Ramekins

Make Desserts Sweeter with Ramekins

From serving crunchy snacks to presenting savory souffles, ramekins are useful kitchen dishes. Also known as a crème brûlée dish, this multipurpose porcelain baker turns out individually-portioned meals and desserts. Make a scrumptious breakfast with eggs nestled into a puff pastry, cooked in the oven to perfection. Or, let the family add extras to the small souffle pans to customize their own quiche—choosing between different breakfast meats, veggies and cheeses. On a weeknight, bake miniature pot pies in these versatile ceramic ramekins for a fun twist.

If you love hosting cocktail parties and weekend brunches, serve fresh salsas, baked cheeses and other dips in souffle pans. Arrange a few ramekins in the center of a serving tray and surround with a spread of homemade chips for a makeshift chip and dip server. Alternatively, fill dishes with spices and dressings, or use them to mix sauces for an organized mise en place—keeping ingredients within reach as you cook. When you’re taking the oven-safe dish out, make sure to use a dish towel or oven mitts to avoid any accidental burns.

Another take? Leave a set of ramekins near the bar cart or on the coffee table, and fill them with various nuts so guests can snack throughout the night. To end the party on a sweet note, use your crème brûlée dish for small cakes, brownies, mousses or bread puddings. Let them cool on trivets before serving. Consider baking a few different recipes for an artful display on a sweets table. Alternatively, make a sweet crème brûlée for your guests by placing the ingredients in the ribbed dish for an authentic look. As a final touch, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the outer layer, and add two or three raspberries on top.