You were walking through the mall and saw a shallow baking pan? Therefore, a logical question arises, how do shallow pans differ from a baking sheet? Let’s figure out what is a shallow baking pan. In addition, it is considered what can replace a shallow baking pan.
Features of a shallow pan
If you are interested in what is a shallow baking pan, then this is a special baking dish that does not have too deep walls. Cooking in a shallow pan provides more uniform cooking. Food doesn’t stick, so you can save time on baking dishes.
Shallow baking pans provide better moisture evaporation and are more exposed to air. Therefore, in a shallow baking pan, it is possible to cook drier dishes in which there is a minimum amount of moisture. In a shallow frying pan, it is easy to cook fried foods that have a crispy crust.
If you decide to use it, then you need to constantly monitor the products. Otherwise, you risk completely burning them. These pans are small, so this is a universal baking dish. It can be used on various devices.
Very often, shallow pans are used to make pancakes.
You can also bake a pork loin in them or a quiche. As you know, unevenly cooked dishes have an unpleasant taste. But with the use of a shallow baking pan, you can achieve the best result.
Pans can even be used in malfunctioning ovens or appliances that are poorly calibrated. As mentioned, shallow pans distribute the heat more evenly, which prevents overcooking. It is much easier to get food out of a shallow baking pan.
If you pick up a shallow pan, complemented by a lid, then it is possible to prevent excessive evaporation of moisture. Therefore, the dish turns out juicy and fragrant.
The appearance
Quite often, people wonder what a shallow baking pan looks like. There is a large assortment of shallow baking pans on the market, which may vary in size, shape, and shade. In most cases, shallow baking pans are oval or rectangular. The walls of the shallow baking pan are shallow.
The shallow pan is not suitable for long-term use in the oven, as they do not have a lid.
Purposes
There is a wide range of shallow baking pans on the market, which have different purposes, namely:
- for jelly rolls;
- frying cake pans;
- for meat;
- for vegetable dishes.
You can use jelly roll pans if you have loaf pans at home. That is, with their help you can quickly bake bread or cookies. The loaf pans are springform pans, so it is much easier to get the dishes out of the springform pan.
Dimensions of a shallow pan
There is no way to tell exactly what size your shallow baking pan is. There is a large assortment of shallow pans on the market, so every cook can choose the best option for themselves.
In most cases, the depth of the shallow baking pan can be 3-8 inches. It all depends on what exactly you plan to cook. If you plan to prepare a quick meal with a little mess, you should choose a deep baking pan. When using a deeper pan, food does not stick.
Assortment of shallow baking pans
As already mentioned, there are various types of shallow baking pans on the market. More details about the most versatile options are discussed below.
Pizza baking pan
Many people try to get a pizza baking pan. Their main purpose is to make pizza. This shallow baking pan has a rounded shape.
The bottom, in most cases, has a ribbed or curved surface. If you use such a shallow baking pan, you can achieve a crispy crust.
There is a depression in the center of shallow pizza baking pans.
This makes it easier for you to distribute the sauce and toppings. A shallow baking dish that is designed for pizza can be made of metal or silicone.
Pizza baking trays made of silicone practically exclude the burning of food. But stainless steel pans heat up faster, which speeds up the cooking process. Stainless steel pans are durable.
Baking sheet
It is in particular demand among cooks. This is a special baking dish, which has a rectangular shape.
The shallow roasting pan is different in that its sides are low. Therefore, hot air cook dishes more evenly. A shallow roasting pan is the best solution for making a cake.
Trays can be made of metal or silicone. However, metal skillets last longer.
Distinguishing features between a skillet and a deep baking pan
As you know, deep baking pans differ from shallow ones in that they have deeper walls. You need to understand that the height of the walls determines the depth of baking food. If you use a deep baking pan, the food cooks deeper.
Using a deep baking pan helps to retain moisture in the food. If you use deep baking pans, then the moisture remains in the products longer.
At the same time, deep baking pans help maintain a constant temperature and pressure.
A deep baking pan is the best solution if you plan to cook cookies or pies. After all, a deep baking pan allows you to cook a large amount of food at a time. If you need to quickly prepare dinner, you should stop at a shallow baking dish.
That is, here you can cook muffins and buns. The main advantage of a deep baking pan is that you can cook a large amount of food at once.
Differences
A detailed list of differences between deep and shallow baking pans:
- A baking pan has a flat structure and little depth compared to a deep baking pan.
- A shallow utensil heats up quickly. But it takes longer to heat a deep baking pan.
- You can cook vegetable casseroles and even fish in a deep baking pan.
- It is easier to create a crispy crust with a shallow utensil. Therefore, a shallow option is ideal for muffins and cookies.
- Food cooks more evenly in a deep utensil.
The choice depends on your preferences. If you are planning to cook a casserole for dinner, then opt for a deep baking pan.
A deeper skillet also be ideal for making vegetable stews.
Features of caring for roasting pans
If you have purchased a baking pan, it must last.
Basic rules
The basic rules for caring for baking pans include:
- Use the deep pan or shallow baking pan only if they are clean. If even slight contamination remains on the surface of the sheet pan, the cooking process is significantly complicated.
- If you use the deep pan, then store it in a dry place. Moisture can cause rust and damage to the cookware.
- Avoid washing deeper pans or regular pans in the dishwasher. Too aggressive components are used to start it, which, in combination with hot water, can begin to develop rust. Over time, the dishes deteriorate, and you have to buy new ones.
- If you notice traces of rust on the surface, cleaning should not be carried out. After all, this only exacerbates the problem. Try using a small amount of baking soda or salt to get rid of the rust.
After each use, the pan must not only be washed but also wiped dry.
After all, moisture is the main cause of rust. Cooking on a dry baking sheet is not recommended. Therefore, try to grease the bottom with vegetable oil, and cover it with parchment paper.
This creates a barrier between the surface of the pan and the food, preventing overcooking. The better the care of the skillets, the longer they serve you.
What to look for when buying cookware: the main factors
Previously, it was accurately described what is a shallow baking pan. However, it is necessary to choose a quality product that lasts a long time and satisfies all needs. When choosing, you should focus on several factors, which will be discussed below.
Cookware size
It is extremely important to keep track of what size baking dish you require. As already mentioned, the choice of size depends on what exactly you plan to cook.
However, there are universal options that are the most optimal solution. For example, for cooking pork loin, it is better to look for low options.
Product material
As you know, there is a wide range of baking dishes on the market, and they can be made of different materials. The best solution would be to buy ceramic pans, which have a non-stick coating. They are easy to wash. The only disadvantage of such models is the high cost.
Available options are aluminum baking pans or stainless steel options. However, food does not cook as evenly on them.
Professional cooks prefer to use porcelain ceramics. This material is durable and does not warp.
However, the cost of such models is quite high. Porcelain ceramics can be dishwasher-safe. It is important to study in advance the question of which materials conduct heat better.
Pan design
If you are planning to buy a baking pan, you need to pay attention to the design of the product. The easiest way is to select dishes based on your kitchen.
This creates an aesthetic atmosphere.
FAQ
What’s considered a shallow baking pan?
On average, the height of low-bundt pans is about 3 inches. If you are considering buying a deep model, then the height of the walls can reach 8-12 inches. It all depends on what shape the pan has.
Is a shallow baking pan a cookie sheet?
Yes, it can be your cookie sheet. In this dish, it is possible to cook a variety of rolls, buns, and much more. Such products are often rectangular with shallow edges. In some models, the edge can only be on one side.
Is it possible to replace the shallow roasting pan with a deep baking dish?
Deep baking pans can vary in shape and size. You can find both a regular deep baking pan and deeper baking pans. It all depends on what exactly you plan to cook.
You can safely replace the baking sheet with deep pans. However, the choice of dishes should be determined by the requirements of your oven.
As already mentioned, cookies are ideally prepared on baking sheets. But a deep baking pan is the best solution for pies or pork loin.
It is important to remember that the use of baking pans must be correct. If you are using shallow baking pans, it is best to use an oven thermometer for cooking. Set your oven to the correct temperature in advance. For food to cook evenly, the oven must be preheated in advance.
Do not place the entire dish in the center of the baking pans. It must be evenly distributed over the surface.
How deep is a shallow baking pan?
As already mentioned, the rim of the pan is no more than 3 inches. Therefore, it is safe to say that it is not too deep.
What can I use as a shallow roasting pan?
If you don’t have a special shallow roasting pan, you can use a cast iron pan as an alternative. You can also use a baking sheet that has sides. A good solution would be a frying pan with an enamel coating. If possible, you can use a disposable dish made of foil.
Results
As you can see, shallow roasting pans are perfect for home cooking if you like to cook quick and delicious meals in the oven. It can be used to prepare various dishes, including desserts.
Be sure to try cooking dinner for your family in such a pan. I’m sure you’ll like it. At first, I thought that it was not very convenient, but now I can’t imagine how I used to cook. Therefore, I recommend this utensil with all responsibility.
Hi, my name is Ashley Robinson. I’m a food blogger and a part time chef in Food & Drink Junction, Denver. With my blog I’m sharing information & tutorials about different kinds of cooking pans.
