19 delicious reasons to fire up your oven tonight

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Baked recipes deserve a moment in the spotlight, especially when they’re good enough to make preheating feel like time well spent. Preheating takes patience, like, “Am I really doing this?” But these dishes will make every minute worth it.

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Tater Tots

A close-up of loaded tater tots topped with melted cheese, bacon, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of creamy sauce being added from a white spoon.
Loaded Tater Tots. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Loaded Tater Tots are your go-to for a fun and crispy snack. Baked until golden, they’re topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions. Ready in just 35 minutes, these tots are perfect for when you want something quick yet hearty. They’re great for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a weeknight. Plus, they reheat nicely, making them perfect for meal planning or next-day snacking.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that makes dinner feel like a treat. It’s comfort food at its best, packed with hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, and plenty of cheese. The baking process brings all those flavors together, making every bite rich and filling. You can throw it together ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, which is a lifesaver on busy nights. It works great as a side dish or even as a main if you’re keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are here to save your dinner routine. You get crispy, juicy pork chops in just 25 minutes without frying or a long prep process. Just coat the chops, bake them, and you’re good to go. They make a great option when you want a solid meal with little effort. Pair them with a quick salad or some roasted veggies, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that’s hearty and easy to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is your answer to a quick and wholesome dinner. You get tender chicken thighs layered with fresh spinach and a creamy cheese topping, all baked together. Ready in around 30 minutes, it’s a straightforward way to make sure everyone’s getting a good meal without a lot of hassle. Serve it with rice or a side salad, and you’ve got dinner sorted. It’s also easy to double the recipe if you need leftovers for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli gives you that cozy, feel-good meal without a lot of work. Cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and a good dose of mozzarella and Parmesan are all you need to make this dish come together. It takes about an hour to bake, but the prep is simple, so you can kick back while the oven does the work — perfect for family dinners or when you just want to relax with some comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole brings you all the flavors of the classic sandwich without the hassle. Steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and a load of melted cheese come together in this baked version. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for when you want something hearty without spending forever in the kitchen. Serve it with a simple side, and you’ve got a filling and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is about making dinner easy and filling. Shredded chicken, tater tots, corn, and cheese come together in a dish that’s ready in about an hour. It’s practical and budget-friendly, great for when you need to stretch your ingredients a bit further. The minimal prep means you can throw it all together and let the oven do the work. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something that reheats well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is an easy dish that gives you the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal without the hassle. The mix of butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon is a great way to pack in flavor with minimal effort. Roasting brings out the sweetness in the squash, while the cauliflower adds a hearty bite. Meanwhile, the bacon adds that perfect touch of saltiness and a dollop of sour cream on top rounds it all out. Make these on nights when you need more veggies but don’t want to sacrifice taste.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole brings together broccoli, cauliflower, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon into a quick, 30-minute dish. It’s a great way to add more veggies to your meals without too much effort. The cheese makes it rich, and the bacon adds a delicious crunch. It’s a great dish for getting everyone to eat their greens without complaining. This casserole bakes up perfectly, making the oven preheat time well worth it.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil brings all the great flavors of a classic shrimp boil into an easy, no-mess package. Shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn get tossed with Old Bay seasoning and roasted to perfection. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and quick. Plus, it makes great leftovers, which means less cooking for you tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is a comforting dish that is extra easy to make. Broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, eggs, and cheese come together in one dish to make a meal that’s both filling and easy to prepare. It takes about 50 minutes to make, but most of that time is hands-off. You get a great balance of flavors — creamy, cheesy, and a bit of crunch from the broccoli. This casserole is perfect for when you want something nutritious without the long cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes take basic potatoes and make them something special. They get a coating of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and a mix of seasonings like garlic powder and oregano. Baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they bring a great mix of textures to the table. This dish is ready in under an hour and doesn’t require much work, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Cottage cheese breakfast muffins on a plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Start your day with these Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Packed with bacon, eggs, cheddar, and cottage cheese, they give you a solid hit of protein to keep you going. Baked until golden, they’re a convenient option for busy mornings. Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ve got breakfast ready to grab on your way out the door. Just pop one in the microwave for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise flavor. This recipe is perfect for those mornings when you need something filling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is just right when you’re short on time but craving something with a kick. Marinate the chicken, mix in cream cheese and peppers, then bake. It’s ready to serve in 30 minutes. This dish brings bold flavors with almost no effort. Perfect for when you’re worn out but still want a homemade meal. It’s a great choice for those busy nights when standing over the stove just isn’t happening.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is as easy as it gets. Just toss sausage, sweet mini peppers, broccoli, and zucchini in a pan, season, and bake. You’ll have a hearty meal in about 30 minutes with almost no cleanup. The sausage adds bold flavor while the veggies turn out perfectly roasted. It’s great for nights when cooking feels like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is all about balance and comfort. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese come together in 30 minutes for a filling meal that’s not too heavy. The cauliflower rice lightens things up, while spinach sneaks in some extra greens. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Lemon Pepper Wings

In FDL library.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Forget frying — these baked Lemon Pepper Wings are crisp and full of flavor with a kick of lemon and spices. Great for gatherings or just a casual night in, they show you don’t need to deep fry to get that perfect crunch. Preheating the oven is a small ask for wings this good. They’re simple to make, easy to share, and save you from a greasy mess. Whether it’s for game day or just because you’re craving something a bit different, these wings are a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole with a wooden spoon in it.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Start your day off right with this Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese bake together to give you a filling meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort. It’s perfect for weekends when you want something a bit more special but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all morning. This dish is great for family breakfasts or casual brunches with friends. It’s simple, comforting, and saves you from cooking multiple breakfast items separately.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

When you’re in the mood for something with bold flavors but don’t have time to stress over dinner, Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole steps up. Shredded chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños come together in about an hour, bringing just enough heat to keep meals exciting. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re looking to break the weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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