The Difference Between a Casserole Dish and Roasting Pan: What You Need to Know

When it comes to casseroles, the differences between a casserole dish and a roasting pan are subtle, but they can make a big difference in how your finished dish comes out.

A casserole dish is a shallow, round pan with sloping sides. It is good for dishes that you plan to serve at a low temperature, such as a casserole.

A roasting pan is a heavy-duty pan with straight sides, a tight-fitting lid, and a handle. It is good for cooking meat at a high temperature. A roasting pan can also be a disposable tray.

If you want to master the art of casserole cooking, you’ll need a few different cooking vessels.

Casserole Dishes

A casserole dish is best used for dishes that need long, low cooking. It is also a good choice for dishes that you want to serve at a high temperature, such as a roast or chili.

Casseroles are typically one-dish meals, meaning there is only one type of dish needed to serve the dish. You usually don’t need a second dish to portion out the food for a smaller crowd or to help carry the food to the table.

Roasting Pans

A roasting pan is a good choice for foods that you want to cook at a medium or high temperature. These dishes include roasts, whole chickens, turkeys, and large cuts of meat.

You can purchase a non-stick roasting pan, but you’ll need to add a layer of oil to prevent the food from sticking. If you don’t mind a non-stick pan but still want to add a little bit of oil for flavor, a parchment-paper-lined pan is an easy solution.

Casserole Dish Care

Casseroles should only be used for casseroles. They are not suitable for deep frying, making soufflés, or making other dishes that require a lot of heat.

To clean a casserole dish, wash it with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. You can use a dish towel, or a dish rack, if you prefer. If you have a hard time scrubbing the inside of the dish, use a soft bristle brush.

Roasting Pan Care

Because roasting pans are good for high-temperature cooking, they can be used for a variety of other things. For example, you can sear or saute aromatics such as onions or garlic in the roasting pan before adding the rest of the ingredients to the pan.

After cooking your dinner in the roasting pan, you can clean it with warm, soapy water. Don’t use abrasive cleansers, as they will scratch the pan. Instead, use a soft sponge or dish rag to clean the inside of the pan.

The Final Word

The best way to determine what type of dish you will need for your specific casserole is to plan ahead. For example, if you are making mac and cheese, a casserole dish is probably a better option than a roasting pan.

If your making roast veggies then the latter is the best option.