The Extra Sheet Pan Step You Should Take When Roasting Crispy Vegetables

Roasting has a seemingly magical ability to turn even the most mundane veggies into something spectacular. There are a couple of mistakes that can happen when roasting vegetables, but if you perfect the technique, this cooking method helps intensify flavors and adds complexity, even when using nothing but some olive oil and salt and pepper. You can even skip the oil and dry roast the vegetables for a more concentrated flavor. While you want to avoid overflowing the pan, which traps steam and prevents the perfect crisp, preheating the sheet pan is an extra step to ensure your vegetables roast evenly and develop a crisp exterior.

This extra step ensures your vegetables brown and crisp up on all sides. Simply place the sheet pan in the oven while it is preheating and allow it to heat up as you prepare your vegetables. When the vegetables are added to the hot pan, you will be rewarded with a sizzle. Preheating the pan and placing it on the middle rack of the oven are your best chances for perfectly crispy vegetables.

While roasting vegetables isn't especially time-consuming, it can still take a bit longer than other methods. If you want to speed up the process, there are a few ways to gain a few extra minutes. In addition to giving the vegetables a perfect crunch, preheating your pan also allows your vegetables to start roasting right away, cutting down on cooking time. Choosing a higher temperature can also help, however, this is best saved for heartier vegetables such as potatoes. If you do bump up the heat, be sure to check it frequently to prevent burning, since too high a temperature can cause the outside to burn while the inside remains raw. Temperatures above 450 degrees Fahrenheit are generally not recommended. 

Vegetables will also roast quicker if they are cut into smaller pieces, but keep in mind that small cuts may burn faster than bigger ones if not watched carefully. Finally, for best results, group vegetables with similar cooking times together, since vegetables without skin or those that are less dense will cook faster. By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly crispy vegetables with a faster turnaround, making them an even more convenient option for mealtime.