Thanksgiving dinner can feel like a marathon, but with these time-saving cooking hacks, you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. These tips will help you prep smarter, cook faster, and minimize stress without compromising on flavor.
1. Plan Your Menu Around Make-Ahead Recipes
Choose dishes that can be prepared a day or two in advance, like casseroles, pies, or cranberry sauce. On Thanksgiving Day, all you’ll need to do is reheat and serve.
Bonus Tip: Store prepped dishes in labeled containers to keep everything organized.
2. Chop and Prep Ingredients in Advance
Pre-chop vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery the night before and store them in airtight bags. This can cut prep time in half on the big day.
Pro Hack: Use a food processor to speed up chopping for soups, stuffing, or salads.
3. Use a Slow Cooker for Side Dishes
Save stovetop space by using a slow cooker for mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or stuffing. Many recipes can be adapted to cook on low heat for several hours.
Quick Idea: Keep gravy warm in a slow cooker to serve fresh throughout the meal.
4. Buy Pre-Made Dough or Crusts
Making pie crusts from scratch is rewarding, but it can be time-consuming. Save time by using store-bought crusts or phyllo dough for desserts like pies or tarts.
5. Spatchcock Your Turkey
Spatchcocking (removing the backbone and flattening the turkey) reduces cooking time significantly. A spatchcocked turkey cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully in about half the time.
Bonus: You’ll also have more room in the oven for sides.
6. Skip Peeling Potatoes
Leave the skin on your mashed potatoes for a rustic, hearty dish. Not only does it save time, but the skins add nutrients and texture.
Pro Hack: Use baby potatoes, which require less chopping and no peeling.
7. Opt for Sheet Pan Side Dishes
Roast multiple vegetables on a single sheet pan. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs, then bake until golden. This method cuts down on cooking time and dishwashing.
8. Use Pre-Cooked Ingredients
Use pre-cooked ingredients like rotisserie chicken for stuffing or canned pumpkin for pies. These shortcuts allow you to focus on the main dishes without sacrificing flavor.
9. Make Gravy in Advance
Prepare your gravy a day ahead using store-bought stock or turkey drippings from a small batch of roasted wings. Reheat it with fresh drippings on Thanksgiving Day for that homemade touch.
Pro Tip: Freeze gravy in small portions to reheat easily.
10. Delegate Tasks
Get family members involved by assigning simple tasks like setting the table, peeling vegetables, or stirring sauces. This not only saves time but also creates shared memories.
Bonus Hack: Use a Cooking Timeline
Plan out your cooking schedule so you know when to start each dish. Prioritize items that need the most time and schedule oven space efficiently.
Final Thoughts
With these time-saving cooking hacks, Thanksgiving dinner can be a breeze. Start early, plan smart, and enjoy the process—it’s all about sharing good food and great memories.