(function() { document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22ActionToolbar_59e5fa31-dc57-46ea-93d1-265650a760f0\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22r1005bfde8bc540f8be58d97470c65c5f\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2ffloatingActionToolbar\x2ffloatingActionToolbar_interop\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22ActionToolbar\x22\x7d'); var configuration = {"contentId":"436c9102-fd9a-4952-b128-88c8dc2347a6","toolbarSettings":{"id":"59e5fa31-dc57-46ea-93d1-265650a760f0","regAction":"FAVORITE","eSourceCode":11275,"namePassedToEvents":"ArticleStandardLongFormToolbar","buttons":[{"addFavoriteErrorMessage":"Sorry, something went wrong. Please save again.","removeFavoriteErrorMessage":"Error occurred while removing from favorites","regAction":"FAVORITE","eSourceCode":11275,"isCurrentUserAnonymous":false,"isFavoriteItem":false,"id":"16a29701-2b75-4d9a-aa9c-860376da50d7","allowedForAnonymousUsers":false,"type":"Favorite","displayName":"Save","namePassedToEvents":"Favorite","cssClassName":"atButtonFavorite","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"providerName":"pinterest","providerNamePassedToEvents":"Pinterest","shareUrlFormat":"//pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url={0}","id":"c18cf08e-e436-4cd0-a180-1bafb15369a6","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Social","displayName":"Pinterest","namePassedToEvents":"Pinterest","cssClassName":"atButtonPinterest","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"templateId":"13bdd311-4300-4fb8-9d78-9cbaf98f5578","dialogHeading":"Email Article","emailCode":"BC_ContentEmail","dialogSettings":{"cancelButtonText":"Cancel","copyToSenderLabel":"Send a Copy to Myself","emailAddressesLabel":"* Email Address(es)","emailInstructionText":"Separate email addresses with commas","fromText":"From:","privacyPolicyText":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026copy;2024 General Mills, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information will only be used to send an email to your friend(s) and will not be saved. Please read our \u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.generalmills.com/company/privacy-policies/privacy-policy-us\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 shape=\u0022rect\u0022\u003ePrivacy Policy\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","requiredFieldText":"* Required","sendButtonText":"Send","senderEmailAddressLabel":"* Your Email Address","senderFirstNameLabel":"* Your First Name","sendToText":"Send To:"},"id":"be9422a3-85a8-4c31-86f5-e171255bb89d","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Email","displayName":"Email","namePassedToEvents":"Email","cssClassName":"atButtonEmail","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"providerName":"facebook","providerNamePassedToEvents":"Facebook","shareUrlFormat":"//facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u={0}","id":"6c3f442d-6ffe-460f-8360-b02b122d326c","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Social","displayName":"Facebook","namePassedToEvents":"Facebook","cssClassName":"atButtonFacebook","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"layoutParameter":"p%3d1","id":"de022929-4416-4bc9-ab3c-ae5711d562bf","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Print","displayName":"Print","namePassedToEvents":"Print","cssClassName":"atButtonPrint","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false}],"isSticky":true},"userSettings":{"isCurrentUserAnonymous":true,"isFavoriteItem":false},"pageAttributes":{"url":"https%3a%2f%2fwww.bettycrocker.com%2fhow-to%2ftipslibrary%2fcooking-tips%2fcasserole-q-a","contentId":"436c9102-fd9a-4952-b128-88c8dc2347a6"},"recaptchaPublicKey":"6LfU_icUAAAAALSqSjRg5hqZwbPr1b8k-_80a_S_"}; var moduleName = 'actionToolbar'; var isVueModule = true; GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)});})();
Created January 10, 2017
Take a peek into questions often asked and how the Betty Crocker® Kitchens answers them.
Is it better to bake casseroles covered or uncovered?
It’s best to follow the recipe since there is no one rule for when to cover. Generally, casseroles with grains, rice or pasta that will cook during the baking process are usually covered, for at least part of the time. Casseroles made of cooked ingredients are usually baked uncovered. If you like a crisper, browner top, be sure the casserole is uncovered for at least part of the bake time.
I want to make and freeze an egg-based casserole about one month ahead, then defrost and reheat it? Can I freeze a casserole with eggs in it?
Yes, you can. Raw eggs are fairly stable in the freezer, especially when beaten or mixed with other ingredients. Check to see what else is in the casserole, though. Hard-cooked eggs, potatoes, rice and pasta don’t freeze particularly well because they break down and lose their texture.
Should I freeze casseroles before they are baked or after baking?
Both! You can actually do either, but follow these tips:
- Be sure you cool the casserole before freezing.
- If the casserole has a topping, freeze without the topping. Then, add the topping the last 10 to 20 minutes of the bake time.
- Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- You’ll want to increase the bake time. Start with 15 minutes longer than the suggested bake time, then check to see if more time is needed. The center of the casserole should reach 160ºF.
- Use within three months. Although the casserole still will be safe to eat, after three months as more moisture is lost, the texture and flavor will deteriorate.
My recipe calls for a 13x9-inch baking dish. It’s currently being used for something else. Can I use a smaller 8x8-inch dish or a casserole dish?
Having a variety of baking dishes, baking pans and casserole dishes will help with meal planning by allowing you to make several items and then refrigerate or freeze. Don’t use a smaller dish, but rather use one of a similar size. Take a quick look at this chart to see how easy it is to interchange dishes and pans.
| Casserole Size | Substitution | Cup Equivalent |
| 1-quart casserole | 9-inch pie plate or 9-inch round pan | 4 cups |
| 1 1/2-quart casserole | 9-inch square pan or baking dish or 9x5-inch loaf pan | 6 cups |
| 2-quart casserole | 11x7- or 8-inch square baking dish | 8 cups |
| 2 1/2- to 3-quart casserole | 13x9-inch baking dish | 10 cups |
Can I use instant rice in place of regular rice or wild rice in a casserole?
Maybe, maybe not! If the recipe calls for cooked rice, go ahead and substitute an equal amount of cooked instant rice for the cooked regular or wild rice. However, you should not make an equal substitution if the recipe calls for uncooked rice. The amounts of liquid and rice and the cooking time will all be different.
Should I grease the casserole dish? What should I use?
For easier release and cleanup, grease the casserole. For the quickest cleanup, line the casserole with heavy-duty foil and then grease the foil with shortening, oil or cooking spray before filling and baking or use non-stick foil.
Some casseroles have bread crumbs on top and others have no topping. Why is this, and can I top my casserole with something besides bread crumbs?
Breads crumbs on top of a casserole do a couple of things: they provide taste and texture, and they can help prevent excess moisture loss during baking. Many toppings can be sprinkled on top of a casserole. Try one of these in place of bread crumbs: cracker crumbs tossed with melted butter, crushed tortilla chips, slightly crushed potato chips, canned French-fried onions, spoonfuls of mashed potatoes, cooked bacon pieces or chopped nuts.
Must Try Casseroles!
(function() { document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22NewsletterCTA_b9911a56-3a0d-4b1c-8521-df6c10ce048a\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22rbb198dc68cbc405d85b53e77290a3038\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2fprimaryColumn\x2finteropInlineNewsletterCta\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22NewsletterCTA\x22\x7d'); var configuration = {"unsubscribedNewsletters":[{"listId":"1e34a555-89d1-45f0-8f07-b3ae6b01c03c","thumbnailImageUrl":"/-/media/GMI/Core-Sites/BC/Images/Shared/myaccount/newsletters/BC_Thumb157x157.png?sc_lang=en","previewUrl":"https://morpheus3.idpk.net/email_sends/9111/preview","name":"Betty\u0027s Email","isPromo":false}],"settings":{"anonymousCopy":"Ready to Be Inspired?","anonymousDescriptionCopy":"We know you’ll love our daily tips, trends and tasty recipes sent right to your inbox.","anonymousThankYouCopy":"\u003cp\u003eThanks! Your first email is on its way.\u003c/p\u003e\n","anonymousThankYouDescriptionCopy":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow that you\u0026rsquo;re signed up, create an account on BettyCrocker.com to save your favorite recipes, learn more about special promotions and get inspired through Betty\u0026rsquo;s expert tips.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","anonymousButtonText":"Sign up now","anonymousEmailInvalidErrorText":"Please enter a valid email address.","anonymousSubscribeErrorText":"We encountered an error while signing you up. Please try again.","anonymousEmailAddressPlaceholderText":"Enter your email address","anonymousEmailAddressLabel":"Email Address","anonymousLegalCopy":"By signing up, you accept our\u0026nbsp;\u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.generalmills.com/privacy-security/us-english-privacy-policy\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003ePrivacy Policy\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;and agree that your information may be used across our\u0026nbsp;\u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.generalmills.com/food-we-make/brands\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003efamily of brands\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/a\u003e","requiredFieldText":"","standardSmallImageUrl":"/-/media/GMI/Core-Sites/BC/Images/BC/seasonal/2021_Christmas/ncta_bg.png","standardLargeImageUrl":"/-/media/GMI/Core-Sites/BC/Images/BC/seasonal/2021_Christmas/ncta_bg.png","backgroundColor":"#333333","accentColor":"","registrationUrl":"/register/reg-fp?RegAction=SUBSCRIBERUPGRADE\u0026esrc=11275\u0026returnUrl=%2fhow-to%2ftipslibrary%2fcooking-tips%2fcasserole-q-a","registrationLinkText":"Join free!","enableExpandedFields":false,"hideForSessionCookieExpiration":0,"ctaType":"StandardAnonymous","location":"Inline","userState":"Anonymous","sourceCodeOverride":0}}; var moduleName = 'newsletterCta'; var isVueModule = true; GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)});})();
(function() { document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22ConsumerGeneratedContent_436c9102-fd9a-4952-b128-88c8dc2347a6\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22r70cf09b700ad459f8b15c9f9ede8ad65\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2fratingReview\x2finteropRatingReview\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22ConsumerGeneratedContent\x22\x7d'); var configuration = {"loaderScript":"https://apps.bazaarvoice.com/deployments/bettycrocker/main_site/production/en_US/bv.js","type":"QuestionAndAnswer","language":"en","includeRatings":false}; var moduleName = 'consumerGeneratedContent'; var isVueModule = true; GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)});})();
