The 10 Best Casserole Dishes
Editor's Notes
August 05, 2019:
The Le Creuset Heritage is handcrafted from a clay mixture that's extremely dense, which helps it to maintain an even temperature and prevents food from scorching. Its enameled finish is fired at temperatures as high as 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit, so it won't absorb moisture or odors, and it's tough enough that you can even cut on it with a knife without scratching it. The Lodge Cast Iron is finished with two layers of porcelain enamel, so you won't need to season it, and it retains heat very well, which helps food to stay hot for longer after cooking. It works on all types of cooktops, including induction, and it's oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Another enameled cast iron option, the Cuisinart Chef Classic comes in three sizes with capacities of three, five, and seven quarts, and it's also available in an oval-shaped 5-1/2-quart model. It's suitable for oven, stovetop, and broiler use and has wide handles that are easy to grip, but the largest size weighs nearly 19 pounds, so it can be rather hard to lift when full.
If you prefer metal cookware, the Anolon Advanced and Circulon Symmetry are made from hard-anodized aluminum that's very durable and much lighter than cast iron and stoneware dishes. Both have a tough nonstick finish that can stand up to metal utensils, along with comfortable rubberized handles and shatter-resistant glass lids that let you see the food inside without letting any heat out. Note, however, that while the Circulon Symmetry is suitable for induction cooktops, the Anolon Advanced is not.
For potlucks, picnics, and outdoor parties, the Pyrex 4-Piece comes with an insulated bag that makes it easy to carry, along with an insert that can be heated or chilled to keep your food hot or cold during transport. It can be used in the freezer, oven, and microwave, and both the pan and the lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The Libbey Baker's Basics comes with a straw basket that insulates the dish and also serves as a trivet to protect tables and counters. The whole thing is made from clear glass, so it's easy to keep an eye on both the top and bottom of your casserole, and the tight-fitting lid makes it great for storing leftovers.