A casserole dish is a versatile piece of bakeware that can be used to make lasagna, roast vegetables, baked sheet cakes, and, of course, casseroles. As a casserole dish is something you’re likely going to be using a lot, it’s a good idea to consider what you need and what you’ll use it for before buying one. That way, you can get one that’ll suit your cooking style and preferences.

How to Pick the Right Casserole Dish for the Job

Casserole dishes are a common piece of bakeware, meaning that many different manufacturers make them. So, picking out the right one for your needs can feel overwhelming due to the variety of options. Casserole dishes can also vary a great deal in price, depending on the material it's made out of, the brand name, and the quality.

What Should a Casserole Dish Be Made Out Of?

Casserole dishes are extremely varied, as there’s no standard in terms of size or make. There are a lot of options in terms of what a casserole dish can be made out of. I’ll go over the pros and cons of each material, which should help you decide which one suits you best.

• Glass: This is a common material for casserole dishes to be made out of. It works well for casseroles, roasting vegetables, and lasagna as it allows you to see the layers. Glass is dishwasher-safe, durable, and won’t be scratched by metal utensils. However, it isn’t the best choice for a lot of baking – particularly for cakes – as it tends to result in overcooked edges and an underdone inside.
• Ceramic: The majority of casserole dishes you see in the store will be made of ceramic – usually porcelain or stoneware. Ceramic is durable, can go in the dishwasher, and holds heat well. Like glass, however, it isn’t ideal for baking. You also can’t see through it.
• Aluminum: This is a highly conductive and extremely lightweight material, making it a good choice for bakeware. Its downsides are that it scratches easily, meaning it’s best not to use metal utensils (though most scratches won’t affect its performance), and a shiny material isn’t ideal for baking, as it doesn’t brown the outside as much. It’s not a good idea to put aluminum in the dishwasher as it can tarnish or even oxidize. A lot of aluminum will have a nonstick coating, which can be a plus or a minus.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a highly versatile material, as it’s durable, conducts heat well, and is lightweight. Some stainless steel is aluminized to make it more conductive and resistant to rust or has a nonstick coating. While a lot of stainless steel says it's dishwasher-safe – and that isn’t a lie – it’s better to avoid putting it in the dishwasher, as it shortens the life of the casserole dish and makes it more likely to rust.
• Cast Iron: Cast iron is an unusual option for a casserole dish, but it’s an excellent conductor of heat with even heat distribution. It’s prone to rust, however, unless well-seasoned or enameled. It’s also heavy, meaning it can be hard to maneuver a cast iron dish and an entire casserole.

What Shape Should a Casserole Dish Be?

While, in most cases, the shape of your casserole dish is unimportant, some recipes are constructed for a dish of a certain shape and size. Most casserole dishes are rectangular, but that’s not your only option.

• Rectangular: This is by far the most common shape of a casserole dish, as most of them tend to be in the 9-inch by 13-inch range. Many recipes expect a dish of around this shape and size, meaning that this is the most practical choice.
• Square: Square-shaped casserole dishes are less common and tend to only be used for smaller-size dishes. If you like to make smaller recipes or only cook for yourself or for you and your partner, this might suit you better. Most squared-shaped casserole dishes can also fit in the microwave.
• Round: Round casserole dishes tend to be shaped more like a pot and are more versatile since many of them can also act like one – so long as they’re made out of metal. There are also round ceramic casserole dishes, though, so choosing between metal and ceramic is a matter of aesthetics.
• Oval: This is typically the next most common shape for casserole dishes, as oval dishes can be a similar size as square ones but with rounded edges. Whether you want a square or oval casserole dish is more a matter of personal preference in terms of the way it looks – though oval dishes don’t have rigid corners and, therefore, are easier to clean.

What Size Should a Casserole Dish Be?

The size that’s best for you depends on how many people you typically cook for and how fond you are of leftovers. Casserole dishes are usually measured in quarts or by their dimensions.

• 4qt: For those who like to make large recipes or entertain, 4qt is a good size. Most 4qt casserole dishes are 13-inches by 9-inches, as that’s a standard size, and the majority of casserole dishes that hold more than 3qt are deeper rather than longer.

• 3qt: This is the most common casserole dish size and is equivalent to a 9-inch by 13-inch pan, depending on its depth. Most lasagna recipes tend to be around this size, and this dish size can double as a sheet cake pan for bakers.

• 2qt: This is a smaller casserole dish that usually is 8-inches by 8-inches. It is the second most common size for desserts or casserole recipes.

My 6 Top Picks for Casserole Dishes with Lids

1. Le Creuset Heritage Covered 4qt Rectangular Casserole

Le Creuset is primarily known for its high-quality enameled cast iron, but this stoneware casserole dish makes the list of the best casserole dishes. It’s durable, has excellent heat distribution, and the lid fits tightly, allowing it to hold heat for a long time. The lid is also oven-safe, which is useful if you make a recipe that needs to be covered. However, due to Le Creuset’s brand name, it’s expensive – and stoneware isn’t light.

2. Viking Professional 5-Ply 3.4qt Casserole Pan

For those looking for versatility, Viking makes a stainless steel casserole dish that can double as a pot. The dish and lid are both made from high-quality stainless steel, induction compatible, come in two sizes, and are oven and broiler-safe. It has easy-to-grip handles, making it easy to move on the stove or take out of the oven. However, it’s the most expensive item on this list, meaning that you need to be willing to splurge.

3. KitchenAid 3-Ply Base Stainless Steel Induction Casserole with Lid, 4qt

KitchenAid’s casserole dish is an affordable option for those who are space-conscious. It’s oven-safe, durable, can go in the dishwasher, and it also works on the stovetop and with induction. However, as the lid is made of glass, it’s only oven-safe up to 350°F, and the glass isn’t broiler-safe.

4. Le Creuset Rectangular Dish with Platter Lid

For those looking for a dish with a lid that has multiple uses, this rectangular baking dish is a good choice. The lid is flat, so it can be used as a platter or even as a way to roast dishes by itself. The entire casserole dish is made of stoneware, is oven-safe, is close to the standard size, and made of high-quality materials. It can also go in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. However, as it’s Le Creuset, you have to be willing to spend more than $100.

5. OXO Good Grips 3qt Baking Dish

For those who just want a solid, affordable glass casserole dish, OXO’s 3qt baking dish is an obvious option. It’s made of thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass, which means it can go directly from the freezer into the oven. However, be sure to thoroughly preheat your oven first and refrain from going above the recommended temperature, as glass can shatter from uneven temperature changes. It has a plastic lid that’s useful for transporting food or storing it in the refrigerator, but it can’t go in the oven. Glass is also a breakable material and isn’t the best for baking cakes or brownies.

6. 3.6qt Lodge Essential Enamel Cast Iron Covered Casserole

For those who are fans of enameled cast iron, Lodge makes an enameled cast iron casserole dish with a lid. It has large handles that make it easy to haul out of the oven even with oven mitts, a stainless steel knob on the lid that makes it completely oven-safe, and a generous capacity. It also works on the stovetop, meaning that it can be used to fry, simmer, or saute. Cast iron has excellent heat distribution, meaning that it cooks food evenly. However, the material is heavy, so it can be difficult to maneuver, especially when full. In addition, Lodge’s enameled cast iron is made in China, which could be off-putting to some buyers.

Find the Right Casserole Dish with a Lid for You

It can be overwhelming to try to find the right choice for your needs, particularly with the variety of casserole dishes and manufacturers. Some of it also boils down to personal preferences regarding what it’s made out of, the type of lid, and whether or not it has any sort of nonstick coating. As a casserole dish is something that you’ll use a lot over its lifetime, don’t be afraid to take your time. If you feel you need more information, recommendations, or advice, reach out to one of our Kitchen Experts here on Curated! Any of our Kitchen Experts would be more than happy to help you find the casserole dish that’s just right for you.