8 Family-Friendly Roasting Recipes That Are Delicious & Hassle-Free

For when hunger hits and you're looking for something high on quality but low on maintenance (aka every night of the week).

Slow-Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken in pan
Photo: Jennifer Causey

In search of perfectly crisp roasted potatoes; tender-cooked Brussels sprouts, beets, and carrots; or wondering how to make an effortless sheet pan chicken that melts in your mouth? Make yourself at home, fam. You've come to the right place.

Why? Because roasting is a surefire method for making perfectly-cooked (entire) meals in the oven with almost no prep work. When you use the right technique—high heat for plenty of time, an even dice, and don't skimp on the olive oil—and quality ingredients, roasting recipes practically cook themselves. So go forth: preheat your range, pour yourself a glass of Pinot, and let these crowd-pleasing, family-friendly dishes do the talking. It's time to outsource to the oven.

Top View of Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta Served in a White Bowl on Top of Blue Fabric, with Metal Spoon and Small Metal Bowl of Peppered Oil to the Left
Anna Williams

Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta and Lemon

We couldn't give you a roundup of roasting recipes without a little Brussels-sprouts-and-fatty-ham number. This delicious side dish packs an umami-rich punch, thanks to a generous portion of pancetta (bacon's BFF), which also helps the Brussels caramelize in the oven. The rich saltiness is perfectly balanced by a hit of tart-and-tangy lemon zest.

Get the recipe: Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta and Lemon

Easy chicken recipes - Slow-Roasted Lemon & Herb Chicken
Jen Causey

Slow-Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

This method for slow-roasting chicken takes the guesswork out of what can be an intimidating task: roasting a 3 ½-pound piece of meat. Cooking the chicken for 2 ½ to 3 hours at a relatively lower temperature (300°F) yields a meltingly tender, rotisserie-like finish. You may never fast-roast again.

Get the Recipe: Slow-Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

Easy eggplant recipes - grilled eggplant recipes and roasted eggplant recipes and more

Roasted Eggplant With Miso and Sesame Seeds

In this Asian-inspired recipe, the eggplants roast at high heat, making the outside skin crispy and the inside succulent. The rich miso dressing gives it a salty umami flavor that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve alongside a piece of fish or meat for an easy and impressive meal.

Get the recipe: Roasted Eggplant With Miso and Sesame Seeds

Roasted Pork Chops and Peaches
Couscous soaks up juices from the pork chops and the tart peach and onion sauce. Get the recipe. Con Poulos

Roasted Pork Chops and Peaches

Pork chops and peaches? Trust us, you'll be making this again and again. Peaches cooked with onion and white wine vinegar is an unexpectedly delicious addition to roasted pork chops.

Get the recipe: Roasted Pork Chops and Peaches

Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Look, Ma, no marshmallows! These sweet potatoes are topped with gooey cheese instead, creating a balanced blend of sweet and savory. Plus, they cook in less than 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Marcus Nilsson

Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes wedges are topped with two varieties of gooey cheese, which makes for a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory. Best part? They cook in under 30 minutes and require just four ingredients.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Pork Chops With Mustard Sauce
A simple creamy mustard sauce heightens the flavor of juicy pork chops in this 20-minute recipe. Get the recipe. Marcus Nilsson

Pork Chops With Mustard Sauce

Talk about a back-pocket lifesaver: This delicious pork dish requires only 15 minutes of hands-on time to prep, which makes it a great meal for both a regular weeknight or having people over.

Get the recipe: Pork Chops With Mustard Sauce

This pasta salad will satisfy all of your savory cravings. Get the recipe for Real Simple's Roasted Eggplant and Olive Pasta Salad.
Greg DuPree

Roasted Eggplant and Olive Pasta Salad

Who doesn't love pasta salad? Salty olives and feta cheese combined with fresh tomatoes, chewy pasta, and tender cubes of roasted eggplant make this the perfect satisfying and healthy lunch or dinner. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, so make extra and eat well all week long.

Get the recipe: Roasted Eggplant and Olive Pasta Salad

Sheet Pan Cod and Potatoes Recipe
Caitlin Bensel

Sheet Pan Cod and Potatoes

In this delicious fish dish, all the ingredients can cook together, which makes for very little prep—and very few dishes to wash. You'll start with creamy Yukon gold potatoes, and then add the cod, before stirring in chard leaves. Toss the whole dish with olive salsa for a flavorful finish.

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Cod and Potatoes

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles