I’ve been in the kitchen since I was a little girl and my love for making tasty treats has only grown since! But along with my growing love, my collection of pans, skillets, and cookie sheets has grown quite a lot.
Some of the hoarding might be sentimental (I have trouble getting rid of meaningful things) and some of it might be that thought… “well, I might use it sometime in the future!”
But the truth of the matter is that I’m in a little over my head when it comes to my bakeware and cookware. So today, I’m REALLY taking a look at what I want to keep, what I can toss, and what type of variety I need in my kitchen.
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My Top Bakeware and Cookware Picks
While getting rid of some things is necessary, I don’t want to accidentally toss something I actually need. That’s why I came up with a list of a few bakeware and cookware items I need in my home no matter what.
All-Clad Pans
You’ve seen me rave about them before, but these All-Clad pans are award-winners in my book.
I love the non-stick coating and no matter how rough I am with them, they keep their shape with very minimal wear. Even with how much I use them 🙂
9 x 9 Bakers
It’s versatile. It’s great for baking AND cooking. You guessed it, it’s your good ol’ 9 x 9 dish.
It’s important to find one that will hold up over time which is why I love this Fiesta Square Baker from QVC. If you’re looking for something to make in this dish, you can find some of my favorite recipes here:
- Easy No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert
- My Three-Cheese Baked Ziti
- Sautéed Shrimp with Tomatoes, Herbs & Feta
9 x 13 Baking Pan
This is similar to the dish above but it’s a bit larger. Sometimes recipes call for a smaller dish (if you’re going for more height in your recipe) or a larger dish (if your recipe is supposed to come out thinner).
And on the occasion that you’re baking a few things for a gathering, it’s helpful to have a couple of options on hand!
Try these recipes with the 9 x 13 pan:
Cookie Sheet
If you know me, you know I LOVE cookies. In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever turn one down if I’m offered… That’s why a good cookie sheet is a must-have in my kitchen.
Getting one that’s non-stick isn’t essential (though mine is non-stick). But if you aren’t using something labeled as non-stick, make sure you spray it with cooking spray!
And it’s probably a good idea to have a couple of half-sheets on hand as well. These ones from Amazon look like a great option.
Here are a few recipes to make with these pans:
- Hawaiian Sheet Cake
- Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas
- Fudgy Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Best-Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies
Loaf Pan
Whether you nailed the perfect banana bread recipe during quarantine or you like to enjoy a nice pumpkin bread on those crisp fall mornings, you’ll definitely need a solid loaf pan.
I like having a regular-size one like this white loaf pan from Williams Sonoma when I bake for my own family.
And when I make goodies for friends and neighbors, mini loaf pans are my go-to. Of course, I love these ones by Temp-tations!
Check out some of my favorite bread recipes below:
- My Favorite Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Refreshing Lemon-Poppy Seed Bread
- The Best Quick and Easy Banana Bread
Round Cake Pans
Is it just me, or do cakes taste better when they’re in a round shape versus a square shape?
Anyway, round cake pans are definitely something you’ll want on hand, and if you plan on making layered cakes, having at least two is optimal so you don’t have to prolong your baking time.
Need some cake recipe recommendations? Here are some I make at home:
Cupcake and Muffin Tins
While I’m more of a cookie girl than anything, I’ll definitely enjoy a cupcake every once in a while! They’re also such a popular option for birthdays and holidays.
I have one like this from Target because it’s sturdy, features a non-stick coating, and it distributes heat perfectly.
I also like to make muffins in these and mini quiches. The perfect go-to breakfast! Here are a couple of recipes you can follow:
- Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
- Easy Award-Winning Oreo Cheesecake Cups
- Low-Fat Blueberry Muffins
- Lasagna Pizza Cups
Pie Pan
My pie pans might be my favorite bakeware and cookware dishes in my kitchen… they come in so many pretty colors. Plus, who doesn’t love a good slice of pie??
I enjoy making mine in a 9-inch pie pan like this one from Le Creuset. It’s a little more on the expensive side, but it will hold up for years and years without wear. Plus, the scalloping is beautiful!
Let’s cut to the chase. Pie anyone? Here are some of my favorites:
What Should I Toss?
After going through my collection t decide what types of items I need, it’s time to purge! Here are a few signs that your pan should meet the can.
- If your pots, pans, or dishes are discolored: This can mean one of two things. #1. There is built-up oil or food left on the pan. #2. The coating has worn off. If you want to check if it’s dirty, pour equal parts water and white vinegar on the bottom of the pan and heat it on the stove. When it comes to a boil, wait for a minute, remove it from the heat, and drain the mixture. Add some baking soda to the empty pan and gently massage it into the pan. If it rinses clean, you should be good to keep it!
- You see warping: A warped pan means that you’ll have an uneven cooking surface. If you see that the bottom isn’t even, it’s a good time to find a replacement.
- Seeing some scratches: Some scratches are okay, but significant ones are a no-go. Especially if you have older ones (from before 2013), scratching can reveal a chemical called Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These chemicals can then flake into your food. Toss it!
Lastly, if you have 5 of the same type of baking sheet (but you only find yourself using one), donate or get rid of the ones you’re not using.
Ways To Store Your Bakeware and Cookware
Okay… so you’ve sorted through everything.. congrats! Here are a few ways to store your condensed collection.
Hold lids and pans in one of these expandable organizers. What’s great about this one is that it can be adjusted to fit your shelf or cabinet.
There are also corner organizers that will help you make the most of your space. While some people use them for plates and cups, they’re also good for shallow pans and baking sheets.
Excited to get started? Trust me… your bakeware and cookware will look FANTASTIC when you’re finished!
From my kitchen to yours,
Jill
Did you know I have my own online shop? Check it out HERE!
