Can You Put a Casserole Dish in the Oven or Microwave?

What is the best way to reheat food in a casserole dish? Can you put it back in the oven? And what if you're in a rush and the microwave would make your life a little easier; is it safe to put a casserole dish in the microwave? We've dug up the answers to save you some time.

Yes, all casserole dishes are oven safe. Ceramic and glass casserole dishes are usually considered microwave safe. Still, it is always best to check the dish for a "Microwave Safe" seal or check the original packaging to guarantee safe microwave use. Most bakeware packaging will tell you how the item can be used and even what temperatures it can withstand. Never put metal pans in the microwave.

If you are in the market for a new casserole dish and are determined to find one both oven and microwave safe, we constructed a great list for you to check out below. If you still aren't sure whether your existing casserole dish is safe for use in both the oven, as well as the microwave, keep reading to learn more.

How Do You Know If A Casserole Dish Is Oven Or Microwave Safe?

There are usually symbols on the bottom of the bakeware that tell you how the dish can be used. To tell if your casserole dish is oven and microwave safe, you should look for these images. If you cannot find any images on the bakeware, see if you can find the original box, or contact the company that made the dish for further instruction. If you are unable to ascertain safety for the intended use, do not use the dish.

These images are useful to know when assessing the capabilities of your bakeware:

What Are Some Of The Best Oven And Microwave Safe Casserole Dishes?

After searching the internet and scouring reviews, we compiled this list of great casserole dish options. All of the dishes on this list are capable of microwave and oven use and come highly recommended. Any of these great options would make an outstanding addition to your kitchen.

1. Anchor Hocking Casserole Dish

This 2-quart casserole dish is a three-piece set that includes a True-Fit lid and glass cover. It has great reviews on Amazon and is microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer safe. Its handles provide an excellent grip, and the lid fits tight and secure.

Click here to see this great product on Amazon.

2. Pyrex Casserole Dish

Another great product from a trusted company. The Pyrex 2-Quart Casserole Dish is a 2-piece set that includes the dish and the lid. This product is microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer compatible; however, the lid included is not. You can purchase this great dish with either a red or black lid. And, of course, Pyrex's extensive line of products makes it easy to build a matching set.

Click here to see this popular item on Amazon.

3. Simax Casserole Dish

The Simax casserole dish has an elegant design and a larger than normal capacity, making it great for larger gatherings. This dish is microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer safe, and its matching lid is too, making it great for recipes that require a cover while cooking. While it lacks a handle on the top of the lid, it does have handles on the sides of the lid.

To take a look at this Simax casserole dish on Amazon, click here.

4. Libbey Casserole Dish Set

This 6-piece set of three different size casserole dishes with matching lids from Libbey is a great value. This set will allow you to cook the right size casserole for any occasion. All the pieces in this set are oven, microwave, and freezer safe. These dishes have handles that make them easy to grab, and their crystal clear appearance makes them a classy addition to the dining table.

Click here to view Libby's bakeware on Amazon.

Are All Pyrex Dishes Oven Safe?

Pyrex dishes are usually oven safe; however, there are certain precautions to take with all glass bakeware. All glass bakeware is susceptible to thermal shock. Thermal shock means that when it is exposed to extreme temperatures, the material will either expand or contract.

If the dish were to be taken directly out of the fridge or freezer and inserted into an oven, there is a good chance for it to shatter and ruin your bakeware, oven, and food. If you take the dish out of the oven and place it in cold water or on a cold countertop, the same could happen, potentially injuring anyone nearby. Glass bakeware should be kept at room temperature before being inserted into an oven. Meals cooked in glass bakeware should be allowed to cool inside the oven prior to removal.

Does Thermal Shock Happen In A Microwave?

Yes, thermal shock can occur in a microwave as well. Even if the dish says it's microwave safe, you should consider the dish's temperature before microwaving it. If you are taking the dish out of the fridge or freezer, it may be best to transfer it to a room temperature, microwave-safe plate instead of microwaving the bakeware. Keep this in mind before washing the dish as well; placing a cold glass dish in hot dishwater could cause it to shatter.

Why Freeze A Casserole Dish?

Many people prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them so they last longer. You can line your casserole dish with aluminum foil before putting in your ingredients. Now you can cook the food, let it cool, and place the food and casserole dish directly into the freezer.

Once the contents are frozen, flip the casserole dish over, and the food will come out easily because of the aluminum foil lining. You can now put the meal in another container and free up your casserole dish for more tasty meals. You could leave the food right in the casserole dish until you are ready to re-heat it, but who wants to be without their favorite bakeware for that long?

What Is a Flame-Proof Casserole Dish?

A flame-proof casserole dish is a versatile piece of bakeware capable of use on the stovetop and the oven. This ability makes it a very useful tool for many recipes. Keep in mind that most flame-proof casserole dishes are made from metal materials, so they are not suitable for microwaves.

Rachel Ray Flame-Proof Casserole Dish

This flame-proof casserole dish from Rachel Ray is great for use on the stovetop and in the oven. It includes a secure lid, large handles, and a massive 4.5-quart capacity. It's a stylish and versatile option; however, it cannot be used in the microwave or placed in the freezer.

Click here to see this beautiful Rachel Ray Casserole Dish on Amazon.

Casserole Conundrum Averted

Now that you know how to figure out what your casserole dish is capable of, you can get back to cooking your favorite meals. The casserole dishes suggested above will be sure to meet even the highest of expectations and excellent culinary standards. Have fun baking!