11 oven tips to bake and cook like a pro
1. Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven for at least 15 to 20 minutes before baking. This ensures that the oven reaches the correct temperature for even cooking.
2. Use an Oven Thermometer: Oven temperatures can be inaccurate, affecting the outcome of your cooking. An oven thermometer will help you confirm the actual temperature.
3. Position Your Racks Properly: Depending on what you’re cooking, position your racks in the right spot. Generally, baking is done on the middle rack, providing even heat distribution.
4. Use Good Bakeware: Invest in high-quality bakeware that distributes heat evenly, such as aluminum or ceramic pans.
5. Don’t Overcrowd: Leave enough space between trays and pans to allow for proper hot air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking and baking.
6. Rotate Pans Halfway Through: Rotating pans halfway through the bake time can help ensure even browning and prevent one side from cooking faster than the other.
7. Keep the Door Closed: Resist the temptation to frequently open the oven door; every peek can lower the temperature by 25°F (about 14°C) or more.
8. Learn Hot Spots: Familiarize yourself with your oven’s hot spots to avoid uneven baking by sometimes rotating the dish throughout cooking time.
9. Use Baking Stones for Pizza and Bread: For a crispier crust on pizza and bread, use a preheated baking stone which retains and evenly distributes heat.
10. Utilize Convection for Roasting: If your oven has a convection setting, use it for roasting meats and vegetables to get a nice outer crust and tender interior.
11. Let Dishes Rest Before Serving: Once you take dishes out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes to ensure that the internal temperatures stabilize and finish cooking any residual way.