Which foods are commonly made by baking?

Baking is a method of cooking using dry heat, typically in an oven. It is commonly used to transform soft, unstructured mixtures—such as batters and doughs—into firm, structured foods.12

Common foods prepared by baking include:

• Bread: A staple food made from flour or meal, including varieties like flatbread, sourdough, and various raised loaves like baguettes and challah.13
• Bakery Products: This category encompasses cookies, muffins, rolls, and buns.13
• Pastries and Pies: These are made from stiff doughs containing flour, fat, and liquid, often used to enclose sweet or savory fillings. Examples include croissants and various tarts.14
• Other Dishes: While often associated with grains, baking is also used for items like potatoes and certain meat dishes prepared en croûte (wrapped in pastry).24

While some modern ovens distinguish between "baking" and "roasting" settings, both processes utilize dry heat to cook food.2