You know you need a roasting pan for the holidays. Cooking up a Thanksgiving turkey, a glazed ham or a standing rib roast is much easier with a roasting pan in your arsenal. But what about the rest of the year? You don’t have to stuff your holiday cookware in a corner and let it collect dust, because a roasting pan is one of those things that you could use on a weekly basis.
What is a roasting pan?
A roasting pan is basically just a large, oven-safe dish fitted with a rack. Think of it as an oversized casserole dish, or a tall-sided baking sheet. You can use a roasting pan without the rack, but the rack prevents a roast from touching the bottom of the pan, promoting even heating and allowing the pan drippings to fall through the rack.
Because they’re usually used for large cuts of meat like a turkey, the most common size is a 16-inch pan, which can be large and heavy. Even though it’s heavier than nonstick pans, we’d recommend investing in a multi-ply stainless steel roasting pan (like our go-to roasting pan). These pans are fantastic at searing meats for braised dishes on the stovetop because they get a harder sear and can be used at hotter temperatures than pans made with nonstick materials (like this one). They also tend to hold their heat better than nonstick, making them ideal for casseroles.
When should I use a roasting pan?
There are so many ways to use your roasting pan all year round! They can be used in most recipes that call for a sheet pan, so swap in your roasting pan the next time you whip up a sheet pan dinner. You can also use it to roast a whole chicken (most 16-inch pans will hold two chickens, making it easy to meal prep for leftovers). Roasting pans are also fantastic at cooking large quantities of potatoes or other vegetables, which is especially helpful if you’re preparing for a dinner party. Don’t be afraid to pull out your roasting pan to make an extra-large batch of lasagna, enchiladas or your favorite casserole for a potluck, either.
One of our favorite ways to use a roasting pan is for braises, like braised short ribs. You can use these pans on the stovetop to sear the meat, locking in that delicious flavor. Then, deglaze directly in the pan, add your liquid and vegetables and toss the whole thing into the oven. A one-pot meal!
The best recipes to make in a roasting pan
1 / 55
Taste of Home
Baked Ham with PineappleI first learned the technique for baked ham with pineapple for a themed dinner my husband and I hosted. Since it is widely known as the symbol of hospitality, pineapple was the star ingredient on our menu and on this lovely baked ham made in a roasting pan. —JoAnn Fox, Johnson City, TennesseeGo to Recipe
Taste of Home
Herb-Roasted TurkeyHoney and corn syrup blend with savory herbs and seasonings to give my turkey a slightly sweet flavor. My tried-and-true herb turkey recipe never fails to win compliments. —Charlene Melenka, Vegreville, Alberta
Go to Recipe
Braised Corned BeefYou’ll need a bit of time to prepare this braised corned beef, but the end results make all that time worth it. Cook this for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration or foran extra-special meal. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Crown Roast of Pork with Mushroom DressingIt looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Dijon-Rubbed Pork with Rhubarb SauceThis tender pork loin roast served with a rhubarb-orange sauce is simply delicious! Here's an excellent choice for company—it makes a memorable meal. —Marilyn Rodriguez, Sparks, Nevada
Go to Recipe
Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Garlic Herbed Beef TenderloinYou don't need much seasoning to add flavor to this tender beef roast. The mild blend of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Go to Recipe
Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice Stuffing Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice StuffingCornish hens bake up with a lovely golden brown shine when they are basted with my sweet and tangy glaze. The traditional rice stuffing has some added interest with crunchy pecans and sweet golden raisins.—Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Go to Recipe
Roast Leg of Lamb"A simple herb mixture on this roast provides irresistible flavor," relates Sharon Cusson of Augusta, Maine.
Go to Recipe
Cajun Rice DishA variety of vegetables makes this delicious Cajun rice casserole a hit with everyone. I team up generous servings with garlic bread and a tossed salad.—Rose Kostynuik, Calgary, Alberta
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Salt-Encrusted Prime RibRestaurants have nothing on this salt-crusted prime rib recipe. For a true meat lover, it's very easy and the results are beyond belief. —Roger Bowlds, Bakersfield, California
Go to Recipe
Miso Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Miso Butter Roasted ChickenI love this recipe for its simple front-end prep. Spatchco*ck the chicken yourself or ask your butcher to spatchco*ck it for you. Then the only work left to do is to chop the veggies. Once it’s in the oven, there’s ample time to set the table and talk. —Stefanie Schaldenbrand, Los Angeles, California
Go to Recipe
Hasselback Butternut Squash Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Hasselback Butternut SquashSquash makes the perfect holiday side dish, especially when it's Hasselback butternut squash! The thin slits cut into each half allow the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar and ground chipotle mixture to get in every single nook and cranny. This is one side that everyone at your holiday table will be excited to gobble up! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Go to Recipe
I love the simplicity of this easy beef tenderloin recipe. Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper—just add the tenderloin and pop it in the oven. In an hour or so you’ve got an impressive main dish to feed a crowd. This leaves you with more time to visit with family and less time fussing in the kitchen. —Mary Kandell, Huron, Ohio
Garlic Clove Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Garlic Clove ChickenMy Greek neighbors made this chicken frequently, and I couldn’t get enough of it. If you like garlic, you’ll love this recipe. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, Alberta
Go to Recipe
Roast Rosemary Leg of LambRoast lamb is perfect for Easter time or any special occasion. This succulent rosemary leg of lamb recipe calls for a flavorful rosemary, garlic and onion rub. —Suzy Horvath, Milwaukie, Oregon
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Citrus-Molasses Glazed HamWe are always searching for new ways to utilize Florida citrus, which is plentiful during the holidays in our own backyard. I know you will enjoy this. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Go to Recipe
Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Sweet Tea Barbecued ChickenMarinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
Roast Pork Loin with Rosemary ApplesauceI made this for a family get-together on my husband's birthday. The homemade rosemary applesauce adds an extra layer of comfort to the tender pork. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
Horseradish-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Horseradish-Encrusted Beef TenderloinWow friends and family with this tender beef encased in a golden horseradish crust. Roasted garlic boosts the robust flavor even more. —Laura Bagozzi, Dublin, Ohio
Go to Recipe
Rotisserie-Style Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Rotisserie-Style ChickenMy mother used to fix this rotisserie-style chicken when I lived at home, and we called it Church Chicken because Mom would put it in the oven Sunday morning before we left for church. When we got home, the aroma of the roasted chicken would hit us as we opened the door. —Brian Stevenson, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Go to Recipe
Habanero Raspberry Ribs Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Habanero Raspberry Ribs
Go to Recipe
Perfect Rack of Lamb Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Rack of LambLearn how to make a perfect rack of lamb with this comprehensive guide and step-by-step instructions.
Go to Recipe
Baked Acorn Squash with Blueberry-Walnut FillingI absolutely love squash—and I've filled it with so many variations of savory stuffing over the years. But my favorite way to stuff it is with an unexpected fruit filling, like this sweet apple-blueberry one. —Bruce Newcomer, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Go to Recipe
taste of home
Grandma’s Roasted DuckWhen I was growing up, my grandma always served roast duck for the holidays, and for other family events throughout the year. I always thought it was better than turkey! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Stuffed Pork Loin Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Tender Stuffed Pork Tenderloin“My grandmother often prepared this stuffed pork loin for Sunday dinner. She loved to cook and eat, especially when she had someone to share her food with.” — Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
My family loves this tender and juicy roast, so we eat it a lot. The sweet and salty crust is so delicious mixed into the pulled pork. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
Go to Recipe
Roasted Chicken with RosemaryHerbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Patriotic Potatoes with Mustard SauceShow your true spirit with a bowl of red, white and blue potatoes dressed with bacon and sour cream. They’re tops in my hit parade of patriotic dishes. —Julie Murphy, Peachtree City, Georgia
Go to Recipe
Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle GlazeYour Easter celebration will be so simple to orchestrate with this sweet, smoky ham recipe at your fingertips. It feeds a crowd and the baked ham glaze tastes fantastic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
Hawaiian Pork RoastBananas, liquid smoke and soy sauce flavor this fall-apart-tender pork roast. It's just like the kind I enjoyedat the luaus I went to in Hawaii. —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Orange-Glazed Pork LoinThis is one of the best pork recipes I've ever tried. My family looks forward to this roast for dinner, and guests always want the recipe. The flavorful rub, and the glaze brightened with orange juice, are also outstanding on pork chops. —Lynnette Miete, Alna, Maine
Go to Recipe
Roasted Lime ChickenThe subtle citrus flavor infused throughout this moist and baked lime chicken makes it a frequent request for family dinners. It's the ideal way to use fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley. —Kathy Lewis-Martinez, Spring Valley, California
Go to Recipe
I roast veggies to bring out their sweetness, and it works wonders with onions and cabbage. The piquant vinegar-mustard sauce makes this dish similar to a slaw. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Go to Recipe
Sweet Horseradish Glazed Ribs Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Sweet Horseradish Glazed RibsIf you like to prep ahead of camping, roast these ribs, wrap them and finish with a sweet, savory sauce at your campfire or grill. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Go to Recipe
Roasted Honey Mustard ChickenI love a good roasted chicken, and this one is easy and delicious. The marinade does its magic in the fridge until time for roasting. It’s fun to dress the dish up by season based on whatever vegetables are fresh at the market. —Kara Brook, Owings Mills, Maryland
Go to Recipe
Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta CheeseLemony Greek potatoes are a traditional side dish for grilled chicken or steak. When they come out of the oven, we top them with feta for a little melty goodness. —Arge Salvatori, Waldwick, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
Baked Ham with Cherry Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Baked Ham with Cherry SauceThere's nothing I'd rather serve for Easter dinner or another springtime occasion than succulent baked ham. My recipe features a rub that adds flavor to the meat plus a delicious cherry sauce with a hint of almond. —Lavonn Bormuth, Westerville, Ohio
Go to Recipe
Roasted Peppers and CauliflowerCaramelization really enhances the flavors in this easy side dish. The seasoned, roasted peppers and cauliflower are just right with nearly any main course. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia
Go to Recipe
Glazed Cornish HensIf you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday dinner table, our Test Kitchen experts suggest these Cornish game hens topped with a sweet apricot glaze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Beef Brisket on Buns Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Beef Brisket on BunsWith its slightly smoky flavor, this beef turns out tender and delicious every time! Plus, it slices well so it looks great on a buffet. —Deb Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska
Go to Recipe
Harvest Pork Roast Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Harvest Pork RoastI came up with this one evening when I had butternut squash, fresh picked apples and dried cranberries. I combined the ingredients into one succulent pork dish and everyone raved over it. This is also good with some added cinnamon or a garlic pepper rub. —Shirley Tuttle-Malone, Glenfield, New York
Go to Recipe
Cuts-Like-Butter BBQ Brisket Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Cuts-Like-Butter BBQ BrisketWith just a few ingredients and steps, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up. The thin, fall-apart-tender slices are delicious on their own but also make other dishes, such as tacos and Frito pies, taste better. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Go to Recipe
My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Go to Recipe
Make-Ahead Turkey and GravyEase the holiday time crunch with a make-ahead turkey recipe that's ready to serve when you are. It's a great choice for potlucks, too. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Five Spice Plum-Glazed Ham Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Five Spice Plum-Glazed HamBaked ham is one of my favorite dishes, and this plum-baked ham recipe adds something a little bit different to the classic. The plum goes really well with the ham and the Asian spices! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Go to Recipe
The sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements the roast pork. With its crisp, golden exterior and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this pork is my family's favorite weekend dinner. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Go to Recipe
Country Ribs in the Oven Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Mom’s Oven-Baked Country-Style RibsMy mom made these tender oven-baked country-style ribs for special Sunday suppers when we were growing up. A few common ingredients are all you need to make the zesty sauce that coats them. Everyone's eyes light up when I bring a plate of these ribs to the table, and company never suspects how easy they are to prepare. —Yvonne White, Williamson, New York
Go to Recipe
Lemon-Roasted Squash with Tarragon Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Lemon-Roasted Squash with TarragonRoasting really brings out the flavor of butternut squash and zucchini. I drizzle them with lemon juice, oil, garlic and seasonings, then pop them in the oven. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
Mama’s Puerto Rican ChickenMy mom has a vast repertoire of recipes, and this extra-crispy, spiced-up chicken is the best one of the bunch. We love it served with a side of traditional red beans and rice. —Edwin Robles, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Herb-Crusted Chuck RoastThis recipe turns an inexpensive cut of beef into a delicious main dish. I got the recipe from a family member several years ago and have made it often. —Rita Drewes, Craig, Missouri
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Cranberry-Orange Roast DucklingsI came up with this recipe few years ago. The first time I served it, there wasn't a speck of food left on the platter and I knew I had a winning recipe.—Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Creole Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Creole Pork Tenderloin with VegetablesFresh summer vegetables are paired with lean pork and tasty Greek olives for a healthy and quick dinner that's great for family or friends. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Go to Recipe
TMB STUDIO
Banh Mi Baby Back Ribs
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Sunday Roast ChickenThis recipe proves that comfort food doesn't have to be full of unwanted calories. Mixed with orange and lemon juice, my roast chicken is both flavorful and healthy. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island.
Go to Recipe
Whether it’s soaking in marinade or baking in the oven, this easy-to-prepare chicken allows ample hands-free time. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Go to Recipe
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.