Ella Walter
Lasagna is a delicious, layered dish that can be made in a variety of pans, depending on your needs and preferences. While there are specific lasagna pans available in the market, a simple roasting pan or a regular baking sheet can also be used. The size, depth, and material of the pan you choose can affect the cooking process and the final result, so it's important to consider your options carefully. In this article, we will explore the different types of pans that can be used for making lasagna, including glass, metal, ceramic, and more, and provide tips for choosing the right one for your culinary creation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan material | Metal, glass, ceramic, cast iron, aluminium |
| Pan shape | Rectangular, square, loaf |
| Pan size | 9x13 inches, 15 x 11 x 4 inches, 13 x 9 x 3 inches |
| Pan depth | 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches |
| Pan brand | Le Creuset, Emile Henry, Wilton, GreenPan, Nordic Ware |
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What You'll Learn
Lasagna pan materials: glass, metal, ceramic
Lasagna pans come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right pan material for your lasagna-making needs:
Glass
Glass pans are typically budget-friendly and allow you to monitor the baking process as they are scratch-resistant and transparent. However, tempered glass is susceptible to thermal shock and cracking, so it is important to avoid extreme temperature changes when using glass pans.
Metal
Metal pans, such as those made of alloy steel, aluminium, or stoneware, are the most durable option for lasagna. They are not prone to cracking or chipping and can withstand higher temperatures, making them ideal if you want a browned top on your lasagna. Metal pans are also suitable for dishes where you want a browned exterior, such as meatloaf. However, aluminium and steel may react with acidic foods, so they may not be the best choice for tomato-based lasagnas.
Ceramic
Ceramic pans are known for their attractive designs and ability to retain heat, keeping your lasagna hot on the table. They come in a wide range of colours and patterns, making them a stylish choice for serving. Ceramic pans perform similarly to glass pans but are generally pricier. Like glass, ceramic is sensitive to extreme temperature changes, so avoid placing them in cold water baths. Some ceramic pans, such as the GreenPan Stanley Tucci Ceramic Lasagna Pan, are highly resistant to thermal shock and can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for browning the top of your lasagna.
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Pan size: rectangular 9x13, or larger
A rectangular 9x13-inch pan is the most common size for lasagna, and for good reason. Firstly, it accommodates the standard lasagna noodle, which is rectangular, and swells to around 12-14 inches in length when cooked. Secondly, a 9x13-inch pan is deep enough to fit two to three layers of noodles, meat, cheese, and sauce, which is considered the minimum for a good lasagna.
If you're cooking for a large group, a 9x13-inch pan is a good option. However, if you're cooking for fewer people, you can use a smaller pan, such as a deep square baking dish, but you may need to cut the lasagna noodles to size.
When choosing a pan, it's important to consider the material. Ceramic, glass, and metal are all popular options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic pans, for example, can withstand extreme temperatures and are resistant to thermal shock, meaning they can go straight from the freezer to the oven. Glass pans, on the other hand, allow you to monitor the cooking process, but may not handle drastic shifts in temperature. Metal pans are also an option, but be sure to choose one with a comfortable handle for easy handling.
Some popular rectangular 9x13-inch pan options include the Emile Henry Modern Classics Rectangular Baker, the Wilton Bake it Better Lasagna Roasting Pan, and the Pyrex glass pan. If you're looking for a slightly larger pan, the Le Creuset Heritage Deep Rectangular Lasagna Dish measures just over 10 inches wide, 16 inches long, and 3 inches deep.
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Deep pans for more layers
When making lasagna, the size and material of your pan are important. A deep pan allows you to make more layers of meat, cheese, and sauce. A typical lasagna pan measures 9 x 13 inches and is between 2 to 3 inches in depth. Many chefs agree that lasagna should have at least three layers, but you can add more layers if your pan is deep enough.
If you want to make a lasagna with many layers, look for a deep pan that is as close to 3 inches deep as possible, with a bit more depth being ideal to prevent bubbling over the edge. The Pyrex Deep Baking Dish with Lid is a great option, with nearly 4-inch-deep sides, allowing you to pile on the layers without worrying about overflow.
The GreenPan Stanley Tucci Ceramic Lasagna Pan is another excellent choice for deep pans. It measures 13 x 9 x 3 inches and has a nearly 5-quart capacity that can hold at least three or four layers of lasagna. This pan is made of high-fired Burgundian clay, which is highly resistant to thermal shock, allowing it to go straight from the freezer to the oven.
If you're cooking for a large group, a rectangular-shaped pan is best for assembling a full-size layered pasta. The Emile Henry Modern Classics Rectangular Baker is a great option for a larger group, and it's available on Amazon for $90. However, if you're cooking for fewer people, you can use a smaller square pan, such as the Wilton Bake it Better Lasagna Roasting Pan, which is also available on Amazon for $27.
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Pan weight and handles
The weight and handles of a pan are important factors to consider when choosing a lasagna pan. While ceramic pans are typically pricier than their metal and glass counterparts, they tend to be the most attractive when going from the oven to the table. Ceramic pans are also heavier than other pans of the same size. For example, the GreenPan Stanley Tucci Ceramic Lasagna Pan is heavier than some pans of the same size, but it performs brilliantly and is elegant enough to double as a serving dish.
Metal pans are the most durable option, as they are not prone to cracking or chipping, and they can often withstand higher temperatures and broiling, which is important if you like to brown the top of your lasagna. Stainless steel pans are also a good option for durability. For example, the Farberware GoldenBake Bakeware Nonstick Baking Pan has comfortable handles, making it easy to pull out of the oven. Stainless steel pans with a steel wire-reinforced rim will not warp in the oven, and the corrugated surface, combined with a proprietary coating, means food comes off the pan easily and makes for easy cleanup.
However, some metal pans can be heavy. For example, the Le Creuset lasagna pan is on the pricier side but is worth the investment due to its durability and high heat resistance. The pan's weight makes it more difficult to carry, especially once it is full of noodles, but the wide, curved handles help with grip.
Glass pans are another option, but they may not be as durable as metal or ceramic pans. For example, a glass Pyrex pan has nearly 4-inch-deep sides, which are excellent for piling on lasagna layers, but the handles are on the smaller side.
Some pans have cutout handles, which make the pan easier to maneuver, but they can get quite hot and retain heat after coming out of the oven. Other pans have loop handles, which make it easy to grasp and lift the pan, even when it is full. Foldable handles can also make lifting the pan in and out of the oven safe and easy.
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Oven-safe temperatures
Lasagna requires a lot of baking time, so you'll need a pan that can withstand high temperatures for an extended period. A pan with a higher heat resistance and broiling capabilities is ideal if you want a more browned top. The ideal oven-safe temperature for a lasagna pan is between 400 and 450 °F.
Most recipes recommend baking lasagna at 350 °F, also known as the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for the browning of foods. This temperature strikes a balance between cooking the lasagna thoroughly and preventing it from burning too quickly.
If you prefer a lower temperature, you can cook your lasagna at 200 °F for 35 to 45 minutes, or even as low as 160 °F for a slow-cooked option, but this will significantly increase the cooking time.
For thicker lasagnas, higher temperatures between 400 and 450 °F are recommended. It's important to note that the type of pan you use also matters. Metal pans, for example, can often withstand higher temperatures and broiling, making them suitable for browning the top of your lasagna. Ceramic pans are also capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures and are attractive when going from oven to table. However, they tend to be pricier than metal and glass options.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a regular pan for lasagna. The most common materials for lasagna pans are metal, glass, and ceramic. Common pan shapes include square, rectangular, and loaf.
Roasting pans are deep, which means you can make a lasagna with several layers. The filling is also contained well, with no drip-overs or spillage.
Metal pans made from aluminium can react to the acid in tomatoes, leading to pitting in the pan.
