Roasting Pans: Necessary Kitchenware?

Roasting pans are a worthwhile investment for those who want to elevate their cooking game and make the most of their kitchen space. While they are typically associated with roasting large cuts of meat, like turkeys or prime ribs, these pans offer versatility and can be used for a variety of dishes. From roasting vegetables to preparing one-pan meals, baking desserts, and simmering gravy, a roasting pan can be a handy addition to your cookware collection.

When considering a roasting pan, it's important to think about the size that best suits your needs. If you plan on cooking gigantic turkeys, a larger pan is necessary. However, for roasting chickens or smaller dishes, a more compact option might suffice. Additionally, the shape and design are worth contemplating, as some pans with raised bottoms may be less convenient for stovetop use.

In terms of materials, roasting pans are typically made from thick aluminium or stainless steel to support the weight of the food. Non-stick coatings can be convenient for cleaning but may not be ideal for high-temperature roasting. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a roasting pan depends on your personal cooking habits and how often you plan to use it.

Roasting pans are versatile

Large Capacity

Roasting pans typically have a large capacity, making them ideal for cooking generous portions of food. They can accommodate oversized cuts of meat, such as a large turkey or rack of lamb, which is perfect for hosting big dinners or holiday gatherings. The pans' large surface area also allows for cooking multiple items at once, such as a whole chicken and a variety of vegetables.

One-Pan Meals

In addition to roasting, these pans can be used to prepare one-pan meals, casseroles, and baked dishes. For instance, you can use a roasting pan to make lasagna, deep-dish pizzas, or even desserts for a crowd. Their large size and deep sides make them suitable for cooking multiple components of a meal simultaneously.

Stovetop Use

Roasting pans are not just limited to the oven; they can also be used on the stovetop. Their sturdy construction and handles make them ideal for browning large amounts of meat or constructing sauces. The pans can be placed over two burners, allowing for even heat distribution and making them versatile enough for braising or searing large cuts of meat.

Excellent Heat Retention

Roasting pans, especially those made of heavy-duty materials like stainless steel or cast iron, offer excellent heat retention. This makes them ideal for slow-roasting or cooking dishes that require prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The carbon steel roasting pan from Made In, for example, is known for its quick heating and exceptional heat retention.

Versatile Design

The design of roasting pans, with their tall, straight walls, helps trap heat inside. This ensures even cooking and maintains moisture within the food. The high sides also encourage even browning and minimize splatter. Additionally, the removable rack that comes with most roasting pans allows for air circulation, ensuring that the bottom of the meat gets crisp.

They're good for more than just roasting meat

Roasting pans are not just for roasting meat. They can be used for a variety of cooking tasks and are a versatile piece of cookware. Here are some reasons why roasting pans are good for more than just roasting meat:

Roasting Vegetables

Roasting pans are great for cooking large batches of vegetables. Their size and design allow for even cooking and browning of veggies. You can roast a variety of vegetables, including roots, tubers, winter squash, parsnips, onions, and tomatoes. The high sides of the roasting pan help trap heat, ensuring that your vegetables cook evenly and crisp nicely while maintaining moisture.

One-Pan Meals

Roasting pans are perfect for one-pan meals or weeknight dinners. You can throw together a quick and easy meal by roasting your protein and vegetables together in the pan. For example, you can make an easy one-pan meal of chicken and roasted vegetables or a complete one-pan meal for a weeknight dinner.

Baking Casseroles and Desserts

Roasting pans can also be used for baking casseroles and desserts. They provide a large surface area, making them ideal for lasagna, deep-dish pizzas, or cakes. You can also use them for baking desserts for a crowd, such as brownies or large batches of cookies.

Making Gravy and Pan Sauces

The large surface area and sturdy construction of roasting pans make them perfect for making gravy and pan sauces. You can deglaze the pan and use the drippings to create delicious sauces. The tall sides of the pan help minimize splatters and make it easier to handle the pan when transferring drippings.

Other Uses

In addition to the above, roasting pans can also be used for slow-roasting batches of onions, making water baths for custard or cheesecake, and even as a fruit bowl when not in use.

They can be used to make gravy

Roasting pans are incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than just roasting. They can be used to make gravy, sear meat, deglaze, and even bake lasagna.

Making gravy in a roasting pan is simple and can be done in just a few steps. First, you'll need to collect the drippings from your roast. These drippings can be from any type of meat, such as roast beef, chicken, turkey, or pork loin. After removing the meat from the pan, you'll skim off the excess fat, leaving behind a mixture of juices and fat. Place the roasting pan over medium heat on a stovetop and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the caramelized pan juices.

Next, you'll want to add flour to the pan. Sprinkle the flour over the juices and fat, stirring constantly to blend it well and create a roux. Cook this mixture, continuing to stir, until the flour turns a light golden colour. This usually takes about 2 minutes.

Now it's time to add the stock. Slowly stir in warmed stock, such as chicken or beef stock, depending on the type of meat you're using. Bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir, until it thickens and reduces by about a third, giving it a gravy-like consistency.

Finally, season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture. And that's it! You've made a delicious, homemade gravy using your roasting pan.

There are also several variations you can try to customise your gravy. For example, you can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage, or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for extra flavour. You can also substitute some of the stock with red wine, port, or white wine for a more complex taste.

So, if you're wondering if a roasting pan is worth it, consider the versatility it offers in making gravies and sauces in addition to roasting meats and vegetables.

They're good for cooking large portions

Roasting pans are great for cooking large portions of food. They are typically large, oven-safe pans with high sides that often include a rack. The rack holds the meat just above the pan, allowing hot air to flow all around it and enabling even cooking. The rack also allows excess fat and liquid to drain off and prevents the meat from sitting in its juices.

Roasting pans are usually made of heavy-duty metal, such as stainless steel or cast iron, and can handle bigger tasks like whole birds, beef roasts, and hams. They are also great for roasting vegetables. If you want to roast potatoes or other vegetables in the drippings underneath your meat, a roasting pan will give you the extra volume you need.

Roasting pans can also be used to prepare one-pan meals like lasagna or deep-dish pizzas, bake desserts for a crowd, and simmer gravy and pan sauces right on the stovetop. So if you're looking for a versatile piece of cookware that can handle large portions of food, a roasting pan is a great option.

They're easy to clean

Roasting pans are easy to clean. The best roasting pans are those that can be cleaned with mild dishwashing soap and a non-abrasive scrubber. For pans without a non-stick layer, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be used to loosen burnt food, followed by a warm water soak.

The Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan is easy to clean because of its non-stick surface. The Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster is also easy to clean because of its non-stick coating. The Hestan Provisions Stainless-Steel Nonstick Roaster with Rack is easy to clean because of its non-stick surface and heavy bottom. The All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Roasting Pan is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Roasting Pan is easy to clean. The KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron Au Gratin Oval Roasting Pan is easy to care for, although it is not dishwasher-safe. The Caraway Roasting Pan is easy to clean because of its ceramic coating.

Frequently asked questions