Baking

Baking is a dry-heat cooking method that uses hot, dry air to cook food in an enclosed space like an oven. It's a fantastic way to create delicious breads, pastries, and savory dishes with a golden-brown crust and tender interior.

189 recipes
325-450°F
Varies greatly depending on the recipe. Check for doneness using visual cues (golden brown color), a toothpick test (for cakes), or an internal thermometer (for meats).
Baking relies on dry heat circulating within an oven to cook food. Unlike methods like steaming or boiling, baking doesn't involve adding moisture. Instead, the heat gradually penetrates the food, causing chemical changes that result in a firm, often slightly crisp, exterior and a soft, cooked interior. This method is ideal for items that need structure and don't rely on retaining a lot of moisture. Baking excels when cooking foods that require a specific shape and texture, such as breads, cakes, cookies, pastries, and even casseroles. It's also a great choice for roasting vegetables and meats, as the dry heat encourages browning and caramelization, enhancing their flavor. Consider baking for anything you want to have a slightly crusty exterior and a tender interior. The key characteristics of baking are its ability to create a uniform texture and promote browning. The dry heat encourages the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that creates complex flavors and appealing colors on the surface of the food. Baking also helps to set the structure of the food, resulting in consistent results. The benefits include ease of use, relatively hands-off cooking, and the ability to create a wide range of dishes.

Tips for Success

Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven's accuracy. Many ovens are not calibrated correctly.

When baking multiple items, space them evenly on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation.

For even browning, rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time.

Let baked goods cool slightly before removing them from the pan to prevent them from breaking.

Recipes

(188)
Greek Spinach and Feta Stuffed Bell Peppers

Greek Spinach and Feta Stuffed Bell Peppers

Delightful bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach, crumbled feta cheese, fresh dill, pine nuts, and orzo pasta, baked to perfection.

50 min
Serves 4
Herb-Roasted Salmon and Green Beans

Herb-Roasted Salmon and Green Beans

A simple and flavorful sheet-pan dish featuring tender salmon and fresh green beans, roasted with herbs and spices.

30 min
Serves 4
Indian Butter Chicken Tacos with Naan Chips

Indian Butter Chicken Tacos with Naan Chips

Savory butter chicken wrapped in flour tortillas with crispy naan chips, cilantro mint chutney, and crispy chickpeas.

60 min
Serves 4
Korean-Style Braised Short Ribs with Crispy Kale Chips and Forbidden Black Rice

Korean-Style Braised Short Ribs with Crispy Kale Chips and Forbidden Black Rice

Tender beef short ribs braised in a savory Korean-inspired sauce with gochujang, soy sauce, and Asian pear, served alongside crispy kale chips seasoned with sesame oil and sea salt, over nutty forbidden black rice.

140 min
Serves 4
Lemongrass Chicken

Lemongrass Chicken

A flavorful chicken dish infused with lemongrass, cilantro, and spices, perfect for pairing with a Belgian pale ale.

60 min
Serves 3
Massaged Kale Caesar Salad with Grilled Lemon Chicken and Parmesan Crisps

Massaged Kale Caesar Salad with Grilled Lemon Chicken and Parmesan Crisps

A sophisticated twist on the classic Caesar featuring massaged kale, grilled lemon-herb chicken, and homemade parmesan crisps.

50 min
Serves 4
Mediterranean Lamb Tacos with Tzatziki

Mediterranean Lamb Tacos with Tzatziki

Flavorful lamb tacos with tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, pickled red onions, and za'atar-dusted pita chips.

45 min
Serves 4
Pesto Chicken and Potatoes

Pesto Chicken and Potatoes

A delicious sheet-pan dinner featuring chicken and baby potatoes, coated in fresh basil pesto and oven-baked until tender and golden.

40 min
Serves 4
Pistachio-Crusted Halibut with Saffron Butter Sauce and Roasted Asparagus

Pistachio-Crusted Halibut with Saffron Butter Sauce and Roasted Asparagus

A sophisticated seafood dinner featuring flaky halibut with a vibrant green pistachio crust, served with an aromatic saffron butter sauce and perfectly roasted asparagus.

50 min
Serves 4
Pistachio-Stuffed Sea Bass with Lemon-Herb Couscous and Roasted Fennel

Pistachio-Stuffed Sea Bass with Lemon-Herb Couscous and Roasted Fennel

Delicate sea bass stuffed with a savory pistachio and breadcrumb filling, served over fluffy lemon-herb couscous and accompanied by caramelized roasted fennel.

60 min
Serves 4
Sausage Sheet-Pan Dinner

Sausage Sheet-Pan Dinner

A simple and delicious sheet-pan dinner featuring savory sausage, roasted vegetables, and buttery flavors.

40 min
Serves 4
Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Veggies

Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Veggies

A quick and easy sheet-pan meal featuring shrimp and seasonal vegetables, baked to perfection with lemon and garlic for a buttery, savory flavor.

30 min
Serves 4
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Best Cookware

Sheet Pan

Sheet Pan

Cast Iron Skillet

Cast Iron Skillet

Dutch Oven

Dutch Oven

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best temperature for baking?

The ideal baking temperature depends on what you're making! While baking generally falls between 325°F and 450°F, specific recipes require different settings. For cakes and quick breads, 350°F is a common starting point, allowing for even cooking and a tender crumb. Cookies often benefit from slightly higher temperatures (375°F - 400°F) to encourage browning and crisp edges. Breads, especially those with a thick crust, might start at 400-450°F and then be lowered to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the outside. Always refer to your recipe for the most accurate temperature, and remember that oven thermometers can help ensure your oven is running at the correct temperature.

What are the best foods to bake?

Baking is incredibly versatile! It excels with foods that benefit from a dry, even heat, creating a golden-brown exterior and tender interior. Think of classic baked goods like breads, cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries. These rely on baking's ability to create structure and rise. But baking isn't just for sweets! Savory dishes like roasted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts), casseroles (lasagna, mac and cheese), and even meats (chicken, fish, and smaller cuts of pork) cook wonderfully in the oven. The key is to choose foods that won't dry out too quickly and that can withstand the relatively long cooking times associated with baking.

How do I know when my baked goods are done?

Determining doneness is crucial for successful baking. For cakes and quick breads, the toothpick test is a reliable method: insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. For breads, look for a golden-brown crust and listen for a hollow sound when you tap the bottom. Cookies are often done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. When baking meats, use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. Remember that carryover cooking will continue after you remove the item from the oven, so it's best to slightly underbake rather than overbake. Checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe's suggested time is always a good practice.

Baking vs. Roasting: What's the difference?

While both baking and roasting involve cooking food in an oven with dry heat, there are subtle differences. Generally, "baking" is used for foods that require a more delicate touch, often those with a high starch content like cakes, breads, and pastries. "Roasting," on the other hand, typically refers to cooking solid foods like meats, poultry, and vegetables at higher temperatures. Roasting often aims to create a crispy exterior and a flavorful, caramelized surface. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, especially with vegetables, but the distinction lies in the type of food and the desired outcome.

Do I need any special equipment for baking?

While you can get by with some basic kitchen tools, a few key pieces of equipment can significantly improve your baking results. A good oven thermometer is essential to ensure accurate temperatures. Mixing bowls in various sizes are helpful for preparing ingredients. Measuring cups and spoons, especially those designed for dry and liquid ingredients, are crucial for accuracy. Baking pans (cake pans, cookie sheets, loaf pans) are necessary for shaping your baked goods. A stand mixer or hand mixer can make mixing batters and doughs much easier. Parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Ultimately, the specific equipment you need depends on the types of recipes you're baking, but investing in a few quality tools can make a big difference.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when baking?

Baking can be tricky, but avoiding common pitfalls can lead to better results. One of the biggest mistakes is not accurately measuring ingredients. Baking relies on precise ratios, so using measuring cups and spoons correctly is vital. Overmixing batter can lead to tough baked goods, especially cakes and muffins, so mix until just combined. Using ingredients that are too cold (like eggs or butter straight from the fridge) can also hinder proper emulsification and affect the final texture. Overbaking is another frequent error that results in dry, crumbly treats. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests. Finally, not allowing baked goods to cool completely before frosting or slicing can cause them to crumble or fall apart.