Traybakes are the weeknight win: one pan, no mess, no brain power.

But without proper flavour, they get boring fast.

These tips and combos show how rubs can transform whatever’s in your fridge into a real dinner — no sauce packets or stock cubes required.

🧂 The 3-Step Traybake Formula

1. Pick a Protein

• Chicken thighs, sausages, tofu, chickpeas
• Rub generously with SPG, Chipotle Cowboy, Al Pastor or Spitfire

2. Add Veg

• Root veg, courgette, onions, broccoli, cherry tomatoes — anything from the drawer
• Toss with oil and a contrasting rub or a few fresh herbs

3. Roast at 200°C

• Cook 25–45 minutes depending on your protein
• Finish with a sauce, glaze, yoghurt or fresh herbs

🥘 3 Tried-and-Tested Combos

Greek Odyssey Chicken + Veg Tray

Chicken thighs, red onion, courgette and cherry tomatoes rubbed in Greek Odyssey. Roast until golden, serve with tzatziki and warm flatbreads.

Chipotle Cowboy Sausages + Sweet Potato

Toss everything in Chipotle Cowboy and roast for 40 mins. Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup or your favourite hot sauce.

SPG + Mojo Cauliflower + Chickpea Bake

Toss cauliflower and chickpeas with SPG and Miami Mojo. Roast until crisp, then top with feta, yoghurt or pomegranate seeds.

🔄 Tips to Switch It Up

• Add grains (like couscous, bulgur or rice) under the tray to catch the flavourful juices
• Combine rubs for layered flavour — try SPG + Holy Jalapeño for a midweek flavour bomb
• Serve with easy sauces like chipotle mayo, tahini or lemony yoghurt

🛒 One Pan. No Boredom.

Start with these four:

• SPG
• Miami Mojo
• Chipotle Cowboy
• Greek Odyssey

One tray, full plate, no extra effort.

Tag @Smokey.Rebel and use #TraybakeFlavour to show us what’s cooking.

❓ FAQs

Can I use rubs on frozen veg?

Yes — just toss in oil + rub before roasting. They won’t get as crisp as fresh, but the flavour still comes through strong.

What’s the best tray to use?

Use a heavy-duty metal or enamel tray, not glass — it holds heat better and helps caramelise your food properly.

Are these meals suitable for air fryers?

Absolutely. Many of the rub/veg/protein combos work great in an air fryer — just reduce cooking time accordingly.

Do I need to marinate first?

Nope. Rubs work great straight on — though for deeper flavour, you can season ahead and leave in the fridge for a few hours.