The All Aboard Review: A Casserole and Dessert Baking Workhorse

When you need a dish that can go from a bubbling casserole to a golden fruit crisp, the All Aboard from Great Jones promises to be that versatile performer. We spent several weeks using it for weeknight dinners, weekend desserts, and even a roast chicken. Here’s our honest take on how it handles real baking tasks.

The All Aboard is a generously sized ceramic baking dish with tall sides and a fitted lid, making it look like a modern take on the classic roaster. But does it live up to the hype for both savory and sweet cooking? We put it through a range of recipes to find out where it excels and where it falls short.

What the All Aboard Does Best: Casseroles and More

The All Aboard shines in the casserole department. Its deep, rectangular shape comfortably fits a full batch of lasagna, a king ranch chicken casserole, or a hearty shepherd's pie. The high sides prevent bubbling over, and the ceramic material distributes heat gently, resulting in even cooking without scorched edges. The lid fits snugly and is perfect for trapping moisture—we found it especially useful for dishes that need to stay creamy.

For desserts, the All Aboard is equally capable. We baked a mixed-berry crisp and a bread pudding, and both came out beautifully. The wide surface area allows for maximum crisp topping, and the ceramic helps achieve a nice golden crust without over-baking the filling. It's large enough to feed a crowd, making it a great choice for potlucks and holiday gatherings.

• Use a wooden or silicone utensil to preserve the ceramic finish; avoid metal that can scratch.
• Let the dish cool slightly before cutting into layers—this keeps casseroles and bakes intact.

Dessert Baking: Does It Replace Your Baking Dish?

If you're looking for a baking dish for desserts, the All Aboard is a strong contender. We tested it for brownies and a fruit crumble, and the results were impressive. The even heat distribution meant our brownies baked uniformly, with a slight crisp edge that many love. The depth is ideal for thicker desserts like a cobbler or a slab pie, and the ceramic retains heat well, keeping desserts warm at the table.

Compared to metal or glass baking dishes, ceramic tends to heat more slowly but retains heat longer. This means you may need to adjust baking times slightly—our brownies took about five minutes longer than in a metal pan. However, the superior heat retention is a boon for serving: your dessert stays at that perfect warm temperature much longer.

• For a crispier crust on cobblers, preheat the empty dish in the oven for 10 minutes before adding the filling (careful with the hot dish).

Roasting and Other Uses: Beyond Casseroles

The All Aboard is marketed as versatile, so we tried it as a roasting pan. We roasted a whole chicken and a tray of root vegetables. The high sides help contain splatters, and the ceramic does a good job of browning the vegetables. However, the pan is not as wide as a dedicated roasting pan, so a large bird may feel cramped. For a 4-pound chicken, we had just enough room.

It also works well for side dishes like roasted vegetables or a baked pasta—think a smaller version of the classics like The Dutchess or Double Dutch. We found the All Aboard to be a useful addition to a cookware collection that already includes a versatile piece like Stir Crazy (a 3-quart saucepan that doubles as a Dutch oven for smaller tasks). The All Aboard fills the gap for large, shallow baking jobs.

• For a roast chicken, truss the bird first to keep it compact and promote even cooking in the All Aboard.

Caring for Your Ceramic Casserole Dish: What You Should Know

Ceramic bakeware requires a bit of care to stay in top shape. The All Aboard is safe for oven, broiler, microwave, and freezer, but it should not go directly from freezer to a hot oven—let it come to room temperature to avoid thermal shock. Hand washing is recommended to preserve the glossy finish, though it's dishwasher-safe according to the brand. We found that soaking in warm soapy water easily removes stubborn residue.

The lid is not oven-safe, but it's perfect for storing leftovers in the fridge or for bringing a dish to a neighbor's house. The ceramic surface resists staining, but we recommend avoiding tomato-heavy dishes left to sit for long periods without cleaning. With proper care, this baking dish should serve you for years, just like other Great Jones essentials like the Little Sheet for your baking sheet needs.

• Always cool the dish on a wire rack before washing to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes.

Comparing All Aboard to Other Great Jones Bakeware

If you already own pieces like the Little Chill or the Hot Dish & Lid, you might wonder if the All Aboard adds enough value. The Hot Dish & Lid is a smaller, covered casserole dish perfect for sides, while the Little Chill is great for small bakes. The All Aboard offers a much larger capacity, making it the go-to for big family meals. It's a different shape from the Little Sheet, which is ideal for sheet bakes and roasting vegetables flat.

Think of the All Aboard as the versatile workhorse for those dishes that need depth and a lid. If you regularly cook for a crowd or meal prep casseroles for the week, this is a worthwhile investment. It complements, not duplicates, the rest of your bakeware collection.

• Measure your oven rack space to ensure the All Aboard fits; it's slightly larger than a standard 9x13 dish.

The All Aboard is a versatile ceramic baking dish that excels at casseroles and desserts, offering reliable even heating and a striking design. While it may not replace a dedicated roasting pan for large birds, its generous size and lid make it a practical choice for family meals and holiday baking. If you value multi-functional cookware, this is a solid addition to your kitchen.