Chef-Recommended Pyrex 9×13 Baking Dish: Unlock Delicious Recipes & Where to Buy on Amazon

The Pyrex 9×13 baking dish. It’s a kitchen staple, a workhorse, and arguably one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you’ll ever own. Chefs and home cooks alike swear by it, and for good reason. Its even heating, durability, and perfect size make it ideal for everything from lasagna to brownies. But with so many options available, why Pyrex, and specifically, where can you find the best deal on Amazon? Let’s dive in, explore some chef-recommended recipes, and uncover why this baking dish deserves a spot in your culinary arsenal.

Why the Pyrex 9×13 Baking Dish Reigns Supreme

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s understand why the Pyrex 9×13 baking dish is so highly regarded:

• Even Heating: Pyrex glassware is known for its even heating properties. This is crucial for baking, as it ensures that your food cooks uniformly, preventing hot spots and burnt edges.
• Durability: Made from durable glass, Pyrex dishes can withstand high temperatures in the oven and freezer temperatures for storage. While thermal shock (drastic temperature changes) should be avoided, it’s generally a very resilient piece of cookware.
• Versatility: From sweet to savory, hot to cold, the 9×13 size is perfect for a wide range of recipes. Casseroles, cakes, roasts, even large batches of cookies – it handles it all with ease.
• Easy to Clean: The smooth glass surface is non-porous, making it easy to clean. Most food debris wipes away easily, and it’s dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
• Visibility: The clear glass allows you to monitor the progress of your baking without having to open the oven, preventing heat loss and ensuring perfect results.
• Affordability: Compared to many other types of baking dishes, Pyrex is relatively affordable, making it a great value for your money.

Finding the Perfect Pyrex 9×13 on Amazon

Amazon offers a wide selection of Pyrex 9×13 baking dishes. Here’s what to look for and some tips for finding the best deal:

• Genuine Pyrex: Make sure you’re purchasing a genuine Pyrex product. Look for the official Pyrex logo and check the product description carefully.
• Consider Sets: Sometimes, purchasing a set that includes the 9×13 dish along with other sizes can be more cost-effective.
• Read Reviews: Pay attention to customer reviews, especially those mentioning durability and even heating.
• Check for Deals and Sales: Amazon frequently offers discounts on Pyrex products, so keep an eye out for sales, especially around holidays.
• Prime Shipping: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can often get free and fast shipping on your Pyrex dish.

Disclaimer: Prices and availability on Amazon can change frequently. Always double-check the product details and reviews before making a purchase.

Chef-Recommended Recipes for Your Pyrex 9×13 Baking Dish

Now for the fun part! Here are some chef-inspired recipes that are perfect for your Pyrex 9×13 baking dish:

1. Classic Lasagna

Lasagna is a quintessential dish for the 9×13 baking dish. This recipe is a classic, but feel free to add your own twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, brown sausage and ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. While the sauce is simmering, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
7. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the 9×13 baking dish.
8. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, overlapping as needed.
9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
10. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
11. Repeat layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese.
12. Top with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
13. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Tip: For an even richer flavor, add a layer of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to your lasagna.

2. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This comforting casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The Pyrex 9×13 ensures even baking and a perfectly golden crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth.
6. Stir in cooked rice, peas, and chicken mixture.
7. Pour the mixture into the 9×13 baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.
9. Drizzle with melted butter.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Tip: To add more vegetables, try adding chopped carrots, celery, or broccoli to the casserole.

3. Decadent Brownies

The Pyrex 9×13 is also perfect for baking a large batch of fudgy, delicious brownies. Its even heating ensures perfectly cooked brownies every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour the 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar until well combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Stir in chocolate chips (if using).
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
10. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Chef’s Tip: For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them. They will continue to cook as they cool.

4. Easy Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is another crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for the Pyrex 9×13. This recipe is simple, customizable, and always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
5. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
8. Pour the mixture into the 9×13 baking dish.
9. Top with mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Tip: Add a layer of spinach or other leafy greens to the baked ziti for added nutrients.

5. Simple Apple Crisp

For a comforting dessert, apple crisp baked in a Pyrex 9×13 is always a winner. The even heating ensures the apples are perfectly tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

Ingredients:

• 8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
3. Pour the apple mixture into the 9×13 baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
5. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Chef’s Tip: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the topping for extra crunch.

Taking Care of Your Pyrex 9×13 Baking Dish

To ensure your Pyrex 9×13 baking dish lasts for years to come, follow these simple care tips:

• Avoid Thermal Shock: Do not transfer a hot dish directly from the oven to a cold surface, or vice versa. Allow it to cool gradually.
• Use Oven Mitts: Always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot Pyrex dishes.
• Don’t Use on Stovetop or Broiler: Pyrex baking dishes are not designed for stovetop or broiler use.
• Clean Gently: Use non-abrasive cleaners and sponges to avoid scratching the surface.
• Dishwasher Safe: Pyrex dishes are generally dishwasher-safe, but handwashing is recommended to prolong their lifespan.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Uses for Your Pyrex 9×13

While the recipes above highlight some common uses, don’t be afraid to get creative with your Pyrex 9×13 baking dish. Here are a few additional ideas:

• Roasting Vegetables: Toss vegetables with olive oil and seasonings and roast them to perfection in the 9×13 dish.
• Making Fruit Cobblers: Use it to bake delicious fruit cobblers with a variety of fruits.
• Baking Sheet Pan Dinners: Create an entire meal on one pan by roasting protein and vegetables together.
• Storing Leftovers: The 9×13 size is perfect for storing large portions of leftovers in the refrigerator.
• Serving Salads: Use it as a large serving dish for salads or other cold dishes.

Conclusion

The Pyrex 9×13 baking dish is more than just a piece of cookware; it’s an investment in your culinary journey. Its versatility, durability, and even heating make it an essential tool for any kitchen. Whether you’re baking a classic lasagna, a comforting casserole, or a batch of decadent brownies, the Pyrex 9×13 will help you achieve delicious results every time. So, head over to Amazon, find the perfect Pyrex 9×13 baking dish for your needs, and start exploring the endless possibilities it offers!