A roaster oven is a small electric oven that can be used for roasting meats and vegetables as well as baking casseroles, breads, cakes, cookies and more. With the right techniques and recipes, a roaster oven can absolutely be used for baking a variety of items.
What is a Roaster Oven?
A roaster oven is a countertop electric oven that is smaller than a regular oven. It typically has a removable pan and lid and heating elements on the top and bottom or sides to surround food with heat. Roaster ovens are very versatile – they can roast, bake, cook, and keep food warm. Here are some key features of roaster ovens:
- Size – They range from 5-quart models up to 28-quarts. The interior dimensions vary but are generally large enough to fit a 20-pound turkey or roast.
- Removable pan – The pan is often enamel-coated and makes for easy cleanup.
- Lid – A clear tempered glass lid allows monitoring of food.
- Temperature range – Up to 450°F, high enough for roasting and baking.
- Power – 1200-1800 watts.
- Accessories – Some come with racks and lifters for roasting.
Benefits of Using a Roaster Oven for Baking
There are several advantages that make a roaster oven a great choice for baking:
Even heating
Roaster ovens surround food with heat from multiple sides, allowing for even heating and thorough cooking. The food cooks evenly, preventing hot spots or burnt edges.
Moistness retained
The enclosed environment traps in moisture and steam when baking in a roaster oven. This keeps baked goods like cakes and breads tender on the inside.
Portability
Roaster ovens only need a counter or table top. Their compact size provides baking capabilities anywhere electricity is available.
Energy efficient
A smaller roaster oven uses less energy than heating up a full-size oven for small baking tasks. They use less electricity than a conventional oven.
Visual monitoring
The glass lid allows checking browning and doneness without disrupting the internal temperature by opening the door like a regular oven.
What Can Be Baked in a Roaster Oven?
A wide variety of baked goods turn out well when prepared in a roaster oven:
Breads
Breads like loaf breads, rolls, and bagels can be baked in a roaster oven. The moist environment and surrounding heat produce excellent results.
Cakes
Cat cakes, sheet cakes, bundt cakes, pound cakes, and cheesecakes can successfully be made start to finish in a roaster oven.
Cookies
Roaster ovens are ideal for baking cookies like chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, and more. Multiple pans can fit at once.
Biscuits and scones
Flaky biscuits and scones turn out light and fluffy when baked in a roaster oven.
Muffins and cupcakes
The conduction heat makes for evenly baked and risen muffins and cupcakes.
Pies and tarts
Pies with double crusts as well as tarts and quiches can be inserted directly into a roaster oven.
Casseroles
Baked pasta dishes, mac and cheese, chicken bakes, and casseroles cook evenly from edge to edge.
Pizza
Homemade pizza bakes well in a roaster oven, resulting in a crispy crust.
Tips for Baking in a Roaster Oven
Follow these tips when using a roaster oven for optimal baking:
Allow it to preheat fully
Wait until the roaster oven is fully preheated before adding your item to be baked. This allows the pan and air to heat through.
Use oven thermometer
Place an oven-safe thermometer inside to monitor that the interior reaches and maintains the set baking temperature.
Adjust rack position
Place racks in the upper, middle or lower third depending on if top browning is desired.
Rotate halfway through
Rotate cakes and cookies 2/3 of the way through baking for even cooking.
Check for doneness early
Check breads, cakes, and cookies a few minutes prior to the recommended baking time. The moist environment may shorten baking time.
Use pans that fit
Make sure bakeware fits in the roaster oven, leaving at least 1-2 inches of clearance on all sides for heat circulation.
Reduce temperature 25°F
Try reducing the temperature by 25°F from the recipe and checking a few minutes early to avoid over-browning.
Common Baking Problems and Solutions
If you encounter any issues when baking in your roaster oven, here are some tips on correcting common problems:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Over-browning on top or edges | Oven temperature too high | Lower temperature by 25°F next time |
| Undercooked interior | Removed from oven too soon | Allow to bake until fully cooked through |
| Burnt bottom | Rack position too low | Place rack in middle position |
| Uneven cooking | Hot spots in oven | Rotate item halfway through baking |
| Dry, dense baked goods | Overbaking | Check a few minutes before recommended time |
Recipes for Roaster Oven Baking
To get you started, here are some delicious recipes to bake in a roaster oven:
Perfect Roast Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (4-6 lbs)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
1. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper inside cavity and on skin. Stuff with lemon, onion, thyme.
2. Truss legs with kitchen string. Place breast up on a rack in roaster oven.
3. Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours until juices run clear and meat reaches 165°F.
Banana Bread
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 stick melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
1. Mix dry ingredients. Stir in bananas, sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla.
2. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Test doneness with toothpick.
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
1. Mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in vanilla and eggs.
3. Add dry mix to wet and stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough onto parchment paper spaced apart.
5. Bake at 325°F for 12 minutes until lightly browned but still soft in center.
Conclusion
A roaster oven can certainly be used effectively for baking cakes, cookies, breads, and much more. The moist, even heating environment produces delicious results. With some trial and error, you can adapt conventional oven recipes to your countertop roaster oven. Experiment with bake times and temperature adjustments to achieve baked goods that are perfectly browned, have a tender center, and even heating throughout. With the right techniques, your roaster oven can become your go-to for all kinds of baking.