A good baking pan is an essential tool for any baker. It can make or break your baked goods. You may not even realize how the type of pan you use for baking influences the outcome of your dish. The textures and flavours are different, and the browning effects on the food.
A recipe’s pan size and type are not just arbitrary numbers. They determine the density of the final product, with some pans producing denser goods than others. When I was going through a recipe, I realized many of us are confused about the size of a 3-quart dish and what meals can cook in it. Read this article till the end and clarify all your doubts.
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What is a 3-quart baking dish?
The three-quart baking dish is the standard pan size. This oven-safe pan typically holds about three quarts.
This 3-quart baking dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a batch of brownies or enchiladas, this dish handles it all with ease. For example, if you have a basic cake recipe, this pan can be helpful with some minor adjustments.
These trays come in glass which is often more decorative, but metal ones are more versatile. Glass is best for casseroles and sheet cakes because it retains heat well. It looks better, but metal can be used for most other dishes because of its versatility.
How much is a quart?
A quart may refer to liquid quarts and dry quarts, but it is mostly the liquid quart in culinary.
A quart is a unit of volume equal to a quarter of a gallon or two pints or four cups.
Liquid quart
1 US liquid quart is equal to ¼th of US liquid gallons, 2 pints, 4 cups, 32 fluid ounces or 0.95 litres.
Dry quart
1 US dry quart is equal to ¼th of US dry gallons, or 1.1 litres.
Imperial quart
1 imperial quart is equal to ¼th of imperial gallons, 1.13 litres or 38.43 fluid ounces.
The measurements for a 3-quart baking dish
The size of a 3-quart baking dish is 9 inches × 13 inches.
In centimetres, it is 23 cm x 33 cm.
Amazon.com suggests that Pyrex Basics 3 Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish, Clear 8.9 Inch X 13.2 Inch – 3 Qt: Baking Dishes: Kitchen & Dining are the correct sizes of a three-quart baking dish.
Is 3 quart the same as 9×13?
Traditionally the most popular sizes are 8 × 8 or 9 × 9. However, if you are looking for a more rectangular shape, you should go with a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
The 9 × 13 holds about 3 quarts of volume. So in some recipes, it can be used interchangeably with a 3-quart Dutch oven.
Number of quarts in a 9×13 baking dish
The 3 × 3 tray or the 3 quarts tray has 3 3/4 quarts in total.
Assuming the 9 by 13-inch pan has sides about 2 inches high, it can hold a volume of 14 to 15 cups. Therefore, there are 4 cups in 1 quart, and the pan holds between 3 1/2 and 3 3/4 quarts.
Dishes to try in a 3-quart dish
As indicated by the name, a 3 quart is specially helpful for all kinds of desserts that are baked.
For example, brownies, pumpkin cake or any cake that you want.
There are many savoury dishes that you should try in a 3-quart dish. The number of savoury dishes you can make inside this thing is astounding.
Among the savoury dishes are baked pasta, nachos, casseroles and lasagna.
3 quart can also be used as a bed for baked potatoes or vegetables and chicken thighs or fish. It doesn’t matter what you’re putting in the oven.
What is the size of a 3-quart baking dish?
A 3-quart baking dish is the most common size for a baking dish and is typically used for baking casseroles, lasagna, and other similar dishes.
It can be used for single layers of food or two people. The Pyrex dish is a good size for casseroles or other one-dish meals.
How big is a 3-quart baking dish?
A 3-quart baking dish is suitable for a small family or people who don’t bake often. It’s neither too big nor small, and it’s the perfect size for a 9×13 inch cake or casserole. A 3-quart dish is also a good size for brownies or bars.
How much does it serve?
A 3-quart dish is usually expected to provide enough food for about 4 people.
A 3-quart dish is generally enough for a small family or those who don’t like to cook large meals. The size of these containers is well-suited for dishes that can be frozen and reheated.
If you expect a 9 × 13 inch to serve 20 people, it is only possible for small pieces of desserts like brownies.
Buying a 3-quart baking dish
Here is a guide to consider when buying a 3-quart baking dish,
1) Durability
2) Size and shape of the baking dish
3) Material
4) Oven safe
5) Dishwasher safe
It is good to buy durable study material for regular use and ease of cleaning. Nowadays, Ceramic dishes are popular, but they are fragile, and you should be careful when handling them.
Please have a clear idea about the usage of the dish. They come in different shapes and materials. Some baking dishes are designed for specific purposes, while others are for general use.
For example, there is a 3-quart casserole dish in a glass, ceramic, enamelware, or aluminium. They come with a raised lip, a handle, and a 3-quart mark. These are 13 × 9 inches and are used for cooking and serving food.
Know your budget. The baking dishes come at different prices. So make sure to find the one that fulfils your needs while sticking with your budget.
