If you’re eager to embark on a fresh baking endeavor, but find yourself lacking inspiration, fret not, for we have got you covered!
The realm of baked treats is vast and teeming with delectable options that go beyond the customary cakes and cookies.
To help you get your creative juices flowing, we have compiled a list of the most sought-after and fitting baked goods, guaranteed to invigorate your baking game.
Baked French Fries
A favorite around the world, French fries are known for their crisp outer texture and steamy interior.
The problem with French fries is actually in the name.
Deep frying is hands down one of the worst ways to cook if you are thinking about your health.
Oil adds calories and can contribute to heart disease.
Deep frying your food can also increase the carcinogen count and therefore the risk of cancer.
Instead of frying your French fries, you can bake them instead.
Baking is ideal because the dry heat will evenly cook the fries and penetrate to the center to ensure consistency.
Baking also creates a delicious crust and you can even season the fries before they go in the oven.
Baked Fish and Chips
Similar to French fries, fish and chips have a conventional frying method in which they are submerged in oil.
However, for the same reasons we advocate for baking French fries, you can also opt to bake your fish and chips.
The best part is that you don’t have to alter your preparation techniques.
You can coat your fish with a batter or crumb, and then pop it in the oven.
Simply flip it once while baking to achieve a crisp outer layer.
By choosing to bake instead of fry, you’ll also be saving on the amount of oil used in cooking.
Additionally, baking helps retain more nutrients as vitamins and minerals do not break down as much as they do during frying.
Baked Donuts
There’s nothing quite like donuts.
While they have many of the same ingredients as cakes and muffins, the shape and texture are quite different.
Donuts are traditionally deep-fried, but they don’t have to be.
You can prepare your donut mixture like normal and spoon or pipe it onto a baking tray and cook in the oven.
400°F on a baking pan for around 12 minutes is all you will need for healthier donuts without all of the oil.
If you want to cut down on waste you can use nonstick bakeware.
This Amazon Basics Nonstick Set is perfect with a range of trays and dishes that will be suited to countless home-baked meals.
Baked Chicken
Frying and sautéing chicken is a quick and popular way to prepare daily meals.
But you don’t have to add all of the oil to get flavorsome and juicy chicken.
Baking is ideal whether you are cooking a whole chicken, wings, breast fillets, or any other cut.
Chicken should be baked at 350°F to 375°F, depending on how big the pieces are.
Bone-in and whole chicken often benefit from the lower temperature as it allows ample interior cooking time without burning the outside.
Chicken is easy to bake because you can season, pop it in the oven, and then wait.
It’s best to use a temperature probe to check when the chicken is done.
This ThermoPro Digital Cooking Thermometer is perfect because you can probe the chicken at the deepest point next to the bone, and then close the oven and pop the display unit on top.
You’ll be able to monitor the temperature while baking without having to open the oven and release all of the heat.
Baked Ravioli
Have you ever experimented with baked ravioli as a party appetizer?
It’s a fantastic option for special occasions!
To prepare, start with fresh ravioli and give each piece a light egg wash before seasoning with breadcrumbs and herbs.
Once baked, you’ll enjoy a delectable combination of a crispy outer layer with a tender, succulent center.
Besides serving as an appetizer, baked ravioli can also be utilized as a side dish to complement your other favorite ingredients.
It pairs exceptionally well with baked chicken, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal for any occasion.
Cornbread
Cornbread is one of the original all-American baking recipes.
Its tradition and origin date back to before the arrival of Europeans.
Cornbread might have gotten sweeter in the modern day, but it’s still a piece of history that you can bake at home.
Quick baking, this popular food is also versatile.
It can be baked more like bread with a fluffy consistency in a loaf pan, or in its more traditional way in a cast-iron skillet.
Cornbread from scratch always tastes better, but you can stock up on ready-mix cornbread for when you don’t have time to combine all of the ingredients.
Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and rivals the best home recipes in flavor and consistency.
Bagels
Unique among bread, the humble bagel is a favorite for home bakers.
Boiled before baking, a bagel has a slightly dense and sometimes chewy consistency that makes it perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks between meals.
A bagel can be paired with anything, from cheese and avocado, to deli meats and spreads.
Bagels can be made sweet and topped with icing for a twist on the classic presentation, or they can be infused with herbs, cheese, and even savory bits of meat like ham and bacon.
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy baked bread at home, a good bagel recipe will go a long way.
Try sprinkling seasoning on your bagels before cooking.
McCormick Everything Bagel All-Purpose Seasoning is great for bagels and other bread.
Apple Pie
You’re probably familiar with the phrase “as American as Apple Pie”, so you might be surprised to learn that apple pies originated in the United Kingdom.
Regardless of the history, there’s no questioning that apples and pastries go together like few other ingredients when baked.
The apple filling is sweet, tart, and deliciously juicy.
The pie crust is substantial and crumbs away with every bite.
Apple pie and other similar baked pies are ideal for baking because of the variations you can add.
Nut toppings, raisins, and even liqueurs can be added to introduce new flavors into a real home baker’s classic.
For amazing pie crusts, try this Gluten-Free Pie Crust Gourmet Baking Mix.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cookies are arguably the most suitable foods for baking, and also some of the most versatile.
Although history is unclear, the first chocolate chip cookies were likely produced in the early 1930s. Today, they’re baked by people all over the world.
There’s a lot you can do to put your spin on chocolate chip cookies, making them popular with new bakers of all ages.
Replace white sugar with brown sugar to make cookies chewier, or trade out butter for shortening to change the consistency and keep your cookies moist.
You can even get creative with the ingredients.
Add nuts along with chocolate chips, incorporate some espresso into the dough, or maybe even try white chocolate instead of dark.
For better cookies, invest in a silicone cooking mat.
You can put this right on top of a standard cooking tray to make cleanup easier.
These Whaline 3pcs Silicone Baking Mats are affordable and will see regular use in your kitchen.
Traditional Baked Goods
Of course, you can also bake all of the traditional options like bread, muffins, cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, and much more.
When most people think of baking, it’s the sweet treats that come to mind.
But as you can see from our list, there’s a lot more that you can bake in your oven at home.
If you’re stuck for ideas you can look around online for recipes.
Or, you can start with a cookbook to inspire you to create new meals.
This Savory Baking cookbook by Jeanne McDowell explores recipes that you may never have considered if you’re used to baking sweet treats.
Baking at Home Can be Healthy and Rewarding
If you’re looking to improve your diet and introduce more diversity to your meals, baking can be a game-changer.
By utilizing your oven, you can drastically reduce the amount of oil that typically accompanies sautéing and pan-frying.
This healthier cooking method not only reduces your fat intake but also allows you to prepare a wider variety of dishes.
With baking, you can create everything from baked salmon to roasted vegetables, casseroles, and more, each offering a unique flavor profile and a wholesome, nutrient-rich meal.
Say goodbye to unhealthy cooking methods and hello to a healthier and more varied diet with the power of your oven.
Looking for the Best Recipes? Try a Classic Baker’s Cookbook
The emergence of the internet has revolutionized the way we learn about food and cooking techniques.
However, amidst the vast online resources, there’s something to be said about the timeless charm and reliability of a well-crafted cookbook.
Mary Berry’s Baking Bible stands as a testament to this notion, and it’s no surprise that it has become one of America’s favorite baking cookbooks.
Packed with classic recipes from around the world, including the United States, this book is an indispensable resource for any aspiring home baker.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic sponge or chocolate cake, meringues, scones, or bread, Mary Berry’s Baking Bible has got you covered.
The recipes are thoughtfully presented, with clear instructions that are easy to follow and understand.
If you’re looking to invest in a single physical cookbook for baking, this should be at the top of your list.
