Cooking Instructions

• Our delicious frozen ready to cook casseroles can be cooked from a frozen state. Just add 15 to 25 minutes to cooking time or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

• If you have time to plan ahead and want to defrost your casserole, remove all wrappings to thaw in the refrigerator. Keep the plastic top on while in the refrigerator but remove for cooking.

• If you are in a hurry, you can thaw the casserole in the microwave for 5 to 10 minutes right in the little black pan. Remember to remove all wrappings and plastic top.

• Place in a 350 degree oven on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 40 to 50 minutes, or until casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Follow the instructions on each label. Remember that ovens do vary in temperature and cooking times will vary. Cook thoroughly!

• Let each casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

- Enjoy!

And if there are leftovers...you can reheat right in the little black pan in either the microwave or conventional oven.

FAQ and Comments

Question: Can I put the casserole in my own dish after thawing?

Answer: You can pop the frozen casserole out and let it thaw in your dish. No one will ever know.

Question: Can I defrost the casserole in the microwave?

Answer: You can defrost your selection in the microwave after removing all wrappings and plastic top. Defrost for about 5 minutes. Once you have gotten the casserole ready to cook, you can cook it in the oven following the conventional oven baking instructions.

Question: Can I cook the casserole without thawing?

Answer: You can bake the casserole from a frozen state but it will take longer to cook. Remove all wrappings and the plastic top. Just make sure that it is hot in the middle or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Question: How many servings in each casserole?

Answer: Each casserole will generously serve four. However, if you are also serving side items and smaller portions you could serve six.

Question: Can I really use this pan in the microwave?

Answer: Our little black and platinum pans are specifically designed for the microwave. We recommend it for reheating too.

Question: Can I heat the entire casserole in the microwave?

Answer: For best results, we recommend that you heat the casserole the first time in your conventional oven and then reheat any leftovers in the microwave.

Question: Do you list the ingredients on each casserole?

Answer: Each casserole has a list of ingredients on the label as well as nutritional data and an allergens statement.

Question: Do you use MSG in your ingredients?

Answer: Please check the labels to make sure that you are choosing one of our selections that does not contain MSG if you need to avoid it due to a food allergy.

Question: My children are very picky eaters. Which selections do you recommend?

Answer: Many of our customers have advised us that our casseroles have won over the pickiest eaters! For children we recommend you start with.

Question: Are you a green company?

Answer: The Dirt Road Gourmet has always used totally recyclable pans for our entrees and desserts. Not only can you reheat leftovers in our pan but we have customers who use the pan for picnics, dog bowls on the boat and in the car or to use the pan to take food to a friend. We recycle all of our cardboard. If you look at the picture of our plant, you will see a small stone house. This house has been “recycled” and the interior has been redesigned and refurbished to serve as our manufacturing facility.