What does broil mean?
Broiling is cooking food with intense heat from above, using your oven's top element, so it browns fast like an upside-down grill.
Why it works
The broiler is a very hot element, often 500掳F (260掳C) or more, that sends strong radiant heat straight down. Surfaces brown and char in minutes, which is perfect for melting cheese, finishing a dish, or cooking thin cuts. Food close to the element cooks fast, so distance from the top controls speed.
How to do it
Common mistakes
- Walking away, since broiled food goes from golden to burnt very fast.
- Putting food too close, which burns the top before the inside cooks.
- Using glass dishes that are not broiler safe, which can shatter.
Questions about broiling
What is the difference between broil and bake?
Baking heats the whole oven evenly, while broiling blasts heat from the top only. Broiling browns the surface much faster.
Do you leave the oven door open when broiling?
Many ovens recommend leaving it slightly ajar. Check your oven's manual since some require it closed.
What can I broil?
Fish fillets, thin steaks, vegetables, and anything that needs a quick cheese melt or a browned top are good choices.
Cheddar
Salmon
Bell Pepper
