Whether or not to butter a lasagna dish before baking is a common question for many home cooks. On one hand, buttering the dish seems like an unnecessary extra step. On the other hand, many experienced cooks swear by buttering lasagna pans to help prevent sticking and create an extra layer of richness. So what’s the verdict – to butter or not to butter? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.
The Purpose of Butter in Lasagna Pans
The main reason to butter a lasagna pan before baking is to prevent the lasagna from sticking to the pan, especially on the bottom. Lasagna contains cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella that can get very sticky and tacky when melted and baked. Smearing a thin layer of butter on the bottom and sides of the pan creates a barrier between the cheese and the surface of the pan. When cooked, the butter creates a non-stick surface that allows the lasagna to release more easily after baking without leaving behind a crusty stuck-on mess.
Butter also adds extra richness and flavor to the lasagna as it bakes. As the butter melts, it slowly distributes throughout the lasagna layers adding a subtle buttery taste. The milk proteins and butterfat add silkiness and moisture as well.
So in summary, the two primary benefits of buttering a lasagna pan are:
1. Preventing Sticking and Easier Removal
2. Adding Richness of Flavor
Why Butter Works Better Than Oil
You may be wondering why you can’t just use oil instead of butter to grease a lasagna pan. After all, oils are also excellent at preventing food from sticking to pans. While oils like canola or olive oil can certainly work, butter has a few advantages that make it a better choice for lasagna specifically:
Butter has a higher smoke point – The smoke point refers to the temperature at which a fat starts burning or degrading. Butter has a smoke point of about 350°F which is higher than most oils. Lasagna needs to bake for 45-60 minutes at temperatures averaging 350°F. Oils with lower smoke points like olive (325°F) and canola (400°F) can start to burn or generate off-flavors at lasagna baking temperatures.
Butter has more fat – Butter contains at least 80% fat compared to 100% fat in oils. This higher fat content allows butter to coat the pan more evenly and thoroughly than oil. It helps create an impervious non-stick barrier.
Butter has milk solids – Butter is an emulsion with tiny droplets of water and milk proteins dispersed throughout the fat. These milk solids also help coat the pan and add extra browning.
Butter adds flavor – Butter has its own sweet, creamy flavor whereas oils are relatively neutral tasting. Butter’s flavor contributions lead to a tastier lasagna overall.
So in summary, butter’s higher smoke point, increased fat content, milk solids, and rich flavor make it more suited for lasagna than almost any oil.
When Should You Avoid Butter in Lasagna?
While buttering lasagna pans has some benefits, there are a few instances where you may want to avoid it:
- If baking lasagna with a delicate pasta – Fresh pasta sheets or wraps can be quite thin and delicate. The excess butter might cause them to become too soft or fall apart.
- For lactose intolerant diets – The small amount of milk proteins in the butter can trigger reactions for some with dairy/lactose intolerance.
- If watching calories – Butter adds extra fat and calories. Consider a non-stick pan instead if counting calories.
- For vegan lasagna – Opt for oil or a vegan butter substitute if cooking vegan.
So if using a more fragile pasta, avoiding dairy, limiting calories, or cooking vegan, you may want to prepare your pan without the addition of butter.
What Kind of Pan Should You Use?
When making lasagna, you can use a variety of baking pans. The most common options include:
Metal Baking Pans – Standard rectangular metal baking pans are the traditional choice. Benefits include even heating, a nice browning on top, and easy removal of lasagna. Darker metal pans may result in excessive browning on edges.
Glass Baking Dishes – Glass baking dishes like Pyrex are completely non-stick and don’t require buttering. They allow you to see the lasagna layers but may not promote even browning.
Ceramic Dishes – Ceramic lasagna pans create attractive presentations but require extra care when buttering as some are not fully non-stick.
Non-Stick Pans – Coated non-stick pans prevent sticking without needing extra butter. However, scratches in the coating may still lead to sticking.
No matter what type of pan you use, applying butter offers insurance against sticking. Dark metal pans and scratched non-stick pans benefit the most from buttering prior to baking lasagna.
How to Butter a Lasagna Pan
Buttering a lasagna pan before baking only takes a minute. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Use about 1-2 tbsp soft butter per 9×13 inch pan. Use a little more for larger pans.
- Rub the butter around to coat the entire bottom surface. Try to avoid missing spots.
- Use a brush or paper towel to spread and smear butter up along the sides as well.
- Make sure to get butter into the corners fully to prevent sticking there later.
- Let the butter cool and solidify before adding lasagna noodles and fillings.
The butter will melt during baking and do its job of preventing sticking. Wipe out any excess butter from the edges before serving.
How Much Butter Should You Use?
When buttering standard 9×13 inch glass or metal lasagna pans, 1-2 tablespoons of butter is plenty. Here are some guidelines for larger pans:
| Pan Size | Butter Needed |
|---|---|
| 9×13 inch | 1-2 tbsp |
| 9×15 inch | 2-3 tbsp |
| 11×15 inch | 3-4 tbsp |
Remember that you only need a very thin coating, not large globs of butter. Too much butter can lead to excess browning and burning on the exposed edges. Stick with a sparing amount spread evenly.
Should I Butter Disposable Aluminum Pans?
Disposable aluminum lasagna pans have a non-stick coating similar to other baking sheets and trays. However, many cooks still recommend rubbing the bottom and sides with butter before use.
Even though the pan is technically non-stick, lasagna fillings can still weld on during baking without the insurance of butter. The butter fills in any micro scratches and imperfections in the coating.
So while aluminum pans are convenient, go ahead and take the extra minute to coat them with 1-2 tbsp butter. It helps guarantee clean removal after baking.
What About Other Fats Like Oil or Lard?
While butter is the most common and effective choice, you can use other fats like oil or lard to grease a lasagna pan. Here are a few options:
Olive Oil – Adds flavor but has a lower smoke point. Use refined olive oil if cooking over 350°F.
Canola Oil – Neutral flavor and higher smoke point. Budget friendly option.
Coconut Oil – Provides richness but also solid at room temp for easy coating.
Lard – Excellent release, adds flaky texture, not the healthiest choice however.
Shortening – Another solid fat for an even coating.
Whichever fat you use, stick with a small amount to prevent excess greasiness in the final dish. Butter remains the tastiest all-purpose choice.
Should I Butter All My Casserole and Baking Dishes?
While buttering pans is particularly useful for baked dishes high in cheese like lasagna, it can benefit other baking recipes as well. Casseroles and dishes with eggs, meats, and sauces may also stick without some added fat.
Consider buttering pans for:
- Egg bakes like crustless quiche
- Breakfast casseroles with sausage, bacon, or hash browns
- Macaroni and cheese
- Chicken pot pie
- Enchiladas
- Meatloaf
The key is that these contain ingredients prone to sticking. For simpler dishes, a non-stick pan may suffice without buttering. But when in doubt, take the quick step of greasing the pan for easier removal.
Should I Avoid Non-Stick Pans?
Quality non-stick pans are ideal for cooking lasagna as they prevent sticking without needing extra butter or oil. However, here are some tips on selecting the right non-stick bakeware:
- Make sure it’s oven safe to at least 375°F
- Avoid scratched or worn surfaces that expose the metal
- Select darker non-stick for more even browning
- Ceramic non-stick pans retain heat especially well
Avoid any plastic handles or parts that aren’t oven safe. Test new non-stick pans with a simple recipe before baking lasagna. While non-stick pans eliminate the need for butter, it doesn’t hurt adding a small amount for extra insurance.
Other Tips for Preventing Sticking
While buttering pans is effective, there are some other tricks to further prevent lasagna from sticking:
- Start with room temperature ingredients so cheese doesn’t seize up
- Make sure noodles are soaked and pliable before layering
- Avoid overfilling pans which can trap steam and moisture
- Let lasagna rest 10-15 minutes before cutting to set up
- Run a knife carefully around edges to release before serving
Combining these tips with a properly buttered pan results in the best, non-stick lasagna possible.
What About Baking Sprays?
Baking sprays like PAM are another option instead of buttering pans. Baking sprays contain a blend of oil and flour to help prevent sticking.
Benefits of baking sprays:
- Provide light, even coating with no mess
- Contain flour for extra browning and binding
- Prevent baked on residue and sticking
- Easy to apply on all pan surfaces
However, butter still edges out baking sprays when it comes to flavor. Opt for butter if you want the added richness. Use baking sprays for convenience or if you’re out of butter. Apply a light coat just like you would do with butter.
Should I Grease All Sides of the Pan?
It’s important when buttering a lasagna pan to fully coat the bottom but also partially up along the sides. Lasagna filling and cheese tends to melt and drip down the sides during baking. This can cement it onto the exposed parts of the pan.
Buttering just the bottom leaves the sides vulnerable to sticking. Use a brush or paper towel to smear butter 2-3 inches up the interior sides after coating the bottom. This prevents sticking on the exposed pan walls as well.
Final Thoughts
Buttering lasagna pans before baking is a simple trick most home cooks can benefit from. The small amount of effort pays off in easier removal and richer flavor. Just be sure not to overdo it with too much butter. For best results, remember:
- Use 1-2 tbsp butter per standard size pan
- Spread onto all bottom interior surfaces
- Brush butter 2-3 inches up the sides
- Avoid non-stick if heavily scratched or damaged
- Let the butter solidify before adding noodles and filling
- Combine with other tips for easy, non-stick lasagna
While you can certainly bake lasagna without buttering the pan, doing so helps guarantee the best possible outcome. The only instances where you may want to skip buttering is for fragile fresh pasta, vegan diets, or calorie restriction. Otherwise, take a minute to coat your pan and enjoy lasagna that practically slides out of the dish.
Conclusion
Buttering lasagna pans before baking offers multiple benefits like easier removal and added richness. While not absolutely necessary, it’s a simple trick that can help prevent sticking, allow for quicker cleanup, and enhance the flavor of cheese-laden lasagnas. Consider the type of pan being used and your particular diet when deciding whether to coat with 1-2 tablespoons of butter or look for other non-stick alternatives. With a properly prepared pan, you can enjoy perfect lasagna slices that slide right out onto your plate.