Unlocking Culinary Magic: Pyrex Baking Dish Walmart Review & Delicious Recipes
## Introduction: The Unsung Hero of Your Kitchen – The Pyrex Baking Dish
Every kitchen needs a workhorse, a reliable companion that can withstand the heat (literally!) and deliver consistently delicious results. Enter the Pyrex baking dish, a staple in countless homes. While you can find Pyrex bakeware in various stores, Walmart often offers competitive prices and accessibility. But is the Pyrex baking dish from Walmart really worth the hype? And what can you *actually* cook in it? This article dives deep into a review of Pyrex baking dishes available at Walmart, followed by a treasure trove of delectable recipes you can create using this versatile kitchen essential.
## Pyrex Baking Dish Walmart Review: A Deep Dive
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s assess the quality and value of Pyrex baking dishes you might find at Walmart. Keep in mind that prices and availability can vary, so always check the Walmart website or your local store for the most up-to-date information.
### Key Features to Consider
* **Material:** Pyrex bakeware is typically made from borosilicate glass or tempered soda-lime glass. Borosilicate glass is known for its exceptional resistance to thermal shock, meaning it can withstand sudden temperature changes without shattering. Tempered soda-lime glass is also durable but might be more susceptible to thermal shock than borosilicate glass. Check the product description to confirm the type of glass.
* **Sizes and Shapes:** Pyrex offers a wide range of sizes and shapes, from standard 9×13 inch rectangular dishes to square dishes, round dishes, loaf pans, and even pie plates. Consider your cooking needs and the types of recipes you frequently make when choosing a size and shape. Walmart typically stocks the most popular sizes.
* **Durability:** Pyrex is generally considered durable and long-lasting, but proper care is essential. Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g., taking a hot dish directly from the oven and placing it on a cold surface). Hand washing is recommended to prolong the lifespan of your Pyrex bakeware, although many Pyrex dishes are dishwasher safe.
* **Heat Resistance:** Pyrex baking dishes are oven-safe up to a certain temperature, usually around 450°F (232°C). Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific temperature limit of your dish.
* **Versatility:** One of the greatest advantages of Pyrex bakeware is its versatility. You can use it for baking, roasting, reheating, and even serving. It’s also microwave and freezer safe, adding to its convenience.
* **Price:** Walmart often offers competitive prices on Pyrex bakeware, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious cooks. Keep an eye out for sales and clearance items to score even better deals.
### Pros and Cons of Pyrex Baking Dishes (Walmart Edition)
**Pros:**
* **Affordable:** Pyrex at Walmart is typically cheaper than at specialty kitchen stores.
* **Durable:** Properly cared for, Pyrex bakeware can last for years.
* **Versatile:** Suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.
* **Easy to Clean:** Glass is generally easy to clean, and Pyrex is no exception.
* **See-Through:** The clear glass allows you to monitor the progress of your baking.
* **Readily Available:** Walmart’s widespread presence makes Pyrex easily accessible.
**Cons:**
* **Potential for Thermal Shock:** While durable, Pyrex can shatter if subjected to sudden temperature changes. This is more of a concern with soda-lime glass versions.
* **Can Be Heavy:** Glass bakeware can be heavier than some other materials.
* **Limited Design Options:** Pyrex bakeware typically comes in basic, functional designs.
* **Possible Manufacturing Defects:** As with any product, there’s a small chance of receiving a defective item. Inspect your Pyrex dish carefully before using it.
### Pyrex Baking Dish Sets at Walmart
Walmart often carries Pyrex baking dish sets, which can be a great value if you need multiple sizes and shapes. Look for sets that include a variety of rectangular and square dishes, as well as a loaf pan or pie plate. Consider the number of people you typically cook for and the types of dishes you make when choosing a set.
### Tips for Buying Pyrex at Walmart
* **Read Reviews:** Before purchasing, read online reviews from other customers to get an idea of their experiences with the product.
* **Check for Damage:** Inspect the Pyrex dish carefully for any chips, cracks, or other damage before buying it.
* **Compare Prices:** Compare prices at Walmart with those at other retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
* **Consider a Set:** If you need multiple baking dishes, a set can be a more cost-effective option.
* **Understand the Glass Type:** Check if it’s borosilicate or tempered soda-lime glass.
## Recipe Inspiration: Unleashing the Power of Your Pyrex Baking Dish
Now for the fun part! Here are several delicious recipes you can easily make using your Pyrex baking dish:
### 1. Classic Lasagna
Lasagna is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal. A 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 15 lasagna noodles
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef or sausage 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, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish.
8. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping as needed.
9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
10. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
11. Pour half of the remaining sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
12. Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and sauce.
13. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
16. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
### 2. Cheesy Baked Pasta
This simple and satisfying baked pasta is a weeknight winner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish.
8. Top with mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
### 3. Chicken Pot Pie
A comforting and hearty classic, chicken pot pie is perfect for chilly evenings. Your Pyrex baking dish will ensure even baking and a beautiful presentation.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup frozen peas
* 1/2 cup frozen corn
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, peas, corn, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9 inch Pyrex baking dish or pie plate.
6. Top with one pie crust. Cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
8. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
### 4. Shepherd’s Pie
Another comforting classic, Shepherd’s Pie features a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. A Pyrex baking dish allows for even heating and browning.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound ground beef or lamb
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Brown ground beef or lamb over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add onion and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Pour the meat mixture into a 9 inch Pyrex baking dish.
8. Top with mashed potatoes. Drizzle with melted butter.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned.
10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
### 5. Macaroni and Cheese
A quintessential comfort food, macaroni and cheese is always a hit. Baking it in a Pyrex dish creates a creamy, bubbly, and irresistible dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
9. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
11. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
### 6. Fruit Cobbler
A simple and delicious dessert, fruit cobbler is a great way to use seasonal fruits. A Pyrex dish makes it easy to bake and serve this comforting treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups sliced fruit (peaches, berries, apples, etc.)
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced fruit, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and cinnamon.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9 inch Pyrex baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
5. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the batter over the fruit.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
8. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
### 7. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables in a Pyrex dish is a simple and healthy way to bring out their natural sweetness. Experiment with different vegetable combinations and seasonings.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups chopped vegetables (broccoli, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, etc.)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried herbs (Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, etc.)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss vegetables with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer in a 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
5. Serve immediately.
### 8. Brownies
Who can resist a pan of fudgy brownies? A Pyrex baking dish ensures even baking and moist, delicious results.
**Ingredients:** (Use your favorite brownie recipe – there are endless variations!)
* Follow your favorite brownie recipe ingredients.
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven according to your brownie recipe.
2. Grease and flour a square or rectangular Pyrex baking dish (usually 8×8 or 9×13 depending on the recipe).
3. Prepare the brownie batter according to the recipe instructions.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake according to the recipe instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
### 9. Casseroles (Tuna Noodle, Green Bean, etc.)
Casseroles are perfect one-dish meals, and a Pyrex dish is the ideal vessel for baking them. Choose your favorite casserole recipe and enjoy!
**Ingredients:** (Use your favorite casserole recipe)
* Follow your favorite casserole recipe ingredients.
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven according to your casserole recipe.
2. Prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions.
3. Pour the casserole mixture into a Pyrex baking dish.
4. Bake according to the recipe instructions, or until heated through and bubbly.
5. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
### 10. Breakfast Casseroles (Egg Bake, Strata)
Start your day off right with a delicious and easy breakfast casserole. Pyrex dishes are perfect for baking and serving these hearty dishes.
**Ingredients:** (Use your favorite breakfast casserole recipe)
* Follow your favorite breakfast casserole recipe ingredients.
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven according to your breakfast casserole recipe.
2. Prepare the breakfast casserole according to the recipe instructions.
3. Pour the casserole mixture into a Pyrex baking dish.
4. Bake according to the recipe instructions, or until set and lightly browned.
5. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
## Care and Maintenance for Your Pyrex Baking Dish
To ensure your Pyrex baking dish lasts for years to come, follow these care and maintenance tips:
* **Avoid Thermal Shock:** Allow the dish to cool completely before washing or placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Never take a hot dish directly from the oven and place it on a cold surface.
* **Hand Washing is Recommended:** While many Pyrex dishes are dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to prolong their lifespan.
* **Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners:** Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can scratch the glass.
* **Store Properly:** Store your Pyrex baking dishes in a safe place where they won’t be knocked or bumped.
* **Inspect Regularly:** Check your Pyrex dish regularly for any chips, cracks, or other damage. Discard any damaged dishes to prevent accidents.
## Conclusion: The Pyrex Baking Dish – A Kitchen Essential
The Pyrex baking dish, especially those readily available at Walmart, remains a valuable and versatile kitchen tool. Its affordability, durability, and wide range of uses make it a worthwhile investment for any home cook. By understanding its features, limitations, and proper care techniques, you can unlock its full potential and enjoy delicious meals for years to come. So, grab your Pyrex dish, choose a recipe from above (or one of your own!), and get baking! You’ll be amazed at the culinary magic you can create.