Baking and roasting are both cooking methods that use dry heat, but roasting typically refers to cooking meat, while baking refers to cooking food in a pan or dish, often in the oven.
Roasting usually involves higher temperatures, and results in a browned exterior and tender interior. Roasting oven temperatures are usually between 400°F and 450°F (200°C to 230°C). The exact temperature used can depend on the type of food being roasted and the desired outcome (e.g. crispy skin on a chicken or a tender roast beef). For example, root vegetables may be roasted at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, while meats may be roasted at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time to achieve a browned exterior and a juicy interior.
Common foods that are roasted include:
- Meat (beef, pork, lamb, chicken)
- Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, parsnips, bell peppers)
- Nuts (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts)
- Seafood (salmon, shrimp, scallops)
- Whole chickens or turkeys
- Game meats (venison, quail)
- Root vegetables (beets, turnips, rutabaga)
- Garlic bulbs
- Coffee beans.
Baking is often done at lower temperatures, and results in a fully cooked product that may be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Common baking temperatures range from 350°F to 425°F (175°C to 220°C). The exact temperature depends on the type of food being baked and the desired outcome. For example, cookies are typically baked at 375°F (190°C), while cakes are usually baked at 350°F (175°C). Bread is often baked at 425°F (220°C) to achieve a crispy crust. Some recipes, like casseroles, may start at a higher temperature to brown the top and then be finished at a lower temperature to ensure even cooking.
Common foods that are baked include:
- Bread (loaves, rolls, pastries)
- Cakes (vanilla, chocolate, carrot)
- Pies (apple, pumpkin, pecan)
- Cookies (chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal)
- Pasta dishes (lasagna, macaroni and cheese, ziti)
- Casseroles (chicken, vegetable, pasta)
- Pizzas
- Quiches
- Fruit desserts (cobbler, crumble, tart)
- Muffins (blueberry, chocolate, banana).
