5 mistakes you often make with baking sheets

If your baking sheet is feeling better, you’re not alone. Most of us have crusty, dirty trays from years of (glad!) baking. The good news is that in some ways this is a good thing. According to Clara Krueger, bakery hotline specialist at King Arthur Baking Company, baking pans naturally develop a patina over time with use. “There’s no need to scrub it off,” she says. “In fact, like seasoning for cast iron pans, it helps make the pan non-stick.” So you have permission to be a little easier when it comes to maintenance.

However, that being said, you also don’t want your new baking sheets to look like they’ve been through the wringer after only a few uses. You still need to take care of them! Here Krueger shares the most common mistakes people make with baking sheets and some tips for keeping them in top condition.

Cleaning too aggressively

According to Kruger, aggressive cleaning is actually counterproductive, so you need to relax. “Many home bakers are a little too fixated on keeping their sheet pans spotless,” she says. “Scrubbing a pan with a nonstick coating with a scouring pad or cleaner can damage the coating.” (Also, generally speaking, avoid scratching sharp metals such as steel forks to prevent scratches. ).

The method she recommends for cleaning pots is incredibly easy. Simply wash the front and back of the pan using dish soap, hot water, and a soft sponge to remove any remaining oil. By following this basic routine, you’ll be kinder to your pots and prevent gunk from building up.

I don’t use baking sheet liners

Of course, you should always have liners on hand, as they help reduce mess and keep your pans looking their best. Additionally, you can easily take out baked goods such as macarons. Additionally, the cleaning process will be much easier and you may not have to scrub when washing the pot.

While parchment paper liners are the easiest option, silicone options create less waste and are a more permanent tool that can be washed and reused. However, Krueger points out that silicone tends to retain grease. “It can be a little bit of a pain to clean,” she says. “After baking something greasy, you often have to wash it twice.” So if you’re all about not worrying about it too much, you might want to take that into account.

baking sheet liner too small

Continuing with the baking sheet liner theme. You may have selected the wrong size. Choosing a liner that is too small will cause baked goods to stick to the edges of the pan, and the edges will generally make it difficult to scrape clean.

butter the sheet

surprise! This tip may come as a shock, but buttering your sheets can make your tray look worse. Here’s why: Butter has a lower smoke point than other fats, so it can burn and leave burnt residue. Instead, Krueger suggests using vegetable oil, vegetable shortening, or baking spray.

Rinse a hot pot with cold water

If you are in a hurry after baking and start washing the hot frying pan, never run it under cold water. Doing this can force the metal to expand and contract due to uneven heating, which can eventually cause buckling and warping. So it’s totally okay to procrastinate here. Allow the sheet to cool down sufficiently before washing.

Placing the cool sheet in a hot oven may also cause it to warp. To prevent this, preheat the pan in the oven for a few minutes (not too long) or pour boiling water over it first. Thick, high-quality baking sheets are less likely to warp, so if your sheets are all wonky, you may want to invest in a new set. (Warping will cause uneven baking!)