What it is
A baking dish contains food while it bakes. Its sides hold ingredients and sauces that a flat baking sheet cannot contain in the same way.
When to use it
It is useful for baking combinations of vegetables, meat, pasta or rice with sauce. A dish made from a suitable material can also be used for serving.
How to use it
Check that the dish is oven-safe and avoid overcrowding the oven. Air circulation matters when baking several dishes.
Cleaning and storage
Wash and dry food-contact surfaces after use, following the material’s instructions. If the piece is nonstick, do not cut the food inside it, to protect the coating.
Common mistakes
Do not cut food inside a nonstick container or use tools that scratch its coating.
Safe use
Handle hot bakeware with oven mitts. Keep serving tools clean, especially if they previously touched raw meat or fish.
Frequently asked questions
Which tasks is it useful for?
It is useful for baking combinations of vegetables, meat, pasta or rice with sauce. A dish made from a suitable material can also be used for serving.
How should it be cleaned after use?
Wash and dry food-contact surfaces after use, following the material’s instructions. If the piece is nonstick, do not cut the food inside it, to protect the coating.
What precaution should I remember?
Handle hot bakeware with oven mitts. Keep serving tools clean, especially if they previously touched raw meat or fish.
Sources and review
Sources consulted for this utensil’s documented uses, care and characteristics.
- Safe Food Handling | FDA www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/safe-food-handling
- Organize Your Space - Spend Smart Eat Smart spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/cook/organize-your-space/
- Cleaning — Food Standards Scotland www.foodstandards.gov.scot/consumer-advice/food-safety/food-safety-in-the-kitchen/cleaning
- Cook’s Tools — Alice Henneman, University of Nebraska Extension, hosted by Purdue Extension extension.purdue.edu/foodlink/includes/pubs/Kitchen%20Utensils.pdf
- How to Use an Oven — Whirlpool www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-use-an-oven.html
