# Batch Cooking & Storage Container Reference Use these standard sizes to plan cooking, portioning, and storage for potlucks or bulk meal prep. --- ## Aluminum Trays / Steam Pans | Name (Catering Standard) | Approx. Capacity | Common Use | Notes | |---------------------------|------------------|------------|------| | **Full Size – Deep** (20 × 12 × 3 in) | 8–9 qt (7–8 L) | Large casseroles, pasta bakes, roasted meats | Holds ~18–20 lbs cooked food | | **Full Size – Half-Deep** (20 × 12 × 2 in) | 6 qt | Baked pasta, side dishes | Good for lasagna layers | | **Half Size – Deep** (12 × 10 × 3 in) | 4–5 qt | Chili, rice, mac & cheese | Most common “family” tray | | **Half Size – Shallow** (12 × 10 × 2 in) | 3 qt | Brownies, roasted veggies | Easier for quick reheat | | **Third Size** (12 × 6 × 2.5 in) | 2 qt | Small sides, sauces | Good for smaller families | *Tip:* Full-size trays nest perfectly in a standard chafing rack; half-size trays fit two across. --- ## Mason Jars (Wide Mouth) | Size | Fluid Ounces | Cups | Typical Use | |------|--------------|------|-------------| | **Half Pint** | 8 oz | 1 cup | Salad dressing, overnight oats | | **Pint** | 16 oz | 2 cups | Soups, smoothie portions, sauces | | **Quart** | 32 oz | 4 cups | Bulk broths, chili, dry goods | | **Half Gallon** | 64 oz | 8 cups | Ferments, large cold brew | --- ## Plastic Deli / To-Go Containers (Round, Freezer-Safe) | Size | Cups | Common Use | |------|------|------------| | **8 oz** | 1 | Small sauces, dips | | **16 oz** | 2 | Soup single servings | | **32 oz (Quart)** | 4 | Family-size leftovers, stews | | **64 oz (Half Gallon)** | 8 | Big soup batches for freezer | *Pro tip:* Matching lids fit 8, 16, and 32 oz containers. --- ## Ziploc / Freezer Bags | Size | Approx. Capacity | Notes | |------|------------------|------| | **Quart Freezer** | ~4 cups (~1 lb solids) | Flat-freeze soups or marinated meats | | **Gallon Freezer** | ~8 cups (~2–2.5 lbs solids) | Family portions | | **2-Gallon** | ~16 cups (~4–5 lbs solids) | Sheet-pan meals or large proteins | *Flat-freeze bags to stack like books and save freezer space.* --- ## Meal Prep / Bento Containers | Type | Capacity | Typical Use | |------|---------|-------------| | **Single Compartment** | 28–32 oz | One full meal | | **Two/Three Compartment** | 20–28 oz total | Protein + sides | --- ### Quick Conversion Examples - **1 full aluminum tray of chili** ≈ 8 quart deli containers or 8 quart mason jars. - **1 gallon freezer bag** ≈ one half-size deep aluminum tray of cooked rice.