tough to get off. Fill the pan with a little dish soap and hot water, then leave it to sit for an hour or more. This helps loosen most, if not all, material stuck to the pan.
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FAQ
Q. How much do casserole bakeware sets cost?
A. Budget-friendly casserole bakeware sets cost less than $50. For the most part, you’ll get from two to six dishes, but not all of them will come with lids. Mid-range sets cost between $50 and $125. This range includes quality brands with well-made, multi-piece sets. It also includes sets of two or three pieces from premium cookware brands. If you’re willing to spend between $150 to $250, you can choose from a variety of high-end pieces. These will outlast the less expensive competitors, and they often come with an impressive manufacturer’s warranty.
Q. Will transferring casserole bakeware from oven to table damage my table?
A. Yes, bakeware straight out of the oven can be hot enough to melt paint and burn wood, causing permanent damage. Nor should hot bakeware be placed on polyester tablecloths or plastic placemats. Your best bet is to invest in trivets or racks to elevate the bakeware off the table or tablecloth.
Q. Does food in ceramic bakeware take longer to bake?
A. Food in ceramic bakeware typically takes longer to bake than food in metal or glass alternatives because ceramic is a less efficient conductor of heat. Ceramic is denser than metal, meaning it takes longer to heat up and cool down, which may equate to a longer baking time. However, ceramic bakeware tends to retain heat more effectively, which cooks food more evenly and will keep it hot long after it’s removed from the oven.
If cooking speed is important to you, glass or metal bakeware absorbs heat the fastest, which may speed up cooking time (depending on the recipe). However, ceramic and stoneware will likely cook the food more evenly at the expense of a slightly longer cooking time.
