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These 21 tray bake recipes are so easy, they’re all we want to cook right now

It doesn't get easier than this.
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There’s nothing quite as comforting (or easy) as a mid-week tray bake to get you through to Friday. With so many flavourful casseroles and one-pan dishes to try, simple home cooking doesn’t get better than this. All it takes to make any of these 21 tray bake recipes is a tiny bit of prep – then you can just pop it in the oven and wait for the magic to happen.

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These one-dish wonders can provide a fuss-free dinner for the whole family, and most of them taste even better as leftovers the next day!

Our top 21 tray bake recipes

fish tray bake
(Credits: Con Poulos/ aremediasyndication.com.au)

Turn a takeaway fave homemade with ease, flaky fish is coated in a herb-packed crust. Serve with a mix of sweet potato and potato wedges tossed in a herby, lemony salt.

pork tray bake
BHG Food shoot | Tues 22 April | July issue (Credits: (Photography Tim Roberts Styling Lucy Busuttil Recipes Clare Maguire + Sarah Murphy))

Have this tray bake recipe on the dinner table in no time!

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zucchini and pumpkin slice cut up on wooden board with dill yoghurt on the side and glasses of lemonade
(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Lucy Busuttil)

Not even the pumpkin seeds will go to waste.

chicken and leek pie with potatoes thinly sliced on top

Colin’s got his own take on this classic dish, incorporating a few tweaks to give it a modern twist.

chicken and macaroni

Make this delicious ranch-style chicken macaroni bake for an easy week-night meal. Pro tip: use a barbecue chook from the supermarket to make this recipe in record time!

Vegetable bake.

Green vegetable bake

With layers of fresh autumnal produce, like capsicum, zucchini, sage, parsley, rosemary, potato and spinach – this amazing green vegetable bake will thrill the table and make the whole house smell amazing.

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Vertical potato bake

With a crispy top and creamy base, this bake is the ultimate balance of cheese and herb flavours. Need we say more?

roasted-pumpkin-tray-bake

Delicious the night you make it, even better as leftovers for lunch the next day.

tuna mornay pasta easy dinner recipe

Everyone loves an easy tray bake, and this tuna and veg pasta mornay is an old-fashioned favourite that keeps everyone happy!

chicken divan

It’s not just outdated homes that need makeovers, there are plenty of recipes that do, too! With chicken and broccoli smothered in mornay sauce topped with cheesy breadcrumbs, there’s plenty to love about the ’70s classic, chicken divan.

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Easy sausage casserole.

Forget the cereal and get a load of this gourmet brekkie bake instead. Layer the ingredients in the pan, pop it in the oven, and then get back in bed while it bakes (just don’t forget the timer)! 

With pasta as the core ingredient in this one-pot wonder, it’s sure to be a show-stopper. It’s fuss-free and will save on dishes, but more importantly it’s delicious.

cauliflower-cheese

Swap your usual roast spuds for this creamy, crunchy beauty. It takes just 10 minutes to assemble in a single oven dish, and is perfect for fussy eaters or as a healthy roast potato alternative. 

Bacon, potato and leek bake

It’s the side dish that you won’t be able to get enough of. Crispy bacon, cream, wine and thyme take potato bake from side dish to superstar.

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Epic Mediterranean vegetable and haloumi tray bake

You can serve this dish for meat-free Monday or with your best roast – it’s epically tasty either way.

Roasted fish and spiced rice pilaf tray bake

Karen’s making roasted fish with rice, but adding some yummy spices and a zingy olive paste for extra flavour. It’s the perfect midweek meal.

Meatball risoni bake with almond shavings and basil on top in circular blue dish with handles.

This meatball and pasta combo will impress the whole fam and is best served with flaked almonds (or any nuts/seeds of your choice) on top and a mixed green side salad.

Potato bake with sour cream, brie cheese and chives

It doesn’t get much better (or tastier) than this creamy potato bake. Make a batch to take to your next family barbecue and it’s sure to win everyone over. 

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BHG Food shoot | Tues 22 April | July issue (Credits: (Photography Tim Roberts Styling Lucy Busuttil Recipes Clare Maguire + Sarah Murphy))

In three easy steps.

apricot chicken bake

This retro dish has had an easy tray-bake revamp!

Packed with healthy ingredients, flavour and a few cheat items, the whole family will love this comforting meal. Here’s the recipe.

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Frequently asked questions

What size tray should I use?

The size of the tray will depend on the recipe, but most recipes will specify the size of the tray needed. If it’s not specified, a general rule of thumb is to use a tray that’s around 9 x 13 inches (22 x 33 cm).

Can I use baking paper or aluminium foil to line the tray?

Yes, you can use baking paper or aluminium foil to line the tray, which will make cleaning up much easier. Make sure to grease the paper or foil with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Can I prepare the tray bake recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most tray bake recipes ahead of time. You can make the recipe the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Alternatively, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the recipe right before baking.

Can I freeze the tray bake?

Yes, most tray bake recipes can be frozen. Make sure to wrap the tray tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the tray bake in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.

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