Ramekin: Small Dish, Big Taste
What Is A Ramekin?
The ramekin is the best dish to use for making delectable soufflés, desserts, and other dishes that need to be served hot and fresh from the oven. It can also be used to serve dips, dressings, and sauces in a convenient and stylish manner. A quick search on Pinterest and you’ll find everything from mini lasagna and Sheppard’s pie to chocolate molten lava cake and baked French toast. Trust me when I say the possibilities are endless!
But what exactly is a “ramekin” and where did it come from?
A ramekin is a small cylinder-shaped bowl made of ceramic, melamine or glass. Traditionally, ramekins are white in color and are fluted meaning it has vertical grooves on the outside of the dish. The baking dish itself originated in 17th century, France from the Flemish term ‘ramequin’ which means toasted minced meat. A “true” ramekin can hold anywhere from four ounces to eight ounces, but you will find they now come in many shapes and sizes. The ideal ramekin has perfectly vertical sides allowing soufflés and other egg dishes to rise in the oven. Because they are small, the heat can quickly and evenly cook the center of the dish. You’ll know if you have a defective ramekin because your soufflé will fall flat and resemble scrambled eggs.
Materials Used To Create Ramekins
Ramekins are made of materials that can withstand high temperatures as mentioned in the previous section these include ceramic, melamine and glass. Depending on your choice of ramekin recipes, you would select the ramekin made with the most appropriate material to achieve your desired look or taste. Ceramic is the most popular and most often you will find four-ounce white ramekins in your friends and family’s kitchen. It’s a fairly popular item on wedding registries.
- Ceramic Ramkin: Most common, household material of choice as dishes look more appetizing when served in white ramekin.
- Glass Ramekin: Thinner sides allow the dish to cook much faster.
- Melamine Ramekin: Great for portioning out recipes, and won't break easily when dropped. However, melamine should not be microwaved or put in the oven.
Ramekin Uses
While ramekins are usually used to create something special in the oven, there are many other uses for them as well. Festive colored ramekins are often used for homemade salsas, dips, toppings, and dressings at gatherings or events. At home, they are commonly used to serve ketchup, mustard, relish and other condiments. They’re perfect for a sundae party providing easy access to sprinkles, nuts, sauces, cherries and all your other yummy toppings.
Popular Dishes Served In Ramekins
There are many recipes that involve the use of a ramekin. Here is a list of popular and delicious dishes you can try:We’d love to hear what you’re doing with your ramekins! Please post your favorite recipes below.
