Everything You Need to Make Thanksgiving Cooking Stress-Free
It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner! I absolutely love this holiday… the food, the family, and the cozy fall aromas that fill the kitchen. As we get ready for turkey time, I’m sharing my list of must-have kitchen tools for Thanksgiving to help make your holiday cooking easier and more enjoyable. The key to a stress-free Thanksgiving meal is preparation. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping things more intimate, the last thing you want is to realize you’re missing an essential tool in the middle of a recipe. After years of cooking and hosting, I’ve gathered my tried-and-true list of must-have kitchen tools for Thanksgiving that every home cook should have on hand. Add these essentials to your turkey day checklist and enjoy a Thanksgiving filled with delicious food, family, and gratitude. Psst… explore more of my must-haves at the very bottom of this blog!
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Thanksgiving Roasting Kit
If you’re on turkey duty this year, there’s nothing like the ease of a Thanksgiving Roasting Kit. This convenient set includes three leakproof brining bags, cotton cooking twine, a classic bulb baster, and a meat thermometer—everything you need for a perfectly roasted turkey. For even more flavor and ease, pair it with a turkey seasoning brine kit.
Roasting Pan & Rack
There are many ways to roast a turkey, but in my experience, using a roasting pan and rack delivers the best results. It promotes even heat circulation, helping you achieve beautifully browned skin and tender, flavorful meat. The elevated rack also minimizes mess and makes it easy to lift your turkey in and out of the oven. Don’t forget about the savory drippings at the bottom of the pan! Drippings are the base of your turkey gravy.
Cooking Twine
If you take nothing else from this blog, let it be this. When it comes to a perfectly cooked bird, you MUST use cooking twine to truss the turkey! Trussing your turkey helps it cook evenly, prevents overcooking, and gives it that classic, picture-perfect look we all love. Trust me, you’ll want to add cooking twine to your Thanksgiving essentials list!
Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is one of my top must-have kitchen tools for Thanksgiving. Turkey day isn’t the time for guesswork—and precision is key to achieving juicy, perfectly cooked meat. While a traditional thermometer works beautifully, I love using a simple digital version that’s quick to read and ensures your turkey reaches the ideal internal temperature every time.
Carving Board
Now that you have a perfectly roasted turkey, it’s carving time! I highly recommend a carving board with a juice groove. The groove around the perimeter of the board catches excess juices as you carve, keeping your workspace clean and mess-free. I love this reversible board because it’s perfect for carving your turkey and doubles beautifully as a charcuterie board for entertaining.
Electric Knives
Slicing the turkey can be one of the most intimidating Thanksgiving kitchen tasks. While not necessarily an essential, an electric knife makes carving so much easier. It offers smooth, precise cuts and helps you achieve perfectly even slices every time. I purchased this set a few years ago, and has seriously become the hero of every holiday dinner.
Casserole Dishes
Sides are the unsung heroes of any Thanksgiving meal, and casserole dishes are essential for preparing and serving just about any side dish. You can’t go wrong with this Le Creuset set from Le Creuset or this STAUB set… both offer even heat distribution and easily move from the oven to the table for effortless serving. Pssst… check out this side dish bundle for delicious ease.
Leftover Containers
We’ve all over-estimated how much food is needed on Thanksgiving, leaving us with leftovers for days (better safe than sorry, right?). Whether you’re sending guests home with leftovers or keeping them yourself, you need these storage containers! Since they’re disposable, they’re a great option to send home with guests. Add these bags to your cart as well for easy transportation.
