If you’re looking for an oven-safe dish that’s a little smaller than a standard baking dish, you might turn to a ramekin. Ramekins are perfect for side dishes, individual servings, or even desserts.
They can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, and metal. However, while ramekins are versatile and convenient, they may not be the best option for every situation.
What do you do if you don’t have a ramekin or if you need something bigger? If you don’t have a ramekin, or if you need something bigger, there are plenty of substitutes to choose from.
Here are 10 of the best replacements that you can easily find in your kitchen:
Substitutes For Ramekin
- Custard Cup
- Teacup
- Coffee Mug
- Baking Dish
- Bowl
- Muffin Pan
- Canning Jar
- Jam Jars
- Souffle Dish
- Casserole Dish
Custard Cups
Custard cups are similar in size to ramekins and can be made from either porcelain or glass. They are see-through, so they add to the visual appeal and make your dish even more pretty.
Custard cups should not be used in the freezer as they may break, so checking your cup before you refrigerate is the key.
To use custard cups, simply place them on a baking sheet and fill them with your desired pudding mixture. Bake according to recipe instructions.
Custard cups are used to make individual cakes, souffle, and puddings as they come in various sizes, like ramekin, so your dessert can be in the serving size you desire.
When finished, allow cooling slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Teacup
Teacups are a convenient and versatile kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. They are affordable and come in different sizes, making them perfect for everything, from storing leftovers to preparing individual portions of food.
When it comes to cooking, teacups can be used to measure ingredients, cook eggs, or even bake mini cakes. They can also be used to serve sauces, dips, and other condiments.
However, one thing you need to endure before putting your teacup in the microwave or oven is that it is heat-resistant. Otherwise, you might risk the teacup and your machine.
While teacups do come in a wide range of different sizes, from huge to tiny and delicate, and can store around 2-12 oz, it is best to only add a little quantity of food or batter in them so they can heat evenly.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, teacups are an essential kitchen tool that can help you create a variety of delicious dishes.
Coffee Mug
Though coffee mugs may not be the first kitchen tool that comes to mind, they are a convenient and versatile substitute for the ramekin.
They come in different sizes and are made of affordable materials like ceramic and glass. Plus, they can be used for a variety of dishes – from individual portions of soup or mac and cheese to baked desserts like a chocolate lava cake.
When using coffee mugs as a substitute for ramekins, simply grease and coat the inside of the mug with cooking spray before adding your ingredients. Then, bake according to the recipe instructions.
Keep in mind that coffee mugs typically hold less than one cup, so you may need to adjust accordingly. With a little creativity, coffee mugs can be a convenient and affordable way to make individual portions of your favorite dishes.
Baking Dish
Baking dishes come in convenient, versatile, and affordable packages that can be used to make all sorts of different dishes.
They come in a variety of sizes, so you can always find one that is just right for the dish you’re making. And they’re made from a variety of materials, so you can always find one that’s just right for your needs.
When it comes to using baking dishes, the most important thing to remember is to grease and coat them before use. This will help to prevent sticking and ensure that your food comes out perfectly every time.
However, the tricky part is to convert a recipe that uses more than one ramekin into a baking dish. Don’t worry, though! There is an easy conversion that will solve this problem for you.
If the recipe uses four, 5-ounce ramekins, opt for an 8-inch round baking pan instead. The metal of the baking pan can quickly reach higher temperatures and will take less time to bake your food.
So whether you’re making a simple casserole or an elaborate dessert like banana pudding, baking dishes are the way to go!
Bowl
There are many reasons why bowls make great substitutes for the ramekin.
First, they are convenient and versatile. They come in different sizes and can be used for a variety of tasks, from mixing ingredients to serving individual portions.
Second, bowls are affordable. Ramekins can be quite expensive, but bowls are generally more reasonable.
Third, bowls come in the oven-safe variety as well, so next time you’re in the market looking for ramekin, you can simply pick a heat-resistant bowl.
Finally, bowls are easy to use. Simply grease and coat the inside of the bowl with flour or another substance, then add your desired ingredients.
However, just like with teacups and coffee mugs, you will need to ensure that you aren’t putting too much quantity at once, to ensure that the food gets evenly baked.
Muffin/Cupcake Pan
Muffin pans are a convenient and versatile option for the home cook. They come in a variety of sizes, making them perfect for everything from baking mini-muffins to full-sized cakes. They’re also affordable and easy to find at most kitchen stores.
Muffin pans are typically made of metal, making them oven-safe and able to withstand high temperatures. However, it’s important to grease and coat the pan before use to prevent sticking.
Muffin pans heat quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on your food while it’s cooking. With a little care and attention, you can create beautiful and delicious dishes using muffin pans.
Canning Jar
Canning jars are a convenient and affordable substitute for ramekins. They come in a variety of sizes and can be used for both hot and cold dishes. However, the majority of them are not oven-safe and should not be used for baking.
Canning jars are perfect for serving individual portions of salad, soup, or ice cream. They can also be used to store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Canning jars come in a variety of sizes, from half-pint to gallon-sized. They are made of glass and have a metal screw-on lid.
Because they are transparent, canning jars are perfect for displaying colorful fruits and vegetables or homemade jams and jellies.
Jam Jars
Similar to canning jars, jam jars are a cheap and easy-to-use option that you can find in your home. Reusing them will help promote a greener planet!
Jam jars come in a variety of sizes and can be made of glass or plastic. While they’re not oven-safe, they’re perfect for serving individual portions of food.
And because they’re so versatile, you can use them to make everything from desserts to main courses.
Simply choose the size and type of jam jar that best suits your needs, and you’ll be able to create a delicious dish that your friends and family will love.
Souffle Dish
A souffle dish is a heat-proof dish usually made out of ceramic, glass, or metal, that can be used as a substitute for the ramekin.
They are bigger than ramekins and can hold a greater quantity. Because of this, you might need to adjust your baking timings slightly when using a souffle dish.
Many different dishes can be made using a souffle dish – not just a souffle! Some other examples include gratins, quiches, cobblers, and even some savory dishes such as macaroni and cheese.
So get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different recipes – you might be surprised at what you can make in a souffle dish!
Casserole Dish
Casserole dishes are similar to souffle dishes, they are heat-proof and come in various sizes and shapes. They are usually made of ceramic, metal, or glass and some also have lids.
A casserole dish is bigger than a ramekin and can hold more quantity. They can be used to bake various kinds of dishes like lasagna, macaroni, cheese, au gratin potatoes, etc.
The baking timings for a casserole dish will be different because of its size. Therefore, one should adjust the baking timings accordingly.
FAQs
Can you use a mason jar instead of a ramekin?
You can use a mason jar when you are serving something. However, because they aren’t oven-safe, it is best not to use them for baking.
Can you use a ramekin substitute when making lava cake?
Yes, you can use all the substitutes that are heat-resistant while making a lava cake, like muffin pans and baking dishes, etc.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned substitutes will come in very handy for new bakers or even professional chefs who have limited utensils available. Ramekins are common in most kitchens but sometimes you just don’t have one when you need it.
We hope this article has helped solve that problem for you. Do let us know in the comments below if there are any other substitutes that you use or if you have any questions. Happy baking!