Microwaving Thanksgiving dinner: Do’s and don’ts

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming, but using a microwave can lighten your load. With limited stovetop and oven space, microwaving some dishes is an efficient way to prepare your feast. However, the microwave isn’t perfect for every aspect of your holiday meal. Follow these dos and don’ts to ensure that using a microwave for your Thanksgiving cooking is a success rather than a disaster.

Note: While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, the information in this article may differ from your specific appliance model. Variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model before beginning any testing or repairs.

Do’s for using a microwave to cook Thanksgiving dinner

Cooking with a microwave is a handy tool for Thanksgiving meals. Here are some things to do with it.

Do use the microwave for reheating side dishes

One of the easiest ways to make use of your microwave during Thanksgiving is for reheating side dishes like mashed potatoes, gravy, or stuffing. The microwave can quickly warm small batches without sacrificing flavor or texture. To do it right, cover the food with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and use a lower power setting to avoid overcooking.

Pro tip: Use a microwave-safe dish and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

Do use the microwave to make sauces

Need to make some last-minute gravy or cranberry sauce? The microwave can be a lifesaver for these tasks. You can melt butter, whisk flour into it, and add broth to make a quick microwave roux for gravy. Or, you can cook down fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water to make a delicious sauce in minutes.

Pro tip: Stir frequently and use a microwave-safe container to avoid spillage or boiling over.

Do use the microwave for veggies

Certain vegetables work great in the microwave. Steam green beans, carrots, or even Brussels sprouts to perfection. Just add a bit of water to the dish, cover it loosely, and microwave until tender. It’s faster than boiling and helps retain more nutrients.

Pro tip: Add some butter and herbs after microwaving for extra flavor.

Do use the microwave to soften butter

If you’re baking dinner rolls or making dessert, softened butter is a must. Instead of waiting around for it to soften at room temperature, use the microwave. Just put the butter in for 5-10 seconds at a low power setting, and you’ll have softened butter ready for your recipe in no time.

Pro tip: Keep a close eye—the difference between softened and melted butter is just a few seconds.

Do use the microwave for quick breads and rolls

If you want to serve warm dinner rolls but have run out of oven space, the microwave can come in handy. Wrap a few rolls in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will make them warm and soft without drying out.

Pro tip: Don’t overdo it—heating for too long will make the rolls chewy and tough.

Don’ts for using a microwave to cook Thanksgiving 

While there are many do’s to cooking with a microwave, there are also things not to do.

Don’t cook the turkey in the microwave

Cooking a whole turkey in a microwave is definitely a don’t. A large bird cannot cook evenly in the microwave, resulting in parts that are overcooked while others remain raw—a serious food safety issue. The inconsistent heating can also affect the turkey’s texture, making it chewy and unappetizing. Stick to the oven or even a slow cooker for the bird, and leave the microwave for smaller tasks.

Don’t microwave everything at once

While it might be tempting to cut corners and microwave several dishes together, this is likely to end in disappointment. Different dishes have different cooking times and moisture needs. Trying to heat multiple dishes at once can lead to uneven heating, where some dishes are overcooked while others are still cold.

Solution: Heat dishes one at a time or stagger microwaving intervals to ensure even results. Don’t rush—Thanksgiving is about patience!

Don’t microwave delicate desserts

The microwave is great for many things, but cooking delicate desserts is not one of them. Pies, cakes, and pastries can easily dry out or end up with an unpleasant texture. If you’re short on oven space, consider preparing no-bake desserts or using an Instant Pot rather than relying on the microwave.

Don’t over-reheat leftovers

Thanksgiving leftovers are one of the best parts of the holiday. However, over-reheating them in the microwave can ruin their flavor and texture. Overcooked mashed potatoes become dry, turkey turns rubbery, and stuffing loses its crispiness.

Solution: Use medium power settings and short intervals, checking frequently. If possible, add a small splash of water to moisten dishes like stuffing or turkey slices before reheating.

Don’t forget safety

A microwave is a convenient tool, but safety is crucial.

Safety measures for using a microwave:

• Always use microwave-safe containers.
• Avoid anything metallic, including foil or twist ties.
• Don’t overcrowd the microwave to ensure proper rotation and even cooking.
• Allow food to rest after microwaving to even out the temperature and avoid hot spots that could burn your mouth.

FAQs

Can you cook a full Thanksgiving meal using a microwave?

While it’s possible to use a microwave for many parts of a Thanksgiving meal, cooking a full meal including the turkey is not recommended. It’s best to use the microwave for reheating and preparing side dishes.

Is it safe to cook a turkey in the microwave?

Cooking a whole turkey in the microwave is not recommended due to uneven cooking, which can lead to food safety issues. The microwave is not suitable for cooking large birds.

How do you reheat Thanksgiving leftovers in the microwave?

To reheat Thanksgiving leftovers, use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and use a lower power setting. Heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

What Thanksgiving dishes can be made in a microwave?

Side dishes like mashed potatoes, gravy, and steamed vegetables can easily be made in a microwave. Sauces like cranberry sauce and quick reheats for rolls are also good options.

Why does food cook unevenly in a microwave?

Microwaves work by using radio waves to heat food, which can sometimes lead to uneven cooking, especially with larger items or multiple dishes. Stirring and rotating food can help ensure more even heating.

Wrapping up

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