Quick Answer
The size pan you use for lasagna depends on how much lasagna you are making and the size of your oven. For a 9×13 inch lasagna that serves 12 people, you’ll need a 9×13 inch baking pan. Smaller lasagnas for 6 to 8 people can be baked in an 8×8 inch pan. Standard ovens accommodate 9×13 and 8×8 inch pans. If you want a larger lasagna for a big crowd, look for disposable aluminum foil pans that are 13×18 or even larger. Be sure to check that a large pan will fit in your oven before using it.
Factors That Determine Lasagna Pan Size
When deciding what size pan to use for your lasagna, there are a few key factors to consider:
Number of Servings
How many people do you need to serve? Standard lasagna recipes are designed for 8×8 and 9×13 inch pans, which serve 6-8 and 12 people respectively. If you double a 6-8 serving recipe, you’ll need a 9×13 pan. If you’re serving a large gathering or potluck, look for a disposable 13×18 inch aluminum pan.
Oven Size
Make sure the pan will actually fit in your oven. Most standard ovens can accommodate 8×8, 9×13, and even 13×18 inch pans. Very large pans or professional restaurant sizes may not fit. Measure the interior dimensions of your oven racks before purchasing an extra large pan.
Pan Depth
Lasagna pans should have at least 2-inch high sides to contain all the layers. Many disposable aluminum pans are only 1 inch deep, so look for ones labeled “deep pan” if using disposable. Glass and metal pans usually have 2-3 inch depths.
Ingredients & Recipe
Consider the amount of ingredients called for in your recipe. If you double an 8×8 inch recipe to feed more people, you’ll likely need a larger 9×13 pan to accommodate the extra ingredients. Be sure to have a pan size appropriate for the quantity of lasagna you’re making.
Common Lasagna Pan Sizes
Here are some of the most common sizes for lasagna pans:
8×8 Inch
- Serves 6-8 people
- Fits in any standard oven
- Great for smaller lasagnas with minimal leftovers
9×13 Inch
- Serves 10-12 people
- Fits in any standard oven
- Standard size for average lasagna recipes
13×9 Inch
- Serves 12-15 people
- Fits in most ovens
- Good middle ground between 9×13 and 13×18 sizes
13×18 Inch
- Serves 20+ people
- May not fit in smaller ovens
- Great for large gatherings and potlucks
Disposable vs Reusable Pans
You can choose between disposable aluminum foil pans or reusable pans for baking your lasagna. Here’s how they compare:
Disposable Aluminum
- Inexpensive
- Come in very large sizes like 13×18 inches
- Can’t be used repeatedly
- Some types have shorter 1 inch sides
Reusable Metal or Glass
- Can be used repeatedly
- Come in standard sizes like 9×13 inches
- More durable thick glass or metal sides
- Range of materials like aluminum, stainless steel, glass, ceramic
Disposable pans are ideal for large gatherings or potlucks where you don’t need to reuse the pan. Reusable pans allow you to make lasagna time and time again.
Tips for Baking Lasagna
Use these tips to ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly, no matter what size pan you use:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the pan to prevent noodles from sticking
- Trim noodles to fit pans 13×18 inches or larger
- Cover pan tightly with foil to prevent drying out
- Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbles over
- Let lasagna rest 15-20 minutes after baking before cutting and serving
Pan Size Recommendations
| Number of Servings | Pan Size |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | 8×8 inches |
| 10-12 | 9×13 inches |
| 12-15 | 13×9 inches |
| 20+ | 13×18 inches |
Use this table as a guide to select the right size pan based on how many people you need to serve. The standard 9×13 inch pan is perfect for the average family lasagna. For very large crowds, go for a 13×18 inch disposable aluminum pan.
Conclusion
When baking lasagna, use an appropriately sized pan based on your oven size, number of servings, and ingredients. Most standard lasagna recipes are designed for 8×8 or 9×13 inch pans. For very large lasagnas, look for 13×18 inch disposable aluminum foil pans. Make sure to check your oven size before using extra large pans. With the right tools and preparation, you can make perfect lasagna for any gathering. Focus on quality ingredients, proper layering, and covering the pan for delicious results no matter what size pan you bake it in.