The Best Ramekins | 2023

You might not recognize the fancy name, but you’ve probably eaten food from a ramekin before. Also going by the names souffle dish and crème brûlée cup, this relatively small bowl is ideal for sauces, sides, soups and more.

Over the years, ramekins have evolved to refer to any small dish ideal for serving sides and sauces. But a traditional ramekin is around 4 to 8 ounces with ridged sides and a ceramic build. There are also 1- to 3-ounce versions used for condiments like ketchup. You’ll often see those in restaurants.

Ramekins can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel and plastic. But porcelain is one of the most popular. Porcelain evolved from the traditional ceramic ramekin, bringing the durability necessary to tolerate today’s silverware and dishwasher cleansers. Many ramekins are coated with a glaze designed to protect it, furthering the life of your dishes.

But it’s important to take a close look at the materials used to glaze your ramekins. Traditionally, the glaze included lead, which has proven toxic. If the lead is able to eventually leach from the glaze into the foods you’re consuming in them, it could be harmful to you and your family. In recent years, manufacturers have taken lead out of the equation, striving for more natural materials that will keep foods and liquids safe.

The size of your ramekin will be among the most important features. You’ll want to make sure you choose one that accommodates the types of dishes you’ll serve in them. If you regularly use them for sauces and condiments, a smaller option will likely do the trick. But you can find ramekins in larger sizes that are ideal for items like soufflés and soups.

• Ramekins vary in size from 1 ounce to 12 ounces. The smaller size is ideal for condiments, while the larger size will hold full servings of dishes like lasagna and soup.
• You’ll typically find ramekins sold in sets. You can find options in sets of four, six, eight and more. This will help you stock your cabinets to ensure you always have one clean when it’s time to eat. If you have a larger family, you’ll need to always have the full set clean when you’re ready to serve a meal that requires it.
• Not all ramekins can be placed in the oven. If you’re making soufflés and other foods that need some oven time, pay close attention to temperature tolerances. The same goes for freezing them, since cool temperature tolerances can be limited.
• In addition to ensuring your ramekin’s glaze is lead-free, you’ll also want to make sure it won’t absorb odors and flavors. The glaze should resist this type of absorption.
• Not all ramekins are dishwasher safe. Unless you want to hand wash after each use, check the cleaning instructions before you buy.
• If environmental friendliness is important to you, look for ramekins designed with sustainability in mind.
• The design of a ramekin is crucial to whether a souffle rises properly. If you plan to make soufflés in yours, look for one with a fluted rim and heavy, straight sides.
• Aesthetics are worth considering. Ramekins come in a variety of colors and designs, so you may want one that’s a good fit for your décor, as well as your existing dishes and cookware.
• Some glazes can show scratches over time. Since your ramekin will be coming into contact with silverware, it’s important to find one that has scratch resistance built in.
• Heat retention is a valuable feature in a ramekin. This is especially true if you’re using them to make foods like soufflés. Most ramekins are made from porcelain, which has superior heat-retention properties.
• The type of clay used to make a porcelain ramekin is also important. Paladin clay is a thicker clay that still maintains lightweight properties, creating a durable, solid dish.