11 easy tray bake recipes ideas to make for dinner this week
From Ottolenghi to Donna Hay, these one-tray bakes make cooking dinner easy this week.
If you’re looking to find simple ways to feed the family on busy weeknights, or if you are not in the mood to wash up lots of dishes, one-tray cooking is the perfect solution. From a chicken tray bake with a Spanish twist to a hearty vegetarian tray bake ragu, these throw-together oven dinners are easy and delicious for any night of the week.
Here are 11 of our favourite tray bake recipes that involve simple prep, low-touch cooking, minimal washing up and maximum flavour.
Elizabeth Hewson’s lamb chop tray bake
This lamb chop tray bake is fast, no-fuss and delicious. Hewson adapts the one-tray concept to lamb loin chops served with chickpeas, fennel and marinated artichokes.
Get the recipe for Elizabeth Hewson’s Lamb chop tray bake.
Samuel Goldsmith’s chicken tray bake
Although this recipe is a tray bake, it’s much jazzier than most and borders the line of a midweek meal and a fancy feast. It can take under an hour to bring together. The tinned tomatoes are the saviour that swoops in at the end to make it all come together.
Get the recipe for Samuel Goldsmith’s chicken tray bake.
Elizabeth Hewson’s chicken and chorizo tray bake
Give chicken thighs a Spanish twist by tossing them in a tray with chorizo, red and yellow peppers, paprika and potatoes. A low-effort, high-impact dish.
Get the recipe for Elizabeth Hewson’s chicken and chorizo tray bake.
Georgina Hayden’s vegan eggplant and feta pasta
A love letter to the Ionian islands, this recipe pairs roasted garlicky goodness with flavours of tomato and feta. It layers eggplant and tomato, and is heavy on the garlic. It is traditionally a vegan dish, but here in this recipe Hayden adds a block of feta. It may be super simple but looks impressive, and makes an excellent sauce for pasta.
Get the recipe for Georgina Hayden’s vegan eggplant and feta pasta.
Ottolenghi’s ultimate tray bake ragu
The plant-based ragù to end all others. This tray bake is packed with flavour and will satisfy both vegans and meat-eaters. An easy dish to throw together after work, and can be served with your favourite pasta.
Get the recipe for Yotam Ottolenghi’s tray bake ragu.
Matilda Brown’s chicken tray bake
This easy chicken tray bake tastes like home. Served with chicken marylands, olives and rosemary, this dish is a heartwarming and affordable solution to weeknight cooking.
Get the recipe for Matilda Brown’s chicken tray bake.
Ella Mittas’s baked chickpeas
Perfect for using up left-overs in the fridge, this recipe lends itself to whatever greens and herbs you have on hand. Whip this up at the end of the week for a no frills dinner.
Get the recipe for Ella Mittas’s baked chickpeas.
Elizabeth Hewson’s fish tray bake
Spruce up your Good Friday spread with this elegant one-tray fish bake. Think plump butter beans, firm white fish fillets and sweet, juicy end-of-season tomatoes with roasted capers and briny vinegar.
Get the recipe for Elizabeth Hewson’s fish tray bake.
David Herbert’s salmon tray bake
This vibrant take on a salmon tray bake is packed with lime, ginger and chilli. Serve with rice and sprinkle with spring onions to tie the dish together.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s salmon traybake.
Elizabeth Hewson’s chicken and olive tray bake
Add this zesty, jammy, one-tray chicken dish to your repertoire. Crispy skins combine with sweet, sticky tomatoes that burst in your mouth, and flavour-packed, golden potatoes swim in a zesty sauce. Enjoy it as a midweek meal or a spectacular centrepiece at your next dinner party.
Get the recipe for Elizabeth Hewson’s chicken and olive tray bake.
Donna Hay’s one pot roast chicken
Let this balsamic glazed one-pot chicken dish do the heavy lifting. The set and forget roast has all the flavour with none of the fuss, balancing sweet brown sugar and peppery Tabasco in a simple weeknight crowd pleaser.
Get the recipe for Donna Hay’s one pot roast chicken.
Want more weeknight dinner ideas? Check out these 10 easy rice recipes or try your hand at these pasta recipes. For more food ideas, go to theaustralian.com.au/life/food-drink. For weekly recipes, sign up to our weekly food and wine newsletter.
