If your baking sheet has become dull, dented, and warped over time, don’t throw it away. Although it may not be ideal for baking, you can use it in other areas.
Here are sixteen ways to reuse baking sheets instead of throwing them out.
Sheet Pan Suppers
Ditch the pots and pans, and use your baking sheets for sheet-pan suppers. Toss together chopped vegetables, protein like chicken or fish, and some seasonings. Spread everything on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for a complete, easy meal with minimal cleanup.
DIY Drying Rack
Baking sheets are great for drying herbs or homemade fruit slices. Your baking sheet can be your new drying rack. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (around 150°F). Arrange your herbs or fruit slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, prop the pan slightly open with a wooden spoon, and let them dry slowly in the oven for several hours.
Organization Extraordinaire
Baking sheets are also good for drawer lining. Place a baking sheet inside your kitchen drawers where you keep your spice jars and other kitchen items. You can even place a paper towel on top if you don’t like the look of it. It will also absorb any oil and grease in your drawers, making it easier to clean the sheet.
Make It Freezing Sheet
Just like you use a baking sheet for baking, you can use it for flash freezing. If you have a bunch of berries and veggies you want to freeze, you can use a baking sheet. Spread the fruits and veggies on the sheet and pop them into the freezer for a few hours. This flash-freezing technique prevents them from sticking together and makes them easier to use later.
Mini Greenhouse for Seedlings
Repurpose your baking sheet into a mini greenhouse to start your seedlings. Line the pan with plastic wrap and poke a few holes for drainage. Put a moist paper towel at the base and position your seed pots above it. Then, drape the entire setup lightly with a plastic film to keep it warm and moist, ideal for your seedlings to germinate.
Splatter Guard
No more worrying about messy grease splatters on your stovetop. A baking sheet can be your DIY splatter guard. Position the pan vertically behind your frying pan on the stovetop. The baking sheet will catch oil sprays or splatters, keeping your kitchen cleaner.
Serving Platter
If you are hosting a party and are short on serving plates, no worries; use baking sheets. Line it with parchment paper or decorative foil and arrange your appetizers, cheeses, or desserts. It’s a simple way to create a nice presentation. It is even better for a kid’s party, as we often fear them giving original crockery that can break.
Grill A Pizza
If you love the taste of a grilled pizza but don’t have a pizza stone, use a baking sheet. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Position the baking sheet on the grill grates (make sure it’s preheated to avoid sticking). Assemble your pizza on the baking sheet and slide it onto the hot grill for a crispy, smoky-flavored pizza.
Boot Tray
Boots can get messy, especially during the rainy season. If you want a mess-free shoe rack, line it with a baking sheet. You can even place a washable cloth inside the baking sheet to soak up excess water. It will catch any drips or dirt from your shoes, keeping your floors clean.
DIY Paint Tray
Your baking sheet can be your new paint palette. Line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper to create a disposable paint tray. Add dollops of your paint colors and use the tray to mix or hold your brushes while you create your masterpiece.
Folding Table Extender
A baking sheet can act as a folding table extender for that occasional need for extra space. Place one end of the baking sheet on your countertop and the other on a sturdy object like a stool or a stack of books. This creates a small, temporary shelf perfect for holding ingredients, dishes, or drinks.
Defrosting Station
We all have that last-moment defrosting mishap where we forget to thaw the frozen items. Your baking sheet can be a speedy defrosting station. Place the frozen food on the baking sheet and set it on top of another pan filled with hot water (not boiling). The hot pan will help defrost the food from the bottom up, speeding up the thawing process.
Cookie Cooling Companion
Putting freshly baked cookies on a different surface makes them cool down faster. A baking sheet provides a large, flat surface for spreading out your warm cookies. This allows them to cool evenly and prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom.
Shield from the Sun
We love a bright and sunny kitchen but on a summer afternoon. A baking sheet can be your temporary sun shield. Cover the outside of your window with aluminum foil and then prop the baking sheet against the window frame. The foil will reflect sunlight, keeping your space cooler and reducing glare.
Pet Food Station
Even if you give your pet a food bowl, they will likely spill things around. You can use the extra baking sheet to create a designated spot for your furry friend’s food and water bowls. The raised edges will help contain any spills or messes, keeping your floor cleaner. You can even line the pan with a washable placemat for easy cleanup.
Magnetic Memo Board
This repurposing project is a fun way to add a touch of personality and functionality to your kitchen or workspace. Cut out small squares or circles from thin magnetic sheets and stick them all over the baking sheet. Find a strong magnet to attach notes, reminders, or photos to your magnetic memo board. You can even color the baking sheet and use colorful magnets to make it fun.