When I learned about the ability to cook a variety of foods at one time in Convection and Steam ovens my immediate thought was, what a fantastic tool to help orchestrate cooking a complete meal especially when entertaining. Not only does the circulating heat of Convection cook all the dishes evenly, but because there is no transfer of flavor sweet and savory dishes can all be cooked simultaneously.
Even if you are just cooking brunch for the family knowing how to use the tools in your oven really can make preparing food easier. Brunch typically includes a variety of dishes and there are so many delicious options to choose from, success of course begins with planning.
What is a Typical Convection Brunch Menu?
A typical brunch menu can include a sweet or savory egg casserole, eggs baked with vegetables in a zesty tomato sauce, frittata, breakfast potatoes, bacon or breakfast sausage, and perhaps some muffins or scones. With the amazing options available in the frozen section these days piping hot fresh croissants are another great option.
A breakfast casserole can include sauteed vegetables, and cheese combined with eggs and some cream; or it can be made with bread or croissants that are filled with a sweet or savory filling baked in a custard of eggs and cream. Best of all breakfast casseroles can be prepared the night before and ready to be baked in the morning.
Tips for Baking Brunch Dishes in Convection
Breakfast casseroles are best cooked at a moderate temperature between 325 to 350 degrees. Also, important to note is that when casseroles are baked in a glass dish a temperature reduction may be necessary. If you notice a dark ring forming around the edge of the casserole reduce the oven temperature by 10 - 15 degrees to ensure even cooking.
The Convection Bake mode is ideal when cooking multiple brunch dishes at one time. Place the casserole in the middle of the oven, breakfast potatoes (cut into small wedges or ½” slices for faster cooking) sausage, and bacon are best baked below the casserole.
Muffins or scones bake fairly quickly; and by measuring out all the ingredients in advance you will be able to get them into the oven faster, so they can be added at the same time as the casserole. When the muffins come out it’s time to add the potatoes, bacon, or sausage.
Bacon is best prepared on a rack in a rimmed baking pan lined with parchment paper or foil. That way once the fat has solidified you can roll up the liner for easy disposal.
Timing
Breakfast casserole - approximately 40 minutes bake time.
Muffins and scones - approximately 15 - 20 minutes.
Breakfast Potatoes and Bacon - approximately 20 - 25 minutes.
Tips for Preparing Brunch in the Steam Oven
The Steam oven has several different modes that can be used when preparing Brunch dishes.
Steam Mode
Eggs can be poached in individual ramekins in this mode, and cooked vegetables and cheese can be added to the ramekin first for a more substantial meal. Eggs can also be steamed in the shell for a hard-cooked or soft-centered egg. Individual bowls of oatmeal can also be cooked in this mode.
Combination Convection Steam Mode
This mode can be used to bake breakfast casseroles, muffins, or scones or to cook breakfast potatoes. This mode also yields great results when baking yeast-based pastry or frozen croissants.
Re - Heating Mode
Breakfast dishes can be prepared in advance and reheated in this mode.
Sous Vide Mode
In the mood for sous vide eggs? If your oven has this mode the eggs can be cracked into a ramekin and slowly cooked sous vide within the temperature range of 140 - 180 degrees.
Remember the best thing about cooking meals in Convection is the fact that it leaves your hands free, and in my experience that can make cooking when entertaining less stressful.
Chicken cooked in Convection is so flavorful and juicy and in my next post I will review a delicious oven chicken recipe that cooks in a flavorful sauce. A perfect recipe for these cooler nights and of course because you can cook a side dish at the same time, it’s a perfect Convection meal.
Larissa, Your Convection Enthusiast