Finding the right storage solution for bulky pots and pans is tricky. If you simply throw them in a cabinet, you will be met with an avalanche of cookware the next time you open the door. (I know from experience.) To help you avoid the mess, I’m sharing our favorite spots to keep larger items out of the way, yet readily accessible when you need them.
While you’re at it, use our top kitchen organization tips to clean up your cupboards.
Use a File Organizer
File organizers are not just for the office! Place a standing, non-tiered file organizer like this one in a kitchen cabinet, then place a cookie sheet in each section. It keeps larger, flat-shaped pans standing up and separated, making them easy to grab while also saving cabinet space. You can even use a heavy-duty file sorter for deeper vessels like casserole dishes and roasting pans.
This is the best sheet pan, according to our Test Kitchen pros.
Put a Basket on Top of the Fridge
If the top of your fridge is accessible, it can be a great storage spot. But no one wants to look at a mess of pans piled on top of the fridge. Instead, fill a deep basket with pots and pans. Use one that measures a few inches less than the width of your fridge so that it fits nicely without hanging over the edge. The basket hides the mess and it’s easy to bring the whole thing down when you need one of the pots.
Use a Deep Cabinet Drawer
If you’re lucky enough to have deep drawers as part of your kitchen design, they are the perfect spot for storing pots and pans. You can even stack ’em. If you don’t have a cabinet drawer in the right size, don’t forget the under-the-oven storage drawer! Most standard ovens come with a pull-out drawer that is deep enough to store a few large pans. It keeps them conveniently close when you’re in the mood to check something off your baking bucket list.
Add a Cabinet Shelf
If you’re only using the bottom of your cabinet, you’re wasting a lot of vertical space! You can add a shelf using an organizer like this one. The extra flat surface is great for storing more pots and pans or extra lids.
Install a Hanging Kitchen Rail
Short on cabinet space? Hang your pots and pans instead! Hang up one or two kitchen rails on any empty wall space and hang up your large pots and pans with hooks. Not only does it solve a storage problem, but they’ll look chic out on display—adding a beautiful utilitarian element to your kitchen.
Find even more kitchen organizing ideas that will transform your space.
Grab a Baking Sheet and Get to Work!
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Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan Chicken
The convenience and simplicity of this chicken dinner make it extra awesome. Change up the veggies throughout the year—the sticky-spicy-sweet sauce is good on all of them! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Cinnamon Twirl Roly-Poly
My whole house smells incredible when this cake is in the oven. Change it up with other extracts—maple is heavenly. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York
Peanut Butter Chippers
The smell of peanut butter and chocolate always brings my cookie-hungry family running to the kitchen. The recipe is so quick and easy, I often stir up a batch while making dinner. —Pat Doerflinger, Centerview, Missouri
Chicken Provolone
Though it's one of my simplest dishes, this version of an Italian classic is also one of my husband’s favorites. It’s quick to prepare and a garnish of fresh parsley or basil makes it look elegant. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
Trail Mix Clusters
These delicious snacks make wonderful gifts, and although they look and taste like they came from an expensive chocolate shop, they couldn't be more guilt-free. The dried fruit and nuts are heart-healthy and full of fiber. Bet you can't eat just one! —Alina Niemi, Honolulu, Hawaii
Mini Zucchini Pizzas
This simple snack recipe is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Apple Kolaches
A fellow home cook shared this recipe for a sweet, fruit-filled pastry. My son, who isn’t a dessert fan, was disappointed when he came home to find his dad had polished off the last kolache in the batch.—Ann Johnson, Evansville, Indiana
Crispy Fish & Chips
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Ginger Plum Tart
Sweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. Plus, it's extra-awesome when served warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pretty Duchess Potatoes
Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
First-Place Coconut Macaroons
These coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites—whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me for some, too! I especially like that this macaroon recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. —Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin
Pull-Apart Bacon Bread
I stumbled across this recipe while looking for something different to take to a brunch. Boy, am I glad I did! Everyone asked for the recipe and was surprised it called for only five ingredients. It's the perfect treat to bake for an informal get-together. —Traci Collins, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Raspberry Pistachio Thumbprints
Thumbprint cookies are a Christmas classic, and I especially like my updated version with pistachios. The rich, buttery bites are not only delicious, but they are also pretty enough to give for gifts—if you manage to share them! —Laura Murphy, Columbus, Mississippi
Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli
If chicken cordon bleu and stromboli had a baby, this would be it. Serve with jarred Alfredo sauce, homemade Alfredo sauce or classic Mornay sauce on the side if desired. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Pistachio Cranberry Bark
I picked up this bark recipe at a Christmas sweets swap hosted by a woman in my Bible study group. My family, friends and I think it's just divine. Even my dad, who's not big on candy, loves it. —Susan Wacek, Pleasanton, California
Pepperoni Pizza Baked Potatoes
These tasty taters were a spur-of-the-moment recipe I created from leftovers! It's a true mash-up meal that combines two dinnertime favorites into one super-fun meal. —Dawn E. Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Gooey Caramel-Topped Gingersnaps
Making these cookies is therapeutic for me. I often watch a movie while I put them together. I take a lot of cookies to fundraisers, and these gingersnaps are quite popular. If you'd like, you can make variations by changing the cookie base or varying the nuts. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Mini Hot Browns
Here's my take on the famous Hot Brown sandwich. Guests quickly saddle up for juicy turkey slices and crispy bacon, piled on toasted rye bread and then topped with a rich cheese sauce. —Annette Grahl, Midway, Kentucky
Pineapple Star Cookies
I'm grateful my neighbor gave me this special recipe. When you see the cookies' pretty shape and savor the pineapple filling and sweet frosting, you'll know they're worth the effort. —Sarah Lukaszewicz, Batavia, New York
Tuscan Fish Packets
My husband does a lot of fishing, so I'm always looking for different ways to serve his catches. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio
No-Knead Knot Rolls
My mom, Velma Perkins, loved to serve these light, golden rolls when I was growing up on our Iowa farm. They're extra nice since they require no kneading. The dough rises in the refrigerator overnight, so there's little last-minute fuss to serve fresh hot rolls with any meal. —Toni Hilscher Omaha, Nebraska
Bohemian Kolaches
This kolache recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, who received it from her mother! It was a standard treat in their family, made nearly every week. Now I make these kolaches for my own family for special occasions. —Maxine Hron, Quincy, Illinois
Puff Pastry Danishes
Even though they're simple to make, these jam-filled pastries are right at home in a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio
Rustic Caramel Apple Tart
Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Sesame Wheat Braids
When I started making this bread, my husband and our six children liked it so much I was baking every day. I was thrilled when the judges at our county fair gave these braids a blue ribbon and best of show award! —Nancy Montgomery, Hartville, Ohio
Quick Icebox Sandwiches
My mother liked making these cool, creamy treats when I was growing up in the States because they're so quick to fix. Then I made them for my three kids.—Sandy Armijo, Naples, Italy
Fontina Asparagus Tart
This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised…your guests will be vying for the last tasty slice. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hungarian Nut Rolls
It isn't officially the holidays until I've made this treasured nut roll recipe from my husband's grandmother. The apple-walnut filling is moist, subtly sweet and flavorful. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan
Baked Parmesan Breaded Squash
Baked yellow squash is beautifully crispy. You don’t have to turn the pieces, but do keep an eye on them. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Meringue Kisses
There's a nice chocolaty surprise inside these sweet kisses. They're my husband's top choice each Christmas.—Tami Henke, Lockport, Illinois
Pigs in a Blanket
These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. —Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado
Cinnamon Almond Brittle
It simply wouldn't be Christmas at our house without this old-time favorite twist on peanut brittle. No one believes how easy it is to make! —Lynette Kleinschmidt, Litchfield, Minnesota
Quick Calzones
Leftover meat sauce makes a hearty calzone that tastes like it’s made from scratch. Top the calzones with a sprinkling of Parmesan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Easy Apple Strudel
My family always loves it when I make this wonderful dessert. Old-fashioned strudel was too fattening and time-consuming, but this revised classic is just as good. It's best served warm from the oven. —Joanie Fuson, Indianapolis, Indiana
Beef-Stuffed Potatoes
This is a stuffed potato with a twist. Teenagers like the flavor the green chiles and cheese add.
Chocolate Lover's Strawberry Shortcakes
As a mom of four, I appreciate shortcut recipes. This one uses refrigerated biscuits, giving me time for special touches, like adding homemade whipped cream and hot fudge. —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Rustic Squash Tarts
This recipe is hiding a big surprise. Flaky, rustic-looking pastry shells hold a sweet and spicy pecan layer under the squash slices. —Ann Marie Moch, Kintyre, ND
Puff Pastry Chicken Bundles
Inside these golden puff pastry "packages", chicken breasts rolled with spinach, herbed cream cheese and walnuts are a savory surprise. I like to serve this elegant entree when we have guests or are celebrating a holiday or special occasion. -Brad Moritz, Limerick, Pennsylvania
Banana Cream Eclairs
To surprise my banana-loving family, I made this dessert for a reunion, where it stood out among the usual fare. These special treats are something to look at and mouthwatering delicious. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Pecan-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
I loved chicken nuggets as a child. This baked version is healthier than the original, and it's a great meal for kids. — Haili Carroll, Valencia, California
Mushroom Bread
Mom’s best party food included baked crescent dough, piled with mushrooms and cheese. I borrowed her idea and serve with garlic butter or hot sauce. —Jenny Mikulich, Monticello, Illinois
Chicken Cordon Bleu in Pastry
Baking chicken breasts in a flaky dough makes them turn out moist and delicious every time. This fancy dish is nice to serve family as well as guests.
Chocolate Chip-Cranberry Scones
My daughter started making these as a "healthy" alternative to cookies since we seem to like cookies of any kind. I've never been able to eat just one, so this recipe seemed perfect for us. —Nichole Jones, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Honey Challah
I use these shiny beautiful loaves as the centerpiece of my spread. I love the taste of honey, but you can also add chocolate chips, cinnamon, orange zest or almonds. Leftover slices work well in bread pudding or for French toast. —Jennifer Newfield, Los Angeles, California
Walnut-Crusted Salmon
Whenever I can get salmon for a good price, I always turn to this simple and delicious recipe. It’s good served with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans, too. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Peppermint Puff Pastry Sticks
I wanted to impress my husband's family with something you'd expect to find in a European bakery, and these chocolaty treats are what I came up with. The flaky pastry melts in your mouth. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme Crust
This gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpie and gives it a fun open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Oatmeal Rolls
Most people tell me what they like best about these rolls is they're so moist. I like them because they're simple to make, freeze well and because I grew up on oatmeal and still love it! —Jeanette Fuehring, Concordia, Missouri
Oven Parmesan Chips
My husband and I avoid fried foods, but potatoes are part of our menu almost every day. These delectable sliced potatoes get nice and crispy and give our meals a likable lift. —Mary Lou Kelly, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Gingersnaps
Friends and neighbors look for these old-time cookies on the goody trays I make for them every holiday. They're great for dunking in milk, and they bring back a nostalgic spicy flavor of Christmases past. —Elizabeth Flatt, Kelso, Washington
Better Than Fried Shrimp
Here’s a fabulous alternative to deep-fried shrimp. Coating the shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, spraying with cooking spray and then baking give this appetizer a breaded shrimp taste without all the saturated fat and calories of deep-frying. —Cher Schwartz, Ellisville, Missouri
Herbed Leek Tart
This savory, non-traditional tart is a favorite among family and friends! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Feather-Light Biscuits
I usually used a glass as a cutter so the biscuits are bigger than average size, and I always baked some extras to send home with the kids. They liked to split them and fill them with cheese or peanut butter and strawberry jam. —Eleanore Hill, Fresno, California
Pumpkin Coffee Ring
I make this delicious coffee cake with its creamy pumpkin filling for almost every holiday gathering, and everyone loves it. —Carol McCartney, Danville, Ohio
Foil-Packet Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
This hearty, satisfying dinner has all the flavors of an authentic jambalaya but is ready in minutes. The foil packets can be prepared a day ahead and cooked right before serving. These are also good on the grill! —Allison Stroud, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd-pleaser? You've found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Cherry Tomato & Basil Focaccia
When I had 80 pounds of tomatoes, I got creative incorporating them into meals. Sometimes I slice this loaf into squares to make sandwiches with fresh mozzarella cheese and deli meats. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Pumpkin Ice Cream Roll
This wonderfully light dessert is our standby at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The hint of pumpkin and the refreshing ice cream make a most delicious after-dinner treat. —Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California
Nanny's Fruitcake Cookies
My grandmother always made a holiday fruitcake. I turned her recipe into cookies that are perfect any time, especially with a cup of tea. —Amanda Digges, South Windsor, Connecticut
Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms
Coriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Little Pigs in a Hammock
Pigs in a blanket aren’t just for kids! Dijon and Camembert transform this children’s favorite into a version that’s perfect for grown-ups. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Delicious Almond Braids
Similar to an almond crescent, this coffee cake is light and flaky, with a rich almond center. It’s so versatile you can serve it for dessert, breakfast or brunch. It will taste as if it was made from scratch at a bakery, yet the packaged puff pastry makes the recipe quick and easy. —Gina Idone, Staten Island, New York
Triple Citrus Scones
I love the bright and buttery flavor of these tender scones. Serve them with a yummy jam, or try them as a base for strawberry shortcake. —Angela LeMoine, Howell, New Jersey
Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels
These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Rainbow Layered Cookies
Balanced beautifully in the sweet spot between cake and cookie, these sensational slices will be the centerpiece of your cookie tray.—Sherry Thompson, Seneca, South Carolina
Oat Dinner Rolls
These soft rolls are out of this world. The addition of oat makes them a little heartier than other dinner rolls. —Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois
Super Chunky Cookies
Chocolate lovers will go crazy over these cookies that feature loads of chocolate! When friends ask me to make "those cookies," I know exactly what recipe they mean.—Rebecca Jendry, Spring Branch, Texas
Italian Meat Stromboli
As a mother of two, it seems the only time I have in my day for creativity is in the kitchen. I received a similar recipe from a co-worker but decided to add veggies and spices to give it my own spin. —Denise Tutton, Ridgway, PA
Turkey Bundles
This recipe is definitely a must-try, and all you do is bundle up creamy turkey filling in crescent dough. I usually double the recipe so I have extra for lunch the next day. —Lydia Garrod, Tacoma, Washington
Chocolate Gingersnaps
When my daughter, Jennifer, was 15 years old, she created this recipe as a way to combine two of her favorite flavors. They're great with a glass of milk. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
Southern Brunch Pastry Puff
My family just about jumps out of bed when the smell of eggs, sausage and buttery pastry hits their noses. This recipe is morning magic. —Misty Michelle Leddick, Chester, South Carolina
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The post The Best Places to Store Large Pots and Pans appeared first on Taste of Home.
Erica Young