Roasting Pan Liners: What To Use?

Roasting pans are a must-have for any kitchen, but if you're short on space or don't want to shell out for one, there are plenty of substitutes that you likely already have. The purpose of a roasting rack is to keep the meat lifted above the bottom of the pan, so it doesn't sit in its juices and cook evenly.

If you don't have a rack, you can get creative and use a bed of root vegetables, a wire cooling rack, or even balls of aluminium foil to keep your roast elevated.

For the pan itself, a high-sided casserole dish, a cast-iron skillet, or a rimmed baking sheet can all work well. Just make sure whatever you use is oven-safe and large enough to accommodate your roast.

Carrots, potatoes, celery and onions

Carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions are a great combination of vegetables to put at the bottom of your roasting pan. Not only will they add flavour to your roast, but they will also keep your turkey or chicken raised from the base of the pan, preventing it from sitting in the juices and becoming soggy.

To prepare your roasting pan, start by peeling and slicing your carrots and potatoes. You can also add in celery, though this is optional. Next, place the vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil, making sure they are evenly coated. You can also add in spices and herbs such as salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, or green onions to taste. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are well coated in oil and spices.

Once your vegetables are prepared, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan. If you are cooking a large roast, such as a turkey, you may want to use a disposable foil roasting pan, which has the benefit of being disposable but can be frustrating to work with due to its flimsy nature. Place your meat on top of the bed of vegetables and cover the pan with aluminium foil. Then, bake in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Using this method of roasting your meat and vegetables together will impart a wonderful flavour to your dish and make for a delicious and comforting meal.

Balls of foil

If you don't have a roasting rack, you can use balls of foil to prop your meat up and out of the liquids. To do this, take a few feet of aluminium foil and, working with the foil lengthwise, scrunch it into sturdy, tight cylinders that are about one inch thick. You'll need three to five pieces of foil, depending on the size of your pan. Lay them across the base of the pan, mimicking the layout of a traditional rack. This will provide just enough lift to ensure the meat doesn't sit on the bottom of the pan, allowing every part of the skin to brown.

You can also use a bed of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions, to keep your roast raised from the base of the pan. This will add a whole new layer of flavour to your dish.

If you don't have a roasting pan, you can use a high-sided casserole dish fitted with a rack, a cast-iron skillet, a rimmed baking sheet, or a disposable foil roasting pan.

Wire cooling rack

A wire cooling rack is a great substitute for a roasting rack. It helps to lift your meat off the bottom of the pan, allowing for even cooking and a nice, crisp skin. It's important to choose a rack that will fit inside a standard baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.

A good option is the Kitchenatics Quarter Sheet Roasting and Cooling Rack. This rack is made of stainless steel, meaning it's sturdy and durable. It's also oven-safe and can support heavier foods such as beef brisket, pulled pork, and roasted chicken. The multiple-welded cross-support bars make it more stable than other racks on the market. It's also easy to clean and can be put in the dishwasher.

Another option is the Mrs. Anderson's Baking Half Sheet Baking and Cooling Rack. This rack is made of thick, sturdy wire and fits easily into a half-sheet pan. It's oven-safe up to 500°F and easy to clean, with no centre support that makes it easier to wash.

When using a wire cooling rack, or any substitute roasting rack, it's important to ensure that it is oven-safe and sturdy enough to support the weight of your roast. You may also want to place a sheet of aluminium foil underneath to catch any spills.

High-sided casserole dish

A high-sided casserole dish can be used as an alternative to a roasting pan. The high sides are important for preventing juices from overflowing.

When choosing a casserole dish, consider the material it is made from. Glass casserole dishes allow you to monitor the browning of your food but are more prone to cracking or shattering when exposed to extreme temperature changes. Ceramic casserole dishes are more durable and less likely to crack but are generally more expensive. Cast iron is another option, but it is heavy and not very common.

Handles are another important feature. Looped handles are generally easier to grip than tab-style handles, especially when wearing oven mitts. However, tab-style handles that are at least 1 inch wide can also provide a secure grip.

The size of the casserole dish will depend on what you plan to cook. A standard rectangular 13-by-9-inch (3- to 5-quart) dish is the most versatile, accommodating most casserole recipes as well as baked goods. Deeper dishes are better for thick lasagnas and hearty casseroles, while shallower dishes are more suitable for baked goods like bar cookies and coffee cakes.

Other features to consider include a lid, which is useful for keeping food warm, and an oven-safe glaze, which prevents the dish from getting scuffed by oven racks.

Cast iron skillet

A cast iron skillet is a great alternative to a roasting pan. They are versatile, durable, and can be used for roasting meats like chicken, game hens, and beef. They can also be used for making casseroles or cakes.

To maintain your cast iron skillet, it is important to season it properly. This involves coating the pan with a thin layer of oil, such as grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil, and heating it in the oven at 500°F for an hour. This process creates a non-stick surface and helps to prevent rust.

With proper care, a cast iron skillet can last for years and become a trusted tool in your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions