Overbaked describes food, typically baked goods, that has been cooked for too long or at too high a temperature, resulting in a dry, hard, or burnt texture and often a less desirable flavor. The term implies a mistake in the baking process, leading to an unfavorable outcome. It suggests a lack of careful monitoring of the cooking time or temperature. While applicable to various baked items like bread, cakes, and cookies, the term 'overbaked' also applies to items like meat. It is also used figuratively to describe something that is overdone or excessive.
Overbaked meaning with examples
- The cookies came out completely overbaked; their edges were dark brown, and they were rock-hard. I'd left them in the oven a few minutes too long while answering the phone. The disappointing result ruined my plans for a dessert. I really should have set a timer, which is a common tip when baking, to avoid this common kitchen catastrophe.
- The roast chicken was terribly overbaked. The skin was charred, and the meat was dry and stringy. It was inedible, honestly. I should have checked the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. I now know to set the oven to a slightly lower temperature when using the convection feature to avoid making that same mistake.
- The casserole was sadly overbaked, with a crust that was so hard it was difficult to cut through. It was a waste of ingredients. My neighbor's tip was to make sure there was always enough liquid in the dish, which I didn't do. I’ll remember that advice next time when I attempt to prepare this dish.
- The pie crust was overbaked, which made it difficult to serve, and it was rather bitter. I was so focused on getting the filling right that I forgot to shield the edges during the last half of the cooking cycle, resulting in its current state. I learned my lesson, but I’ll eat the filling with a spoon since the edges were inedible.