A loaf pan, also known as a bread pan, is a rectangular-shaped bakeware that is traditionally used for baking bread. However, there are many other uses for a loaf pan, including:

• Meatloaf: A loaf pan is perfect for making meatloaf, which can be formed directly in the pan.

• Icebox cake: The compact, rectangular shape of a loaf pan is ideal for layering up icebox cake.

• Mashed potatoes: Make-ahead mashed potatoes can be baked in a loaf pan and then sliced into portions.

• Popsicles: A loaf pan can be used to make homemade popsicles.

• Vegetables Wellington: Vegetarian Times has a recipe for a loaf pan vegetable Wellington that uses frozen puff pastry, prepared pesto, and prepared tomato sauce.

• Hot dogs: Hot dogs can be baked in a loaf pan.

• Ice shards: A loaf pan can be used to freeze a giant ice block and then smash it into shards for cocktails.

Loaf pans are usually made from a conductive material and are often treated with a non-stick coating, such as ceramic, to prevent sticking. They come in a variety of sizes, with the most common size being 9 x 5 inches. Lighter colored pans will often provide a lighter colored loaf of bread while darker colored pans and glass pans often provide more of a golden tan and nicely browned crust.