Why Cooling Racks are Perfect for Baking & Roasting in the Oven

The Versatile Cooling Rack: Why It's Perfect for Baking and Roasting in the Oven 

As a baking enthusiast, you're likely familiar with the trusty cooling rack - that handy tool that helps your baked goods cool off evenly and quickly. But, have you asked yourself, can cooling racks be used in the oven? Yes, that's right - the cooling rack is a multitasking kitchen tool that can also be used for roasting meats and vegetables in the oven. Its elevated design allows for hot air to circulate underneath whatever you're cooking, resulting in crispy, evenly cooked food every time. So if you're looking for a way to streamline your cooking process and up your game in the kitchen, consider investing in a cooling rack - it just might become your new go-to tool for all your baking and roasting needs. 

What is a cooling rack and how does it work? 

A cooling rack is a kitchen tool that is designed to help baked goods cool down quickly and evenly after being taken out of the oven. It typically consists of a metal frame with a series of raised wires or bars that create a gap between the rack and the surface below. This allows air to circulate underneath the baked goods, which helps to prevent them from becoming soggy or developing condensation on the bottom. 

When it comes to baking, a cooling rack is a must-have tool for any serious baker. It allows you to cool your baked goods quickly and evenly, which can help prevent over-baking and keep your treats from getting too soft or mushy. But the benefits of a cooling rack don't stop there - it can also be used for roasting meats and vegetables in the oven. 

Benefits of using a cooling rack for baking and roasting 

There are numerous benefits to using a cooling rack for baking and roasting. Here are just a few: 

- Even cooking 

When you use a cooling rack for roasting, the elevated design allows for hot air to circulate underneath the meat or vegetables. This helps to cook them evenly from all sides, resulting in crispy, perfectly cooked food every time.

- Crispy texture

Using a cooling rack for roasting also helps to ensure that your food comes out with a crispy texture. By allowing hot air to circulate underneath, the food is able to cook evenly and develop a crispy, golden crust on all sides. 

- Healthier cooking 

When you roast meat or vegetables on a flat baking sheet, the food can become soggy and cook in its own juices. By using a cooling rack, excess fat and liquid can drip off, resulting in a healthier and more flavorful dish.

How to use a cooling rack for baking

Using a cooling rack for baking is simple. Here's how: 

1. Once your baked goods are done, remove them from the oven and place them on the cooling rack.

2. Allow the baked goods to cool completely on the cooling rack before serving or storing. That's it! 

By using a cooling rack, you'll ensure your baked goods cool evenly and quickly, which can help prevent over-baking and keep them from becoming too soft or mushy. 

How to use a cooling rack for roasting 

Using a cooling rack for roasting is also easy. Here's how: 

1. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. 

2. Place the cooling rack on top of a baking sheet. 

3. Place your meat or vegetables on the cooling rack. 

4. Roast the meat or vegetables in the oven until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. 

5. Remove the meat or vegetables from the oven and allow them to rest on the cooling rack for a few minutes before serving. 

Using a roasting cooling rack, you'll ensure your meat or vegetables are cooked evenly and develop a crispy, golden crust on all sides. Plus, cleanup will be a breeze. 

Creative uses for a cooling rack beyond baking and roasting 

While cooling racks are primarily used for baking and roasting, they can also be used for a variety of other purposes. Here are a few creative uses to consider: 

- Drying herbs 

If you grow your own herbs, a cooling rack can be a great tool for drying them. Simply lay the herbs out on the cooling rack and allow them to dry out in a warm, dry place.

- Draining fried foods 

If you love fried foods but hate the excess oil, a cooling rack can be a great tool for draining them. Simply place the fried food on the cooling rack and allow the excess oil to drip off.

- Drizzling sweets with chocolate

Put a cooling rack in a sheet pan. Place strawberries, cookies, and other sweets on the cooling rack, and drizzle or pour melted chocolate over them to add a special touch. The excess chocolate will drip off and collect in the sheet pan for easy cleanup. 

Where to buy a cooling rack? 

Right here at Because You Cook! We offer high-quality Fat Daddio's stainless steel cooling racks that are perfect for baking and roasting. The Fat Daddio's cookie cooling rack is 14x17 inches and pairs perfectly with the Fat Daddio's cookie sheet. Additionally, the Fat Daddio's wire cooling rack measures 12x17 inches and fits seamlessly into the Fat Daddio's half-sheet pan, making it an excellent choice for roasting in the oven.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the cooling rack is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for much more than just cooling your baked goods. It's a multitasking kitchen essential that can also be used for roasting meats and vegetables in the oven. Whether you're a serious baker or just looking for a way to up your game in the kitchen, a cooling rack is a must-have tool that can help streamline your cooking process and make cleanup a breeze. So why not invest in a cooling rack today and see what culinary creations you can come up with?