What is the difference between a casserole dish and a baking dish?

“A casserole dish and a baking dish are the same thing, an oven-safe piece of cookware, usually made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass,” says Anthony Contrino, Emmy-awarded culinary producer and food stylist. "They can come in various shapes, with the most common being rectangular, oval, or square. Most often used for pasta bakes, lasagna, gratins, bread puddings, and cobblers. It is not to be confused with a baking pan, which is usually made of metal or tin and ideal for baking – think cakes and breads."

What is the average size of a casserole dish?

"The standard size of a casserole dish is 9 by 13 inches. However, due to varying shapes, they are often measured by volume, with three quarts being average,” says Contrino. “It is important to note that if a recipe calls only for a casserole dish, it is most likely asking for a 9- by 13-inch rectangular size. Different shapes, like ovals, can be the same length, but not the same volume. Also, most standard casserole dishes are two inches deep. So, if your recipe asks for a deep casserole, it is likely needing the extra volume of a three-inch-deep vessel."

The Best Casserole Dishes for 2023 | Tested by Food & Wine

They might not seem glamorous or trendy, but casserole dishes are one of the most versatile pieces of cookware any cook can have. They're durable and heavy-duty, and if treated properly, these pieces often get passed down from generation to generation. From lasagna to macaroni and cheese to enchiladas, the best casserole dishes can handle cheesy, melty, meaty, and everything in between.

In search of the best casserole dishes, we tested some of the leading models with a classic lasagna recipe. They're not flashy, but casserole dishes are workhorse tools that don't need a ton of bells and whistles. Overall, the Great Jones Hot Dish earned the top spot because it's easy to use and looks just as nice on the tabletop as it does in the oven. Read on for more of our favorite dishes.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Great Jones Hot Dish at Greatjonesgoods.com

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Best Value:

Staub Ceramic Baking Dish at Amazon

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Best Porcelain:

Made In Rectangular Baking Dish at Madeincookware.com

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Best for Serving:

Le Creuset Rectangular Baker With Platter Lid at Amazon

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Best Portable:

All-Clad Stainless Steel Lasagna Pan at Amazon

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Courtesy of Great Jones

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Pros: This heavy-duty pan produced crispy lasagna both times we baked it, and we didn't notice any difference in quality when baking it straight from frozen. Large, looped handles make it easy to grab even with oven mitts.

Cons: Be careful when using metal tools — this pan is not scratch-proof.

This chic casserole dish is one of the more functional options we tested, and we love that it comes in five colors. Large loop handles make it easy to grab even with thick oven mitts on. This dish performed exceptionally well in our lasagna test by baking up casseroles with crispy, golden edges and perfectly tender centers. We love that it's easy to take in and out of the oven, and it fits both horizontally and vertically in a standard oven. Extra-deep sides make it perfect for layering homestyle dishes like mac and cheese or enchiladas.

This dish is made from ceramic and is not completely scratch-proof, so be mindful when using metal tools. It's oven-safe up to 500 degrees and can also be used in the microwave and freezer. We didn't notice any difference in quality when baking lasagna straight from frozen. The ceramic construction was able to warm up and maintain heat throughout, which ensured an even cooking experience.

This is an affordable piece that's built to last, and the cute design and colorful options make it a joyful addition to any home kitchen.

Price at time of publish: $75

Material: Ceramic
Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Oven-safe: Up to 500 degrees

Courtesy of Zwilling

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Pros: This is a high-quality piece available in six classic colors at an affordable price.

Cons: This dish has a lower capacity than some others, so it can't accommodate large batches.

Staub's enameled ceramic dishes come in an array of pleasing colors that can easily transfer from oven to centerpiece. Nothing sticks to the porcelain-enameled ceramic, so the dish is easy to clean even when cooking cheesy, gooey casseroles. Each lasagna we cooked came out with crispy edges and golden crusts. We love how affordable this option is, and it's a great choice for any home cook looking to invest in a heritage piece from a reputable brand.

Although our testers love the look of the porcelain enamel, we noticed that the lack of texture in the material made the dish feel more slippery than others. Though it was easy to clean, we needed to be extra careful handling it when it was wet and soapy. This dish is microwave, broiler, freezer, and dishwasher-safe.

Price at time of publish: $57

Material: Porcelain-enameled ceramic
Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Oven-safe: Up to 572 degrees

Courtesy of Made In

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Pros: Thanks to the porcelain construction, nothing sticks to this naturally slick dish that can easily handle high heat.

Cons: The handles aren't as wide as we would like, so grabbing them with oven mitts can be tricky.

This super-slick casserole dish surprised us with how easy it is to clean. Not only did it bake up a perfectly gooey lasagna with a crisp bottom and golden edges, each piece came away from the pan cleanly, meaning no bits of sauce or cheese were left behind. Although it's dishwasher-safe, we had no trouble washing it by hand.

It can accommodate 5.3 quarts of food, so it's perfect for roasting a big batch of veggies or loading up a tray of baked ziti. Thanks to the porcelain construction, it can handle temperatures of up to 650 degrees and manages to conduct heat evenly and efficiently with no hot spots. We didn't notice any difference in quality when baking lasagna directly from frozen, and this pan cooked up a casserole that was crispy, golden, and gooey throughout. However, the handles aren't as big as we would like them to be, and we didn't feel like we were able to get a totally sturdy grip with oven mitts on.

Price at time of publish: $109

Material: Porcelain
Dishwasher-safe: Yes, but hand washing is recommended.
Oven-safe: Up to 650 degrees

Courtesy of Le Creuset

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Pros: The lid of this two-piece set doubles as a serving platter.

Cons: This casserole dish isn't as big as others we tested, so it's better for smaller batch casseroles.

For a casserole dish that can transition straight from the oven to the dining table, look no further than Le Creuset's Rectangular Dish with Platter lid. Like all Le Creuset goods, this enameled dish comes in an array of gorgeous colors that make for a beautiful centerpiece on any dinner table. The glazed stoneware has a slick surface, and although a few bits of cheese and sauce stuck to the edges, it was easy enough to clean by hand. It's dishwasher-safe and can handle the freezer, oven, microwave, or broiler up to 500 degrees.

The stoneware heats evenly and efficiently, and our lasagnas came out crispy around the edges and perfectly cooked in the center. The lid doubles as a platter, but it still creates a tight seal when in the oven. This dish has large, loop-style handles that are easy to grab, and the lid has raised, textured handles that make serving easy and slip-free. If you're looking for a two-in-one product that's just as functional as it is decorative, this option from Le Creuset is a great choice.

Price at time of publish: $125

Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher-safe: Yes, but hand washing is recommended.
Oven-safe: Up to 500 degrees

4.7

Courtesy of All Clad

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Pros: Raised handles make this option easy to carry, no matter how heavy your meal is.

Cons: The stainless steel construction prevented our lasagna from getting the crispy edges we hoped for.

This stainless steel casserole dish comes with a few features that make transporting it to a potluck party clean and simple. First, we love that the plastic lid snaps into place, eliminating the need for plastic wrap or tin foil. Though the lid isn't oven-safe, it's a more sturdy option than plastic wrap because it stays in place and keeps its shape. Next, we love that the raised handles make it easy to pick up and tote around no matter how heavy the contents of your casserole are. Our testers had no trouble lifting this and transferring it in and out of the oven with oven mitts on.

This dish could easily double as a roasting pan for a whole roasted chicken or whole roasted fish. The stainless steel conducted heat quickly and efficiently, but we did notice that the lasagna was a bit more soggy on the bottom than some of the other models.

Price at time of publish: $100

Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Oven-safe: Up to 600 degrees. Lid is not oven-safe.

Conclusion

Overall, we found the Great Jones Hot Dish to be the best casserole dish we tested because it combines form and function to deliver exceptionally crispy, golden casseroles. We love that the handles make it easy to maneuver, and the slick surface is easy to clean. It's an affordable and elegant addition to any home cook's collection.

Factors to Consider

Material

Material plays a big part in a casserole dish's ability to conduct and retain heat. It's also an important factor in whether or not the pan is nonstick, oven-safe, or dishwasher-safe. Casserole dishes come in various materials, but they are most commonly made from glass, ceramic, or enameled cast iron. Glass pans are simple and convenient, and they allow you to peer in between the layers of your dish to see how ingredients are cooking without cutting into it. Ceramic dishes can handle high heats and are often nonporous and naturally nonstick. Lastly, enameled cast iron casserole dishes can handle super high heat, which means they can retain and conduct heat for deep and even browning. Before selecting a casserole dish, consider what type of material suits your needs the best. Some casserole dishes also offer nonstick coating, but these can be less durable and prone to scratches when using metal tools.

Handles

Casserole dishes are heavy-duty pieces of cookware, so they can be challenging to lift, particularly when hot. That's why handles are an essential feature to consider when shopping for one. If you have trouble maneuvering heavier pieces of equipment, look for a dish with sizable handles that are easy to grasp. Handles should be big enough to grab easily with bare hands and while wearing oven mitts. No one wants to see thumb prints in their lasagna, so make sure there is ample space to safely transfer heavy dishes—like ziti—without putting too much strain on your wrist or sticking your fingers in melted cheese. Remember that handles come in different shapes, like looped or tab-style, so be sure to select the style that works best for you and fits most easily in your oven.

Cleaning and Care

Lastly, as is the case with any new piece of cookware, it's important to consider cleaning and storage before purchasing a casserole dish. Many casserole dishes are dishwasher-safe, but they can be prone to stuck-on messes that require additional scrubbing. If you plan to wash your dish by hand, do so per the manufacturer's instructions. Keep in mind that ceramic or porcelain dishes can chip or break, so use caution when cleaning them.

The Tests

To assess the best casserole dishes, we ran each option through a series of tests that helped us determine how easy each pan is to use, store, and clean. Casserole dishes should be a no-fuss kitchen essential, but we took a few factors into consideration when selecting our favorites. First, we wanted to assess how each pan felt in our hands. We examined the handles and ranked them on how easy they were to hold, and considered whether or not they felt slippery or sturdy.

Next, we aimed to determine how each pan performed in its most basic function. We baked two lasagnas in each, and observed how crispy, soggy, browned, or mushy the bottoms of the casseroles were. After assessing the first lasagna, we baked a second batch and put it directly in the freezer. Once frozen, we transferred the lasagna to the oven and heated it up. Since casseroles are a common meal prep idea and are often frozen, we wanted to assess whether or not the fluctuation in temperature impacted functionality.

Lastly, we observed how much food stuck to the pan and cleaned it according to the manufacturer's instructions. The best casserole dishes should be easy to clean, so we made sure to note if the food was wiped away easily or if it needed extra scrubbing.

What Didn't Make the List

Caraway Rectangle Pan

This nonstick option from Caraway baked up crispy, crunchy lasagna with golden crusts and tender insides. Nothing stuck to the pan and it was incredibly easy to clean, and we love how easy it is to scoop out even the most gooey ingredients. Though our testers loved the functionality and convenience of this pan, we found the handles to be a bit too shallow, which made it difficult to transport in and out of the oven with gloves on. Be mindful when using metal tools, we noticed the nonstick surface had scratches after the first use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a casserole dish and a baking dish?

“A casserole dish and a baking dish are the same thing, an oven-safe piece of cookware, usually made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass,” says Anthony Contrino, Emmy-awarded culinary producer and food stylist. "They can come in various shapes, with the most common being rectangular, oval, or square. Most often used for pasta bakes, lasagna, gratins, bread puddings, and cobblers. It is not to be confused with a baking pan, which is usually made of metal or tin and ideal for baking – think cakes and breads."
What is the average size of a casserole dish?

"The standard size of a casserole dish is 9 by 13 inches. However, due to varying shapes, they are often measured by volume, with three quarts being average,” says Contrino. “It is important to note that if a recipe calls only for a casserole dish, it is most likely asking for a 9- by 13-inch rectangular size. Different shapes, like ovals, can be the same length, but not the same volume. Also, most standard casserole dishes are two inches deep. So, if your recipe asks for a deep casserole, it is likely needing the extra volume of a three-inch-deep vessel."

Our Expertise

Laura Denby is a food and wine writer with a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education. She has worked as a caterer and private chef in kitchens throughout the New York area, and utilizes her professional culinary experience to guide her thoughtful, analytical product recommendations. For this piece, Laura performed extensive competitive research as well as hands-on testing to determine the best casserole dishes available. You can read more of her product reviews at Real Simple, Southern Living, FoodNetwork.com, and SELF.