What Is a Ramekin?

Though it is widely recognized as the signature baking dish for the caramelised French dessert, crème brûlée, the ramekin can be a go-to for so many of your food preparation and presentation needs. Here’s a rundown of what a ramekin is and the versatile ways you can use it.

What Is a Ramekin?

Also known as a soufflé dish, a ramekin is a small bakeware vessel often used for preparing and serving individual portions. The classic ramekin is white and cylindrical with a diameter between 3" and 4". It has deep, vertical sides and a fluted exterior with a rounded lip. Ramekins are also intended to be heat-resistant, making them oven-safe and able to withstand the heat from a blowtorch. Though the white ceramic variety is most conventional, ramekins come in a multitude of other novelty shapes, colors, and textures, so there’s no need to stick to the basics when choosing a set for your kitchen.

Typical Ramekin Sizes

Ramekins can range from 2 oz. all the way to 12 oz. in volume, but are most commonly available in 6 oz. sets of four to twelve, which are perfect for entertaining guests. Though similar in name and function, the soufflé dish and the soufflé pan are in fact two different things; soufflé pans are much wider and shallower and are used for baking full-size soufflés.

Ramekin Materials

While glazed stoneware is the most common ramekin material, you do have several options. Consider these materials when choosing the right ramekins for your needs.

• Stoneware Ramekins: Ramekins are designed to be as heat-resistant as possible, so they are often made of glazed stoneware, including ceramic or porcelain.That heat resistance is especially valuable when using a blowtorch to caramelize the sugar atop a crème brûlée.

• Glass Ramekins: If you’re looking to serve up a dessert with an A+ presentation, choosing clear glass ramekins allows you to get creative. Most glass ramekins are heat-resistant enough to be used for baking, and clear glass allows you to monitor the food during the baking process.

• Metal Ramekins: Ramekins can also be made of metal, such as aluminum and steel, but those materials are less heat-proof and shouldn’t come in direct contact with a flame. Metal ramekins do have a polished silver look and are best used to serve dips or condiments.

What Are Ramekins Used For?

While ramekins are ideal for baking delicious soufflés, they are also a versatile piece of cookware. The small size makes them great for serving up individually portioned meals, prepping your mise en place, or setting out snacks. Organize your ingredients in ramekins to streamline the cooking process and potentially avoid cross-contamination, or use them as table dishes for smaller snacks, like nuts, veggie sticks, or dips.

Here are some more ideas for what to make and serve in ramekins, from breakfast to dessert.

Breakfast

• Classic soufflés
• Oven-baked eggs
• Sandwich egg patties
• Oatmeal for one
• Baked French toast
• Muffins

Entrée

• Mini pot pies
• Single-serving soups
• Macaroni and cheese
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Casseroles

Dessert

• Crème brûlée
• Sweet soufflés
• Molten lava cakes
• Custard or flan
• Pudding
• Mini dessert pies or cobblers
• Mousse

Tip!

Check out the video below for a complete visual ramekin breakdown:

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