Can You Put a Crock Pot Dish in the Oven?
Making dishes in a Crock Pot is known for the convenience that it offers in the kitchen. But sometimes when a dish needs a little extra cooking to make it just right, you may find yourself wondering if you can move it to the oven. Surprisingly, you’re in luck. It is indeed possible to cook a Crock Pot dish in the oven. Here are a few tips and tricks to getting it just right:
Know Your Oven Temperature
Before you move your Crock Pot dish to the oven, you should be sure to check your oven’s temperature accuracy—not all ovens are created equal. Test your oven using an oven thermometer and adjust the settings if necessary. You can then move on to deciding what temperature works best for the dish you’re making.
Finding the Right Temperature
When it comes to putting a Crock Pot dish in the oven, you want to be sure to take the temperature of the slow cooker into consideration. Most Crock Pots run at around 200° Fahrenheit on medium heat and 250° Fahrenheit on high heat. You may need to adjust the temperature of the oven in order to ensure that the dishes get cooked through evenly.
Arranging the Rack
The next step is to figure out where to place your Crock Pot dish on the oven rack. The center or middle of the oven usually works best for food, especially when there are multiple dishes being cooked. You also want to be sure to rotate the dish every 15 minutes or so to prevent burning.
Dishes To Try
You can use this same method for many Crock Pot dishes. Here are a few dishes that usually work great for baking in the oven:
- Lasagna: lasagna noodles can become overcooked in a slow cooker, but baking them in a 350° Fahrenheit oven for 30 minutes can help them get just the right amount of heat.
- Baked Fish: baking is the best way to get your fish to the perfect flaky texture. Place the dish in a 400° Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes.
- Casseroles: casseroles usually need a bit of extra cooking time, so putting them in the oven is usually the best way to go. Cook them in a 350° Fahrenheit oven for 35-40 minutes.
Conclusion
The next time you’re looking to give your Crock Pot dish that extra bit of cooking, think about transferring it to the oven. With the right temperature, a few precautions, and some delicious recipes, you can get the most out of your slow cooker and oven. Happy cooking!
