I mentioned in a recent post that my soon-to-be 18-year-old son learned how to make crème brûlée. As promised, the recipe he followed is here along with ten more recipes you can make using ramekins.
These ramekin recipe ideas offer a variety of options for both savory and sweet dishes perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.
Photo credit: Adelina Rosa @CheapMealsandReels
What is a Ramekin?
A ramekin is a small, individual-sized dish often used for baking or serving single portions of food. Ramekins are typically made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, or sometimes metal. They come in various shapes and sizes, with round and square being the most common shapes.
Ramekins are versatile and can be used for both sweet and savory dishes. They are commonly used for baking individual desserts like crème brûlée, soufflés, lava cakes, fruit crisps, and custards. They are also used for savory dishes such as individual pot pies, baked eggs, mini quiches, and macaroni and cheese.
Photo credit: Adelina Rosa @CheapMealsandReels
In addition to baking, ramekins are also used for serving dips, sauces, condiments, and individual portions of side dishes or appetizers.
Overall, ramekins are handy kitchen tools that allow for portion control and create an elegant presentation for individual servings of food.
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Ramekins: Available in Different Shapes and Sizes
Did you know ramekins actually come in different shapes and sizes?
- Round Ramekins: These are the most common and versatile shape. They typically have straight or slightly flared sides and are available in various diameters and depths.
- Square Ramekins: These ramekins have a square shape instead of round. They offer a modern and unique presentation for individual servings.
- Oval Ramekins: Similar to round ramekins but with an oval shape. They are often used for serving individual portions of baked dishes like crème brûlée or soufflés.
- Heart-Shaped Ramekins: These ramekins have a romantic heart shape, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day or other special occasions.
- Rectangular Ramekins: These ramekins have a rectangular shape, offering a different presentation for individual servings compared to square or round ramekins. They are commonly used for serving individual portions of appetizers or desserts.
- Fluted Ramekins: These ramekins have decorative fluted or scalloped edges, adding an elegant touch to your presentation. They are commonly used for serving desserts like crème brûlée or custards.
- Soufflé Ramekins: These ramekins have straight sides and are taller than traditional ramekins. They are specifically designed for making soufflés, but they can also be used for other baked dishes.
These are just a few examples of the shapes of ramekins available. Ramekins also come in various materials such as ceramic, porcelain, glass, and even silicone. The choice of shape and material depends on personal preference and the intended use of the ramekins.
Ramekin Recipe Ideas: Oven and Microwave
Here are five recipes in ramekins to bake in the oven and five to cook in the microwave. Enjoy experimenting with these mini-sized treats!
Recipes in Ramekins for the Oven
Individual Pot Pies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill ramekins with cooked chicken or vegetables (1 cup).
- Top with puff pastry or mashed potatoes. (enough to cover)
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Mini Quiches
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Eggs (4)
- Milk (1/2 cup)
- Grated cheese (1 cup)
- Fillings (e.g., spinach, bacon, mushrooms) (1 cup total)
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, and desired fillings.
- Pour mixture into ramekins.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set and lightly golden on top.
Baked Eggs
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Crack two eggs into ramekins.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add desired toppings (e.g., cheese, spinach, ham) (1/4 cup total)
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until whites are set but yolks are still runny.
Individual Fruit Crisps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sliced fruit (e.g., apples, berries) (2 cups)
- Rolled oats (1/2 cup)
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup)
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, cold and cubed)
- Layer sliced fruit with oat mixture in ramekins.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
Chocolate Lava Cakes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
- Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons)
- Eggs (2)
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted)
- Mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and butter.
- Pour batter into ramekins.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still gooey.
Recipes in Ramekins for the Microwave
Adjust cooking times as needed based on your microwave’s wattage and the specific recipe.
Microwave Mug Brownies
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
- Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons)
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
- Water (2 tablespoons)
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until set.
- Cooking time may vary depending on microwave wattage.
Microwave Cheesecakes
- Cream cheese (4 ounces)
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
- Egg (1)
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Microwave on medium-high for 3-5 minutes, or until set.
- Cooking time may vary depending on microwave wattage.
Ramekin Macaroni and Cheese
- Macaroni (1 cup, cooked)
- Butter (1 tablespoon)
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon)
- Milk (1/2 cup)
- Shredded cheese (1/2 cup)
- Breadcrumbs (1 tablespoon)
- Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Cooking time may vary depending on microwave wattage.
Microwave Bread Pudding
- Bread cubes (1 cup)
- Eggs (2)
- Milk (1 cup)
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
- Microwave on medium-high for 2-3 minutes, or until set.
- Cooking time may vary depending on microwave wattage.
Microwave Egg Muffins
- Eggs (2)
- Milk (2 tablespoons)
- Shredded cheese (2 tablespoons)
- Fillings (e.g., diced vegetables, cooked bacon) (1/4 cup total)
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until set.
- Cooking time may vary depending on microwave wattage.
BONUS: Simple Recipe for Crème Brûlée + Video Alternative
Crème Brûlée is a classic dessert typically made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar, baked until set, and then topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
Photo credit: Adelina Rosa @CheapMealsandReels
Some recipes include vanilla bean for added flavor. The recipe and instructions in this video uses vanilla extract and is the one my son decided to follow. It was delicious!
Have you tried any of these recipes?
Comment below which one(s) or if you have a favorite recipe you are willing to share.
