Emilie Meyer
Sheet pan dinners are a convenient and tasty option for a quick weeknight meal. They involve throwing all your ingredients onto a single sheet pan and letting them cook together in the oven. The beauty of this method is its simplicity – you can use almost any ingredients you like, from proteins to pasta, and you'll only have one pan to wash up at the end. To get started, choose your protein and vegetables, add seasonings and fat, and pay attention to the placement of your ingredients on the pan for even cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Proteins (poultry, beef, pork, fish, tofu, chicken, salmon, shrimp, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, etc.), vegetables (broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, potatoes, squash, zucchini, cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, etc.) |
| Seasonings | Fat, herbs, spices, and garnishes. Oils (olive oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, duck fat, leftover bacon grease, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, avocado oil, etc.), herbs (thyme, lemon thyme, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, bay leaves, tarragon, sage, etc.), dried herbs and herb mixes (Herbs de Provence) |
| Placement | Place the sheet pan closer to the heat source for crispier and browner food. Place larger pieces at the edges and smaller pieces in the centre. Rotate the sheet pan halfway through cooking. |
| Temperature | A temperature of 400 degrees is suggested for cooking. A higher temperature will brown the food faster and cook it juicier, while a lower temperature is better for slower and more even cooking. |
| Benefits | Minimum cleanup, quick supper, convenient, versatile, healthy, fuss-free |
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What You'll Learn
Choose your protein
Choosing a protein is an essential step in creating a sheet pan dinner. The protein you choose will be the star of the dish, so it's important to select something that you and your guests will enjoy. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose and prepare your protein of choice:
Types of Protein
When it comes to selecting a protein, the options are endless. You can go for poultry such as chicken or turkey, red meat like beef or pork, or seafood options such as salmon, shrimp, or any fish of your choice. If you're looking for a plant-based option, tofu is a great alternative. For a more indulgent meal, you could even choose bacon or sausage as your protein.
Amount of Protein
Once you've decided on the type of protein, it's important to consider the amount. A good rule of thumb is to aim for ¼ to ¾ pound of protein per serving. This will ensure that your sheet pan dinner is hearty and satisfying.
Preparation and Cooking Time
The way you prepare and cook your protein will depend on the type you choose. For example, if you're cooking poultry, keep in mind that dark meat takes longer to cook than white meat, and bone-in chicken will take longer than boneless. Cooking time also varies depending on the cut of meat; chicken or turkey breast tenders may only need 5 minutes under the broiler, while bone-in turkey legs could take up to 1½ hours.
Marinades and Seasonings
To add extra flavour to your protein, consider marinating it before cooking. You can use a variety of marinades and seasonings to enhance the taste of your dish. For instance, you could marinate chicken thighs in Greek yogurt, cumin, coriander, and paprika, or create a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and za'atar for bone-in chicken thighs. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and oils to find your perfect flavour profile.
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Pick your vegetables
When creating your own sheet pan dinners, picking the right vegetables is essential for a tasty and nutritious meal. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you choose the best vegetables for your sheet pan dinner:
Firstly, consider the cooking time of the vegetables. Choose vegetables that have similar cooking times to ensure your meal is cooked evenly. For example, carrots, potatoes, squash, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and onions are all vegetables that generally have similar cooking times and go well together. You can also cut the vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Secondly, think about the flavours and colours you want to incorporate. Sheet pan dinners are a great opportunity to get creative and experiment with different combinations. For instance, red bell peppers, broccoli, and onions make for a colourful and tasty trio, while sweet potatoes, broccoli, and BBQ sauce-slathered chicken can be a hearty and flavourful option. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your favourite combinations.
Additionally, you can enhance the flavour of your vegetables with various oils, herbs, and spices. Olive oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, and avocado oil are all great choices for roasting vegetables. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage can also be added directly to the pan to infuse your vegetables with flavour. Don't be shy to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile.
Lastly, remember to pay attention to the placement of your vegetables on the sheet pan. Place larger pieces at the edges and smaller pieces in the centre to ensure even cooking. Also, consider the amount of space between the ingredients, as more airflow will result in additional browning. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and balanced sheet pan dinners with vegetables that are cooked to perfection.
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Seasonings and toppings
When it comes to seasonings and toppings, the options are endless. You can use fats, herbs, spices, and garnishes to add flavour and character to your sheet pan dinner.
For fats, olive oil is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other oils and fats like coconut oil, peanut oil, duck fat, leftover bacon grease, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil. Simply toss your ingredients in enough fat so that they are lightly coated.
For herbs, you can use fresh, sturdy, branchy herbs like thyme, lemon thyme, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, bay leaves, tarragon, or sage. Just throw them onto the pan with your other ingredients. You can also use dried herbs and herb mixes like Herbs de Provence in a marinade, paste, or rub.
If you want to add some spice, try marinating your protein in a blend of Greek yogurt, cumin, coriander, and paprika, or go for a za'atar marinade with olive oil and lemon juice. You can also sprinkle on some seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with sharp pecorino cheese before baking.
Finally, don't forget about toppings! You can bring even more flavour to your sheet pan meals by adding toppings like homemade pesto, garlic aioli, spicy Peruvian green sauce, or a herby tahini yoghurt dressing.
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Sheet pan placement
It's also important to consider the spacing of your ingredients on the pan. If they are crowded, your food will steam instead of achieving that crispy, caramelised texture that sheet pan dinners are known for. Aim to spread out your ingredients evenly, allowing a good amount of airflow between them. The ideal baking pan for sheet pan dinners is an 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet, which provides ample space without crowding. If you're cooking for a smaller group or reheating leftovers, a quarter sheet pan should suffice.
Don't forget to rotate your sheet pan halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on all sides. The suggested cook times you'll find in recipes are typically based on an oven temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can adjust the temperature to suit your preferences. For a deeper colour and a juicy centre, opt for a higher temperature. Conversely, choose a lower temperature for slower, more even cooking.
By mastering sheet pan placement and understanding the impact of oven temperature, you can create perfectly cooked sheet pan dinners every time.
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Clean-up and storage
If you're using a non-stick pan, be sure to avoid metal utensils or scouring pads when cleaning, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for soft-bristled brushes or sponges. Dry your sheet pan thoroughly before storing to prevent rusting, especially if it's made of carbon steel.
For storage, choose a cool, dry place that's conveniently accessible, such as a kitchen cabinet or pantry. Avoid stacking other items on top of your sheet pan to prevent warping or denting. If you need to store multiple sheet pans, consider investing in pan racks or dividers to keep them organized and protected.
Additionally, proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your sheet pan. To maintain an aluminium or stainless steel pan, you can occasionally rub it with oil to season it, creating a natural non-stick surface over time. For non-stick pans, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents. Instead, opt for mild soap and warm water for cleaning. Remember to always allow your pan to cool down before cleaning and storing.
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Frequently asked questions
The two main components of a sheet pan dinner are protein and vegetables.
Examples of proteins include chicken breasts or thighs, salmon, shrimp, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage.
Vegetables that are good for roasting include carrots, potatoes, squash, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and onions.
You can use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for roasting your sheet pan dinner ingredients.
You can add toppings such as homemade pesto, garlic aioli, or spicy Peruvian green sauce. You can also add sliced citrus, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
