A baking tray is one of the most versatile kitchen tools you can have. From baking cookies to roasting vegetables and even reheating pizza, a good baking tray can handle it all.
Whether you're a home cook or an experienced baker, a baking tray offers endless possibilities for everyday cooking and baking. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of baking trays, their specific uses, and tips on how to choose the right tray for your culinary needs.
Baking Cookies & Brownies
One of the most common baking tray uses is for baking cookies and brownies. Whether you’re baking a batch of your favorite chocolate chip cookies or a rich batch of fudgy brownies, a baking tray is the go-to tool.
· For baking cookies, it’s best to use a non-stick baking tray or a metal baking tray for even heat distribution. The even heat ensures your cookies bake uniformly, giving you that golden-brown finish.
· For baking brownies, use a metal baking tray for quicker and more even heat conduction. A slightly thicker tray may be better for dense brownies, as it helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents burning at the edges.
Pro tip: If you’re using a non-stick baking tray, you won’t need to grease it, as the surface prevents sticking. However, for other trays, always lightly grease or line them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Roasting Vegetables
Another excellent use for a baking tray is roasting vegetables. Roasting vegetables on a baking tray allows for an even, crispy finish, with edges that caramelize beautifully while keeping the inside tender.
· The best choice for roasting vegetables is usually a metal baking tray. Its high heat conductivity helps to achieve the perfect roast. Whether you're roasting root vegetables like carrots and potatoes or leafy greens like Brussels sprouts, a metal tray will do the job well.
If you're roasting delicate vegetables, you might want to choose a ceramic tray, as it provides even heat without over-browning delicate items.
Baking Bread
When it comes to baking bread, using the right baking tray is key to getting that perfect crust and soft interior.
· Metal baking trays are commonly used for baking bread rolls as they promote even heat distribution and create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
· If you’re making a free-form loaf, use a ceramic tray or a baking stone to achieve a crisp bottom and tender inside.
For bread like baking bread rolls, where a soft and fluffy texture is desired, a non-stick baking tray is often preferred to prevent sticking.
Toasting Nuts
Toasting nuts is an often-overlooked use of a baking tray but can add great flavor to your recipes. Whether you're making a salad, baking a cake, or preparing granola, toasting nuts brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor.
· Metal baking trays are ideal for toasting nuts because they heat up quickly and allow for even browning. Simply spread the nuts in a single layer and bake them at a low temperature, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
Using a non-stick baking tray can also make it easier to remove the toasted nuts once they are done.
Reheating Pizza
Reheating pizza on a baking tray is the best way to restore that crispy crust while keeping the toppings from getting soggy. The baking tray helps the pizza reheat evenly, ensuring that the crust stays crisp and the cheese melts perfectly.
· Use a metal baking tray or non-stick baking tray for the best results. Place the pizza on the tray and bake at a medium-high temperature (around 375°F) for 5-10 minutes. You can even use the baking tray for baking pizzas from scratch if you don’t have a pizza stone.
Dehydrating Fruit & Vegetables
A baking tray can also be used for dehydrating fruits and vegetables. While this is a slower process, it can be done in the oven at a low temperature (usually between 120°F to 140°F).
· For dehydrating, use a metal baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking tray. Arrange the fruit or vegetables in a single layer to allow for even air circulation. The metal tray will help conduct heat evenly, ensuring proper dehydration.
Baking Sheet Pan Dinners
Baking sheet pan dinners are a quick and easy way to prepare a full meal with minimal cleanup. These dinners typically involve roasting protein and vegetables on a single baking tray, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
· Metal baking trays work great for sheet pan dinners, as they provide excellent heat conduction and help crisp up the ingredients. You can roast everything from chicken and potatoes to fish and vegetables on one tray, which makes for an easy, no-fuss meal.
What Are the Different Types of Baking Trays?
When it comes to baking tray uses, the material of the tray can significantly influence how your food cooks. Below are the most common types of baking trays, each with its unique properties:
Metal baking trays are popular for their durability and excellent heat conductivity, making them ideal for cookies, pastries, and pizzas, though they can get very hot and may warp over time.
Silicone baking trays are flexible, non-stick, and easy to clean, perfect for delicate baked goods like muffins and sheet cakes, though they lack the crispness metal provides.
Ceramic baking trays offer slow, even heat, making them great for casseroles, roasted vegetables, bread rolls, and pizzas, but they are heavier, less heat-responsive, and prone to chipping. Each type suits specific baking needs based on heat distribution and durability.
How to Choose the Right Baking Tray?
Choosing the right baking tray depends on your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Material: Metal trays are perfect for quick and even cooking, making them ideal for baking cookies, baking pastries, and baking pizzas. Silicone trays are great for delicate items and easy clean-up. Perfect for baking muffins or baking pastries. Ceramic trays are great for slow, even cooking, ideal for baking bread rolls and baking sheet cakes.
2. Size: Choose a baking tray that fits your oven and allows enough space for the food to spread out evenly. For example, muffin baking trays come in different sizes based on how many muffins you want to bake.
3. Non-stick Surface: If you want easy removal and cleanup, go for a non-stick baking tray. This is especially helpful when baking cookies, baking pastries, and baking sheet cakes.
4. Weight and Durability: Consider the weight of the baking tray. Thicker trays are usually more durable but might be harder to handle, while thinner trays are lighter but can warp over time.
The baking tray is truly an indispensable tool for everyday cooking and baking. From baking cookies to roasting vegetables, baking bread rolls, and baking pizzas, its versatility makes it a must-have in any kitchen.
Choosing the right bakeware for your cooking needs, whether it’s a non-stick baking tray, a metal baking tray, or a silicone baking tray, will ensure you get the best results every time. Keep in mind the material, size, and purpose of the tray to enhance your baking and cooking experience. Happy baking and cooking with thinkitchen!