A ramekin is a small oven-safe dish that’s perfect for both sweet and savory recipes. Whether you’re baking individual desserts making a quick breakfast or preparing mini casseroles ramekins offer versatility and convenience in the kitchen.
In this guide we’ll explore some of the best things to make in a ramekin from classic soufflés to easy microwave meals.
Why Use a Ramekin?
Before diving into recipes let’s look at why ramekins are so useful:
✔ Perfect for individual servings – Ideal for portion control and elegant presentation.
✔ Great for baking and broiling – Made from heat-resistant materials like ceramic or porcelain.
✔ Versatile – Can be used for baking chilling or serving dips and sauces.
✔ Easy to clean – Most ramekins are dishwasher-safe.
Now let’s explore some amazing dishes you can make in a ramekin!
Sweet Treats to Make in a Ramekin
1. Classic Chocolate Lava Cake
A chocolate lava cake is one of the best desserts to bake in a ramekin. The outside is moist and cakey while the inside is a rich gooey chocolate center.
How to Make It:
- Mix melted butter chocolate eggs sugar and flour.
- Pour into greased ramekins and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or powdered sugar.
2. Crème Brûlée
This classic French dessert features a silky custard topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
How to Make It:
- Whisk egg yolks sugar heavy cream and vanilla.
- Pour into ramekins and bake in a water bath at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes.
- Let cool then sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a torch.
3. Mini Cheesecake
Making cheesecake in a ramekin is perfect when you want just one or two servings.
How to Make It:
- Mix cream cheese sugar egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour over a crushed graham cracker crust in a ramekin.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 minutes.
- Chill and top with fruit or caramel sauce.
4. Mug Brownie
A quick microwave brownie in a ramekin is the ultimate single-serve dessert.
How to Make It:
- Mix cocoa powder flour sugar butter and milk.
- Microwave for 60-90 seconds.
- Enjoy warm with ice cream.
Savory Dishes to Make in a Ramekin
5. Baked Eggs (Shirred Eggs)
Baking eggs in a ramekin creates a creamy flavorful breakfast dish.
How to Make It:
- Crack an egg into a buttered ramekin.
- Add cheese cream or herbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
6. Mini Mac and Cheese
A ramekin is the perfect size for individual servings of baked mac and cheese.
How to Make It:
- Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce.
- Spoon into ramekins top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
7. French Onion Soup
A ramekin is great for French onion soup especially when topped with melted cheese.
How to Make It:
- Fill ramekins with caramelized onions and broth.
- Top with toasted bread and shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Mini Pot Pie
Instead of making a full-size chicken pot pie bake a single serving in a ramekin!
How to Make It:
- Fill ramekins with chicken vegetables and creamy sauce.
- Cover with puff pastry and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Healthy Ramekin Recipes
9. Oatmeal Bake
A ramekin is great for making individual baked oatmeal cups.
How to Make It:
- Mix oats mashed banana milk cinnamon and honey.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
10. Chia Pudding
For a healthy no-bake option make chia pudding in a ramekin.
How to Make It:
- Mix chia seeds milk and sweetener.
- Let sit in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with fruit or nuts before serving.
Ramekin Cooking Tips
✔ Grease ramekins before baking – Prevents sticking and makes cleaning easier.
✔ Don’t overfill – Fill only ¾ of the way to prevent overflow.
✔ Use a water bath for delicate dishes – Helps custards like crème brûlée cook evenly.
✔ Let hot ramekins cool before handling – They retain heat for a long time!
Ramekins are incredibly versatile and perfect for making sweet and savory dishes in small portions. Whether you’re craving lava cake baked eggs or mini mac and cheese these little dishes can handle it all.
Try one of these easy ramekin recipes and enjoy a delicious single-serving meal or dessert!
