Few foods can match the oohs and ahhs of a freshly served, bubbling homemade lasagna. While it may appear that any rectangular piece of bakeware will do, getting there requires high-quality ingredients, a reliable recipe, and a real lasagna pan. The proper pan, which is made for cooking the traditional layered pasta dish, will facilitate simpler preparation, even cooking, and neater presentation when you take out the gooey cheese for plating.
Its size is one way that it differs from, say, a roasting pan. Despite the fact that the terms are frequently used synonymously, a proper lasagna pan has a minimum dimension of 9 x 13 inches and a depth of 2 to 3 inches. This size is ideal for at least three layers of noodles, filling, and sauce. A larger option is suggested by Angela Skogen, proprietor of Cooks on Main in Williston, North Dakota: “Once you’ve boiled your noodles, you shouldn’t have to cut them to prepare the dish,” she says. You don’t have to fill a larger pan completely, but you can. She advises using larger pans like 15 x 11 or 18 x 13 because lasagna makes delicious leftovers.
Another benefit of using this recipe-specific bakeware is that it will cook all layers evenly, preventing burnt edges or undercooked portions. Make a loose foil tent for your lasagna for the first two-thirds of the cooking time, then remove the foil at the end to obtain a nice crunchy top without over-browning, according to Skogen’s advice. Shop our selection of the top six lasagna pans and learn Skogens’ tips for perfecting your go-to dish.
Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for a Lasagna Pan
When preparing a dish for a potluck dinner, the flimsy, disposable foil lasagna pans that are sold in most supermarkets are fine. But as you look through the top lasagna pans, you’ll find ceramic, glass, and metal versions, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Pan Shape
The traditional lasagna pan shape is rectangular, which provides a snug fit for long lasagna noodles. You can make lasagna in a square or round pan if you’re in a hurry; you’ll just need to trim or overlap the noodles. Additionally, you can prepare a non-conventional lasagna by substituting pasta with sliced zucchini or butternut squash. Purists may balk, so be prepared!.
Pan Dimensions
The average length and width of dry (uncooked) lasagna noodles are 9 to 10 inches and 2 to 3 inches, respectively. As a result, a standard lasagna pan measuring 9 x 13 inches is specifically designed to fit the width of three noodles without overlapping. The choice is yours, and depth ranges from 2 to 3 inches, occasionally more. “I look for at least 3 inches of depth in my lasagnas because I like them tall with many layers,” says Ophir. One of my pet peeves is a pan that is too shallow. ”.
Our Top Picks
Since 1850, Emile Henry has produced high-quality ceramic ovenware in the quaint French town of Marcigny in Burgundy. Because of this pan’s excellent heat diffusion and heat retention qualities, made of all-natural, high-fired Burgundy clay, your lasagna will cook more evenly and stay warm for a longer period of time. The pan’s dimensions are 9 x 13 and just under 3 inches tall. You can safely use it in the microwave and the broiler, and you can freeze your lasagna in its pan. The Emile Henry has handles for easy carrying into and out of the oven, is scratch-resistant, and is dishwasher safe. It also has a classic shape and a choice of five colors for a handsome presence on your table.
This coated carbon steel pan, which costs under $30, is sturdy, (relatively) scratch-resistant, and, at 10 x 15 x 3 inches in size, it can accommodate a hefty lasagna. Lasagne will come out smoothly for serving without sticking to the bottom or sides of the pan thanks to the blue granite ceramic non-stick baking surface, which is also designed for easy cleanup. However, using gentle hand washing is advised, and avoiding using metal or cutting your lasagna directly in the pan can prevent surface scratches.
Best Splurge: Staub Cast Iron Rectangular Roaster
The French region of Alsace is renowned for its craftsmanship and cuisine, and Staub’s cookware upholds that tradition. Despite being costly, this cast iron pan with a matte black finish is a true kitchen workhorse that is excellent for searing, roasting, and caramelizing food. It can produce beautiful lasagna as well as crisp-skinned chicken and beautifully charred vegetables. Its uniquely rough texture is the secret to golden-brown exteriors. It is dishwasher safe and can be used in a broiler up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Measuring approximately 20 x 11 x 3. It’s a big deal because it’s almost 14 pounds and 5 inches tall!
Best Glass: Pyrex Deep Baker with Lid
This versatile baking dish—16 x 10 x 4 inches—is a great option if you enjoy eating a lot of lasagna. These dimensions allow for plenty of gooey layers, and the transparent tempered glass makes it simple to check on the status of your dish as it bakes. It is simple to bring your creation to a gathering or store leftovers thanks to the plastic snap-on lid. Beyond lasagna, there’s a good chance that you’ll use this deep Pyrex pan frequently for baking and roasting recipes. In addition, it can be easily reheated and cleaned in the dishwasher. Notably, unlike ceramic, tempered glass must be given time to cool completely before being transferred from the oven to the freezer.
Best Cast Iron: Le Creuset Signature Roaster
Le Creuset has been creating beautiful cookware that will function well for generations since 1925. Le Creuset’s roaster and lasagna pan is sturdy and elegant and provides excellent heat retention for even cooking. Easy serving and cleanup are made possible by the nonstick enameled surface, which doesn’t require seasoning before use. Even when wearing oven mitts, the pan’s loop handles allow you to maintain a firm grip despite the pan’s weight of just over 10 pounds. At 16. 7 x 10. 7 x 3. 3 inches, there is sufficient space for an extra-large lasagna; treat yourself!
This pan was made especially for lasagna and has gently rounded edges and corners that make it simple to slide a spatula underneath for serving. If you’re taking your lasagna to grace someone else’s table, transporting it and storing it are both made simple by the container’s convenient fitted-plastic lid, which measures an ample 12 x 15 x 2 3/4 inches. This All-Clad option is broiler safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, resists corrosion, and requires little maintenance, though gentle care is advised and steel implements should be avoided. The sturdy stainless-steel construction offers even heating and the pan won’t react with acidic foods like tomatoes—a plus in a lasagna pan!
Ask the Experts
Yes. If your family enjoys a crunchy top, a stainless-steel lasagna pan is a great option, according to Skogen.
Do you need to grease the bottom of a lasagna pan?
There’s no need. According to Ophir, “most lasagna recipes begin with a thin layer of sauce, so the bottom layer has something to cook in.” “The dish has a lot of moisture. To grease the pan, however, Skogen advises that olive oil “doesn’t hurt, and might reduce cleanup.”
How deep should a lasagna pan be?
Two inches at the very least, but three or more is preferable to allow for lots of layers. Ophir remarks, “Who wants dripping tomato-y, cheesy goodness in their oven? I want that on my plate.”
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FAQ
What is the length of lasagna noodles?
The average length and width of dry (uncooked) lasagna noodles are 9 to 10 inches and 2 to 3 inches, respectively. As a result, a standard lasagna pan measuring 9 x 13 inches is specifically designed to fit the width of three noodles without overlapping.
What is the size of a lasagna pan?
Although lasagna pans come in a variety of sizes, the typical ones measure 9 x 13 and are about two to three inches deep.
What size are Barilla lasagna noodles?
Does lasagna have 2 or 3 layers of noodles?
You will need four layers of noodles total. If you have fewer than 16 noodles, place your extra noodles in the bottom or top layers since it is best to start and finish with wider layers.