5 Festive Recipes for Deep Cavity Pans

When the festive season rolls around, there's nothing quite like the aroma of delicious dishes wafting through the home. Deep cavity pans, with their ability to cook evenly and handle hearty portions, are ideal for the rich and flavorful holiday recipes. Here, we've curated five festive recipes that make excellent use of these versatile kitchen tools.

The Hearty Christmas Roast

Begin your festive feast with a classic roasted meat dish that’s sure to impress.

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2.5 hours

Ingredients:

• A 5-6 lbs prime rib or beef joint
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Rosemary and thyme sprigs
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup of beef stock or red wine

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the meat come to room temperature.
2. Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Make small incisions in the meat, inserting garlic pieces into the slits.
4. Place the onions in the bottom of the deep cavity pan. Set the meat on top.
5. Add the herbs, and pour the stock or wine into the pan.
6. Cover with a foil tent and roast for about 1.5 hours.
7. Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and continue roasting until the internal temperature of the meat reaches your desired doneness (approx. 30 minutes more).
8. Rest the meat for 20 minutes before carving.

Deep Dish Festive Veggie Lasagna

For those who fancy a vegetarian option or looking to add more variety to the holiday spread, this lasagna is a showstopper.

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• Lasagna noodles
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups spinach
• 24 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
2. Saute veggies until tender; set aside.
3. Combine ricotta with the egg, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Start layering in the deep cavity pan: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, veggies, mozzarella, and repeat. Top with a layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and cheeses.
5. Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, uncover, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Turkey Wellington Wrapped in Puff Pastry

Take your turkey game to the next level with this sophisticated recipe.

• Preparation Time: 60 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 1.5-2 lbs turkey breast, boneless
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 10 oz spinach, cooked and drained
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 large sheet puff pastry
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Season turkey breast and sear until browned. Let cool.
2. Prepare duxelles (mushroom paste) by sautéing chopped mushrooms.
3. Roll out puff pastry, spread mustard in the middle, layer spinach and duxelles, then place the turkey on top.
4. Fold the pastry over the turkey, sealing the edges. Brush with egg wash.
5. Bake in preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 1.5 hours or until the pastry is golden and the turkey is cooked to 165°F (74°C) internally.

Citrus Glazed Ham

Add a tangy and sweet twist to the traditional holiday ham with this citrus glaze.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

• 8-10 lbs fully cooked ham
• ¹⁄₂ cup orange juice
• ¹⁄₂ cup honey
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place the ham in the deep cavity pan, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 2 hours.
2. Whisk together all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and heat until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Uncover the ham, score the fat, and brush with half of the glaze.
4. Continue baking, glazing every 20 minutes, for another 1-1.5 hours or until the internal temperature is 140°F (60°C).

Root Vegetable Gratin

Celebrate the flavors of the season with this colorful, comforting gratin.

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs mixed root vegetables (e.g., potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, and carrots), thinly sliced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or similar cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme and rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer sliced vegetables in a deep cavity pan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs between layers.
3. Mix cream, cheese, and garlic; pour over the vegetables.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Uncover, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake until the top is golden and bubbly, approximately 30 minutes.

🎄 Note: Prepping in advance can save time on the day, and reheating at 350°F (175°C) works great for many of these dishes.

As you prepare these dishes, keep in mind the convenience and versatility that deep cavity pans offer. They ensure even cooking, accommodate ample portions, and bring out the flavors of your holiday favorites. Enjoy your festive gathering with these delightful recipes, and may your home be filled with warmth and cheer.