19 Oven-Baked Recipes That Will Make Your Microwave Jealous

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19 Oven-Baked Recipes That Will Make Your Microwave Jealous

If you’re looking for oven-baked recipes that are so good they’ll make your microwave jealous, you’re in the right spot. We’re talking about 19 dishes that come out of the oven with that perfect golden crust that a microwave could never give you. Crank up the oven and get ready to whip up some seriously good eats.

Cheesy twice baked potato casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole

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

This Broccoli Casserole is a simple 50-minute oven-baked side dish that deserves your attention. Combine cream of mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream or Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper to create the casserole base. Toss broccoli with the cheesy sauce and bake for a beginner-friendly and cozy dish without any kitchen stress. This great weeknight solution transforms humble broccoli into a comforting masterpiece that effortlessly complements any meal. Ditch the microwaved broccoli and treat yourself to this crispy, cheesy casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

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

Quickly whip up the batter with cottage cheese, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and your choice of mix-ins like bacon, ham, or veggies for a portable, protein-packed oven-baked breakfast. These muffins are perfect for meal prep or grabbing on the go, and they’ll make your microwave jealous of your oven’s morning capabilities. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast at home or rushing out the door, these muffins will kickstart your day on a delicious note. Ditch the rubbery, microwaved eggs and enjoy these fluffy, flavorful muffins.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

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.

This colorful mix of roasted cubed butternut squash, cauliflower, bacon, onions, garlic, and spinach is a hearty, flavorful oven-baked dish that you shouldn’t overlook. Toss the ingredients together with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for an easy veggie-loaded meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Serve it over quinoa or farro as a main course packed with vegetables. This simple yet delicious dish will make your microwave jealous of your oven’s capabilities. Forget about mushy, microwaved veggies and embrace the crispy, caramelized goodness of this oven-roasted medley.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

You’ve been missing out on the Spinach Chicken Bake, a 30-minute dinner that combines tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese. This oven-baked main dish is simple to prepare by mixing the ingredients and baking, resulting in a flavorful meal. It’s time to stop ignoring this time-saving recipe and let your oven do the work while your microwave takes a back seat.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Don’t overlook the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole, a comforting and stress-free dinner that’s ready in under an hour. Combine canned tuna, egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese, then bake for a hearty meal. For variety, swap egg noodles with elbow macaroni or add sautéed mushrooms for a rich and earthy flavor. This oven-baked lifesaver reheats well, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Halloumi Fries is an oven-baked side or appetizer that you’ve been missing out on. Cut halloumi cheese into fry shapes, and bake until crispy, ready in just 25 minutes. Serve with tangy tzatziki sauce for dipping. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to restore their crispiness. Forget about soggy, microwaved cheese sticks and treat yourself to these delicious halloumi fries that are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

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.

Don’t overlook the one-pan Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner for busy nights. This easy dinner combines your favorite sausages, zucchini, broccoli, sweet mini peppers, and seasonings for a quick and flavorful meal with minimal prep and cleanup. Eat straight from the pan or serve with rice. Leftovers refrigerate well for a convenient lunch. Say goodbye to sad, microwaved sausages and hello to this colorful and crispy sheet pan meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

The Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a flavorful combination of bacon, potatoes, cheese, and green onions that deserves a spot in your recipe repertoire. This oven-baked dish is easy to prepare by baking potatoes and mashing them with savory ingredients like sour cream, milk, and butter. Assemble the casserole ahead of time, top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake again for a hassle-free dinner that’ll make your microwave jealous.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

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

This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is an oven-baked morning meal that you gotta try. Just mix hash browns, cooked bacon or sausage, shredded cheese, eggs, and milk in a baking dish. Bake for about an hour until it’s set. It’s great for brunch or dinner, and you can top it with extra cheese, salsa, or whatever you like. Leftovers are perfect for breakfast for the next few days.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

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

Don’t sleep on these crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes as an easy oven-baked side. Toss potato wedges or cubes with oil, Parmesan, and seasonings, then bake until golden and crispy, about 25-30 minutes. They’re the perfect sidekick to baked chicken, steak, or pork chops. Leftovers reheat great in the oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Say goodbye to boring microwave-cooked potatoes and hello to these flavorful baked fries with a crispy Parmesan crust!
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken packs all the flavors you love in just 30 minutes. Season chicken breasts with fajita spices, then bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. Slice and serve over rice or in tortillas with sautéed peppers, onions, and your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Lemon Pepper Wings

Chicken wings in a bowl with lemon and parsley.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Give oven-baked Lemon Pepper Wings a try for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Bake them until crispy, then serve hot with celery sticks, carrots, and blue cheese or ranch dressing for the full experience. Leftovers reheat well in the oven. Ditch the greasy fried wings and impress with these flavorful yet healthier baked wings! Pro tip: for extra lemony flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the wings before serving.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A fork is being used to take a piece of Philly cheese steak casserole out of a dish.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole puts an oven-baked spin on the classic sandwich you’ve been missing. In a baking dish, layer cooked and sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a cheese sauce made with provolone and American cheese. Top with more cheese and bake until hot and melty, about 25 minutes. Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Take your veggie side to the next level with these baked Roma tomatoes topped with Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Amazing flavor in under 30 minutes! They’re perfect for rounding out grilled mains or antipasto platters. Say goodbye to boring tomatoes — this recipe turns them into a star side dish that your microwave could never!
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Chili Cheese Dip

Chili cheese dip in a baking dish with toppings.
Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Party prep couldn’t be easier with this crowd-pleasing baked chili cheese dip made from scratch. Scoop it up with tortilla chips or veggies, and add sliced jalapeños for extra heat. Ditch the preservative-filled store-bought dips for this fresh, customizable version. Need to prep ahead? Mix everything, transfer to your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When it’s party time, let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. Your microwave could never be this convenient!
Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Dip

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a side of dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These bite-sized sausage balls feature Italian sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and biscuit baking mix for the ultimate savory pop. Just mix everything together, roll into 1-inch balls, and bake until golden brown. It’s all ready in 30 minutes. Dip ’em in mustard, ranch, or sour cream for extra flavor. Perfect for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Prepping for a party later? Form the balls, arrange them on the baking sheet, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready, let them sit at room temp while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

A slice of breakfast casserole on a plate with a fork.
Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Wake up to an impressive protein-packed breakfast casserole loaded with eggs, sausage, veggies, and cheese. Easily feed a crowd or meal prep for the week by adding hash browns or switching to bacon. No more frantic mornings — this make-ahead dish has you covered, and your microwave is officially jealous! Pro tip: let the casserole rest after baking for 10 minutes before slicing for neater portions.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In less than an hour, you’ve got a fun veggie-based main or appetizer. Top with sour cream and sliced green onions for extra flavor. Get your veggie fix in the most delicious way with these zucchini boats that let you sneak in nutrients effortlessly! Pro tip: use a melon baller or small spoon to easily scoop out the zucchini seeds.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish with jalapeño popper chicken and a spoon.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Bring your favorite jalapeño popper flavors to a casserole dish! In a large bowl, mix cubed cooked chicken, diced jalapeños, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a pinch of garlic powder. (Pro tip: wear gloves when handling the jalapeños to avoid burning your skin.) Bake until hot and bubbly. No fresh jalapeños? Use jarred ones or even serrano peppers for extra heat. Serve it over rice or quinoa to cool the heat, or add crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Swap the jalapeños for roasted red peppers if you can’t handle the spice. Spice up your usual chicken bake with this flavor-packed dish that brings life to boring dinners — your microwave is officially out of a job!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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