Chocolate chip, Snickerdoodle, and oatmeal raisin-who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cookies presented on a cookie sheet in the oven?! But, if you crave multi-function just as much as baked goods, then surely you will want to know if you can use your cookie sheet for broiling other types of food. We have the answer for you so you can gather your recipes and get your Martha Stewart on!
Using a Cookie Sheet While Broiling is Possible Depending On Your Pan
Yes, heavy baking sheets made from stainless steel can withstand the broiler. A baking sheet (a cookie sheet is also referred to as a sheet pan) is a flat metal pan used to bake food like cookies, bread, cakes, and muffins. A broiler pan is a heavier metal than a baking sheet. The result of broiling is comparable to grilling, so broiler pans are more resistant to high heat, making it best for cooking meat, seafood, and even vegetables.
Whether a pro chef or a self-proclaimed foodie, you will be happy to know that a sheet pan is often times a-ok for broiling, especially if made of heavy aluminum or stainless steel. Broiler temperatures are typically around 500°F to 550°F, so it is best to use aluminum foil to line your broiler pan - not parchment paper.
Bonus! An advantage of using a baking sheet pan is the larger surface area which accommodates large portions of food. How convenient for entertaining large gatherings!
No pan, no problem! You can quickly grab some items from around your kitchen or local market to use as a broiler pan substitute. There are plenty of options to broil your chicken as long as it does not contain glass or plastic. Also, avoid silicone mats and baking paper as both tend to burn under high temperatures. Ready to impress your family and friends with a perfectly broiled dinner party dish? Try these options to prepare your next meal.
These high-quality aluminum trays come in handy when broiling in your oven, catching grease, and keeping oils from food. Users say they love using aluminum trays for baking food like salmon and broiling meat because the ridges allow for dripping. Plus, aluminum foil trays are disposable, so no extra clean-up is required. You can also make your favorite potluck dish, then transfer the foil tray to any buffet station for easy serving.
As previously stated, baking sheets can make an acceptable alternative when made from heavy stainless steel. They are broiler-safe and available in most stores. Crafted from durable stainless steel, they offer even heat distribution when baking, roasting, or browning, providing long-lasting use and quick clean-up. Be sure to line it with aluminum foil and a high-temperature oil or cooking spray to avoid food and cooking juices from sticking to your baking pan sheet.
A roasting tray widely used for roasting meats like a whole turkey on holidays like Thanksgiving. But you can use your tray to prepare delicious meals throughout the year in place of a broiler pan. It is usually made of stainless steel and includes a wire rack to separate the juice from the food. Reviewers mention using it for broiling because the depth helps prevent grease splatters from burgers, steaks, and other fatty meats when using the broil function. Not to mention, a roasting tray - as well as a roasting pan - is able to effectively deal with the high heat of broiling.
The Nordic Ware nonstick coated steel rack is a popular cookware option and highly rated for roasting meats, bacon, fries, jerky, and more!
Durable and heavy-duty, a cast iron pan - as well as cast iron skillets don't need to be restricted to your stovetop! They are often suitable for cooking at high temperatures under the broiler function in the oven. You can transition your pan from the stovetop to inside your oven to finish searing your steak evenly.
Use extreme caution when broiling. Never leave your pan unattended, plus wear thick oven mitts when transferring to and from your oven to prevent burns.
The short answer is no. As discussed, there are common alternatives, but the broiler pan may be the best for broiling. If you are new to the cookware scene, broiler pans come standard in many ovens. If not included, you can find them at your preferred home and kitchen store or on Amazon. This cookware is usually made of stainless steel to withstand high heat. It comes in two pieces featuring a slotted top rack and a solid lower rack called a drip pan.
Broiling Fish in the Oven on a Broiling Pan
Broiling pans allow food, such as roasts, poultry, and vegetables, to cook at extremely high temperatures with direct heat from above rather than below as it is on a stovetop. If your goal is to eat healthier, you will appreciate the top slotted portion of the rack. Melting the fats from your meat directly into the drip pan and not in your calorie intake. Not to mention, broiling brings a unique and delicious taste to meats and vegetables.
Although not mandatory, you can start prepping your food by seasoning your chicken or removing the skin before sliding it into the oven. Keep in mind that you should preheat your broiler for at least five minutes before you cook your food.
The broiling cooking method is ideal for convenient quick meals, impromptu appetizers, and hearty meals for last-minute gatherings. Enjoy recipes like garlic broiled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or a portobello burger. These popular food items can be made quickly with the help of your broiler pan.
Learning how to use the broiler function of your oven may take practice. But here is a compiled list of tips to get you started.
To ensure a clean release of food from your pan, and to reduce clean-up time, line the pan you are using. Aluminum foil is the best choice for lining a broiling pan. While other options like silicone liners and parchment paper are heat resistant, they are not heat-proof. Parchment paper is generally heat-safe up to 450°F. Beyond that, it may catch fire.
Parchment Paper Isn’t a Good Choice for Broiling Hot Temperatures
Allow a 3/4 inch space between food pieces. The room will ensure even cooking throughout your food.
When broiling food, you should avoid letting food sit in oil. While a small amount of oil will allow a piece of meat to crisp, too much oil is a fire hazard. If you choose to use oil, be sure to leave at least six inches between the broiler and the food. Remember that the broiler is on the top of the oven, so move oven racks away from the broiling coils to stop oily food from catching fire.
It is paramount to use caution any time you use the oven. However, when broiling food, remember that the oven temperatures are a staggering 500°F to 550°F. Keep these safety tips in mind to ensure a safe broiling experience. Always wear oven gloves when handling the pan. Avoid silicone handles and gloves as silicone is resistant to heat only to 400°F.
Glass baking dishes should be reserved for typical cooking temperatures, not broiling food. Glassware has a heat resistance of 425°F, and temperatures higher than this may cause the glass to shatter. Non-stick coatings also have lower heat resistance and should be avoided when broiling.
