If the thought of cooking makes you cringe simply because of the massive cleanup post-meal, we have a solution for you: sheet pan recipes. Just think, a quick rinse of the pan (plus a speedy wash of the dishes you used), and that’s a wrap! The sheer size of the pan means you can feed a larger group — and throw in nutritious side dishes — with minimal effort.
Plus, an at-home meal is a recipe for good health, studies suggest. Dining in lets you control the ingredients in your meals, while restaurants can sneak in sugars and fats. So turn up the oven and pop in one of these delicious one-sheet pan recipes. Then, kick back and let the oven do the work for you.
RELATED: 15 One-Pot Meals for Quick, Healthy Dinners
9 Quick and Easy Sheet Pan Recipes
Breakfast
1. Eggs and Crispy Potato Breakfast
The last thing you have time for is an elaborate meal when you’ve hit that snooze button one too many times. This gluten-free breakfast takes minimal effort, and most of the prep work can be done the night before. In the morning, pop them in the oven while you get ready. And voila, crispy home fries with onions and protein-rich eggs. You can sprinkle some fresh chives and paprika on top for a punch of flavor. Photo and recipe: Emily / Layers of Happiness
2. French Toast and Berries
Hosting brunch just got easier. Instead of waking in the early morning to prepare a luscious meal, this baked French toast recipe let’s you do it in less than 30 minutes before your guests arrive. Offer a buffet of toppings — like berries, chopped nuts, ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt and maple syrup — for some DIY finishing touches. Photo and recipe: Kristin / Baker Bettie
RELATED: 10 Easy Egg Recipes You’ll Crave Every Morning
Lunch
3. Spicy Tofu and Green Beans
It’s the combo of sauce, baked tofu, and veggies that gives this sheet pan recipe its je ne sais quoi. A great meat alternative, tofu is rich in iron, calcium and other minerals. To avoid a soggy mess, first press the tofu in paper towels to soak up excess H20. Then, drizzle some of the spicy sauce over the cut tofu and bake for 12 minutes before tossing in the green beans, peppers or broccoli. Bake for another 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tofu is slightly crispy. Warning: The delish vegan meal may cause coworker #LunchEnvy. Photo and recipe: Alex Caspero / Delish Knowledge
4. Lettuce Wrapped Baked Fajitas with Homemade Seasoning
Don’t be fooled by these seemingly light and leafy wraps — they’re incredibly satisfying. Season the chicken breasts, bell peppers and onions with chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne and cumin on a sheet pan. Then, pop the tray in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas will save you about 460 calories per fajita. Photo and recipe: Passion for Savings
RELATED: 15 Healthy Lettuce Wraps for Low-Carb Lunches
Dinner
5. Roasted Curry Shrimp and Zucchini
Fish and chips just got a healthy upgrade: shrimp and zucchini! Clocking in at just eight ingredients (including salt and pepper), this sheet pan curry recipe is a cinch to make. And for something so small, shrimp provides some big nutritional benefits: They’re protein-rich and can provide 100 percent of the daily value for selenium, which helps with inflammation and heart health. Photo and recipe: Dara Michalski / Cookin’ Canuck
6. Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast
OK, so this would probably qualify as a cheat meal but it’s so easy and worth it. The low-carb option makes for a pretty presentation, especially when served on a bed of cooked potatoes and zucchini. The creamy three-cheese filling helps keep the chicken moist. You can swap in low-fat or low-lactose varieties based on your dietary needs. Photo and recipe: Sara Welch / Dinner at the Zoo
RELATED: 30 Healthy Chicken Recipes That Don’t Suck
Snacks
7. Tequila Lime Chicken Nachos
Inviting friends over to watch the game, or check out the latest Oscar noms? This Tex-Mex nacho dish is better than any bar grub. Made with skinless chicken tenders, white queso, Mexican cheese, avocado and pico de gallo, this snack will go in no time. If you want to add more protein to this dish, toss in some black beans or olives for a boost of healthy fat. Photo and recipe: Becky Hardin / The Cookie Rookie
RELATED: 15 Quick and Easy High-Protein Snacks
Dessert
8. Pumpkin Pie
Reminiscent of your favorite fall festivities (like pumpkin picking!), this sweet treat can be enjoyed year-round. Pumpkin packs a plethora of nutrients, like vitamins A and C and fiber (three grams per cup!). Invite your friends over: One sheet of the bars can feed 32 people or you can have it all to yourself — just not all at once! Photo and recipe: Rachel Schultz / Rachel Schultz on Homemaking
9. Slab Tiramisu
You can have this Italian dessert at home without even having to bake it! The hardest part (and promise, it’s not that hard): Preparing the decadent whipped cream mixture. Let the pan chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours to let it set. Serve with sifted cocoa powder and magnesium-rich cacao nibs. Photo and recipe: Susan Moran / The View from Great Island