Food - Drink
The Absolute Best Temperature Range For Cooking Casseroles
By LAUREN ROTHMAN
Casseroles are famous for being excellent make-ahead dishes, as they can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to heat and eat. A casserole is defined as any meal prepared in a casserole dish and baked in the oven, and the trick to making a great one is setting the correct oven temperature.
Moderation is always a safe bet while baking a casserole, as a cooler oven will lead to a longer cooking time, while a scorching one will lead to uneven cooking. A great rule of thumb is to bake a casserole above 300 degrees F and below 400 degrees F — 350 degrees F is a great sweet spot.
Many casserole dishes are layered with grated cheese on top, so it’s a good idea to cover the casserole with aluminum foil once assembled, then remove the foil halfway through baking. Doing so helps the casserole cook evenly, thanks to the steam trapped inside, and prevents the top cheese layer from burning.