Easy Breezy Oven Recipes

Aluminum trays are a convenient way to throw something in the oven and have a whole meal ready in a matter of moments. You might be bored with the same old dishes, though, but luckily, there are a variety of ways to spice up your mealtime. Have you tried these 20 aluminum tray recipes, and do you have any favorites of your own to share?

1. Pilaf

Pilaf is a hearty and flavorful rice dish that is amazing and easy to make. It is typically made with some type of broth, various spices, rice, vegetables, and meat, but there are many versions and different recipes. Baking it in an aluminum tray makes for even heat distribution, helping the rice cook perfectly, all while absorbing all of the aromatics and flavors.

2. Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic and one of the most popular and well-known aluminum tray dishes. It is a great comfort food that is easy to make and leaves little to no mess while preparing it. Whether you prefer a vegetarian lasagna or a meat-filled one, it is a crowd pleaser and a very convenient dish to make and store in an aluminum tray.

3. Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, gooey, and delicious, macaroni and cheese is hard to say no to. Baking it in an aluminum tray allows for the cheese to melt perfectly and fill and coat every part of the pasta, while making a crunchy top crust for extra texture and flavor. If you want to make a bigger portion for later, the aluminum tray makes it super easy to store, too.

4. Cinnamon Rolls

It might seem surprising, but cinnamon rolls baked in an aluminum tray come out perfect. The top develops a nice crunch and caramelization, while the rolls bake perfectly all the way through. Adding a splash of cream between the rolls also lets them absorb it, making for a soft, moist, and juicy bite every time.

5. Honey-Glazed Salmon

Salmon is an amazing protein, especially when made in such an easy way as this. The honey glaze over the salmon caramelizes perfectly in the oven, while the salmon cooks through evenly, making for a rich and delicious dish. This also minimizes cleanup time and is easy to dispose of after eating, making it mess-free and convenient.

6. Brownies

Fudgy brownies with crispy exteriors and gooey centers are an absolute treat. The aluminum tray helps achieve that perfect temperature and structure, making the brownies super easy to cut after they are done. It also allows for baking the brownies in bulk, especially handy if you are making them for a party or a bigger crowd.

7. BBQ Pulled Pork

BBQ Pulled Pork is delicious and rich in flavor, which is amplified even more when made in an aluminum tray. The high sides of the tray prevent spills and allow the meat to roast in its own juices, making the end product that much more delicious. You can bake it nice and slow too, making for a worry-free preparation.

8. Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are creamy and mouthwatering, especially when baked to that golden brown perfection. It’s a rich dish that is so flavorful, it will make you feel happy and satisfied after eating it. The aluminum tray makes sure that the potatoes cook evenly and all the way through, all while preventing the cheese sauce from bubbling over.

9. Roasted Chicken

One of the easiest ways to prepare a whole chicken is definitely to throw it into an aluminum tray along with vegetables and aromatics for a few hours. The even heat distribution cooks the chicken to perfection and keeps it juicy, while the skin crisps up to a nice and craveable crunch. The aluminum tray also doubles as the serving platter in this case, ensuring you don’t have to clean any extra dishes.

10. Apple Crumble

Making an apple crumble without fail is easy when doing so in an aluminum tray. This lets the apples soften evenly while the topped crunchy oats get a nice brown color and crunch. All you have to do after baking it is top it with whipped cream or ice cream, and you are good to go.

11. Beef Brisket

Beef brisket needs to cook for quite some time to achieve the ideal level of juiciness and flavor, which is why the aluminum tray is one of the top candidates. Using a good rub and making sure that every inch of the brisket is covered ensures that the bark that forms from the spices is delicious. There is also a trick to making the brisket have that smoky taste and smell in the oven, and that is to add a few drops of liquid smoke and cover the aluminum tray for a few hours, allowing the brisket to get infused with the smell and flavors.

12. Bread Pudding

If you have some leftover bread and are craving a sweet dessert, the bread pudding is worth a try. Soak the bread in some sweet custard, put it in an aluminum tray, and bake inside of an oven for a comforting and delicious treat. There is no limit to how you can customize this dessert with different toppings, but the bottom line is, it is super easy and convenient to make in an aluminum tray with little effort.

13. Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Baking meatballs in tomato sauce is delicious enough as it is, but doing so in an aluminum tray makes them even better. The tray keeps the sauce from bubbling over and lets the meatballs absorb all of the juicy goodness from the sauce. This is a good way to make them in bulk as well, allowing you to make different dishes with meatballs for a few days.

14. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

While it is unconventional to make this kind of pasta dish in the oven, the delicious results are hard to argue against. The pasta is baked to a creamy perfection that cooks it evenly thanks to the cheesy sauce, while the broccoli gets slightly crispy on the top and absorbs all the moisture, making for a perfect bite every time. It’s a low-effort dish that is absolutely worth trying.

15. Tres Leches

Tres Leches has never been easier to make at home than using an aluminum tray. After the base of the cake is done baking, the tray is perfect for holding the liquid while it gets absorbed. The best part is that you don’t even have to move it to store or chill before serving, since the aluminum tray does the job for all the steps.

16. Shepherd’s Pie

A hearty dish full of ground meat, vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy, shepherd’s pie is one of the easiest and most delicious things to make. The aluminum tray holds the layers firmly while they bake, making for visual perfection as well as balance when it is ready to be served. It is also baked evenly and to the exact right temperature, all while retaining maximum flavor and juiciness.

17. Texas Sheet Cake

The Texas sheet cake is usually baked in a shallow, large tray, which makes the aluminum tray ideal for the job. While it’s easy to make the cake dry due to its thinness, baking it this way ensures that it stays moist. Top the cake with some icing as soon as it is out of the oven and enjoy a rich bite from start to finish.

18. Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta

Another dish made easy thanks to the aluminum tray is baked ziti with spinach and ricotta cheese. It’s as easy as throwing all the ingredients into the tray and putting them in the oven. The result is a hearty dish full of flavor and wonderful aromatics that is perfect for a big family or a meal-prep.

19. Cake Mix

One of the simplest ways of making a cake has always been the cake mix from a box. Baking it in an aluminum tray allows for an even bake, while the moisture of the cake is retained at just the right level. From there, decorating the cake is only limited by your creativity and imagination.

20. Roasted Vegetable Medley

A dish rich in color, flavor, and sweet and savory goodness, the roasted vegetable medley is a healthy side to any main dish. The heat is evenly distributed within the aluminum tray, keeping the vegetables from sticking together and making them crisp perfectly. Sprinkling a bit of brown sugar on top allows for some caramelized perfection and an effort-free dish that you can make whenever you please.