A Guide to Selecting a Baking Sheet

A baking sheet, also known as a baking pan or cookie sheet, is a versatile and essential tool in the kitchen. The flat surface and shallow sides allow for even heat distribution, promoting even baking for cookies, biscuits, pastries, and other baked goods. But it can be used for a lot more than just baking! You can also use them for roasting vegetables, meats, and poultry. And you can use them for broiling foods like fish, steaks, or vegetables. The shallow sides allow the heat to reach the food from all angles, resulting in a nicely browned and slightly charred exterior. And they allow you to collect the juices from the meat or poultry.
We’ll see a few options among baking sheets. There are various sizes of baking sheets, depending on the quantity of what you wish to prepare. Some have a ceramic non-stick coating that won’t wear off over time. Some are dishwasher safe as well, for easier clean-up. And others come with a cooling rack as well, where you can put freshly baked cookies, cakes, or bread. The elevated surface allows air to circulate, preventing the items from becoming soggy on the bottom.
Overall, a baking sheet is a versatile tool that can be used for baking, roasting, reheating, and various other culinary tasks. It is a must-have in any kitchen and can make your cooking and baking experiences more convenient and enjoyable. Whether you are replacing an old baking sheet, or looking to supplement your arsenal of kitchen utensils, we’ll help you decide on which product is best for your needs!
FAQ
What other uses are there for a baking sheet, besides baking?
Even if you don’t bake a lot, you’ll still find a large baking sheet with a 1” rim to be a big convenience:
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Food preparation: Baking sheets can be used for various food preparation tasks, such as rolling out dough, kneading bread, or assembling ingredients for a recipe. They provide a clean and convenient surface to work on.
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Catching drips and spills: Placing a baking sheet underneath a pie or casserole dish can catch any bubbling juices or sauces that may overflow during baking, preventing them from dirtying the oven or causing a mess.
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Reheating: When reheating leftovers or frozen foods in the oven, a baking sheet can be used to evenly distribute the heat and prevent any drips or spills from making a mess in your oven.
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Preparing gravy: If you use the baking pan to collect drippings from meat or poultry, you can use the drippings to prepare gravy.
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In the fridge: Putting a baking pan in your fridge might seem strange, but it can protect the shelves as well as other foods. If you want to defrost meat or poultry, you can place them on a baking sheet in your fridge. Also, you can put dairy products on a baking pan in your fridge, so that they don’t drip onto other foods.
Types of Baking Sheets
There are several types of baking sheets available, each with its own characteristics and purposes. We can distinguish between the material from which the baking sheet is made:
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Aluminum Baking Sheets: Aluminum sheets are lightweight, durable, and conduct heat efficiently, resulting in even baking. They often have a nonstick coating or a natural nonstick surface. They are commonly used for various baking tasks. An example is the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet. (However, the manufacturers warn that aluminum reacts with acidic ingredients such as vinegar and tomato products, which can cause the aluminum pan to corrode or pit over time.)