The “Brilliant” $6 Restaurant-Inspired Find That Keeps My Counters Spotless (It Has Dozens of Uses!)

I’ve never had much of an affinity for reality TV shows, but when one of my best friends introduced me to Vanderpump Rules in 2018, I was hooked. As a show based around restaurants, it wasn’t totally surprising that two of the main cast members would go on to open their own sandwich shop, Something About Her. 

When I visited the shop during their opening week in May, I was not only impressed with the delicious sandwiches, but also the trays on which they were served. They were essentially mini sheet pans, a brilliant but casual way to serve food. In fact, I was so inspired by my lunch here, I went on the hunt for a couple of those sheet pans of my own.

Technically, these pans are meant for baking, but I bought them to serve casual meals and noticed in the reviews that many others do the same. While I still use these to plate the occasional sandwich with a side of chips, my husband Dave and I have found a handful of other functions for them. 

These mini sheet pans have been great for freezing my favorite post-dinner dessert — chocolate-covered yogurt and raspberry clusters — while Dave prefers to use them for mise en place when cooking dinner. He separates the protein from the veggies, keeping the counters organized and mess-free. For the Fourth of July, he used these pans to place the patties and buns before grilling and felt it was a better option for outdoor use than a delicate ceramic plate or a flimsy paper plate. 

Although these aren’t exactly dishwasher-safe since they can be prone to discoloration, the mini versions are so petite that it’s barely a chore to hand-wash them. I also like that they’re made of aluminum, making them durable and rust-free, and the rolled edge prevents any warping. Whether you want these for baking, food prep, serving food, or even as a potlid for a small saucepan, these mini sheet pans are useful in just about any kitchen — even celebrity sandwich shops!

Buy: Nordic Ware 1/8 Sheet Pan, 1-Pack, Aluminum, $5.98