Thanksgiving Cooking Hacks: Time-Saving Tips

Thanksgiving—the time of year when, as parents, we find ourselves donning our multitasking hats, trying to balance work, family, and a seemingly endless list of chores. As we embark on the mission of creating a memorable Thanksgiving feast for our loved ones, we often yearn for a way to make it all happen smoothly.

Well, guess what? We're in this together, and we've got a list of time-saving cooking hacks and clever strategies that will help us conquer the day without breaking a sweat.

So, aprons are ready because we're about to turn this Thanksgiving into a culinary masterpiece—effortlessly!

Plan for Success

Start your Thanksgiving preparations on the right foot by planning. We know that a well-thought-out plan can be a game-changer. Take some time to create a detailed cooking schedule, jot down a comprehensive shopping list, and don't hesitate to enlist the help of family members or guests to share the load. With a solid plan, you'll be well on your way to a stress-free and successful Thanksgiving celebration.

Consider reading some of our tips for planning best and Host Like a Pro.

Utilize Time-Saving Kitchen Gadgets

Regarding Thanksgiving cooking hacks, time-saving gadgets can help streamline the process. Things like the slow cooker are a real MVP in the kitchen. The beauty of using a slow cooker for a holiday roast is that it frees up your oven for other dishes and is practically foolproof—ideal for those who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.

We all love a good turkey, but sometimes, thinking outside the bird is fun. Consider this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Prime Rib Roast recipe if you want to switch things up and be a little less traditional. 

Simplify Side Dishes

Side dishes are the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving, and when it comes to simplifying your Thanksgiving spread, there are a couple of game-changing recipes to consider. First up, the ingenious Muffin Tin Stuffing. This innovative approach allows you to prepare your stuffing ahead of time, shaping it into individual portions in a muffin tin. Then, pop them into the oven on Thanksgiving Day for perfectly portioned, crispy stuffing muffins that everyone will adore.

To complement your turkey (or roast), you'll need a tangy cranberry sauce, and there's no need to fuss over it on the big day. Try this simple Cranberry Sauce recipe. It can be made in advance and refrigerated, saving you precious time and stove space. These two recipes prove that side dishes can be delicious and stress-free, making your Thanksgiving meal preparation a breeze.

Go Semi-Homemade

One clever strategy is to incorporate store-bought shortcuts into your menu. Consider a charcuterie board with cheeses, crackers, and pre-cute deli meats for appetizers. You can take it further and pick up a Co-op Deli Platter to save the assembly time. Then, if you want to make it more original, purchase a few local jams and preservatives to spice things up.

Another easy appetizer is picking up the Co-op party packs, like our deep-fried pickles, riblets, chicken wings, or Italian meatballs. The only preparation is throwing them in the Air Fryer a few minutes before your guests arrive.

When it comes to dessert, don't hesitate to use pre-made pie crusts and fillings as a base for your creative creations. Add your personal touch with unique toppings or flavour combinations. Consider picking up a pie from Co-op’s bakery. The best part is we sell half pies for some of our fruit pies, meaning that if you have picky eaters, you can satisfy the entire table.

Remember, the key to going semi-homemade is to focus your energy on a few standout homemade items that genuinely shine and complement your store-bought choices. With this approach, you'll have more time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones during this memorable holiday.

Get Kids Involved

Thanksgiving is more than just the food; it's an opportunity to create cherished family memories. So, why not get the kids involved in the kitchen? Not only does it teach them valuable life skills, but it also adds an extra layer of fun to the holiday preparations.

Start by assigning age-appropriate tasks. Younger kids can help set the table, wash veggies, or mix ingredients, while older ones can take on more responsibility, like chopping, stirring, or even assisting with simple recipes.

Consider creating a "Kids' Corner" with Thanksgiving-themed crafts or activities to keep them engaged while you work together. Plus, involving your children in the cooking process instills a sense of pride and togetherness, making your Thanksgiving celebration even more meaningful. So, put on those aprons and apron-sized chef hats—it's a family affair in the making!

Thanksgiving is a time to savour the flavours of gratitude and togetherness, not to stress over the stove. We hope these time-saving cooking hacks and creative strategies have inspired you to approach this holiday confidently and joyfully. With a well-planned schedule, the help of time-saving gadgets, clever shortcuts, and a dash of family involvement, you can conquer Thanksgiving like a pro.

Make sure to share your Thanksgiving dinner creations with us on Facebook or Instagram. From our family to yours, have a wonderful and stress-free Thanksgiving!