Bundt Pan Recipes: 18 Clever Dinners and Holiday Bakes That Are Not Just Cake

These Bundt pan recipes prove that the fluted pan in the back of your cupboard is not just for pound cake. The hole in the middle is the secret: it sends heat into the center, so a chicken roasts upright, a meatloaf cooks evenly and almost any bake comes out shaped like a holiday wreath. Bundt pan hacks are huge online, with one roast chicken video passing 17 million views on Instagram, and Allrecipes keeps a whole collection of them. Below are dinners, sides, breakfasts and party ideas, plus the greasing trick that keeps everything from sticking. Dust off that pan and pick one for this week..

Bundt Pan Recipes Start With the Hole in the Middle

If your Bundt pan only comes out for pound cake, you are missing its best trick: the hole in the middle. It roasts a chicken upright, cooks a meatloaf evenly and turns almost any bake into a wreath for the holiday table. Here is the famous roast chicken first. Stand the bird on the center tube, pile vegetables around it and let the juices baste everything below. Would you try it: A: yes, tonight, B: maybe or C: my pan is for cake only?..

You will need: 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 lb), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 lb baby potatoes, 4 carrots, 1 onion in wedges, rosemary, a metal Bundt pan, foil, a rimmed sheet pan.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F. 2. Cover the center hole with a small square of foil. 3. Toss the vegetables with half the oil and salt and put them in the pan. 4. Rub the chicken with the rest of the oil and spices. 5. Lower the chicken over the center tube so it stands upright. 6. Set the pan on a sheet pan and roast 70 to 80 minutes until the thigh reads 165 F. 7. Rest 10 minutes and carve.

Bundt Pan Recipes for Dinner: Carve and Serve

Once the chicken rests, lift it off the tube and carve it on a board. The vegetables underneath have been basting in the drippings the whole time, so they taste like the best part of a Sunday roast. Spoon some pan juices over everything. Tip: put a sheet pan under the Bundt pan to catch drips. Who gets the crispy potatoes at your house?

You will need: 1 roasted Bundt pan chicken with vegetables, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Lift the chicken off the tube with tongs and a fork. 2. Rest it on a board for 10 minutes. 3. Pour the pan juices into a small pot with the broth and butter. 4. Simmer 3 minutes for a quick sauce. 5. Carve the chicken into pieces. 6. Serve with the vegetables, sauce and parsley.

Bundt Pan Recipes Kids Love: Meatloaf Ring

A meatloaf ring cooks faster and more evenly than a loaf, because there is no thick, raw middle. Press the mixture into the pan, bake, then flip it onto a platter and brush on the glaze. Fill the center with mashed potatoes and you have a dinner that looks like a party. Is meatloaf a favorite at your table?

You will need: 2 lb ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 1 onion grated, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper. Glaze: 2/3 cup ketchup, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp vinegar.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and grease the Bundt pan well. 2. Mix the meatloaf ingredients gently. 3. Press the mixture evenly into the pan. 4. Bake 45 minutes and pour off the fat. 5. Turn it out onto a sheet pan and brush with the glaze. 6. Bake 10 minutes more until it reads 160 F.

Party Meatball Ring

Here is a party trick from the world of Bundt pan recipes: bake a ring of meatballs in the pan with a little sauce, then turn it out onto a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce in the center. Guests pull off meatballs with toothpicks. Frozen cooked meatballs work fine when you are short on time. Which sauce do you like: A: barbecue or B: sweet and sour?

You will need: 2 lb frozen cooked meatballs or homemade, 1 cup barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup grape jelly or apricot jam, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, toothpicks, a small bowl of extra sauce.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and grease the Bundt pan. 2. Stir the sauce and jelly together. 3. Toss the meatballs in half the sauce. 4. Pack them into the pan and sprinkle with cheese. 5. Bake 30 minutes until hot in the center. 6. Turn out onto a platter and set the bowl of sauce in the middle.

Bundt Pan Recipes for a Crowd: Baked Ziti Ring

Baked ziti in a Bundt pan slices into neat wedges, and every piece gets crispy cheese edges from the fluted sides. It is one of the most fun Bundt pan recipes for serving a crowd on a busy holiday weekend. Tip: let it rest 15 minutes before turning it out, so it holds its shape. Crispy edges or soft middle?

You will need: 1 lb ziti, 1 jar (24 oz) marinara, 1 lb cooked Italian sausage or ground beef, 15 oz ricotta, 2 eggs, 3 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, basil.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and grease the Bundt pan very well. 2. Cook the ziti 2 minutes less than the package says and drain. 3. Mix the pasta with sauce, meat and half the mozzarella. 4. Stir the ricotta, eggs and Parmesan together. 5. Layer pasta, ricotta and the rest of the cheese in the pan. 6. Bake 40 minutes, rest 15 minutes and turn out.

Bundt Pan Recipes for Sides: Mac and Cheese Ring

Mac and cheese baked in a Bundt pan has more crispy, cheesy edges than any casserole dish, because every ridge turns golden. It is a guaranteed hit at Thanksgiving. Tip: use a mix of sharp cheddar and a melty cheese, and add an egg so it slices cleanly. Do you fight over the crispy corners?

You will need: 1 lb elbow macaroni, 4 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup flour, 3 cups milk, 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Monterey Jack, 2 eggs, 1 tsp mustard powder, salt and pepper, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and butter the pan, then coat it with breadcrumbs. 2. Cook the pasta 2 minutes short and drain. 3. Make a sauce with the butter, flour and milk, then melt in the cheese. 4. Stir in the pasta, eggs and seasonings. 5. Spoon into the pan and bake 35 to 40 minutes. 6. Rest 15 minutes and turn out.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Ring

A stuffing ring frees up the oven and looks beautiful on the Thanksgiving table. The fluted edges turn crisp while the inside stays soft. Fill the center with a bowl of gravy or cranberry sauce. It is one of those Bundt pan recipes people ask about all night. Are you team crispy top or team soft and moist?

You will need: 1 loaf (16 oz) day-old bread in cubes, 1/2 cup butter, 1 onion, 3 celery ribs, 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage, 1 tbsp thyme, 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and butter the pan well. 2. Cook the onion and celery in the butter until soft. 3. Toss with the bread, herbs and cranberries. 4. Whisk the broth and eggs and pour over, stirring gently. 5. Pack into the pan and bake 45 minutes. 6. Rest 10 minutes and turn out onto a platter.

Crescent Dough Christmas Wreath

Arrange triangles of refrigerated crescent dough in a ring, fill with cheese and chopped vegetables, fold the tips over and bake. Then decorate it with rosemary and cherry tomatoes so it looks like a wreath. You can bake it in the pan or use the pan as a guide on a sheet. It is a favorite among holiday Bundt pan recipes. Would you serve it at Christmas?

You will need: 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent dough, 4 oz cream cheese softened, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup finely chopped broccoli, 1/2 red bell pepper diced, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, rosemary sprigs, cherry tomatoes.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F. 2. Arrange the triangles in a ring on a parchment-lined sheet with the wide ends overlapping in the middle. 3. Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, vegetables and garlic powder. 4. Spoon the filling onto the ring. 5. Fold the tips over the filling and tuck them under. 6. Bake 20 to 25 minutes and decorate.

Savory Garlic Cheese Pull-Apart Bread

Toss pieces of biscuit or pizza dough in garlic butter, herbs and cheese, pack them into the pan and bake into a golden pull-apart ring. Everyone tears off a piece, which makes it one of the best Bundt pan recipes for game day or a holiday buffet. Serve with warm marinara for dipping. Do you pull or slice?

You will need: 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough, 1/2 cup melted butter, 4 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, marinara for dipping.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and grease the Bundt pan. 2. Cut each biscuit into quarters. 3. Mix the butter, garlic and herbs. 4. Toss the dough pieces in the butter, then with the cheeses. 5. Layer them in the pan. 6. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, cool 5 minutes and turn out.

Bundt Pan Recipes for Christmas Morning: Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is the most famous of all Bundt pan recipes that are not cake. Balls of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar bake in a buttery caramel, and when you flip the pan, the sauce drips over the top. Make it the night before and bake it while presents get opened. Is monkey bread a tradition at your house?

You will need: 3 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional).

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and grease the Bundt pan. 2. Cut the biscuits into quarters. 3. Shake them in a bag with the sugar and cinnamon. 4. Layer in the pan with the pecans. 5. Melt the butter with the brown sugar and pour over. 6. Bake 35 minutes, cool 10 minutes and flip onto a plate.

Cinnamon Roll Ring

Line the pan with store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls, standing them on their sides, and they bake into a soft pull-apart ring. Drizzle the icing over the top while it is warm. It feeds a crowd at brunch with almost no work. Tip: a splash of cream poured over the rolls before baking makes them extra soft. Icing: A: a little or B: a lot?

You will need: 2 cans (17.5 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing, 1/3 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and grease the Bundt pan. 2. Mix the butter and brown sugar in the bottom of the pan. 3. Stand the rolls on their sides around the ring. 4. Pour the cream over the top. 5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until golden. 6. Cool 5 minutes, turn out and drizzle with the icing.

Overnight French Toast Bake

Cube a loaf of bread, soak it overnight in cinnamon custard right in the pan, and bake it in the morning. The ring shape means the center is never soggy, and it slices beautifully. Serve with berries and warm maple syrup. Of all the breakfast Bundt pan recipes, this is the easiest: it is done before anyone wakes up. Would you add A: berries or B: pecans?

You will need: 1 loaf (16 oz) brioche or French bread in cubes, 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt, berries and maple syrup to serve.

How to make it: 1. Grease the Bundt pan well. 2. Fill it with the bread cubes. 3. Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. 4. Pour over the bread and press down. 5. Cover and chill overnight. 6. Bake at 350 F for 50 to 55 minutes, cool 10 minutes and turn out.

Brunch Egg Ring for a Crowd

A dozen eggs, ham, spinach and cheese bake into a tall, sliceable egg ring that serves a whole holiday brunch. Like most savory Bundt pan recipes, it reheats well, so you can make it a day ahead. Tip: grease the pan very well and let it cool 5 minutes before turning it out. Which mix-ins would you choose?

You will need: 12 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 1/2 cups diced ham, 2 cups baby spinach chopped, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and grease the Bundt pan generously. 2. Scatter the ham, spinach, pepper and cheese in the pan. 3. Whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. 4. Pour over the fillings. 5. Bake 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set. 6. Cool 5 minutes, run a knife around the edges and turn out.

Vintage Bundt Pan Recipes: Cranberry Gelatin Ring

Grandma’s holiday table almost always had a shimmering gelatin ring. Make a modern version with cranberry sauce, orange and chopped apples set in a fluted pan. Dip the pan in warm water for 10 seconds and it slides right out. It is pretty and make-ahead. Did your family serve a gelatin ring?

You will need: 2 boxes (3 oz each) raspberry or cranberry gelatin, 2 cups boiling water, 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce, 1 cup cold orange juice, 1 apple finely chopped, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, light oil spray.

How to make it: 1. Lightly spray the Bundt pan. 2. Stir the gelatin into the boiling water until dissolved. 3. Whisk in the cranberry sauce and orange juice. 4. Chill until slightly thick, about 1 hour. 5. Fold in the apple and pecans and pour into the pan. 6. Chill 6 hours, dip in warm water and turn out.

Ice Ring for the Holiday Punch Bowl

A Bundt pan makes the prettiest ice ring for punch. Fill it with cranberries, orange slices and mint, add water or juice and freeze. One big ring melts much more slowly than ice cubes, so the punch stays cold without getting watery. Tip: use juice instead of water so it adds flavor as it melts. Punch bowl or pitcher at your parties?

You will need: 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1 orange thinly sliced, a few mint sprigs, 4 cups cranberry juice or water, your favorite punch.

How to make it: 1. Arrange the cranberries, orange slices and mint in the pan. 2. Pour in 1 cup of juice and freeze 1 hour to hold the fruit in place. 3. Add the rest of the juice. 4. Freeze overnight. 5. Dip the pan in warm water for 10 to 20 seconds. 6. Slide the ring into the punch bowl.

The Corn Off the Cob Trick

This might be the cleverest Bundt pan hack of all. Stand an ear of corn on the center tube and cut down the sides with a sharp knife. The kernels fall right into the pan instead of all over the counter. It is perfect for summer corn salad or freezing fresh corn for winter soups and casseroles. Have you tried it?

You will need: Fresh ears of corn, husked, a sharp knife, a Bundt pan, freezer bags if storing.

How to make it: 1. Stand the narrow end of the cob on the center tube. 2. Hold the top firmly. 3. Slice down the sides with a sharp knife. 4. Turn and repeat until all the kernels are off. 5. Scrape the cob with the back of the knife for the sweet milk. 6. Use right away or freeze flat in bags.

How to Grease the Pan So Nothing Sticks

The number one question about Bundt pan recipes is how to get things out in one piece. Brush soft butter or shortening into every ridge with a pastry brush, then dust with flour for sweet bakes or breadcrumbs for savory ones. Cool for 10 minutes, no more, no less, then flip. Has a Bundt ever broken on you?

You will need: Soft butter or shortening, a pastry brush, 2 tbsp flour, cocoa powder or fine breadcrumbs, a cooling rack, a serving platter.

How to make it: 1. Brush the fat into every groove and around the tube. 2. Add the flour, cocoa or crumbs. 3. Tilt and tap the pan to coat it all. 4. Tap out the extra. 5. After baking, cool 10 minutes on a rack. 6. Set a platter on top and flip in one quick motion.

And Yes, One Classic Holiday Bundt Cake

Of course the pan still makes the best cake. A tender vanilla or orange Bundt cake dusted with powdered sugar and topped with cranberries looks like a snowy wreath on the holiday table. For more tricks before the holidays, see our Christmas baking hacks. Which of these Bundt pan recipes will you make first?

You will need: 3 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup butter softened, 2 cups sugar, 4 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 2 tsp vanilla, zest of 1 orange, powdered sugar, fresh cranberries.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and grease and flour the pan. 2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 3. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in the eggs. 4. Add the dry ingredients and sour cream in turns, then the vanilla and zest. 5. Bake 55 to 60 minutes. 6. Cool 10 minutes, turn out and dust with powdered sugar.