Choosing Baking Sheets

The season on baking sheets is upon us. Although chefs and bakers use baking sheets all year long, between November and December they often get more use than at any other time of the year. If your baking sheets are looking shabby or not producing results you’re pleased with, now is the perfect time to equip yourself with something better.

A poor baking sheet makes baking success difficult, whereas a good baking sheet makes success easier. Fortunately, the key to finding a good baking sheet isn’t spending a lot of money. It’s all about how the sheet is made.

So take a look at Our Deer’s recipes, then bone up on the best sort of baking sheet for your needs.

 

Baking Sheets vs. Cookie Sheets

Often, the terms “baking sheet” (or “baking pan”) and “cookie sheet” are used interchangeably. However, there is a difference, though it may not matter for most recipes. Baking sheets have edges. Cookie sheets have no edges.

If you can only have one type of sheet in your kitchen, it should be a baking sheet, which can be used for baking cookies, also. Cookie sheets, on the other hand, don’t work for certain things (like containing juices when roasting).

Aluminum baking sheets are inexpensive, easy to clean, conduct heat well, and are durable. However, they react with foods high in acid (like tomatoes), and may transfer a metallic flavor to alkaline foods (like asparagus and cabbage) and cause them to discolor. However, to prevent these problems you can simply line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

A thicker aluminum sheet (often called a “double thick” sheet) is always a better choice than a cheaper, thinner aluminum sheet. “Heavy-Gauge” aluminum cookie sheets are less likely to over bake or burn cookies toward the end of a large batch.

 

What is a French Black Steel Baking Sheets?

More expensive, French black steel baking sheets aren’t as carefree as aluminum. They must be seasoned by rubbing kosher salt on their surface (to prevent corrosion), and any dampness left on them will quickly cause rust.

However, they conduct heat well – so well, you may need to lower the temperature of the oven by 25 degrees F, or cut your baking time some. Many bakers prefer these baking sheets for puff pastry.

 

What is an Insulated Cookie Sheets?

In general, insulated cookie sheets are an excellent choice for any type of cookies – especially thin ones that might over-brown or burn with other types of cookie sheets.

However, they do require more baking time, so you’ll have to watch your cookies carefully (unless the recipe specifically calls for an insulated sheet).

 

What is a Nonstick Baking Sheets?

Nonstick baking sheets are the easiest to clean and cook more quickly because they are a darker color. Eventually, their nonstick finish will wear off.

 

How to get Baking Sheets Clean?

To prolonged the life of your baking and cooking sheets, keep the sheets you use for baked goods separate from those you use for such things as cooking meats.

This will keep the sheets you use for cookies unblemished, and will result in longer-lasting sheets, too.

 

Check out the video version of this article on YouTube : Choosing Baking Sheets