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)
Lemon Dill Baked Cod

Lemon Dill Baked Cod

A simple and flavorful baked cod dish featuring lemon and dill, perfect for a healthy meal.

30 min
Serves 4
Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Green Beans

Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Green Beans

A simple, oven-baked dish featuring mild tilapia fillets paired with fresh green beans, flavored with lemon and garlic for a delicious and healthy meal.

30 min
Serves 4
Loaded BBQ Brisket Deep Dish Pizza

Loaded BBQ Brisket Deep Dish Pizza

A savory deep dish pizza loaded with tender BBQ brisket, caramelized onions, and smoked gouda cheese.

60 min
Serves 4
Loaded Beef Nachos

Loaded Beef Nachos

A delicious and easy-to-make platter of loaded beef nachos with melted cheese, salsa, beans, olives, corn, and lettuce, topped with sour cream.

45 min
Serves 4
Low FODMAP Salmon with Quinoa and Vegetables

Low FODMAP Salmon with Quinoa and Vegetables

A gentle low FODMAP dinner featuring baked salmon fillet, quinoa, and IBS-safe vegetables like spinach and zucchini. This dish is rich in omega-3s and easy on sensitive digestive systems.

35 min
Serves 2
Low Histamine Turkey Meatballs with Rice

Low Histamine Turkey Meatballs with Rice

Homemade turkey meatballs served over rice with low-histamine seasonings. A comforting dinner that avoids histamine triggers while providing complete nutrition.

30 min
Serves 4
Low-FODMAP Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Low-FODMAP Chicken Parmesan Pasta

A gluten-free, IBS-safe take on classic Chicken Parmesan, complete with lactose-free mozzarella and low-FODMAP marinara sauce.

60 min
Serves 4
Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza

Classic Italian pizza topped with tomatoes, cheese, and fresh basil for a simple yet delicious flavor.

40 min
Serves 4
Mediterranean Deep Dish Pizza

Mediterranean Deep Dish Pizza

A flavorful deep dish pizza topped with spinach, feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.

50 min
Serves 4
Mediterranean Hummus-Crusted Salmon with Quinoa Tabbouleh

Mediterranean Hummus-Crusted Salmon with Quinoa Tabbouleh

Heart-healthy salmon with a protein-rich hummus crust served alongside fiber-packed quinoa tabbouleh. A diabetic-friendly Mediterranean dish that manages blood sugar beautifully.

45 min
Serves 4
Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

Mediterranean Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

Mini bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired couscous blend.

45 min
Serves 4
Mexican Deep Dish Pizza with Chorizo, Black Beans, Corn, and Jalapeños

Mexican Deep Dish Pizza with Chorizo, Black Beans, Corn, and Jalapeños

A flavorful fusion of Mexican ingredients in a hearty deep dish pizza.

50 min
Serves 4
Previous
56789
Next

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.