This will save you time and effort during cleanup.
Even Baking: If your oven tends to have uneven heat distribution, use a pizza stone or baking steel on the middle rack. Preheat it along with the oven, and it will help distribute heat more evenly, ensuring better baking results.
Revive Stale Bread: To freshen up stale bread, run it under water quickly, and then put it in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature (250°F/120°C). This trick will help restore some of its moisture and make it taste fresher.
Reheat Pizza: Reheat leftover pizza slices by placing them on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 7-10 minutes. This method will give you a crispy crust and melted cheese, similar to freshly baked pizza.
DIY Oven-Dried Herbs: Instead of buying expensive dried herbs, you can easily make your own. Lay fresh herbs on a baking sheet, and place them in the oven at the lowest temperature (around 170°F/75°C) for about 2-4 hours, or until they are fully dried. Then crumble them into a container for use anytime.
On the Grill:
Vegetable Grilling Basket: Invest in a grilling basket for vegetables, especially small or delicate ones that might fall through the grill grates. It makes it much easier to cook a variety of veggies without losing them to the fire.
Foil Packet Cooking: Create foil packets for cooking delicate fish, shrimp, or even veggies. Add your ingredients, fold the foil to seal the packet, and grill it directly on the grates. This method keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Grilled Fruit: Try grilling fruits like pineapple, peaches, or watermelon slices for a delicious dessert. The heat caramelizes the sugars, giving them a fantastic smoky sweetness.
Beer Can Chicken: For moist and flavorful chicken, try the beer can chicken method. Place an open beer can (half-full) inside the chicken and grill it using indirect heat. The steam from the beer keeps the chicken moist, and it adds a subtle flavor.
Preheat and Clean the Grill: Always preheat your grill before cooking to ensure even cooking and to help prevent sticking. Additionally, clean the grill grates with a brush or a ball of aluminum foil before cooking to remove any leftover debris from previous grilling sessions.
These oven and grill hacks can save time, improve your cooking results, and open up new possibilities for delicious meals. Happy cooking!