4 Ways to Use Your Roaster Oven Every Day

Lifestyle influencers love to recommend countertop ovens during the holidays, but what about the rest of the year? The main benefit is obvious – roasting ovens are big enough for a bird and small enough for storage. These four recipes prove that roasting ovens aren’t only designed for the holidays:

1. Juicy Roast Meats (No Baster Needed)

Try:

Take your pan drippings to the next level with a small amount of broth, stock, or wine and aromatic herbs. During the cooking process, your herbaceous liquid will evaporate, rise up to the lid, and drip back over your meat. Looking for flavor inspiration? Add juicy lemon and orange slices on top!

Why:

Conventional ovens draw moisture out of food – especially meats, which is why many recipes require constant basting. Instead, roaster ovens trap moisture and circulate steam in the small space. Aroma’s high-dome electric roasting oven has special steam channels inside the lid, so evaporated juices drip evenly across the top.

2. Caramelized Roaster Oven Vegetables

Try:

Thin cuts of vegetables and delicate greens often become shriveled and parched in a traditional oven. Instead, roast and steam simultaneously by adding water to the bottom of your pan. This steam-roast method provides a moisture boost to plump up vegetables with a caramelized finish. Want a firmer texture with a little more crunch? Wait to add water and steam until the last 5 minutes of roasting.

Why:

Conventional ovens cook with dry heat, which causes moisture to evaporate, rather than circulating. Even if you place a water bath on the lower rack, your full-size oven is likely too big to generate a meaningful amount of steam. Roasting ovens, however, are compact enough to generate and circulate steam under the lid.

3. Faux-Smoker Roaster Oven BBQ

Try:

Liquid smoke, spice rubs, acidic vinegars, and barbecue sauce are easy ways to add smoky flavor to any recipe. But have you considered turning your roasting oven into a DIY smoker? Simply soak wood chips in water for 45 minutes, drain well, and loosely wrap in aluminum foil with holes to release smoke.

Why:

With a little creativity, you can mimic the effect of a smoker in your versatile countertop oven. Technically, you could use the same tricks in your full-size oven, but the portable roaster oven is easier to clean and air out after smoking. For safety, keep the heat at a moderate temperature and watch for signs of overheating or excessive smoke.

4. Roasting Oven Brunch Buffet

Try:

Aroma’s electric roaster oven has an adjustable heat dial ranging from 150°F to 450°F, and the lowest setting is designed to keep food warm at a safe serving temperature. Simply place oven-safe, foil-covered dishes inside the roasting oven until it’s time to serve. You can also use the roasting oven as a plate warmer for at-home buffets.

Why:

Roaster ovens heat up faster than a full-size oven, and they require less energy to hold the temperature, even when the lid is off. Plus, the portability factor is helpful for hosting and serving. Just find a power outlet nearby and bring the warming oven to you. Turns out, roaster ovens aren’t just smaller than conventional ovens – they’re also more efficient! Give your full-size oven a break and discover the low-energy convenience of countertop cooking.