Ramekins

Ramekins are small baking dishes about 3 to 4 inches in diameter holding 4 to 6 ounces with the 4 ounce dish being the most common dessert serving size.   Ramekins are used for baking custards like creme brulee or individual souffles, gratins. The cups are typically porcelain or earthenware and should be ovenproof.  The typical 4 oz ramekin is about 3 1/2" wide by 1 1/2' deep.

Ramekins can be found in most kitchen or big box stores including Bed Bath and Beyond, Target or Amazon.com.

Substitute For Ramekins

If you don't have ramekins, you have several good options:

• You can select another heat-proof dish or cup the same size in ounces as your ramekin such as a custard cup
  OR - Small tea cups or mugs

For Creme Brulee or Individual Cobblers

• You can use a 6 ounce, square, round, or heart shape quiche/flan dish.  These dishes are more shallow and wide than a ramekin so if you're baking the dish in a water bath you'll need to adjust the size pan you use.  You may want to consider using a recipe that is cooked on the stove top rather than the oven.
• OR - You can place all the ingredients in one large dish such as a shallow casserole or other baking dish.  You'll need to adjust the baking time.

For Pots de Creme

• You can use pot de creme cups which are typically 3-4 ounces.
• OR - Espresso cups can work well.
• OR - Small Pyrex or ceramic custard cups will work