A shallow baking dish is a type of bakeware used for baking and roasting. It is characterized by having low, flared sides and a large surface area. Shallow baking dishes allow food to cook quickly and evenly since more surface area is exposed to heat. They are ideal for baking thin foods that don’t require a lot of depth like cookies, flatbreads, crackers, and pizza crusts.
What are Shallow Baking Dishes Made of?
Shallow baking dishes come in a variety of materials including:
- Metal – Aluminum, stainless steel, and nonstick metals like anodized aluminum or carbon steel are common. Metal conducts heat well for even cooking.
- Glass – Glass baking dishes like Pyrex are a popular choice. Glass doesn’t react with acidic foods and allows you to monitor browning.
- Ceramic – Ceramic baking dishes withstand high temperatures and distribute heat evenly. Unglazed ceramic like a pizza stone develops a nonstick surface over time.
- Silicone – Silicone has the benefit of being flexible for easy release of baked goods. It’s also nonstick and safe at high temperatures.
Metal baking sheets are the most versatile option since they work for baking and roasting and can be used directly on the stovetop. Glass and ceramic dishes provide a smooth nonstick cooking surface but can be prone to breaking. Silicone has the benefit of being flexible but may need to be placed on a baking sheet for support.
Standard Sizes
Shallow baking dishes come in a range of standard sizes:
- Quarter sheet pans – 9 x 13 inches
- Half sheet pans – 13 x 18 inches
- Jelly roll pans – 10 x 15 inches
- Rimmed baking sheets – 11 x 17 inches
- Rectangular casserole pans – 9 x 13 or 13 x 9 inches
- Round pizza pans – 12 to 16 inches
The most common sizes like quarter and half sheet pans fit nicely in standard ovens. Larger shallow pans may require you to remove an oven rack to accommodate their height.
Depth
Shallow baking dishes are less than 3 inches deep. This allows heat to circulate completely around the food for quick, even cooking. Common depths include:
- 1 inch – Very thin profile, best for foods like cookies that don’t rise much.
- 1 1/2 inches – Versatile depth for pizza, crackers, flatbreads.
- 2 inches – Accommodates slightly thicker items like biscuits and scones.
Casserole dishes and rimmed baking sheets tend to be on the deeper end around 2 – 3 inches. Pizza pans andcookie sheets are generally around 1 inch deep. Select a shallower dish for foods that cook through quickly and need maximum surface area exposure.
Buying Tips
Here are some tips for selecting a high quality shallow baking dish:
- Even heat distribution – Metals like aluminum and steel conduct heat the best.
- Weight – Heavier pans maintain temperature better than thin, lightweight pans.
- Straight sides – Curved edges make removing baked goods tricky.
- Oven-safe – Ensure pans are rated for the oven temperatures you plan to use.
- Nonstick – A nonstick surface makes releasing foods easy.
- Easy to clean – Smooth, nonporous surfaces clean up the easiest.
It’s also nice to have shallow baking dishes that can multitask and go from oven to table for serving. Choose metal pans with an attractive finish or ceramic/glass in a colorful hue.
How to Use a Shallow Baking Dish
Shallow baking dishes make it easy to bake up a variety of quick, everyday items. Here are some tips for using a shallow pan:
- Preheat fully – Let your pan preheat completely so it cooks evenly. Set oven racks in lower positions.
- Use parchment – Line pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy release.
- Adjust temperature – You may need to slightly reduce the oven temperature since shallow pans cook faster.
- Rotate pans – Rotate pans midway through baking for even browning.
- Add steam for breads – Place a baking sheet under breads while baking to generate steam.
Avoid overcrowding a shallow pan which can cause uneven cooking. Give foods room to breathe and color properly. Shallow baking dishes make the perfect vehicle for easy weeknight dinners like sheet pan suppers. Simply prep proteins, vegetables and starch ingredients, arrange on a sheet pan and roast for a complete meal.
Baking Uses
Shallow baking pans are ideal for baking thin, flaky foods including:
- Cookies
- Scones
- Biscuits
- Flatbreads like naan
- Crackers
- Granola bars
- Pies crusts
- Pizza crusts
- Filo dough
- Shortbread
Quarter sheet pans perfectly hold about 2-3 dozen standard sized cookies. Bake cookies in flat even layers so they brown consistently.
Roasting Uses
Shallow pans also excel at roasting meats, vegetables, and more with lots of caramelization:
- Vegetables
- Root vegetables
- Brussel sprouts
- Asparagus
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Fennel
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Chicken
- Fish fillets or steaks
- Pork chops
- Sausages
- Shrimp
- Tofu
Use a rimmed baking sheet for roasting meats and vegetables. The sides contain any juices and promote caramelization.
Cleaning and Care
Caring properly for your shallow baking pans will keep them looking and performing their best:
- Allow pans to cool fully before cleaning to prevent warping
- Handwash with mild soap and water
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads
- For tough stuck on food, soak in warm water to loosen
- Dry thoroughly after washing
- Avoid metal utensils in coated pans
- Store flat or supported evenly to prevent warping
Harsh soaps and scouring pads can damage nonstick finishes over time. Nylon scrub brushes or soft sponges clean best. Keep pans looking shiny and new by caring for them properly after each use.
Common Brands
Quality shallow baking pans are worth the investment since they last for years. Some reputable brands include:
| Brand | Known For |
|---|---|
| Nordic Ware | Aluminum and steel baking sheets made in the USA |
| USA Pan | Heavy duty aluminized steel pans |
| Pyrex | Durable glass bakeware since 1915 |
| Chicago Metallic | Professional weight aluminum sheet pans |
| Cuisinart | Quality stainless steel, nonstick, and ceramic bakeware |
| Calphalon | Hard anodized aluminum bakeware |
| Rachel Ray | Durable nonstick bakeware in eye-catching colors |
| Farberware | Affordable traditional bakeware |
| Wilton | Reliable bakeware perfect for bakers |
| KitchenAid | Premium steel and ceramic pans |
Metal sheet pans by Nordic Ware and USA Pan are ideal for everyday baking and roasting. Rachel Ray and Cuisinart offer colorful ceramic and nonstick options perfect for serving. Choose glass or ceramic dishes from trusted brands like Pyrex and KitchenAid for years of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a baking sheet and a baking pan?
A baking sheet is flat with low sides no more than 1 inch high. It provides maximum exposure for air flow and browning. A baking pan refers to any deeper vessel including cake pans, loaf pans, and casserole dishes designed to hold batter or dough.
What size shallow baking pan do I need?
The quarter sheet, half sheet, and jelly roll pan sizes (9×13 inches, 13×18 inches, 10×15 inches) fit standard ovens well and give room for airflow. Choose based on the quantity you want to bake. Quarter sheets are good for 1 batch of cookies while half sheets hold more.
How do you use a pizza pan?
Pizza pans are round shallow pans ideal for baking pizzas from scratch or cooking frozen pizzas. Preheat your pizza pan fully before adding dough. You can sprinkle cornmeal on the pan to prevent sticking. Par-bake the crust 2-5 minutes before adding toppings and returning to the oven.
What can I use instead of a baking sheet?
Non-traditional items like overturned cake pans, metal cooling racks, or the back of a sturdy baking sheet can work as substitutes. Line the makeshift surface with parchment paper before baking. A cast iron skillet or stainless steel frying pan also gets the job done.
Can I put a baking sheet directly on the oven rack?
It’s best not to place a baking sheet directly on the oven rack which can lead to uneven cooking. The metal pan shields areas of food from the oven heat. Always place sheets and pans on top of the oven racks for optimal airflow and heat circulation.
Conclusion
Shallow baking dishes provide the ideal environment for baking and roasting everything from cookies to pizza to vegetables. Their low sides and large surface area encourage speedy cooking times and delicious caramelization. Metal sheet pans conduct heat well and last a lifetime while ceramic, glass and silicone options provide nonstick ease. Look for high quality baking dishes from reputable brands that evenly cook your treats to perfection.