Libbey Glass Casserole Baking Dish

Casseroles are a handy dish for busy families and couples who don’t want to prepare a meal after coming home from work late at night. They include all the components of a delicious dinner in one pan and can be cooked and frozen for consumption later on. That means meals can be prepared on Sunday and simply heated up at dinner time throughout the rest of the week.

If you’re in the market for a new baker or casserole dish, there are a few features you’ll want to look for.

First, determine whether you want a ceramic casserole pan or one made of glass. While the ceramic models are sturdy and durable, they don’t have clear sides like the glass models that allow you to monitor your dish while it cooks. The Libbey Glass Oval Casserole Baking Dish has this feature and even comes with a handy matching lead-free glass lid that keeps the food nice and moist while it cooks. Another benefit of the Libbey baking dish is that it’s stackable. If you purchase more than one, you won’t use up any extra space in your cabinet.

Second, consider the size of the casserole dish you need to make your favorite meals. If you need a variety of sizes, you can go with the Libbey Glass Casserole Baking Dish Set, 3-Piece, which comes with a small, medium and large dish. You could use the small dish for an appetizer, the medium baker for a tasty dessert and the large pan for a main meal.

Third, review the casserole dish for ease of use. For example, the Rachael Ray Stoneware Roasting and Lasagna Pan has a glazed interior that is stain-resistant and a cinch to clean. It also comes with side handles to make moving the pan from the oven to a trivet on the dining room table a breeze. Rachel Ray’s brand is even available in eight fun colors.

Finally, you’ll want to pay attention to how much heat the casserole dish can take. The Emile Henry Small Rectangular Baker is oven-safe up to 520 degrees Fahrenheit. Since it is made from all-natural materials, it’s also great at retaining heat, which means the pan stays warmer longer while it rests on your table or countertop.

• Most casserole dishes are not meant to be heated on a stovetop, as they can explode. Stick to cooking casseroles in the oven or microwave unless otherwise noted on the product packaging.
• If your casserole dish is made of stoneware, you’ll need to care for it following the manufacturer’s directions. This type of pan can chip or crack if not properly cared for.
• Always wash a casserole dish after purchasing it. They typically are shipped directly from the manufacturer’s warehouse and need to be cleaned before food is placed and cooked in them.
• Not all casserole dishes have a nonstick surface. If your model fits this description, you’ll want to use a nonstick cooking spray or a little butter to grease the pan before you use it. Otherwise, you may end up with stuck-on foods that are hard to clean.
• If you prepare your casserole ahead of time for consumption later in the week, don’t freeze it unless you’ve cooked the meat entirely.
• Always label any casseroles you place in the freezer with a name and the date it was prepared. You can expect most casseroles to last between two and three months in the freezer, although some may be good for as long as six months.
• Check for a guarantee or warranty before you decide to buy. Some companies only offer a quality-assurance guarantee, while others go above and beyond with a 10-year warranty.
• When it comes to price, you’ll find the basic casserole models, such as the Libbey Glass Oval Casserole Baking Dish, are the most affordable. The Rachael Ray Stoneware Roasting and Lasagna Pan and the Emile Henry Small Rectangular Baker have a heavier construction and can withstand higher oven temperatures; therefore they are more moderately priced. Sets that include multiple pieces, like the Libbey Glass Casserole Baking Dish Set, 3-Piece, tend to command a higher price.