What to Cook in an OTG? 27 Easy, Must-Try Indian Recipes

OTGs are quietly becoming the most practical kitchen appliance for Indian homes. I still remember when I first got an OTG (oven-toaster-griller) as a newly married person in a tiny flat and the thrill of baking my first cake. Over the years, I’ve learned tricks (and made a few mistakes too).

More and more Indian homes are picking up OTGs instead of big ovens. They’re budget-friendly, fit in small kitchens, and work beautifully for smaller families. Unlike microwaves, an OTG can bake, toast, grill, and roast — which means homemade breads, pizzas, cakes, desserts and even indian style main courses are suddenly possible without a full oven setup. For years, we saw OTGs mostly in bakeries, but now home cooks are realizing they can make everything.

Here’s a wide, delicious mix of snacks, breads, cakes, starters, pizzas, main dish — recipes you can confidently try. They’re practical, forgiving, and flavorful enough to impress.

**Pizza toast with grilled corn salsa by Deepika Shet**

Before We Begin - OTG Basics & Tips

Know your OTG’s quirks. Most Indian OTGs take a few minutes to preheat properly.

Use the right rack position. For crisping, middle or upper racks work well. For baking cakes, try the middle rack so the top and bottom both bake evenly.

Line with parchment or foil, and grease well — helps with clean up. Don’t open the door too often. Let the heat stabilize.

Convection vs bake modes. If your OTG has convection (fan), reduce the temperature by ~10–15 °C, or reduce time slightly — keep an eye the first time.

Experiment with small batch first, especially if you are testing new recipes or spice blends.

Keep a little extra oil or butter in hand. Brushing just a bit helps crisp edges and prevent dryness.

P.S. For the full experience (crispy edges, golden tops, tandoori flavors), an OTG or oven works best. Microwave users with convection mode can try baked recipes like cakes and puffs.

1. Snacks & Starters

These are perfect for tea time, parties, or just as munchies.

Paneer Tikka: Marinate paneer cubes grill in OTG until edges char. A festival favorite.

Veg Puff: Bakery-style puffs with spiced veggies and flaky layers — perfect for chai time.

Veg Casserole: Layers of sautéed veggies, cheese, and breadcrumbs baked till bubbly.

French Fries: A crispy snack every OTG owner must make

Tandoori Chicken Tikka: OTG grills it beautifully — juicy inside, smoky outside.

Rajma Rice Cup: Leftover rajma + cooked rice in muffin molds — baked into mini rajma pies!

Masala Grilled Paneer: Quick, spicy, and great for weeknight dinners.

Cheese Baguette Sandwich: Slice, stuff with cheese and veggies, toast in OTG.

Garlic Cheese Corn Bread: A cheesy party starter everyone loves.

💡 Tip: Always line the tray with foil and brush lightly with oil — it gives that restaurant-style crispness.

2. Homemade Breads & Rolls

Soft, warm breads from your OTG

Garlic Breadsticks — Pull dough into sticks, brush garlic-butter, bake till golden.

Focaccia / Herb Flatbread — Flatten dough, dimple with fingers, drizzle olive oil + herbs, bake until golden.

💡 Tip: Keep a small bowl of water inside the OTG during baking to keep breads soft.

3. Pizzas

These blend Italian style with Indian flavors.

Pizza Bombs: Cheese-filled mini pizza balls — perfect party snacks.

Punjabi Thin Crust Pizza: Add makhani sauce or butter chicken topping for a fun twist.

Fusion Pizza with Schezwan Sauce: Indo-Chinese meets Italian.

Veg Cheese Pizza: The classic comfort pizza — simple, cheesy, and crisp.

Mini Pizza Hearts: Kids love these cute bite-sized pizzas.

💡 Tip: Pre-bake your pizza base for 3–4 minutes before adding sauce and cheese for a crisp bottom.

4. Cakes, Cookies & Desserts

Sweet endings — easy and satisfying.

💡 Tip: Use the middle rack and don’t open the door too early — that’s how you get evenly baked, soft cakes.

🍛 5. Indian-Style Mains & Festive Bakes

This is where most OTG blogs fall short — but you don’t have to. Yes, your OTG can even handle main course dishes (Tried and tested) that feel like they came from a tandoor.

Baked Paneer Momos with Gravy: A lighter take on steamed momos — baked till crisp, then tossed in spicy tomato-mint gravy.

Whole Tandoori Chicken: Marinate overnight, grill in OTG till the skin crisps and juices run clear — a Sunday showstopper.

Dal Baati in OTG: Shape baatis, brush with ghee, and bake at 200°C until golden. Serve with ghee-soaked dal and churma.

Baked Stuffed Mushrooms in Mint Gravy: Juicy mushrooms filled with paneer or spiced mash, baked, then simmered in mint-coriander gravy.

Bonus Twists & Cultural Flavors

Use Indian masala blends (chaat masala, tandoori masala, garam masala) instead of plain herbs to give an Indian twist.

Try whole wheat / multigrain versions — especially for pizzas, breads, or rolls.

Use leftovers smartly: leftover curry can be a base sauce, leftover veggies can top pizzas, etc.

If there’s one tip I’d pass on — don’t aim for perfection. Watch times, adjust temps, note what works best.

Once that happens, the OTG will feel like a little magic box. Enjoy the journey — it’s as much about trial, fun, smells, and laughter as about the final bite.

Try these OTG recipes today — your new favorite snack or dessert awaits!

You must also try: 15 Easy Indian Vegetarian Recipes to Make in Your Air Fryer

25+ Easy Indian OTG Recipes You Can Try at Home

Farzana Mir