A crowded pan causes food to steam rather than brown, so when a good sear is important, it’s critical to cook ingredients in stages.

A sheet pan's perimeter gets hotter than the middle, so place hardy ingredients around the edges and delicate items in the center.

A roasting pan works on the stovetop as well as in the oven, so use it to sear, bloom, brown, or simmer.

To create lush, creamy sauces in one-pan casserole recipes, use quick-dissolving, low-protein Wondra flour.