Embossed paper-based bakeable tray

An embossed paper-based bakeable tray for baking a food product, comprising:

• a tray formed of paper-based material and capable of withstand oven temperatures between about 150 degrees Fahrenheit and about 500 degrees Fahrenheit, said tray including:
• a bottom area with an upper surface plane and a lower surface plane;
• a continuous peripheral sidewall disposed around said bottom area and extending a distance upwardly from said bottom area thereby defining a tray volume in which the food product is received;
• an embossed pattern formed in said bottom area, said embossed pattern including:
• a plurality of upper projections extending upwardly from about 0.01 to about 0.04 inches above said upper surface plane such that an uppermost end of said upper projections form an intermittent upper support surface above said upper surface plane, whereby said intermittent upper support surface supports the food product above said upper surface plane so as to provide an air space between an underside of the food product and said upper surface plane.