Top kitchen appliances for cooking a last-minute Thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, feasting, and enjoying the company of loved ones. But sometimes, despite our best intentions, plans go awry, and we find ourselves with mere hours to prepare that quintessential Thanksgiving dinner. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’re whipping up a last-minute Thanksgiving feast, don’t stress. With the right kitchen appliances, you can save time, reduce effort, and still put together a memorable meal that everyone will love. Here, we highlight the best kitchen appliances to help you cook a last-minute Thanksgiving dinner with ease and efficiency.

Instant pot: the all-in-one multitasker

The Instant Pot is truly a hero for last-minute meals, and Thanksgiving is no exception. This versatile appliance can do the work of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. When time is tight, here’s how it can be a lifesaver:

• Turkey breast: A full-sized turkey might be out of the question, but you can make a juicy turkey breast in under an hour with the Instant Pot. Pressure cooking helps lock in the moisture, giving you tender meat without the long roasting time.
• Mashed potatoes: Cook and mash your potatoes all in one pot, reducing both cook time and cleanup. The high-pressure setting allows you to cook the potatoes in just a few minutes.
• Gravy: Use the Instant Pot to make a delicious gravy from your turkey drippings or even cook it alongside your turkey breast for extra flavor.

In a pinch, the Instant Pot allows you to consolidate multiple cooking steps, making it a go-to appliance for a rushed Thanksgiving.

Air fryer: crispy sides and delicious desserts

The air fryer is not only great for making fries—it’s also perfect for whipping up crispy sides and even desserts on Thanksgiving. Here’s how you can use it:

• Crispy brussels sprouts: You can make crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts in under 15 minutes. They turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect as a side dish.
• Stuffing balls: If you’re pressed for time, cook your stuffing in the air fryer. Roll the stuffing into small balls and air fry them for a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful center.
• Apple pie bombs: Instead of baking a full pie, you can make air-fried apple pie bombs. These quick dessert bites have all the flavors of apple pie without the hassle of making crust and spending time baking.

The air fryer is perfect for adding crunch, flavor, and even desserts without the long cooking times.

Slow cooker: hands-off dishes while you multitask

Even though you’re in a rush, a slow cooker can still be useful on Thanksgiving Day, especially for side dishes that need little attention:

• Stuffing: A slow cooker is ideal for keeping stuffing warm and moist without occupying stove or oven space. Just mix up your stuffing ingredients, pop them in the cooker, and let it work its magic.
• Green bean casserole: The classic green bean casserole cooks wonderfully in a slow cooker, and you can leave it to simmer away while you prepare other dishes.
• Cranberry sauce: Instead of standing over a stovetop, toss your cranberries, sugar, and spices into the slow cooker and let it do the work. In a couple of hours, you’ll have the perfect accompaniment for your meal.

With its set-it-and-forget-it capabilities, a slow cooker can help you juggle multiple dishes during the frenzy of last-minute preparations.

Food processor: quick prep for fresh ingredients

A good food processor is indispensable for quickly prepping fresh ingredients and keeping your cooking time efficient. Use it for:

• Chopping vegetables: Quickly chop carrots, celery, and onions for stuffing or other dishes. The food processor will get your veggies diced in no time.
• Pie crust: If you’re determined to make a pie, a food processor will save you time by quickly combining the ingredients for a perfect crust. Just pulse and go—no need for meticulous mixing.
• Pureeing soups: Puree leftover veggies into a velvety soup as an appetizer. The food processor can have a smooth soup ready in minutes, adding a special touch to your meal.

The food processor streamlines all of your ingredient prep, which is especially useful if you’re dealing with multiple dishes.

Electric hand mixer: speed up dessert prep

Desserts are often one of the more labor-intensive components of Thanksgiving. An electric hand mixer can save you valuable time while preparing classic desserts:

• Whipped cream: Forget hand-whipping cream; an electric hand mixer can turn heavy cream into a fluffy, luscious topping in just a couple of minutes.
• Mashed potatoes: If you want smoother mashed potatoes without the elbow grease, the hand mixer can help you mash and blend them quickly and evenly.
• Cake and cookie batter: The hand mixer is also perfect for whipping together cake or cookie batter in no time, allowing you to quickly bake some sweet treats.

This handy appliance can significantly reduce the prep time for anything that needs to be whipped, beaten, or mixed.

Convection oven: fast and even cooking

For last-minute Thanksgiving dinners, a convection oven is a great option for getting food cooked quickly. It circulates hot air throughout the oven cavity, allowing your dishes to cook evenly and in less time than a traditional oven:

• Turkey breast or legs: You can roast a smaller turkey breast or turkey legs in a convection oven much faster than in a conventional one. Plus, the hot air circulation ensures the meat cooks evenly and gets that golden, crispy skin.
• Rolls and bread: Quickly bake dinner rolls or bread to go with your meal—the convection setting helps them cook evenly without needing the full baking time.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips can be ready in half the time compared to a traditional oven.

If your regular oven is occupied, the convection oven can be a game-changer for getting dishes on the table in a timely manner.

Immersion blender: sauces, soups, and gravies

An immersion blender might not be the first appliance you think of, but it’s very useful for those finishing touches:

• Gravy: If you need smooth, lump-free gravy in a hurry, an immersion blender will do the trick right in the pot.
• Soups: Quickly blend up butternut squash or sweet potato soups directly in the pot to serve as a starter.
• Cranberry sauce: Smooth out your cranberry sauce to achieve the consistency you prefer, whether chunky or smooth.

This compact appliance helps you achieve the right texture for sauces and soups with minimal effort.

FAQs

What are the best appliances for a quick Thanksgiving dinner?

The best appliances for a quick Thanksgiving dinner include the Instant Pot, air fryer, convection oven, slow cooker, and food processor. These devices help speed up cooking times and simplify the preparation of classic dishes.

Can you cook a Thanksgiving turkey in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook a smaller turkey or a turkey breast in an Instant Pot. It’s a great way to save time and ensures a juicy, tender result without the lengthy roasting time of a full turkey.

How can an air fryer help with Thanksgiving dinner?

An air fryer is perfect for making crispy side dishes like Brussels sprouts, reheating leftovers, or even making a quick dessert like apple pie bombs. It’s fast and gives food a delightful texture without much effort.

What dishes can I make in a slow cooker for Thanksgiving?

A slow cooker is excellent for preparing dishes like stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. It’s also useful for keeping sides warm without taking up stove or oven space.

Is a convection oven faster than a traditional oven for Thanksgiving cooking?

Yes, a convection oven cooks faster than a traditional oven due to the even circulation of hot air. It’s ideal for roasting smaller cuts of turkey, baking rolls, or roasting vegetables in less time.

Wrapping up your last-minute feast

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