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

published Nov 29, 2024
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Blue stools under kitchen countertop.

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. 

Credit: L. Daniela Alvarez

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. 

Credit: L. Daniela Alvarez

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