Most people think ramekins are only for soufflĂ©s and delicate French desserts. But, as a wannabe pastry chef, let me tell you, these little cups are so much more versatile than you think. They're a must-have if you're an organized cook that likes to try the whole mise en place concept. Ramekins are also great for serving small appetizers like cheese cubes or olives. If you're having a brunch, use these to add some honey, nuts, or your favorite jams in ramekins instead of having all those jars on the table. Here, we've rounded up the best ramekins out there for whichever way you want to serve. Sweese Porcelain Soufflé Ramekins Once a Classic Always a ClassicThese classic porcelain souffle dishes are a must-have in anyone's kitchen. Whether you use them for desserts or something else, these are a staple. Best OverallFind on Amazon With their colorful exterior, these porcelain ramekins are perfect for desserts. With a 4-ounce capacity, they’re the ideal single-serving size for quiche, lava cakes, ice cream, and more. They’re made with professional-grade porcelain, which makes them lead-free and non-toxic. Plus, they’re microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe, so these ramekins are as versatile as they can get. Available in different colors, you can easily decorate your dessert table with these ramekins. Best of all, they have a stackable design that makes it easy to store away. Pros: Made from non-toxic porcelain material that’s microwave, oven, and freezer safe. Dishwasher safe. Feature a unique stackable design for easy storing. Cons: It can only withstand temperatures of 400 degrees. HIC Fine White Porcelain Ramekins Mise en Place MasterIf you're a meal prep fanatic, these ramekins are about to change your mise en place game forever. Best for PrepFind on Amazon These ramekins are not only a fantastic value, but they’re also among the most versatile options out there. The ridged sides and fluted rim are a staple in most professional kitchens for a reason: it works. They come in a set of six, so you can use them for all kinds of occasions. They’re excellent for serving dishes of olives, nuts, or cheeses. Or, you can use them to organize all your ingredients before you start meal prepping. The classic white color is as timeless and stylish as it gets. And their smooth glazed surface makes them super easy to clean. Pros: Made from high-quality white porcelain that’s oven, microwave, and freezer safe. Dishwasher friendly. An amazing value for a set of six. Cons: Not stackable design. Meal preppers may want a larger-capacity option depending on the meal BIA Cordon Blue Soufflé Ramekin For the Pastry ChefIf you're the one everyone calls for desserts, then you have to get this oversize ramekin for your soufflĂ© creations. Best for Large DishesFind on Amazon If you truly consider yourself an expert pastry chef, you need to get this dish from BIA Cordon Bleu. Made of white porcelain, it has a 1.5-quart capacity to help you bake the most wonderful and beautiful soufflé ever. A classic staple in any pastry chef’s kitchen, this one is microwave safe, oven safe, and dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about doing heavy cleaning after using it. It’s the perfect size for combining ingredients and maybe doubling as a salad bowl on occasions. Honestly, this dish can do anything you want. Pros: Made from high-quality white porcelain that’s oven and microwave safe. Dishwasher friendly. Perfect size for baking traditional soufflés. Cons: Surprisingly heavy in weight. Le Creuset Stackable Ramekin Stack em' UpIf you're a ramekins hoarder (like me), these stackable ones will give you some precious cabinet space back.Best StackableFind on Amazon While these ramekins from Le Creuset are quite expensive, they’re frankly drop-dead-gorgeous. Made from high-fired stoneware, these are designed to give you an even cook from walls to bottom. Forget about uneven cakes or baked eggs. Thanks to these ramekins, your kitchen game is about to level up. Their finish is completely nonporous and resists any staining, chipping, odors, and cracking — which is excellent considering their price. What’s even better is that they have a classic stackable design for neat and easy storage that will help you prevent any damage. If you’re serious about soufflés, eggs, and other delicate dishes, these are definitely worth the investment. Pros: Made from high-fired stoneware that’s oven safe up to 500 degrees. Dishwasher safe. Feature a unique stackable design that prevents chipping. Cons: Not microwave- or freezer-friendly. Expensive compared to most ramekins in the market. Sold individually. Brew to a Tea Square Ramekins The New RamekinsThese ramekins are not just for dessert. Wait until you see all the things you can do with these. Best ModernFind on Amazon If you’re all about modernizing your kitchen, then you need to have these BTaT square ramekins. Dessert cups, ramekins, creme brulee dishes, or whatever you want to call them, these are by far the most versatile soufflé dishes out there. This set of eight ramekins are ideal for all your creating, serving dips, side dishes, dressings, sauces, and so much more. Made from durable white porcelain, they’re the modern version of the classic ramekins. Use them alone or pair them together to create an original array of nuts, cheeses, olives, jams, and more. Pros: Made from high-quality porcelain that’s oven, microwave, and freezer safe. Dishwasher safe. The unique square design is stackable for neat and easy storing. Cons: No measuring mark is embedded in the design. Frequently Asked Questions What are ramekins used for? Initially, ramekins were used for baking individually-sized dishes. Their shape made them ideal for baking small souffles because their straight sides make it easy for egg-white mixes like souffle to rise the sides of the dishes and gain height. However, today, ramekins are used for portion control, serving dips and sauces, and serving appetizers like nuts and olives. How many ramekins should I get? If you’re planning to try a traditional souffle, you at least need one large ramekin dish. However, for individual portions, you should aim to stock up on either a 6-ounce or 8-ounce ramekin set that comes with at least four dishes. But, keep in mind, most recipes are aimed at six to eight servings, which means you’ll need at least eight ramekins. Are custard cups the same as ramekins? No. Custard cups have flared sides. However, classic ramekins will have straight sides. The straight sides are what allow the souffle to rise properly. This is the most distinctive feature of ramekins, and that’s the one thing you should look for when buying ramekins to make sure your souffle rises properly.