Lasagna Pan Sizes – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
There are very few recipes as internationally loved as lasagna. It’s comforting, filling, full of flavor, and easier to bake than it appears.
The one thing that all great lasagna needs is a pan to bake it in. The right size and material can determine your relationship with baking lasagna, whether you are making it for the first and only time or the 300th time.
What is the best pan size for lasagna? The best pan size for lasagna is at least 3″ deep to accommodate multiple layers. The most common dimensions are 9″ x 13″. If you’re not making a personal lasagna, it should be large enough to serve your whole family or a group of guests.
We’ve curated a list of 9 lasagna pans that range from traditional lasagna baking supplies to deep dish, one-time use, and every material to match your current cookware preferences.
How to Choose a Lasagna Pan
If you’re ready to explore the world of homebaked lasagna (we recommend our delicious lasagna with béchamel and ricotta recipe), you will need the perfect lasagna pan.
There are two really important criteria to consider: the pan size and the material the pan is made out of.
You may also want to weigh the pros and cons of buying a pan that comes with a lid, though this isn’t nearly as crucial to the overall success of your lasagna.
When it comes to choosing a lasagna pan, what size to buy is the first and most important criteria to consider.
Traditional lasagna is baked with 3 layers, so a proper lasagna pan will be deep enough to accommodate at least three layers of noodles, cheese and sauce. This typically works out to approximately 3”.
Classic or restaurant-style lasagna is usually baked using a standard half sheet pan, which is 18” long. That’s very large for the average home oven and household.
So at home, a much more common length is 13”, which will not only fit more nicely in even apartment-sized ovens, but also many different toaster ovens and countertop convection ovens.
The most common pan size for homemade lasagna is 9” x 13”.
Specialty Lasagna Pan Sizes
While 9” x 13” may be the most standard lasagna pan size, there’s nothing stopping you from putting a spin on an old classic.
Here are a few non-standard pan options for you to consider:
- Extra-long – This is particularly useful if you love fresh noodles and have a large enough oven to support the added length.
- Extra deep – If there’s no such thing as too much filling, you may want to consider adding an extra layer, which will require deeper sides to contain all that goodness.
- Small – If you’re cooking for only one or two people, or if you’re restricted to tiny home-sized appliances, you may want to make smaller batches of lasagna in smaller or square pans.
- Divided – If you’ve got a family with strong preferences or restrictions for certain ingredients, divided pans allow you to bake 3 individual strips of lasagna rather than one large casserole.
We bet you didn’t know there were so many different types of lasagna pans, but that’s why we’re here! And it doesn’t stop there, because any of these sizes can be made with very different materials.
Best Lasagna Pan Material
Is it better to bake lasagna in a glass or metal pan? What about ceramic or stoneware?
Many professional chefs will have an immediate and strong opinion on this subject, but home chefs have more freedom to choose based on the pros and cons that matter most to them.
Here are a few materials you can choose from:
- Glass – The vast majority of lasagna bakers will tell you that glass is the only acceptable material to use for lasagna. It cooks evenly and prevents most sticking. It’s usually safe to reside in the fridge, freezer, and oven, and is generally dishwasher-safe. If you don’t have any strong feelings pulling you towards any of the other options, glass is the safest and most common choice for a lasagna pan.
- Metal – If you love crispy edges on your lasagna, a metal pan might be the best choice for you. Metal will heat up quickly, transferring more heat to the edges, creating a crisp crust of noodles and cheese. This is true for stainless steel pans and disposable aluminum pans. The downside is that your lasagna is much more likely to stick to the pan where it crisps. It also doesn’t cook as evenly. Metal is usually the least expensive of all the options available to you.
- Ceramic and/or Stoneware: Both ceramic and stoneware distribute heat very evenly, are resistant to temperature fluctuations, and are very easy to clean if cared for properly. They’re also the most likely to be broken or chipped from dropping or banging against hard surfaces.
- Cast Iron – Cast iron is durable, versatile, and known to last a lifetime. It’s also very heavy.
- Silicone – Silicone is basically indestructible and considered environmentally friendly. It’s nearly impossible to break or ruin. You can put it in the dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and, of course, oven, without any risk to the quality of your pan. Another pro is that nothing sticks to silicone. At all. The downside is that it is flimsy and lasagna is heavy. You will need to transport it using a baking sheet or extremely carefully so that the sides don’t cave while you’re moving it and the lasagna doesn’t lose its shape.
Each of these materials has its pros and cons, but you’ll generally be safe choosing any of the above options as long as you maintain your cookware properly.
Do You Need a Lid?
You do not need to purchase a lasagna pan with a lid, but it can come in handy. Most recipes require you to start the baking process covered, but this is easily done with aluminum foil.
For storage, you can again either use aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep your lasagna fresh in your fridge or freezer.
If your baking dish comes with a form-fitting lid, it will make storage easier. It’s important to carefully read the details, however, because not all lids are oven-safe.
In fact, the majority of them won’t be. They’ll work for storage, but not baking.
9 Best Lasagna Pans
Now that you know what to look for in your perfect pan, let’s get down to business. We’ve gathered the best pans on the market in a variety of sizes, materials, and shapes below for your consideration.
Rank | Product | Size and Material |
---|---|---|
1. | OXO Good Grips Baking Dish | Glass, 15" x 9.5" x 2.5" |
2. | Stock Your Home Foil Pans | Aluminum foil, 12.5" x 10.25" x 2.5” |
3. | Chicago Metallic Lasagna Trio Pan | Steel, 12" x 15" x 3" |
4. | Emile Henry Rectangular Baker | Ceramic, 13" x 9" x 2.95" |
5. | CasaWare Lasagna/Roaster Pan | Ceramic-coated steel, 18" x 12" x 3" |
6. | Bruntmor Cast Iron Baking Pan | Enameled cast Iron, 11" x 11" x 3" |
7. | Le Creuset Stoneware Casserole Dish | Stoneware, 11 1/2" x 7 3/4" x 2 3/4" |
8. | All-Clad Lasagna Pan | Stainless steel, 15" x 12" x 2 3/4" |
9. | Silikomart Silicone Lasagna Pan | Silicone,12.99" x 8.66" x 2.17" |
1. OXO Good Grips Baking Dish
One of the best features of this glass lasagna dish is its ability to withstand significant temperature fluctuations without cracking or shattering.
However, it’s always important to keep these fluctuations to a minimum for the best upkeep of your pan.
For a great standard-sized glass lasagna pan with a lid, consider this one, also from Oxo Good Grips.
Key Features:
- 15″ x 9.5″ x 2.5″
- Our pick for the best standard glass lasagna pan
- Made from borosilicate glass, able to go directly from fridge or freezer to oven safely
- Safe for the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and, of course, oven
Biggest Drawback:
This pan advertises being freezer-to-oven safe, but it has shattered in a few cases. Just because it’s resistant to shattering doesn’t mean you should subject it to extreme temperature fluctuations often.
The best way to bake with a glass pan that’s been sitting in the freezer is to let it come to room temperature and then let it sit in the oven while it pre-heats.
2. Stock Your Home Aluminum Pans
If you bake for others or find batch cooking is the most convenient way to prepare lasagna for your future dinner plans, these aluminum pans with covers are the ideal choice for you.
You can prep your lasagna in the pans, cover them with the included lids, and freeze.
You can then place them directly from the freezer into your oven for the easiest dinner of your week.
Key Features:
- 12.5″ x 10.25″ x 2.5”
- Our pick for the best disposable aluminum lasagna pans
- Perfect for catering, batch cooking, camping, or gifting
- Made from recyclable aluminum
Biggest Drawback:
They are labeled as standard 9” x 13” pans, but due to the sloped sides and edges designed to be folded inwards, the usable size is actually only 10.25” at the base and 12.5” at the surface.
This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it is useful to know before you being constructing your lasagna.
3. Chicago Metallic Lasagna Trio Pan
If you regularly create slightly different recipes to satisfy picky eaters or a simple desire for varied flavors, this divided pan is perfect for you.
The total pan measures a standard 9” x 13”, but it is separated into three completely separate segments that measure 3.5” x 13” each.
Key Features:
- Pan: 12″ x 15″ x 3″
- Sections: 3.5″ x 13″
- Our pick for the best divided lasagna pan
- Make and bake up to 3 unique lasagna or casserole recipes in one dish
- Dishwasher-safe, though handwashing will extend the lifespan
Biggest Drawback:
The individual compartments do have slightly angled sides. If you’re using this pan for lasagna, a single lasagna noodle will fit almost perfectly at the surface of the pan but the bottom is ever-so-slightly too narrow.
You might either have to trim your pasta or fold up the sides.
4. Emile Henry Rectangular Baker
This ceramic clay baking dish retains and distributes heat extremely well and is impressively resistant to damage caused by thermal fluctuation.
It is oven-safe up to 520°F and can go directly from the freezer to the oven and then to the table for serving without concern about cracking or shattering. The gorgeous glaze also makes it non-stick and incredibly easy to clean.
Key Features:
- 13″ x 9″ x 2.95″
- Our pick for the best ceramic lasagna pan
- Available in multiple trendy color options
- Coated with a heavy, durable and scratch-resistant glaze
Biggest Drawback:
The bottom of this dish isn’t coated in the enamel glaze, which is disappointing for such a premium quality product.
The glaze provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, but the exposed clay on the bottom is easy to stain and doesn’t feel as nice, though it does add grip when you’re transporting the dish.
5. CasaWare Lasagna/Roaster Pan
Whether you’re cooking for a big family or just a few big appetites, this extra-large ceramic lasagna pan will allow you to make extra portions and potentially even extra layers to your lasagna.
The ceramic surface is coated over carbon steel, providing you with a pan that will last a lifetime.
Key Features:
- 18″ x 12″ x 3″
- Extra long lasagna pan
- Heat tolerance of 450°F but NOT microwave-safe
- Easy to clean, non-metal utensils recommended to protect the finish
Biggest Drawback:
The ceramic coating will scratch and chip if you use metal utensils with your pan.
If it scratches or starts to peel, your food may start sticking in those areas. We highly recommend using sturdy silicone utensils if this is your lasagna pan of choice.
6. Bruntmore Cast Iron Casserole Baking Pan
Cast iron is essentially indestructible and this wonderfully enameled baking pan doesn’t even need to be seasoned.
Your lasagna and any other casseroles will slide out effortlessly and be evenly cooked and perfectly moist.
Not only is the pan praise-worthy, but the lid itself boasts a dual function as a skillet as well!
Key Features:
- 11″ x 11″ x 3″
- Our pick for the best cast iron lasagna pan
- Safe for all stovetops, ovens, and even barbeques up to 450°F
- Comes with a removable lid that serves a as a skillet
Biggest Drawback:
As with all cast iron products, one of the biggest drawbacks is the weight.
Lasagna is a heavy dish in itself, but paired with the weight of the baking dish and the lid, you will need some serious muscle to transport this dish from your oven to the table. However, it will be well worth it.
7. Le Creuset Stoneware Casserole Dish
Stoneware is undeniably nice to look at, but it’s also highly versatile.
It is safe in your freezer, fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher and can even be used under your broiler up to 500°F.
It’s lightweight and conducts heat evenly, making it ideal for lasagna, not to mention desserts or even bread.
Key Features:
- Our pick for the best stoneware lasagna pan
- Slightly smaller than a standard pan: 11.5” x 7 ¾” x 2 ¾”
- Comes with a secure-fitting matching stoneware lid for optimal temperature control and moisture retention
Biggest Drawback:
Stoneware will stand up nicely to extreme temperatures, but it does break more easily than glass if it is dropped or banged.
It isn’t fragile, by any means, but should be handled with care and stored in a position where the corners and handle on the lid won’t get jostled too frequently to avoid potential chipping.
8. All-Clad Stainless Steel Lasagna Pan
We’re not sure when you would want to bake a casserole at 600°F, but we appreciate that with this All-Clad dish it is possible.
Stainless steel is nearly indestructible, so this lasagna pan can last you a lifetime, especially with the warranty it comes with.
The handles are very sturdy and easy to grip, making them easy to transport from your oven to a cooling rack.
Key Features:
- 15″ x 12″ x 2 3/4″
- Our pick for the best stainless steel lasagna pan
- Durable and safe up to 600°F
- Comes with a fitted plastic lid for storage and transportation
Biggest Drawback:
The lid that comes with the pan is very basic and not nearly the same quality as the pan itself.
It’s also only the pan that is covered under the warranty, which isn’t surprising, but we can almost guarantee the lid will not stand the test of time like the dish itself.
9. Silikomart Silicone Lasagna Pan
Nothing sticks to silicone and it’s impossible to break, shatter, or even tear.
It’s admittedly not the sturdiest of all baking dishes, but it is reliable and versatile.
It’s also very lightweight and stores very easily, which is ideal for small kitchen spaces.
Key Features:
- 12.99″ x 8.66″ x 2.17″
- Our pick for the best silicone lasagna pans
- Safe to move directly from freezer to oven, up to 450ªF
- Comes with a removable fiberglass ring for added stability
Biggest Drawback:
Silicone is not sturdy. The sides and bottom are very flexible, which makes these pans essentially indestructible but also more likely to bend and cause your lasagna to spill out.
If you choose this eco-friendly option for your lasagna, have a large cutting board ready to slide the cooked dish out of the oven and directly onto the hard surface, rather than trying to transport the dish by the silicone sides.
Related Questions:
How Do You Layer Lasagna in a Pan?
The most traditional lasagna preparation begins with tomato sauce and continues by layering noodles in between cheese and meat a total of 3 times.
For classic lasagna, follow this order:
- Spread tomato sauce on the bottom of the pan.
- Create a layer of cooked lasagna noodles.
- Spread out a layer of 1/3 of your ricotta, cottage cheese, or preferred cheese blend.
- Top this with a layer of 1/3 of your meat sauce.
- Top this with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or another preferred blend (optional).
- Create another layer of noodles.
- Repeat steps 3–6 two more times for a total of 3 layers.
- If your meat sauce isn’t very saucy, you can add a small amount of extra tomato juice on top for moisture (optional).
- Complete with a final layer of mozzarella, cheddar, a blend, and/or parmesan.
If you’re making vegetarian lasagna, you can replace the meat sauce with vegetable sauce and add proteins like eggplant and tofu.
For a vegan lasagna, you can replace the ricotta/cottage cheese layers with vegan cheese or tofu crumble as well as the changes above.
Do You Need to Grease a Lasagna Pan?
Baking a saucy casserole doesn’t always require you to grease your pan, but we do recommend greasing your dish before baking lasagna.
While the tomato sauce will help protect your meal from sticking to the pan, the cheese and noodles do love to stick, and greasing will help prevent this, especially if you’re using a metal or cast-iron pan.
Glass, stoneware, ceramic, or enamel-coated pans are less likely to allow sticking, but it never hurts to err on the side of caution.
The easiest, most obvious way to prep your lasagna pan before filling it is to use a cooking spray. While this works well, a slightly more traditional approach would be to opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
You can pour a dollop into the dish and use a basting brush to spread it out evenly, coating the bottom and all the sides.
How Many Servings of Lasagna Are There in a Standard Lasagna Pan?
Serving sizes will vary depending on the recipe and what you and your family considers a serving.
As a general recommendation, a standard 13” x 9” lasagna pan will be suitable for approximately 8 servings. Larger appetites will eat more, smaller family members may consume less.
If you’re judging your serving size by macronutrients and calories, that will depend more strongly on the recipe of your choice than the size of the lasagna pan.
What Size Are Lasagna Sheets?
Store-bought standard lasagna sheets vary by brand.
Many fresh or frozen noodles are sized for a standard half sheet pan, which is 18” x 13”, despite the fact that most standard lasagna pans for home use are 9” x 13”. For these longer noodles, you may have to cut them in half.
Dried lasagna noodles are more likely to be smaller than a standard 9” x 13” pan. The average size can range from 7-10” long and 2-4” wide.
Dried lasagna noodles are smaller than the standard pan because, once they’re cooked, the noodle relaxes and stretches out. It’s not uncommon to increase by 2-3 inches in length once they’re cooked.
If you purchase no-boil dried lasagna noodles, you may have to layer them slightly for optimal coverage.
How Many Layers Should Lasagna Be?
Traditional lasagna is 3 complete layers, but one of the greatest benefits of baking your own is that you are in charge of the entire process.
If you have an extra deep pan, you can either make your layers more full or add a 4th for good measure.
If you’re worried about the filling bubbling over the top of your pan and making a mess in your oven, you can decrease the layers to only two.
The noodle to filling ratio is best determined by individual preferences but, as we mentioned, classic lasagna does have 3 layers and that is a great place to begin if you’re new to this recipe.
Can You Make Lasagna Without a Lasagna Pan?
Actually, yes! You can make lasagna using a different kind of pan, like a skillet, but the process is a bit different.
If you’re interested in giving this idea a go instead, we’ve found a great tutorial for skillet lasagna by the Crouton Crackerjacks channel on YouTube. This recipe is delicious, simple to make, and best of all, doesn’t require a specialty pan.