Outshine Your Microwave With These 21 Oven-Baked Recipes

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Outshine Your Microwave With These 21 Oven-Baked Recipes

Oven-baked recipes are about to make your microwave jealous. These dishes are not only easy to make, but they also bring out flavors and textures that you just can’t get from zapping your food. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, these recipes are great for any occasion. They’re perfect for when you want something a little more special than the usual quick fix.

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

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 loaded with bacon, potatoes, cheese, and green onions. It’s a great oven-baked dish that’ll make your microwave super jealous. Just bake the potatoes, scoop out the insides, and mash them up with sour cream, milk, butter, and seasonings. Mix in some crispy bacon and green onions, then pile it all back in a baking dish. Remove from the oven and then top with paprika, bacon crumbles, and green onions. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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.

For those evenings when you need something filling but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen, Baked Ravioli has your back. It’s like a simplified lasagna that you can have oven-ready in a snap, thanks to using frozen ravioli. With just an hour in the oven, you get a bubbly, cheesy meal that proves oven baking can really up your dinner game compared to the microwave.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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 butternut squash, cauliflower, bacon, onions, garlic, and spinach is a hearty, flavorful oven-baked dish that’s good for you. Toss everything with a homemade dressing, then spread it on a baking sheet and roast until the veggies are tender and caramelized. Garnish with sour cream and serve. This recipe will make your microwave wish it could do more than just heat up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

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.

The one-pan Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a lifesaver on busy nights. Combine sausages, sliced zucchini, broccoli florets, sliced mini peppers, and spices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil and season. Toss everything together and spread it in an even layer. Bake until the sausages and veggies are caramelized. Serve it on its own straight from the pan or pair it with rice or quinoa. This colorful, crispy sheet pan meal will make your microwave super jealous of your oven’s dinnertime skills! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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’ll make your microwave totally jealous. Mix cream of mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream or Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper to create the cheesy sauce. Toss the broccoli with the sauce and top with crushed crushed crackers for extra crunch. It’s a recipe that’s easy to customize — try adding cooked chicken, rice, or other veggies to make it a complete meal. Leftovers reheat well in the oven, so you can enjoy this comforting casserole all week long.
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.

Whip up these Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins for a protein-packed, oven-baked breakfast. Mix cottage cheese, eggs, shredded cheese, all-purpose flour, herbs or spices, and, if you’d like, bacon. Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake until set. These muffins are perfect for meal prep or on-the-go mornings. Say goodbye to boring microwaved eggs and hello to fluffy, flavorful muffins that’ll make your microwave super jealous. For variety, throw in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, tomato, mushrooms, and green onions to kick up the flavor and pack in more nutrients.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

The Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting dinner that’s ready in under an hour. Mix canned tuna, cooked egg noodles, whole milk, frozen peas, cheddar cheese, and seasonings in a baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs for added crunch, then bake until bubbly and golden brown. This oven-baked winner reheats like a champ, making it great for next-day meals. Your microwave will be so jealous of your oven’s skills! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding sautéed mushrooms, diced jalapenos, or other veggies of your choice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Shake and bake pork chops on a baking sheet.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re looking to whip up a solid meal without spending the whole evening in the kitchen, these Shake and Bake Pork Chops are the way to go. You can have them ready in just 25 minutes, and they come out of the oven with a crispy coat that you’d never get from a microwave. It’s a straightforward dish that’s perfect for anyone who’s new to cooking or just needs to get dinner on the table fast.
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.

The Spinach Chicken Bake is a 30-minute dinner that combines juicy chicken breasts, fresh spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This oven-baked main dish is a breeze to make — just mix the ingredients in a baking dish and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your microwave will be begging for attention while your oven steals the show with this flavorful meal. Serve with pasta, rice, or salad.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

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

Wake up to this Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole that’ll make your microwave green with envy. It’s packed with shredded hash browns, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, and bacon slices. Start by cooking chopped bacon until crispy, then mix into the whisked egg along with the frozen hash browns, shredded cheddar, cottage cheese, and any extras like onions and bell peppers. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch or dinner, and you can customize it with your favorite veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
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.

These crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are an easy oven-baked side that’ll leave your microwave in the dust. Just cut your potatoes, toss them with some avocado oil, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. They’re perfect alongside baked chicken, steak, or pork chops, and they’re so much better than boring old microwave potatoes.
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 is packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, leaving your microwave wondering what happened. Season some boneless, skinless chicken breasts with fajita spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika, then bake them in the oven until they’re cooked through. You have the option to garnish with sour cream, salsa or finely chopped green onions.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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’s ready in just 25 minutes. Cut a block of halloumi cheese into fry shapes, toss with flour, cornstarch, and seasonings, and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. Serve with tangy tzatziki sauce or your favorite dip. These fries will make your microwave wish it could crisp things up as your oven can. Halloumi fries are a great alternative to traditional potato fries, and they’re sure to impress your guests at your next party or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Lemon Pepper Wings

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

These oven-baked Lemon Pepper Wings are bursting with flavor and really easy to make, leaving your microwave in the rearview mirror. You’ll bake them in the oven until they’re crispy and golden brown. Serve with chopped fresh parsley and, if you want, a dipping sauce.
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.

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is an oven-baked spin on the classic sandwich that’ll make your microwave wish it could keep up. Layer veggie and steak mixture with provolone cheese slices and bake until it’s hot, melty, and bubbly about 25 minutes. This casserole has all the flavors of a traditional Philly cheese steak but in a fork-friendly format that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
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. Just slice the tomatoes in half and top with the cheesy mixture. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for amazing flavor. Let the tomatoes cool down a bit, and then serve them with an extra dash of pepper. These tomatoes are a great choice for oven-baked recipes that will make your microwave jealous, as they perfectly round out grilled main dishes or antipasto platters.
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.

This crowd-pleasing baked chili cheese dip made from scratch is a breeze to prep for parties. Just mix together cream cheese, sour cream, canned chili, and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced veggies, and add buffalo sauce or chopped jalapeños into the cream cheese mixture for extra heat. This fresh, customizable dip beats store-bought varieties any day. You can even mix everything ahead of time, transfer it to your baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate.
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, featuring Italian sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and all-purpose flour, are ready in just 30 minutes. Mix everything together in a large bowl using an electric mixer until well combined. Roll into balls, and bake until golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your choice of dipping sauce like marinara, honey mustard sauce, or ranch dressing. These sausage balls are perfect for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen, making them a great pick for oven-baked recipes that will outshine your microwave.
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.

This protein-packed breakfast casserole, loaded with eggs, ground Italian sausage, fresh chives, and shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, is an impressive way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week. Customize it by adding hash browns or switching to bacon. Just brown the sausage, sauté the veggies, whisk the eggs with milk and seasonings, and layer everything in a greased baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until set. This make-ahead dish guarantees stress-free mornings, leaving your microwave officially jealous. For neater portions, let the casserole cool slightly before slicing.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Loaded Zucchini Boats

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

These loaded zucchini boats are a fun veggie-based main or appetizer that can be whipped up in less than an hour. Just halve the zucchini lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and fill with a mixture of cooked ground beef (or turkey), diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and taco seasoning. Top with sour cream and sliced green onions for extra flavor. This delicious recipe lets you sneak in nutrients effortlessly, making it a perfect choice for oven-baked dishes that will make your microwave jealous.
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.

This casserole brings your favorite jalapeño popper flavors to a baking dish. Combine chicken, chopped jalapeños, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar, then transfer that to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar over the mixture. Move the baking pan to the middle rack of the oven, bake it, and then broil for a few minutes. Take the pan out of the oven and let the casserole cool a little before slicing it into pieces. This flavor-packed dish brings life to boring dinners, officially making your microwave obsolete.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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