Does the oven need to be preheated before baking? Here is the real truth!

Do you always preheat the oven before baking? Have you ever wondered if this is really necessary?

Many people think that preheating the oven before baking goes without saying, but this is not always true. In fact, the answer to the question of whether you should preheat the oven before baking is depends on many factors, including the type of food you are preparing and the features of your oven.

Is it necessary to preheat the oven before baking? Photo: Japy / Pexels

Why do we heat the oven?

Heating the oven has several important functions:

Uniform temperature: The preheated oven ensures that the temperature is uniform throughout the room. This is crucial for even baking.
Instant start of baking: When the food is placed in the preheated oven, the cooking starts immediately. This is important in recipes where baking time is critical, such as pastries, breads and certain types of meat.
Shortening the baking time: A preheated oven allows food to cook faster and more efficiently, which is especially important for time-sensitive recipes.

When is it necessary to heat the oven?

Pastry and bread: Recipes involving pastries and breads usually require a preheated oven. This ensures that the dough rises properly and develops its structure. Without a preheated oven, the pastry may remain unevenly baked or too dry.

Meat: Cooking larger cuts of meat, such as roasts, also requires a preheated oven. This quickly browns the outside of the meat, which helps retain the juices and keeps the meat juicy.

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Sensitive dishes: Some dishes, such as soufflés or quiches, are very sensitive to temperature. The preheated oven ensures even baking and prevents the dish from collapsing or baking unevenly.

When can you skip heating the oven?

Slow roasting: Dishes that require slow cooking at a low temperature, such as casseroles or slow-roasted meats, usually do not require a preheated oven. In these cases, the goal is for the food to slowly heat up and develop a rich flavor.

Pre-prepared dishes: If you're baking ready-to-eat foods like frozen pizzas or ready-to-eat meals, the manufacturer's instructions often don't call for a preheated oven. This is because these products are designed to bake efficiently even without preheating.

Cookies: Certain cookie recipes recommend starting the baking process in a cold oven cookies they spread evenly and get the right texture.