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Whether It's for a Potluck or Picnic, These Are the Best Casserole Carriers

Keep your best hot dish warm during the ride

Best casserole carriers collaged against pink striped background

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

Food brings people together, especially comforting casseroles, like shepherd's pie, jalapeño macaroni and cheese, and lasagna. You need something to transport the final product, though, and a casserole carrier is the right vessel for the job, whether you're headed to a holiday dinner, tailgate before the big game, or night of binge-watching Netflix with friends and lots of good food

Before you purchase your carrier, be sure to evaluate your needs. Are you the one who always brings multiple dishes? A dual compartment might be the right choice. Are you in charge of the pie? Go for a round model. Maybe you don’t own bakeware and opt for aluminum disposable pans? There is a carrier for that. Whatever your culinary leaning, there is a vehicle for you.

What We Like
  • Pouch for tongs and cutlery

  • Large capacity

  • Affordable

  • Multiple pattern choices


What We Don't Like
  • Zippers can sometimes be sticky

This versatile model is lined with food-grade, BPA-free aluminum foil, and insulated with 8-millimeter-thick thermal foam to ensure dishes maintain their temperature whether that be hot or cold. The dual compartments are expandable and can accommodate most 9 x 13-inch baking pans, and the liner is a snap to clean.

This model from Mier comes in a variety of patterns and colors to suit any taste, and the exterior is crafted of durable, water-resistant Oxford fabric. The exterior pocket is great for storing utensils, napkins, and serving ware for any occasion from picnics to potlucks. The handles are dual-padded for maximum comfort, and the whole carrier folds up for easy storage.

Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 7.5 inches | Material: Water-resistant, dirt-proof Oxford fabric | Insulated: Yes

What We Like
  • 8 millimeters of insulation

  • Exterior pocket

  • Padded handle

What We Don’t Like
  • Only holds one casserole

This affordable carrier is perfect for standard 9 x 13-inch baking dishes and casseroles, and can handle up to an 11 x 15-inch baking pan when you’re cooking for a crowd. Even better, it has 8-millimeter-thick foam insulation to keep your food at the desired temperature. The exterior is water resistant, so it won’t get soggy if a picnic gets rainy or if someone spills the lemonade.

For a little extra storage, there’s an exterior pocket that can hold serving utensils, napkins, and other small items. This is available in several colors and patterns to match your cooking style or décor. While this version only holds one tray of food, a double-decker option is available.

Dimensions: 15.7 x 11.4 x 4.7 inches | Material: Oxford cloth, EPE foam, aluminum cloth | Insulated: Yes

What We Like
  • Customizable

  • Easy to carry

  • Choice of shapes

What We Don't Like
  • Monogram is an additional cost

  • Pricey

If you’re looking for a stylish way to carry your mac and cheese or even a freshly baked pie to a potluck, you’ll love the Mark And Graham Plaid Insulated Food Carrier. An insulated carrier is essential to maintain the food’s temperature and can protect you from the heat.

Made from a durable blend of polyester and cotton, the carrier can quickly be wiped clean if accidental splashes and spills occur. The plaid pattern also easily hides stains. The antique brass hardware and reinforced handles are an additional decorative touch along with a faux leather handle wrap with matching zipper pulls.

Available in both round and rectangular shapes, the plaid design is great for the holidays and all year round. Best of all, it can be personalized with a choice of 20 different monograms in seven different colors. So, this also makes a great gift to give to your favorite chef. 

Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 14.78 inches | Material: Polyester and cotton blend | Insulated: Yes

What We Like
  • Extra pockets for tools and drinks

  • Framed window for ID storage

  • Reinforced bottom to keep food upright

  • Comfortable handles

What We Don't Like
  • Top compartment is small

If you need a carrier to hold both the sweet potato casserole and the wine, the Picnic Time Tote has you covered. Its two-tier design is reinforced with a sturdy, insulated bottom to maintain shape securely around your baking dish and keep everything hot, and the zippered top compartment easily holds a couple of bottles plus a wine key. 

There is more to love about this attractive tote. The double-stitched, reinforced handles are comfortable to carry, and design options include neutral black and fun plaid. The two elastic loops on the top compartment hold serving utensils, and the framed window slot for an ID card ensures your nifty new carrier makes it home.

Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 7 inches | Material: Aluminum and polyester | Insulated: Yes

What We Like
  • Service for four

  • Waterproof liner

  • Long straps

What We Don't Like
  • Light color could get dirty

If you’re going on a picnic, it’s essential to choose a casserole carrier that’s easy and comfortable to transport. The Kate Spade Jumbo Dot Insulated Picnic Cooler features long, thick nylon straps so you can easily put the carrier on your shoulder while searching for the perfect spot to sit at the park or while hiking. Whether you're eating warm foods like rice or cooler foods like pasta salads, you can take it all on the go in this cheerfully designed insulated cooler bag. 

The double zipper also makes this a very durable carrier. With a waterproof liner as well as a water-resistant bottom, there’s no need to worry about accidental leaks or messes on your clothes. 

Dimensions: 10.75 x 15.5 x 7.25 inches | Material: Polyester canvas | Insulated: Yes

What We Like
  • Expands to hold a second casserole

  • Padded handle

  • Exterior pocket

What We Don’t Like
  • A little expensive

Like your favorite Thanksgiving pants, this casserole carrier expands to hold more when needed, and shrinks down to a smaller size for easier carrying when you don’t have as many dishes. It can easily handle two of your favorite 9 x 13-inch casseroles, keeping them safe and ready for serving. It even has a zippered top pocket for carrying serving utensils, condiments, and more.

The seams are heat-welded, so the bag is leakproof for those times when a casserole is messy, and the exterior is abrasion-resistant, so it will keep looking good through many potlucks, picnics, and parties. This is available in a wide variety of colors, so it will be easy to spot your carrier when it’s time to pack up the leftovers and go home.

Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 5 inches collapsed; 16 x 10 x 7.3 inches expanded | Material: Polyester, insulating foam, and temperfoil lining | Insulated: Yes

What We Like
  • Attractive

  • Folds for easy storage

  • Two layers

  • Sturdy strap

What We Don't Like
  • On the smaller side

Pies make get-togethers better, and with this two-layer insulated carrier, bringing a couple is easy. The fun doesn't stop at apple crumb, key lime, and lemon meringue, though. This expandable, soft-sided carrier can fit a 12-inch salad bowl, bundt pan, casserole dish, and more. 

This sturdy, stylish carrier has a smaller upper compartment to transport sauces, napkins, plates, or even a thin pizza. The durable handles are gusseted for comfortable carrying, and the carrier collapses for easy storage. The handcrafted OddsnSands carrier is an attractive, well-insulated choice when lugging along peach pies or spinach quiches to your next shindig.

Dimensions: 2.5 x 5 x 2.5 inches | Material: Premium denier polyester | Insulated: Yes

Final Verdict

The Mier Insulated Double Casserole Carrier is our top choice because of its expandable dual compartments, thick thermal lining, and extra accessory pocket to accommodate serving utensils. If you are looking for an affordable, insulated option, go for LUNCIA Insulated Casserole Carrier.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the top-rated casserole carriers on the market, evaluating their key features, such as insulation performance and transportation convenience. We carefully compared the key components of an excellent casserole carrier, from the material of the lining to the temperature of food it was able to maintain. We also looked at reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assess which products were the best for personal needs in your kitchen.

What to Look for in Casserole Carriers

Size

The best rule of thumb when evaluating casserole carriers is to think about what you will be transporting. You need a carrier large enough to accommodate the dishes you regularly use. Compare your most-utilized pan dimensions to the carriers you are considering before purchase.

Quality

It does no good to buy an inexpensive carrier that frays or rips because you'll just end up buying another one. Look for features like double-stitching, reinforced seams, heavy-duty zippers, and exterior materials that will stay strong after repeated use. Another consideration in the quality sphere is ease of cleaning. A carrier with a lined interior may cost a bit more, but will make up that cost in stress-free cleanup.

Handles

When considering the design of a carrier, take a look at the handles. You may have heavy dishes you are toting and will want a handle that is not only reliable, but also comfortable to carry. Padded and gusseted handles are the best choice to ensure a comfortable grip that keeps dishes upright.

Insulated

“Keeping food within the recommended safe zone, cold food cold and hot food hot is critical in maintaining quality as well as safety," says Michael McHenry, founder of The McHenry Group. "Food can become inferior and dangerous if not kept at recommended temperatures.

"Any insulated and approved vessel that maintains core temperature for at least the minimum time for your travel [is essential]. If you can’t meet this, pivot to heating or achieving core temperature at your desired location."

Besides transportation, the primary reason for a casserole carrier is maintaining temperature—hot and/or cold. Thick thermal insulation is the best option, but any level of insulated lining will help macaroni and cheese arrive bubbly.

FAQs

Can you wash a casserole carrier?

This really depends on what type of carrier you bought. If it is an uninsulated material, like cotton or polyester, you can throw it in the washing machine without fear. If it is a plastic container, it is likely dishwasher safe. The best advice is always read the manufacturer’s care label. Most insulated containers are wiped clean and not submerged.

How hot is too hot for a casserole carrier?

Do not put pans directly out of the oven and into a carrier. The high heat will damage the lining. The best practice is to cover the pan with aluminum foil or a lid if it has one, wrap the entire hot pan in a kitchen towel, and set it in the carrier. Hot and cold packs can also help your dish maintain temperature during transport. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s label for clear instructions about heat resistance.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Carrie Honaker is a food writer who owns an embarrassingly obscene number of casserole pans and is always on the lookout for a reliable carrier to transport them to her next potluck. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she has baked thousands of casseroles for gatherings and knows the importance of having a carrier that keeps everything hot and is comfortable to carry. Her work has appeared in many publications including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast.

Amanda Lauren is a lifestyle writer, host, interior design expert, and co-creator of the online public relations course, Pitch Please. She's also the host of the Bougie Adjacent Podcast. She loves to bring food to a party, although she admits it’s far easier to just pick up a bottle of wine.

Additional reporting by
Donna Currie
Donna Currie
Donna Currie is a food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets. She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and is the author of Make Ahead Bread.
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  1. United States Department of Agriculture. Organic textiles.

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