Easily Convert a 9x13 Recipe for an 8x8 Pan

Wondering how to adjust your favorite 9×13 recipe to an 8×8 pan? It’s simpler than you think! Learn how while still enjoying all the flavor without the extra leftovers.

There’s something comforting about a homemade casserole or a delicious dessert fresh out of the oven. But if you’ve ever followed a recipe meant for a 9×13-inch pan only to realize you don’t need that much food, you might be wondering how to make the perfect portion without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for a smaller household, looking to avoid leftovers, or just want to use your 8×8 pan instead, converting your recipes is easier than you think.

You don’t need to be a math whiz to adjust your favorite dishes—just a few simple tweaks will have you serving up the same great flavors in a more manageable size. Understanding how to downsize a recipe can open up a whole new world of possibilities in your kitchen, allowing you to experiment with smaller portions without wasting food or effort.

If you’re ready to make your kitchen more versatile, read on! Let’s dive into why knowing how to convert a 9×13 recipe into an 8×8 recipe is so handy, and then we’ll cover some tips to make the transition smooth and simple.

Why do I need to know how to convert a 9×13-inch dish to an 8×8-inch dish?

Sometimes, less is more. You might love a particular casserole but find that it makes way too much for your family of two. Or, maybe you’re testing out a new dessert and don’t want to commit to a full-sized batch. By converting a 9×13 recipe to fit an 8×8 pan, you can enjoy all your favorite dishes without feeling overwhelmed by leftovers. It’s also a great way to practice portion control or try various dishes without filling up your fridge.

Plus, smaller pans are perfect for cooking in compact kitchens, like in an RV or a small apartment, where storage and cooking space are limited. Learning to adapt recipes for your smaller pans gives you the freedom to cook what you want, when you want, in the quantity that works best for you. And in this economy, minimizing wasted food means maximizing your budget!

Tips for Converting a 9×13-Inch Dish into an 8×8-Inch Dish

Halve Your Ingredients: The simplest way to convert a recipe is to cut all the ingredients in half. A 9×13 pan holds roughly twice the volume of an 8×8 pan, so halving the recipe will give you just the right amount for the smaller pan.
Adjusting Eggs: If your recipe calls for an odd number of eggs (like 3), just use two eggs instead of trying to halve one. This small adjustment usually won’t affect the overall texture or flavor.
Baking Time: In most cases, you won’t need to change the oven temperature. However, keep an eye on your dish—it may cook a bit faster in the smaller pan. Start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the original recipe suggests.
Consider the Thickness: Your dish might turn out slightly thicker in the 8×8 pan since the ingredients are more concentrated in a smaller area. If you’re worried about it, reduce the baking time slightly or cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning. My rule of thumb is to start checking my prepared dish every 2-3 minutes about 5 minutes before the originally suggested cooking time.
Freezing Leftovers: If you do end up with more than you need, most casseroles and baked goods freeze well. Portion out the leftovers into individual servings, wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for a quick meal later on.