Kamil Perry
Whether you're frying cheese, making a grilled cheese sandwich, or baking a cheesecake, the size of the pan you use can have a significant impact on the outcome of your dish. While a larger pan can be useful for batch cooking or accommodating a bigger portion, a smaller pan might be more suitable for a single serving or to achieve a thicker consistency. Additionally, the type of cheese and the desired level of browning or melting will also influence the size and type of pan you choose. Let's delve into the world of cheese and explore the ideal pans for crafting delectable cheesy delights.
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What You'll Learn
A 4-inch pan makes two cheesecakes
A 4-inch pan is perfect for making two mini cheesecakes. This is a great option if you want to avoid having a lot of leftovers from a larger cheesecake. The recipe for a 4-inch cheesecake is similar to a regular cheesecake, but it's designed for a smaller pan, yielding two individual servings.
The 4-inch cheesecake recipe typically involves a graham cracker crust, cream cheese, sugar, and other flavourings. The crust is baked first, and then the cheesecake filling is added and baked in a water bath. The baking time for two 4-inch cheesecakes is around 45 minutes, followed by a 30-minute cooling period with the oven door closed and then a 20-minute cooling period with the door cracked open.
If you only want to make one 4-inch cheesecake, you can simply halve the ingredient measurements, although halving an egg can be tricky. In this case, you can use one egg white, which should work fine.
It's worth noting that the baking time may vary depending on the recipe and the desired thickness of your cheesecake. Additionally, you can use alternative baking methods, such as baking the cheesecake in jars, ramekins, or muffin pans, if you don't have a 4-inch springform pan.
When freezing a 4-inch cheesecake, it's best to do so without any garnishes. Make sure the cheesecake has completely cooled, then remove it from the pan and freeze it on a baking tray or plate for about an hour. Once firm, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a month and garnished before serving.
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A 7-inch pan is one of the most common sizes
When using a 7-inch pan, you can follow the classic cheesecake recipe with minor adjustments. The baking time for a 7-inch cheesecake is typically around 10 minutes longer than that of a 6-inch cheesecake, but this can vary depending on the recipe and oven settings. It's important to keep an eye on the cheesecake to ensure it doesn't over or under-bake. The ideal consistency is for the outer part to be set while the inner portion remains slightly jiggly but not too liquidy.
The versatility of the 7-inch pan size also extends to other types of cheese dishes. For example, if you're making a cheese tart, a 7-inch pan can be a suitable option, depending on the desired thickness of the tart and the amount of filling used. Additionally, for dishes like cheese quiche or savory cheese pies, a 7-inch pan can be a good choice, especially if you're aiming for a thicker, taller result.
While a 7-inch pan is a standard and versatile option, it's worth noting that the specific size of the pan you choose will depend on the recipe, the desired thickness of your cheesecake or cheese dish, and your personal preferences. Some recipes may call for a different pan size, and it's always important to consider the volume and dimensions of the pan to ensure the best results. If you're using a non-standard size, you may need to adjust the cooking temperature or baking time accordingly.
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A 9-inch pan is a standard size
A 9-inch cheesecake can also be cut in half to make mini cheesecakes. This would result in 12 cupcake-sized treats. The baking time will be similar, but if the filling has a lot of extra ingredients, you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.
If you are using a 7-inch, 6-inch, or 4-inch pan, you will need to adjust the recipe accordingly. For example, a 4-inch cheesecake recipe can make two 4-inch cheesecakes, so you can cut the ingredient measurements in half to make a single cheesecake.
It is important to note that the baking time will vary depending on the size of the pan you use. A larger pan will result in a shorter baking time, while a smaller pan will require a longer baking time. Additionally, you will want to keep an eye on the cheesecake to ensure that it doesn't over or under-bake. The ideal doneness is when the outer part of the cheesecake is set, and the inner part is still slightly jiggly but not too liquidy.
While a 9-inch pan is a standard size, it is possible to make delicious cheesecakes in various pan sizes, from mini two-bite sizes to large sheet pans. Adjustments to the recipe and baking time may be necessary, but with the right calculations, you can achieve great results regardless of the pan size.
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A 10-inch pan will make a thinner cheesecake
The size of the pan you use for making a cheesecake can vary depending on your preferences. While a standard 9-inch pan is commonly used for cheesecakes, you can opt for different sizes. If you use a 10-inch pan, you can either follow the recipe as-is and end up with a thinner cheesecake or increase the ingredients by a third to maintain the desired thickness.
Adjusting the pan size for a cheesecake recipe requires some calculations to ensure the correct volume. For instance, an 8-inch pan is 80% of a 9-inch pan, so you would need to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly. Similarly, if you use a 10-inch pan, you may need to reduce the baking time slightly compared to a 9-inch pan. However, it is important to monitor the cheesecake closely to avoid over or under-baking it.
When using a 10-inch pan, the outer part of the cheesecake should be set, while the inner couple of inches should still be slightly jiggly but not too liquidy. This texture indicates that the cheesecake is ready and will continue to set as it cools. Adjusting the recipe for a 10-inch pan by increasing the ingredients by a third can help you achieve the desired thickness without compromising the baking time too much.
Additionally, if you are making mini cheesecakes or bite-sized portions, you can use cupcake pans or smaller springform pans. For example, a 4-inch springform pan is commonly sold in pairs, and you can adjust the recipe accordingly by halving the ingredient quantities. The baking time for these smaller cheesecakes may also differ, requiring less time in the oven.
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A 13-inch by 7-inch pan is harder to find
A 13-inch by 7-inch pan is a rather unusual size for a cheesecake pan, and you may struggle to find one at typical retailers. This size of pan is likely to be a springform pan used for making cheesecakes, with a 13-inch diameter and 7-inch depth. It is twice the standard height, which makes it harder to source.
If you are unable to find a 13-inch by 7-inch pan, there are a few alternatives you could try. Firstly, you could search for a pan with a similar total area. For example, a 13-inch by 9-inch pan would provide a similar baking area, only 26 square inches larger. A 9-inch by 9-inch pan would also be relatively close, with an area of 81 square inches.
Another option is to adjust the cooking temperature rather than reconfiguring the ingredients. You may be able to use a slightly smaller pan, such as a 12-inch by 7-inch, and simply adjust the temperature to ensure even cooking.
If you are set on finding a 13-inch by 7-inch pan, your best bet is to try a specialist restaurant or bakery supply store, either in-person or online. These stores are more likely to stock less common sizes and can help you find the exact pan you need.
It is important to note that when switching pan sizes, you need to consider two critical factors. Firstly, you want to ensure that the centre of the cheesecake cooks properly and evenly. Secondly, you need to consider whether the filling will be the desired thickness, as this will impact the cooking time and overall consistency of the cheesecake.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet pan. Set the burner to medium heat and place the pan on it.
A 13" x 7" pan is recommended for a cheesecake. If you can't find a pan with these dimensions, try finding a pan with the same surface area (91 square inches).
A 9x13 rectangular baking dish is commonly used for savoury dishes like mac and cheese.
