Thanksgiving Cooking Hacks: 8 Delicious Tips
Thanksgiving Cooking Hacks: 8 Delicious Tips
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather, enjoy a great meal, and make memories with family and friends. However, for those cooking the meal, the holiday can feel more like a marathon than a festive feast.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or feeding a full house, these Thanksgiving cooking hacks will help you simplify the process, save time, and, best of all, serve a delicious meal without the stress.
With a few smart techniques, you can turn Thanksgiving prep into something manageable and enjoyable. Let’s take a look at these cooking tips to help you pull off a smooth and scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner.
1. Brine the Turkey for Extra Juiciness and Flavor
Turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, but it’s also notorious for drying out during cooking. One of the best ways to ensure a juicy bird is to brine it beforehand. Brining, which is essentially soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, helps the meat retain moisture and enhances its flavor.To brine, mix water, salt, and a bit of sugar, along with aromatics like rosemary, thyme, garlic, and bay leaves, and let the turkey soak in the mixture for at least 12 hours (overnight works best).
If a traditional wet brine sounds messy, a dry brine can be just as effective and much easier. Simply rub a mixture of salt, pepper, and herbs over the turkey, place it in a roasting pan, and refrigerate it uncovered for 24 hours.
HelloFresh Tip: Rinse and pat your turkey dry before roasting for a crispy skin. A dry turkey will brown evenly, creating that beautiful golden exterior. Don’t forget to season inside the cavity for an even depth of flavor!
2. Prepare Mashed Potatoes in Advance
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but they’re often a last-minute stress point. Fortunately, you can prepare them a day ahead and save yourself the rush.Start by boiling the potatoes until tender, then mash them with your choice of butter, cream, or milk until they reach your desired consistency. Transfer the mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish, cover them, and store them in the fridge.
When it’s time to serve, reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F), adding a touch of extra butter or milk to help them stay creamy. You can also heat them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking
HelloFresh Hack: If you’re aiming for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill. These tools produce light, fluffy potatoes without over-mashing, which can sometimes make them gluey. And for a hint of decadence, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream before serving.
3. Simplify Gravy With Pan Drippings
Good gravy can make or break the Thanksgiving meal, and pan drippings are your best friend when it comes to flavor. After your turkey has roasted, don’t toss the drippings—they’re liquid gold for gravy.Pour off most of the fat, but keep those browned bits at the bottom. Start your gravy by adding a bit of flour to the pan, stirring until the mixture thickens into a roux. Slowly whisk in turkey stock, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Add salt, pepper, and a touch of fresh or dried herbs like thyme or sage.
If you’re a fan of a lump-free gravy, use a hand blender or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth finish.
HelloFresh Hack: For a richer flavor, you can also add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan before making the roux. This little twist adds complexity and brings out the best in turkey drippings.
4. Maximize Oven Space by Pre-Roasting Vegetables
Oven space is always at a premium during Thanksgiving, especially with the turkey taking up a large portion of time and space. An easy solution? Pre-roast your veggies.Choose side vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans, and roast them halfway (about 10-15 minutes less than usual). Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to finish cooking. When you’re close to serving, pop the vegetables back into the oven for a few minutes to complete cooking.
HelloFresh Tip: Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of herbs, or a light coating of maple syrup for a beautiful caramelized look and extra flavor. This method also allows you to free up your oven for other dishes while ensuring your veggies are warm and perfectly cooked at serving time.
5. Keep Green Beans Crisp and Vibrant With an Ice Bath
Green beans can quickly turn mushy if overcooked, and they tend to lose their bright green color. To keep them crisp and vibrant, use a blanching method followed by an ice bath.Boil the green beans for two to three minutes until they’re tender but still have a slight crunch. Immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, which helps them retain their color and crisp texture.
When you’re ready to serve, give them a quick sauté with butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt for a simple but delicious side dish.
HelloFresh Tip: To enhance the flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted almonds right before serving. This small addition adds brightness and a bit of texture, turning your green beans into a standout side.
6. Upgrade Canned Cranberry Sauce With Fresh Additions
Canned cranberry sauce is convenient, but it can be a bit too sweet and one-dimensional. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can transform it into a more complex and vibrant dish.Try simmering canned cranberry sauce with orange zest, a dash of cinnamon, or a splash of orange juice. For a unique twist, mix in pomegranate seeds or finely diced apples for extra texture and a balance of tart and sweet flavors.
If you prefer to make it from scratch, cook fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice until they burst and form a sauce. This can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge.
HelloFresh Hack: If you want to give it a bit of a kick, add a tiny pinch of cayenne or ginger—it’ll enhance the flavors without overpowering the cranberry’s natural tartness.
7. Pre-Slice and Arrange Desserts for Easy Serving
After a big meal, dessert can feel like a ton of work. Save yourself the hassle by pre-slicing pies, cakes, and tarts and arranging them on serving platters. This simplifies serving and also lets guests serve themselves at their own pace, so you don’t have to worry about handling desserts in the middle of your meal.Label each dessert with small tags or place cards, which can also add a decorative touch to your table.
HelloFresh Tip: A small dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar on each slice can add a festive flair. For those who like a bit of variety, try offering a dessert station with a few options so guests can enjoy a taste of everything.
8. Keep Dishes Warm With a Cooler
If you’re struggling with oven space or need to keep dishes warm before serving, a clean cooler can be a lifesaver. Line the cooler with aluminum foil or towels to help retain the heat, then place covered dishes inside. This trick is especially helpful for sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and rolls, which don’t need to be steaming hot but should stay warm.HelloFresh Hack: This hack is also useful for transporting hot dishes if you’re bringing food to someone else’s home. It’s a convenient way to keep everything warm and ready without juggling multiple containers in the oven or on the stove.