The Best Casserole Dishes: A Buyer’s Guide

Material: Glass

This casserole dish from the household name Pyrex is a reliable and inexpensive choice. The body of the dish is made from tempered glass, so it’s dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven safe, and it won’t absorb food odors, or stain over time. It’s extra deep, to fit more layers when you’re making lasagna or to make bigger, fluffier cinnamon buns. No more sauce bubbling over the edge and making a mess of your over! It comes with a BPA-free plastic lid, so you can easily store food or transport your dishes to potlucks or get-togethers. 

Features:

• Side handles for firm grip
• Extra-depth
• Comes with a lid for easy storage and transport

Pros:

• Heat-safe and freezer-safe
• Easy to clean
• Won’t stain or hold odors

Cons:

• If dropped, the glass may break

Material: Ceramic

Just by looking at this casserole dish, you can already see its quality. Made from thick ceramic, the dish can handle temperatures up to 500°F while also retaining heat to keep food warm, and resisting stains, odors, or cracking. It has a farmhouse-style design, so beyond cooking, it’s also great for serving. It’s 3.5 inches deep and super versatile, great for cooking casseroles, vegetables, pasta bakes, chicken, beef, and even baking. Ceramic is incredibly lead-free, and this model has a food-safe glaze that stops food from sticking, so it’s easier to clean. It also comes with an oven-safe ceramic lid, and a non-slip bottom.

Features:

• Food-safe ceramic composition 
• Comes with oven-safe lid to lock in heat 
• Large capacity with 3.5 inch depth

Pros:

• High-temperature resistance 
• Easy to clean
• Resistant to stains and odors

Cons:

• Not compatible with open flames or induction cooktops
• Slightly heavy

Material: Cast Iron

You really can’t go wrong with cast iron. This casserole dish is a great investment because it’s so durable and won’t break, bend or warp, even after decades of use. It’s completely non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about any chemicals leaching into your foot. Plus, once it’s heated, the dish retains heat well, requiring less energy for cooking. It comes pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, which makes it naturally non-stick. It’s also made right in the United States, so it reduces the carbon footprint since there is no importing required. On top of that, the cast iron emits consistent heat and perfectly browns the edges of your baked goods and meats. 

Features:

• Pre-seasoned cast iron 
• Made in the USA
• Quality heat distribution 

Pros:

• Won’t bend, dent, or warp
• Naturally non-stick
• Perfectly browned meals

Cons:

• Heavy 
• Requires seasoning and regular upkeep 
• Hand wash only