Do you think you know why there is a metal rack inside your oven? 🧐🤔 Many assure it is meant to hold baking trays, but recently I have discovered that this simple accessory has multiple clever uses which will be a game-changer for all the housewives! ☝️🤩 It will be perfect for indoor barbecue and taco shells! 🍖🌮 I will reveal everything you need to know in this article! 👇
For years, I never gave much thought to the metal rack inside my oven. I simply assumed it was meant to hold baking trays or cake molds, and that was the only way I ever used it. But recently, I discovered that this simple accessory has multiple clever uses that can transform the way you cook.
Here are four unexpected and brilliant ways to use your oven rack that I wish I had known sooner!
1. The Perfect Toaster Alternative
If you don’t own a toaster or simply want to make multiple slices at once, your oven rack can do the job effortlessly.
Grab some slices of white bread and place a baking sheet lined with parchment paper beneath the rack.
Stand the slices upright between the bars of the rack, spacing them out evenly.
Bake at a moderate temperature for about 20 minutes.
The result? Golden, crispy toast—just like you’d get from a toaster, but in larger batches!
2. Indoor Barbecue—Kebabs & Roasted Vegetables
Craving grilled food but don’t have access to an outdoor barbecue? No problem! Your oven rack can act as a makeshift grill, allowing you to prepare delicious kebabs and roasted vegetables with ease.
If you want to roast whole vegetables like potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, or eggplants, simply place them directly on the rack. The hot air will circulate around them, ensuring even cooking.
For kebabs, thread marinated meat onto skewers and position them across the bars of the rack, ensuring they don’t fall through.
Place a baking tray underneath to catch any dripping juices or fat.
This method allows you to enjoy juicy, smoky-flavored kebabs and perfectly roasted veggies without stepping outside!
3. Homemade Taco Shells—A Mexican-Inspired Trick
I was amazed to learn that my oven rack could be used to make crispy taco shells at home! This is a great trick for anyone who loves Mexican food and wants to prepare homemade tacos with minimal effort.
Start by cutting circles out of store-bought pita bread or soft tortillas.
Drape each piece over the bars of the oven rack, allowing them to hang in a curved shape.
Bake for about 15 minutes until they crisp up and hold their form.
Once done, you’ll have perfectly shaped taco shells ready to be filled with your favorite ingredients—ground beef, sautéed onions, tomatoes, corn, cheese, and spices. The possibilities are endless!
4. Hanging Chicken Drumsticks for Ultimate Crispiness
I usually bake chicken in a roasting pan, but I recently found out that hanging drumsticks from the oven rack gives them an incredible texture—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside!
Marinate the chicken legs or rub them with your favorite seasonings.
Hook the drumsticks through the bars of the oven rack so they hang down freely.
Place a baking tray underneath—better yet, fill it with potatoes to catch the flavorful drippings.
As the fat from the chicken drips down, the potatoes absorb all the delicious juices, resulting in a side dish that’s just as mouthwatering as the main course!
Who knew the humble oven rack could be so versatile? Whether you’re making toast, grilling kebabs, crafting taco shells, or crisping up chicken drumsticks, this simple kitchen tool is capable of so much more than just holding baking trays.
Now that I’ve unlocked these tricks, I’ll never look at my oven rack the same way again—and neither will you!
