Whether you are a professional chef or a self-proclaimed foodie, you've probably noticed the awesomeness of a metal cookie sheet. For something so simple and inexpensive, it has some serious multitasking skills — there are more ways to use a cookie sheet than you ever possibly imagined. You can bake, roast, and fry on it. Place a pie on a sheet for more surface area to hold your masterpiece. Use it to make healthy veggie snacks, or bake a loaded cheesy pizza. Of course, we can't forget the obvious: making cookies would be impossible without it.
Fortunately, the fun doesn’t stop there. Thanks to the brilliant wizards (bloggers) of the universe (Internet), the average cookie sheet has stolen a permanent place in my heart. I got so excited that I did the dirty work on Google so you didn't have to. Browsing the web for cookie sheet recipes was a lot like soul-searching: fulfilling, enlightening, and downright eye-opening. I feel like an entirely new lady.
Thanks to the shape and depth of the average cookie sheet, all of these recipes have one thing in common: they make enough to feed a crowd. These 10 dishes are easy to divvy up and share with people you actually like. If you don't eat all of it, that is.
1. Salted Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Maybe it’s just me, but things sound way cooler when they’re in “slab” form. Take this recipe. Apple pie? Thank you, random neighbor. Apple slab pie? So badass.
This recipe gives you the best excuse to go apple picking over and over again. Even if “apple picking” means another trip to the grocery, it’ll be totally worth it. Because this decadent dish calls for a pre-made frozen puff pastry crust, making this pie will be as easy as eating it.
Visit Lemon Sugar for the full recipe.
2. Pulled Pork Nachos
I have realized that I don’t trust people who don’t like nachos. I can't help but get suspicious when someone turns down a plate of cheesy goodness. At that point, I may need some distance from said friend/significant other/stranger. It’s not me, it’s you.
Now, let’s bring pulled pork into the mix. If you eat meat and still aren’t salivating over them, I may start worrying about you. The cookie sheet provides the perfect surface for an even distribution of toppings, making sure every chip gets a little love. Definitely swiping right on this one.
For some carnivore-friendly eye candy, visit A Happy Food Dance.
3. Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
This year, I got 99 problems but a Thanksgiving dinner ain’t one.
This is the real deal, guys. Complete with stuffing cooked in turkey juice and a healthy dose of veggies, this one-pan turkey dinner makes cooking insanely easy. Since this recipe can be tweaked to your liking, you can make a collection of your absolute faves. How’s that for customization?
Thanks to Simple Bites, you’ve officially run out of excuses to run from the kitchen.
4. Oven-Baked Bacon
It goes without saying that bacon has a cult following. And while it’s known for its greasy goodness in the frying pan, it totally has a place in the oven. Not only does the baking method let you skip the messy clean up, but it’s healthier than frying. Now you can make your bacon and eat it, too.
Visit My Kitchen Escapades to check out the how-to.
5. Pineapple Sheet Cake
It might be called a cookie sheet, but the fun doesn’t stop there. This dessert recipe bakes directly in a cookie sheet, creating a thin layer of cakey goodness. It is especially awesome if your sweet tooth is craving just a small bite.
Because of the shape and size of this mouthwatering cake, it’s easy to cut into squares for a large crowd. Pot lucks just became a piece of cake… literally.
For the full recipe, head to Spicy Southern Kitchen.
6. Cinnamon Roll Banana Sheet Bread
Sometimes, adulting is hard. And sometimes, the bananas are left on the counter for a little too long. We’ve all been there. Thankfully, banana bread is a thing that can save this lack of adulting. I can only imagine how many bananas have been salvaged thanks to bread recipes. And now, I have one more to add to the list.
Equal parts banana bread and cinnamon roll, this sheet bread is the epitome of Pinterest-worthy. Don't even get me started on how amazing your place will smell. BRB, I'm coming over.
Head on over to Picky Palate to learn how to make it.
7. Fruit Pizza
Veggies may reign the world of pizza toppings, but we can’t forget the simple sweetness of fruits. To top it off, this fruit pizza recipe can be made with any fruits your heart desires. For a summer-inspired dish, use a medley of berries and pineapple. Come fall, try peaches, plums, and pears.
This pizza also features cream cheese “sauce,” and a sugar cookie “crust.” YUM. It’s a pizza lover’s dessert dream come true.
To take this recipe on, visit Jen’s Favorite Cookies.
8. No Flour Monster Cookie Bars
One look at the title (and photo), and my head is spinning with questions. No flour? Monsters? Cookie BARS? There goes that wizardry again.
Sure enough, all of those things co-exist in this unconventional cookie recipe. Since these guys require oats and peanut butter instead of flour, they're both filling and nutritious. I imagine the “monster” part happens when one starts scarfing them down like a crazy person. And I won't even blame you.
To work your own flourless magic, visit Together As Family for the full recipe.
9. Peanut Butter Bars
If you're a fan of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, these peanut butter bars will drive you nuts (no pun intended). These simple and delectable treats only take 20 minutes to prep, and 15 minutes to cook. And since metal cookie sheets are the greatest thing to grace this planet, you'll get 30 — yes, 30 — bars out of this recipe.
This version features a basic chocolate frosting, but I'm already dreaming of all the possibilities. A coffee-laced frosting will make them even more addictive, while an amaretto version will bring in major posh points. If you're feeling extra fancy, swirl two different types of frosting together for an edible work of art. Boom.
Once you stop drooling, visit Cooking Classy, and make some for yourself.
10. Ham & Swiss Quiche
Designed to feed a crowd, this cookie sheet quiche is the ideal party appetizer. The homemade crust is embedded with Parmesan cheese (!!!), and the filling can be altered to your liking. While the ham and Swiss combo is definitely a classic, you can mix it up to your heart's desire.
Thankfully, quiches are pretty hard to mess up. All it takes is a chopping, mixing, and pouring. Basically, it's like a grown-up omelette. Love love love.
For the full recipe (and a second version), visit Real Mom Kitchen.
Images: Lemon Sugar; A Happy Food Dance; Simple Bites; My Kitchen Escapades; Spicy Southern Kitchen; Picky Palate; Jen’s Favorite Cookies; Together As Family; Cooking Classy; Real Mom Kitchen
