Casserole Making Tips and Techniques

Casseroles are great for large groups of people, and are generally easy on the finances. Incidentally, they are also easy to prepare. The good thing about casseroles is that leftover meats, vegetables and starches like potatoes and rice are just as appropriate to use when making them, which in turn saves you money. Casseroles are usually served in the dish in which they were baked, and that means avoiding extra cleanup. Without any doubt, this is one versatile dish, both in cooking, in serving, and in cleaning.

During preparation, it is best to dice your meat, fish, and vegetables into equal portions so they will cook evenly. Also make each cut part small enough for the flavors to absorb into one another. For the sauce, instead of using the usual stock as a liquid, why not add in some wine? If your casserole calls for chicken, fish or any white meat, white wine would be the best complement. If you're using red meat, incorporate some red wine. Other ideas for liquids include using vegetable juice, milk, beer, cider, wine vinegar and lemon juice. Cheese, particularly cheddar, will naturally become crispy if you cook the casserole with the lid off. But there are other ways of adding crispy texture. You can top your dish with pecans and other nuts. You may also top with cubed bread pieces and crackers.

Meat Casseroles

Casseroles are usually cooked in large amounts and after eating a portion, the leftovers are refrigerated or frozen so that the remaining can be eaten another time. To freeze the casserole, you should consider a container that will easily fit inside a standard oven or a microwave oven to save time and trouble in defrosting and preparing. If the casserole is still warm, allow it to cool down fully before putting it inside the freezer. After covering it tightly with an air-tight lid, you will be able to enjoy your casserole for two to four weeks without compromising the taste. Remember to defrost it in the refrigerator or allow for extra time in the oven when reheating.

When you'd like to use the stored casserole, just place the casserole back into a baking dish. Reheat in the oven with the same temperature indicated when you initially baked it. You may have to extend baking time to assure the entire dish is completely thawed and heated through. From time to time, use a skewer or knife to check if the whole casserole is hot enough.

Casserole Making Tips and Techniques

Casseroles are true comfort food. We have put together a collection of delicious casserole recipes that will satisfy the hearty appetite; and that can be served for holidays, special occasions and everyday dining. Find the perfect casserole recipe from our growing selection of appetizers, side dishes, and entrees.

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