Should you preheat your oven or skillet? Or...can you get away with skipping that step?
Do You Really Have to Preheat Your Oven or Skillet?
Who hasn’t been tempted to skip the preheating and go straight to baking? You probably want your sheet pan suppers done ASAP! We’re all pressed for time, and preheating takes, well, an extra 15 minutes or so.
Here’s what you need to know—and when you might be able to skip the warm-up.
The Science Behind Preheating
Should you preheat your oven or skillet? Lots of chemical reactions occur when you cook, and almost all depend on the temperature. For example:
- The “Maillard reaction”: This refers to the process that causes food to turn golden brown. It can only happen at temperatures above 300°, so if you’re looking for a nice, brown sear on a piece of beef or chicken before you start cooking it through, you’ll need to preheat your skillet.
- Leavening: Leavening agents (like yeast and baking powder) rise when exposed suddenly to high temperatures, which can’t happen in an oven that starts cold.
Ultimately, the question of whether or not to preheat comes down to what you’re cooking—and what you want to accomplish!
Should You Preheat Your Oven or Skillet?
Here’s our starter guide on when and why you should preheat (and when it’s OK to skip):
- Searing meat: Preheat your skillet.
- Roasting meat: Preheat the oven for even cooking.
- Casseroles: Preheating is optional (unless your recipe includes eggs). Here’s the best casserole recipe from every state!
- Pasta: Preheat the water.
- Eggs: Preheat the pan before frying or scrambling. Preheat the water before poaching. For more on how to cook eggs, here’s your go-to guide.
- Toasting nuts: Preheat your skillet.
- Toasting spices: Preheat your skillet and remove from the heat almost immediately.
- Making a pizza: Preheat your oven, and ideally, your baking surface / pizza stone. (This will help the pizza crust get brown and crispy while the toppings cook.) Looking for practice? Here are dozens of pizza picks to whip up at home.
- Baking bread, cookies, cake or anything that needs to rise: Preheat your oven or skillet (in the case of pancakes).
- Roasting vegetables: Preheat your oven (which allows the outside surface to caramelize before the insides cook through).
- Sautéeing vegetables: Preheat your skillet (as with roasting, this permits the Maillard effect to occur before the vegetables cook through).
- Sautéeing garlic: Start with a cold skillet (to keep the garlic soft and moist).
- Sautéeing mushrooms: Start with a cold skillet (to keep them soft and moist); start with a preheated skillet to get them caramelized.
- Steaming vegetables: Preheating the water is optional. For more on steaming vegetables, here’s our handy how-to.
In a Rush? Here's What's for Dinner
Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet SupperI developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Barbecue Chicken SlidersBarbecue chicken sliders are perfect for game-day parties. To get exceptionally flavorful, juicy chicken, brine the meat overnight, then slow cook it until it's fall-apart tender.
You can also make In-N-Out’s animal-style fries to have on the side.
Spicy Cajun Sausage and Rice SkilletI created this easy skillet dish to use up the boil-in-a-bag rice in my cabinet. The result packs a lot of flavor. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York. We all have days when we're pressed for time and need to raid the pantry for supper ingredients. These delicious, straightforward easy meals will be on your table in no time!
Black Bean Chicken with RiceThis spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon
Baked SteakThese simple steaks are seared off with a nice crust before going in the oven. With a quick salt and pepper rub, they are easy to make and pair well with various side dishes. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Salisbury Steak MeatballsSaucy and so simple, these jazzed-up Salisbury steak meatballs will help you turn out dinner in no time on any busy night. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Easy Chicken Fried RiceAfter my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Shrimp AlfredoInstead of buying a jar of Alfredo sauce, make it from scratch with this simple recipe. The garlic aroma will call your family to the table.
Hamburger Stir-FryHere's a quick, easy hamburger stir-fry that uses ground meat instead of the traditional beef strips. It has a nice sauce and is different enough to feel like a treat for the taste buds! —Kathi and John Horst, Westfield, New York
Asian Salmon TacosThis Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect when time is tight! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Artichoke Chicken PastaThis artichoke chicken pasta combines tender chicken, crisp veggies and a creamy sauce for a delicious meal that feels restaurant-worthy, all made in your kitchen. It's easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and can be adapted for various dietary needs.
Mushroom Asparagus QuicheLoads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
Enchilada Casser-Ole!My husband loves this casserole, so it never lasts too long in our house. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and southwestern flavor, it's an impressive-looking entree that's as simple as it is delicious. —Marsha Wills, Homosassa, Florida
Chicken DianeIn this classic chicken Diane dish, a luscious sauce of lemon juice, Dijon mustard and green onions complement tender chicken breasts that are browned to golden perfection on the stovetop. —Elissa Armbruster, Medford, New Jersey
Artichoke ChickenIf you love artichoke hearts, you'll love this easy artichoke chicken recipe! Chicken, artichokes and mushrooms bake in a savory rosemary-infused sauce that keeps the chicken breasts juicy and tender.
Cumin ChickenThis zesty chicken dish comes together in a flash, so it's perfect for those busy weeknights. But it's so saucy and delicious, it's certainly good enough for company! —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Ravioli LasagnaOur four-ingredient ravioli lasagna is the perfect shortcut meal for when you're craving lasagna but don't have as much time to cook. It's an easy and delicious meal for any night of the week.
Lemon Herbed SalmonWe sometimes send our delicious Washington salmon all the way to Michigan for my sister to use in this family-favorite dish! The tasty topping can be used on other types of fish, too. Fresh thyme from your garden really sparks the flavor. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Broccoli CasseroleThis classic cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is a timeless family favorite. It requires only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time for a quick and easy dinner.
Baked TilapiaYour weeknight fish dinner doesn't get much easier or tastier than with this 20-minute baked tilapia recipe.
Shrimp ScampiThis shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
Shrimp Asparagus PastaShrimp and asparagus pasta sounds fancy and tastes incredible—but even home cooks who shy away from seafood can easily master it.
Baked Ranch ChickenA ranch baked chicken recipe that requires just 10 minutes of prep? Sign us up!
Rice MeatballsI first made these meatballs with rice when our children were small, and they just loved them. I occasionally use cream of mushroom soup instead of tomato soup, and that variation is delicious, too. —Mary Kelso, Hannibal, Missouri
Warm Chicken Tortellini Au GratinI have a number of easy, planned leftover recipes in my arsenal, which are especially useful when I'm busy. This is one of my favorites: pasta from Monday plus roasted chicken from Tuesday equals this delicious dish on Wednesday. When paired with a green salad and toasty bread, you have a meal that's fancy enough for company. —Brenda Cole, Reisterstown, Maryland
Salmon and Spud SaladI headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick up a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can be simple and satisfying. —Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario
Cabbage Roll CasseroleLayer cabbage with tomato sauce and ground beef lasagna-style to create a hearty casserole that tastes like cabbage rolls but without all the work.
Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce and TomatoI have reduced grains and other starches in my diet due to health reasons, so I was looking for filling, comforting meals without pasta or potatoes. When I was tinkering with this spaghetti squash recipe, I discovered something fun to eat! —Becky Ruff, Mc Gregor, Iowa
Egg Roll Noodle BowlA delicious egg roll noodle bowl makes a quick, hearty weeknight dinner. You can add more veggies, top it with a poached egg or even make it vegetarian.
Mediterranean ChickpeasAdd this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts
Sweet ‘n’ Spicy ChickenMy husband and children love this tender chicken with its spicy sauce. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give the dish some kick. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona
Sausage Bow Tie PastaThis easy sausage bow tie pasta recipe is fantastic for busy weeknights. Whip it together with simple but tasty ingredients, and it will feed the whole family in just a few simple steps.
Hamburger StewSimmer up a big pot of hamburger stew to feed the whole crew. It's packed with beef, veggies, rice and potatoes, but you can add whatever else you like.
Lasagna CasseroleAll the traditional flavor of lasagna, with none of the fuss. We've simplified the layers in this lasagna casserole so the dish comes together more quickly.
Easy Beef PiesWe make a lot of French dips and always have leftover roast beef. Here's how I put it to good use. For these pies, use any vegetables you like. They're extra awesome drenched in cheese sauce. —Jennie Weber, Palmer, Alaska
Crab-Stuffed AvocadoA crab-stuffed avocado recipe blends savory and spicy seafood with the creamy luxury of avocado. Broiled and topped with melted cheese, it's an effortless and elegant dish.
Italian Sausage with Artichokes and FetaTo impress the guests, we serve Italian sausage and artichoke hearts with pasta. It tastes like a gourmet masterpiece and also works with rice or potatoes. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Sheet-Pan Chicken and VeggiesOur sheet-pan chicken and veggies recipe features herby chicken thighs, roasted red potatoes and spinach in one no-muss, no-fuss dish. The best part: Cleanup is a breeze!
Garlic Tilapia with Mushroom RisottoBoxed risotto makes it quick; mushrooms, shallots and cheese make it tasty. Serve the risotto alongside seasoned fish for a weeknight supper in a hurry. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Tater Tot CasseroleThanks to a few ingredients and easy prep, this cheese-smothered Tater Tot casserole will be a recurring star at your dinner table.
Unstuffed Cabbage RollsSkip the hassle of rolling cabbage leaves with this easy unstuffed cabbage roll recipe. This one-skillet dish delivers the comforting taste of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra effort.
Asian Beef NoodlesSure to be a hit with the family, this Asian beef noodles dish is a perfect weeknight dinner. A couple of clever shortcuts make it particularly quick and easy to prepare.
Brown Sugar-Glazed SalmonA fantastic quick and easy weeknight meal that won’t seem as though it was quick and easy, this brown sugar-glazed salmon will always be welcome on the table.
Ginger-Cashew Chicken SaladI revamped an Asian-style chicken salad recipe to create this gingery, crunchy salad. Now it’s a huge success when I serve it at ladies luncheons. —Shelly Gramer, Long Beach, California
Penne and Smoked SausageThis pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Shrimp CreoleShrimp Creole turns weeknight dinner into a one-dish, southern flavor fest with a rich tomato sauce and succulent shellfish.
Chicken Florentine CasseroleCreamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, Florida
Breaded Mustard & Sage Pork CutletsAfter attending my daughter's back to school night and receiving a complimentary package of instant potatoes, I had to make something with them. I created these pork cutlets and they were fantastic. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Ramen Noodle SaladFull of color and crunch from fresh veggies, seeds and nuts, ramen noodle salad is a quick recipe to toss together for a picnic side.
Southwestern CasseroleThis southwestern casserole is a riff on chili mac, with the added mild spice of green chiles and sliced jalapenos, all underneath a melted layer of Monterey Jack cheese.
Salmon Veggie PacketsI feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It’s the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY
Beef and Rice EnchiladasThis recipe for easy beef and rice enchiladas is perfect for meal planning or a quick-and-easy weeknight dinner.
Sausage Veggie SkilletThis sausage veggie skillet recipe is a no-fuss, filling meal. Made with potatoes, onions, spinach and corn, this hearty dish is surprisingly quick to prepare and can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
Almond Chicken SaladMy mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
Skillet BBQ Beef PotpieBeef potpie is a classic comfort food, but who's got time to see it through? My crowd-pleaser is not only speedy but an excellent way to use leftover stuffing. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Skillet LasagnaSkillet lasagna is made in a single skillet and features creamy, cheesy layers full of classic flavors. The best part? No oven required.
Beef StroganoffA classic beef stroganoff braise, the long cooking time in this recipe softens economical round steak to a juicy texture as it cooks down in beefy mushroom sauce with velvety sour cream.
Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea PastaThis pretty pasta is a family favorite —the kids love the light lemony flavor and I love that they devour the fresh veggies. You can use other types of pasta for variety, like bow ties or corkscrews. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Chicken Enchiladas for FourThese chicken enchiladas put a little zip into any menu. The rolled tortillas are filled with a hearty mixture of cheese, chicken and green chiles, and then topped with a creamy sauce and more cheese. I sometimes use leftover turkey instead of chicken. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Sausage Stuffed JalapenosEasy to make, just spicy enough to excite and great-looking, too, these sausage-stuffed jalapeños will be an appetizer you prepare again and again.
Herb & Cheese-Stuffed BurgersTired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Tortellini Caesar SaladThis salad was served at a dear friend's baby shower by a health-conscious friend, who suggested the dressing be prepared with low-fat or fat-free ingredients. Either way, the creamy dressing has plenty of garlic flavor and coats the pasta, romaine and croutons nicely. —Tammy Steenbock, Sembach Air Base, Germany
Bucatini with Sausage & KaleI was short on time but wanted to make an elegant dinner for my husband and me. That night, we ate this simple pasta starring spicy sausage and our homegrown kale. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersery
Lehmejun (Armenian Pizza)This pizza-style recipe came from my friend Ruby's mom, who is a crazy-good cook. I added my own flair and tweaked it by using flour tortillas instead of making a dough. —Tamar Yacoubian, Ketchum, Idaho
Tuna Nicoise SaladTuna Nicoise salad is a perfect lunch for a weekend or even to make ahead for the work week. Our recipe is traditional with tuna, tomatoes and beans, but is easily adaptable to suit your tastes.
Apple Pork LoinLearn how to make slow cooker apple pork loin, a deliciously flavored combination of tender pork and sweet apples.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed ChickenMy chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Warm Rice & Pintos SaladDuring my undergrad years, my roommate taught me how to cook vegetarian dishes like brown rice with pintos. It's so versatile; you can turn it into a wrap or casserole. —Natalie Van Apeldoorn, Vancouver, British Columbia
Tomato SoupIf you're looking for the best tomato soup recipe, you've found it! Bursting with bright tomato flavor, this easy-to-make soup is the perfect partner for a gooey grilled cheese.
Crispy Rice Patties with Vegetables & EggsServe these patties at any time of day. The recipe features protein, grains and vegetables all in one dish. It’s also an amazing way to use leftover rice. —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tortellini CarbonaraWant a creamy pasta dish that's neither macaroni and cheese nor Alfredo? This tortellini carbonara hits all the right notes when it comes to cheesy goodness, not to mention the bacon. It's decadent, delicious and decidedly easy to make.
Fried Chicken and WafflesEver tried the popular southern dish fried chicken and waffles? Here's why it belongs on your breakfast menu.
Sesame Cilantro ShrimpOn days when I don't feel like spending much time in the kitchen, I reach for shrimp. I can have a hot meal in the table in 10 minutes. —Tami Penunuri, League City, Texas
Glazed Smoked Chops with PearsMy husband would eat pork chops every day if he could. Luckily, they're good prepared in all sorts of ways, including with pears. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Oven-Baked Shrimp & GritsOn chilly days, I doctor up grits and top them with shrimp for a comfy meal. If you’re not a seafood lover, use chicken, ham or both. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska
Vegetarian Pad ThaiWith this vegetarian pad thai recipe, you can make a sweet-and-tangy Thai takeout classic at home.
Greek Pasta TossMy husband and I developed this bright pasta dish by tossing in favorite Greek ingredients like olives, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Try it with shrimp or chicken, too! —Terri Gilson, Calgary, AB
