What is a "ramekin"?

A ramekin is a small, round, individual-sized baking dish typically made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass. Ramekins are used for baking and serving individual portions of foods such as soufflés, crème brûlée, custards, quiches, and individual desserts like lava cakes or bread puddings. They have straight sides and a flat bottom, and they often come in various sizes, ranging from a few ounces to a few cups in capacity. Ramekins are oven-safe and can be placed directly in the oven for baking. They are also versatile kitchen tools and can be used for serving sauces, dips, condiments, or small snacks.