A composite metal sheet for use in making lightweight cookware or as a food warming tray comprising a layer of aluminum roll bonded to a layer of stainless steel defining a food-contacting surface on a first side. The food warming tray embodiment also includes a layer of stainless steel mesh roll bonded on a second side. A method of making a composite metal sheet for cookware comprising the steps of: providing a roll pack of ordered layers consisting of (a) a layer of Alclad aluminum, (b) a layer of stainless steel foil, (c) a reusable plate or platen of stainless steel, (d) a layer of stainless steel foil, and (e) a layer of Alclad aluminum; heating the roll pack to a rolling temperature of about 725.degree.-775.degree. F., preferably about 750.degree. F.; and rolling the heated roll pack in a rolling mill at a reduction of 10-20% in one pass to provide two roll bonded composite sheets, the first composite sheet comprising layers (a)-(b) above, and the second composite sheet comprising layers (d)-(e) above with plate (c) being reusable, wherein the plate of stainless steel is stationary relative to the layers of stainless steel foil during rolling as the roll pack passes through the mill, and wherein the plate transfers a bonding pressure to the aluminum and foil layers without tearing or displacing the foil. The method for making the food warming tray includes the addition of a layer of stainless steel mesh applied to the outer surfaces of Alclad aluminum.