Get the Cheese Ready—These Are the Best Lasagna Pans for Layers of Comfort (2024)

A well-made lasagna is a mouthwatering work of art: Those wide, ruffled lasagna noodles layered with hearty, savory bolognese sauce and all the melty cheese you could want, and then baked so the filling is bubbling hot and the top gets that picture-perfect golden crisp… It's the embodiment of comfort food. There are so many ways to tweak the dish to make it just how you like it, and there are even options for those who want to go meatless or who don't even want the noodles. But no matter what recipe you decide to try, you're going to need the right kind of pan.

A good lasagna pan must have the right size to hold all those delicious components—not just in terms of length and width, but also depth. You need that space to get generous with your layers! Lasagna pans come in a variety of materials, from stainless steel to glass to cast iron. So where to begin? We talked with some experts in the art of lasagna making and scoured what's available to find the best lasagna pans.

Our Favorites

Our Top Pick: Emile Henry Modern Classics Rectangular Baker

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Why It's Great: Made from thermal shock-resistant ceramic; beautiful design in different colors; has useful side handles

Grain of Salt: Heavy

This lasagna pan is a real beauty, with an elegant design and multiple color options. But it goes beyond aesthetics—the dish is great for all sorts of culinary adventures and can go everywhere in your kitchen from the oven to the broiler to the freezer. It's dishwasher and microwave-safe too.

Place this lovely pan on the dining table when it's time to serve because that classic look makes for a great centerpiece. While ceramic is prone to chip more easily than stainless steel, this particular dish is made from thick, durable clay. It is heavier than others, but it's a sturdy heft that's manageable, especially with the serving handles on each side.

The large size of this lasagna pan means you can use it for loads of other things like casseroles and roasting, but if you're looking for something on the lighter side, Emile Henry makes a smaller rectangular baking dish that offers all of the same benefits. Maria Abbenante, the chef and co-owner of Lynora's in south Florida, says the 8.7 x 5.5-inch version would also be great for making lasagna at home, and she adds that they even use these Emile Henry ceramic dishes at their fast-casual Italian restaurant.

"This dish is a little deeper than the steel pans we use in the restaurant but provides room for heartier lasagna dishes at home," says Abbenante. "Bonus: These are a little easier to clean than the steel pans!"

The Details: Ceramic; 13.7 x 9.65 x 2.56 inches; oven safe up to 515°F

Best Budget: USA Pan American Bakeware Classics Rectangular Pan

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Why It's Great: Durable material with nonstick coating; easy-to-grip handles

Grain of Salt: Should hand wash

Searching for a good, but inexpensive, lasagna pan? This one is the way to go—it comes at a low price but delivers top quality. The dish is made from heavy-gauge, aluminized steel so you know it'll heat evenly and is built to last. Unlike some other baking dishes with a smooth interior, this one has a corrugated bottom surface design that's meant to help with heat distribution and keep food from sticking. The pan has a nonstick silicone coating (PFOA-free, mind you) so you can get your lasagna out without making a mess. Keep in mind though, that because it has a nonstick coating, be careful during slicing, and handwashing is the best option.

Another thing we love about this pan is that it has side handles, making things safer for you as you take it in and out of the oven. While we're recommending it for lasagna, don't feel constrained by that! The size and design of this pan make it useful for other things too like cake and other casseroles. Given how cheap the pan is, it won't take much to get your money's worth.

The Details: Alloy steel; 13 x 9 x 2 inches; oven safe up to 450°F

Best Glass: Pyrex 9x13 Rectangular Deep Glass Bakeware with Lid

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Why It's Great: Inexpensive; deep enough for tall lasagnas; includes lid for easy storage

Grain of Salt: Must be careful to avoid thermal shock

If you're a fan of glassware, then you probably know that Pyrex is one of the most trusted names out there for it. Thinking of lasagna specifically, this product is an ideal choice if you're going glass as it's almost four inches deep. That means more than enough room to get all your lasagna layers in. It's made with durable, tempered glass so it won't soak up any of the stains or smells that might be left from the lasagna's tomato sauce, and it's okay to put in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.

While it's possible to buy this baking dish without a lid, we recommend purchasing the whole package since it saves an extra step for when you're putting away any leftovers, As this is tempered glass Pyrex, it is prone to thermal shock and you should be very careful about moving this dish between extreme temperatures (like from your super-hot oven to a cold counter or the freezer for example). Otherwise, it runs the risk of shattering.

The Details: Glass with plastic lid; 9 x 13 x 3.85 inches; oven safe up to 425°F

I've Had These Pyrex Baking Dishes for 7+ Years, and Right Now They're Just $10 Apiece at Amazon

Best Stainless Steel: All-Clad Gourmet Accessories Stainless-Steel Lasagna Pan

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Why It's Great: Durable, high heat-resistant material; riveted handles for easy transportation; comes with dishwasher-safe lid

Grain of Salt: Lid can be difficult to remove

Many professional chefs are big fans of stainless steel cookware, and if you find yourself in that camp, then you can't do much better in terms of lasagna pans than this option. Made with heavy-gauge stainless steel, the pan delivers even heating as well as a high level of durability so every layer of your lasagna can get cooked to perfection and you won't have to worry about being so precious while moving about the kitchen. Feel free to use this one on any kind of stovetop, including induction, and under the broiler (it can withstand an impressive amount of heat!).

Conveniently, this lasagna pan comes with a rubber lid so you can securely transport it (easy enough with the raised steel handles) and keep it fresh in the fridge. When it comes to taking the lid off, you may find it a bit tricky to remove, but you should get the hang of it after a few times. The lid redeems itself a little by being dishwasher safe, just like the pan as a whole. Some stainless steel pans can look a bit too industrial to seem stylish, but this one has a polished look to it so it gets high marks for form and function.

The Details: Stainless steel with plastic lid; 12 x 15 x 2.75 inches; oven safe up to 500°F

Best Cast Iron: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Rectangular Roaster

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Why It's Great: Good heat distribution and retention; can be used on any stovetop or grill; stylish design with color options

Grain of Salt: Expensive

If you know anything about the brand Le Creuset, then you know that the products are beautiful but don't come cheap. This roaster does have a high price tag, but it's incredibly sturdy and makes an elegant table display. The cast iron can withstand very high heat but it also retains heat well if you want to bake at a lower temperature. In fact, you could put the dish on any heat source, including an induction stovetop and an outdoor grill, expanding the culinary possibilities far beyond just lasagna. And you don't have to worry about any baked-on bits since the stain-resistant, chip-resistant enamel is incredibly easy to clean.

Pick up the roaster and you'll immediately notice how heavy it is (remember: cast iron), but the side handles do make it less cumbersome to move around. Choose your favorite color from fun shades like Caribbean (a bright, light blue) and Flame (an orange-red mix), and prepare to wow your guests!

The Details: Enameled cast iron; 10 x 16 x 3.25 inches; oven safe up to 500°F

The 5 Best Enameled Cast Iron Skillets, Tested by Allrecipes

Best for Variety: Chicago Metallic Professional Lasagna Trio Pan

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Why It's Great: Unique design; easy-to-clean with a nonstick coating; can be used for breads and more

Grain of Salt: Hand-washing recommended

There are so many incredible lasagna recipes floating around out there, and maybe you're having a hard time deciding which to try. Why not make a few lasagnas at once then?

You don't need to make full-size servings across multiple giant pans or somehow find three ovens. Use this lasagna trio pan, which has three divided sections, to cook up three separate creations. Each of the sections is long and wide enough to accommodate the size and shape of your standard lasagna noodle. Beginners and experienced cooks alike will appreciate the nonstick coating for how smoothly food glides out of it during cooking, serving, and cleaning.

The Details: Alloy steel; 12 x 16 x 3 inches; oven safe up to 450°F

Most Versatile: Williams Sonoma Traditional Touch Rectangular Cake Pan

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Why It's Great: Quick and even heat distribution; durable; resistant to rust, warping, and corrosion

Grain of Salt: Requires some special care

Not all of us have the space nor the money to have a separate piece of cookware for each specific dish we want to make. You may love lasagna, but you might not make it enough that you want to get a pan just for that. Luckily, most pans marketed as lasagna pans can actually be used for other recipes, and this one is a favorite if you have your eye on cooking more than just ooey-gooey lasagna.

Ty Leon, the executive chef and co-owner of Restaurant Olivia in Denver, says this is his favorite pan to use at home when making lasagna. "It is very versatile because you can bake focaccia and other breads in this pan also," he says. As the pan isn't too deep, you could easily whip up other things like brownies, cakes, and cookie bars.

This pan is made out of commercial-grade, aluminum-coated steel, so there are a few things you should keep in mind to keep it in good shape. You'll want to thoroughly grease before baking, hand-wash after, and avoid using sharp, metal utensils with the pan to avoid damaging the surface (wood, silicone, or plastic are all good). That's really not too much to worry about, and in return, you'll reap the benefits of the pan's durability, quick and even heat distribution, and resistance to corrosion and rust.

The Details: Aluminum-coated steel; 13 x 9 x 2 inches; oven safe up to 450°F

Our Takeaway

The Emile Henry Modern Classics Rectangular Baker is our overall favorite because of its blend of attractiveness and durability. If you're more focused on price, then the USA Pan American Bakeware Classics Rectangular Pan is a great inexpensive choice that'll still make amazing lasagna.

How to Pick the Right Lasagna Pan

Material

You can find lasagna pans made from a wide variety of materials, but most of the options you'll find are made from metal, ceramic, or glass. Stainless steel, steel, or aluminum-core pans will heat up quickly, are good at getting crispy edges, and are quite durable. Ceramic pans can come in some beautiful designs, so you could place them right on the table to serve a show-stopping meal. Enameled cast iron also comes in your choice of colors, and will keep the lasagna warm enough for a second helping. Glass pans are known for cooking evenly while preventing the lasagna from sticking., and they're perfect for make-ahead frozen casseroles.

Glass vs. Metal: Which Pans Are Better for Baking?

Size

The standard dimensions for lasagna pans are 9 x 13 inches and around two to three inches deep. That being said, you may want a smaller pan if you're just cooking for yourself or one other person. You also may prefer to get an extra deep pan if you like to make your lasagna with more layers. Remember, just because something is called a lasagna pan doesn't necessarily mean you can only whip out to make that one dish. You could even make small-batch lasagna in a square pan if you wanted to!

Heat Resistance

Heat resistance is key when it comes to lasagna pans. Since you're going to put the dish in the oven for a considerable amount of time, you want a pan that can withstand high heat for an extended period. Your lasagna pan needs to be oven-safe at 350°F to 400°F as that's the average temperature range with recipes. If you like to broil your lasagna to get the golden-brown top, you'll want to check that your pan is broiler-safe.

Common Questions

What size pan do you need for lasagna?

"You should choose a size that works for the size and amount of people you will be serving," says Abbenante. If you're making lasagna at home for one to two people, then you might not need the same size pan as what they're using to create big batches in a restaurant. Generally speaking, Leon says that any 9 x 13-inch pan should work for you.

In terms of depth, Abbenante typically uses pans that are 1.8 to 2 inches deep. "That depth gives you space for your layers and room for it to cook," she says. If you like your lasagna to have more layers, you could also go for a pan that's 2.5 to 3 inches deep.

How do you layer lasagna ingredients in a pan?

Lasagna is all about the layers, and while there's not necessarily one right way to do it, there is a general, lasagna-making guideline you can follow to get a good balance in terms of flavor and structure. First, Leon recommends oiling the bottom of the pan. "Not only does this help from sticking but it will crisp the bottom and edges of the lasagna very well," he says. Once that's done, place your lasagna noodles (homemade or not), layer the sauce, spread your cheese, and then repeat from the top with the pasta.

From there, keep going until it's as thick as you want or your baking pan is nearly full. Most people go for three to four layers of noodles. The final touch? Abbenante and Leon both suggest finishing with mozzarella on top—that's how you'll get the golden brown surface that looks so appetizing.

What kind of pan is best for lasagna?

Just like with choosing the pan size, deciding the kind of material to get your lasagna pan in is also a bit up to personal preference. There's stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and more. "I find that steel pans provide the perfect amount of 'crisp' to the lasagna while keeping it moist and flavorful at the same time," says Abbenante. Leon's favorite type of pan for lasagna is a metal one as well. "I always think that metal heats up evenly and gives a nice crust to things, especially when a lasagna is involved," he says.

Why Take Our Word for It?

This piece was written by Cindy Brzostowski, a freelance writer and avid home cook who has previous experience in cookbook publishing and who can't get enough lasagna in her life. Her work has been published in Blue Apron, The Kitchn, and EatingWell among others. She used her background in food as well as insights from Maria Abbenante, the chef and co-owner of Lynora's in south Florida, and Chef Ty Leon, the executive chef and co-owner of Restaurant Olivia in Denver.

Get the Cheese Ready—These Are the Best Lasagna Pans for Layers of Comfort (2024)
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