How to Cook a Thanksgiving Feast With the Right Appliances

Posted on November 15, 2024

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Thanksgiving—the holiday where food is love, stress is high, and kitchens are chaotic. Having the right appliances can make all the difference. So, here’s how you can cook an unforgettable Thanksgiving feast with a little help from the appliances at Bray & Scarff.

Prep and Store Like a Pro: Refrigeration

Proper storage is crucial for Thanksgiving prep. A refrigerator that adapts to your needs keeps ingredients fresh and ready for the big day. French-door refrigerators, like the Café™ Smart 4-Door French-Door Refrigerator (Model: CVE28DM5NS5), offer customizable shelves and temperature-controlled drawers perfect for storing turkeys, side dish ingredients, and desserts.

Recipe Idea: Herb-infused butter for Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 cup softened butter
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Rub under and over the turkey skin before roasting for extra flavor.

Cooking the Main Event: Wall Ovens & Ranges

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the perfect turkey and a variety of sides. Here’s how to make it all happen:

1. Ranges & Cooktops for Sides and Sauces

Between all the simmering, stirring, and sautéing, cooktops like the Monogram 36" Induction Cooktop (Model: ZHU36RSPSS) provide a reliably responsive heat control for delicate sauces.

Recipe Idea: Quick Stove-Top Gravy

Ingredients:

• Turkey drippings
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat turkey drippings over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until golden brown.
2. Gradually add stock, whisking constantly.
3. Simmer until thickened, season, and serve.

2. Steam Ovens for Moisture-Retaining Cooking

Steam ovens like the Thermador Steam Convection Oven (Model: MEDS301BS) keep your turkey moist and your sides evenly cooked. Steam ovens are also perfect for delicate vegetables and even reheating leftovers without drying them out.

 

3. Wall Ovens for Perfect Roasting

Convection wall ovens offer even heat distribution, making them ideal for roasting turkey to perfection—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The GE 30" Built-In Double Wall Oven (Model: JTD5000EVES) offers precise temperature control for worry-free cooking.

Recipe Idea: Classic Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs)
• Herb-infused butter (from above)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, halved
• 1 lemon, halved
• Fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Rub the turkey with herb-infused butter, season with salt and pepper, and stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and herbs.
3. Roast in the convection oven, basting occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 3-3.5 hours).
4. Let rest before carving.

Need a recipe for your Gozney pizza oven? Get inspired by our blog: How to Use a Gozney Pizza Oven (With Must-Try Recipes)

 

Serve Smartly: Warming Drawers and Speed Ovens

Timing is everything and warming drawers keep every dish hot until it’s time to serve. They're perfect for rolls, sides, and even keeping the turkey warm while you finish the gravy. Speed ovens like the Monogram Statement Speedcooking Oven with Advantium® Technology (Model: ZSA1202PSS) let you quickly heat up a last-minute side dish.

Recipe Idea: Classic Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chicken stock
• Salt, pepper, sage, and thyme to taste

Directions:

1. Sauté onions and celery in butter.
2. Mix with bread cubes, herbs, and stock.
3. Bake in a casserole dish until golden, then hold in the warming drawer.

 

Post-Feast Tidying: Dishwashers

Thanksgiving cleanup is daunting, but a high-capacity dishwasher can handle it all—plates, pots, pans, and more. The Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher (Model: SGX78C55UC) features quiet, efficient cycles and third racks for maximum load capacity.

Bonus Thanksgiving Tips:

• Plan Your Cooking Schedule: Prep dishes in advance and use timers.
• Clean as You Go: Minimize post-dinner cleanup.
• Ask for Help: Thanksgiving is about family—share the load!

Cook the Perfect Thanksgiving Feast with Top Appliances

Transform your Thanksgiving feast with the right appliances from Bray & Scarff! As the #1 appliance destination in Maryland and Virginia, we’re here to help you elevate your holiday cooking experience. Visit us online or stop by one of our appliance store locations to explore high-quality ovens, ranges, cooktops, refrigerators, and more designed to simplify and perfect your holiday meals.

Looking for more tips and inspiration? Check out our blog or schedule a consultation with one of our experts today.

Related readings:

• How to Cozy Up Your Kitchen for Fall
• Luxury Kitchen Appliances for Holiday Entertaining
• Creating a Kitchen for Hosting

FAQ: Appliances For Thanksgiving

Q: How to host Thanksgiving with only one oven?
A: Maximize your single oven by using a combination of stovetop, slow cooker, and warming drawer for sides. Cook dishes in shifts, keeping cooked dishes warm in an insulated cooler or wrapped tightly in foil.

Q: How do you make Thanksgiving dinner ahead of time? A: Prepare sides, desserts, and certain dishes like casseroles and cranberry sauce ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator or freezer, reheating them on Thanksgiving Day.

Q: What order should you cook food on Thanksgiving?
A: Start with the turkey, as it takes the longest. While it’s roasting, prepare stovetop dishes, sides, and desserts. Cook or reheat sides closer to serving time.

Q: What side dishes can be made ahead of time for Thanksgiving?
A: Make-ahead sides include mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, cranberry sauce, gravy, and roasted veggies. These can be prepped a day or two before and reheated.

Q: Can you cook stuffing and turkey at the same time?
A: Yes, you can cook stuffing and turkey together, either by stuffing the turkey or baking it separately. For food safety, make sure the stuffing inside the turkey reaches 165°F.

Q: What can you make beforehand for Thanksgiving?
A: Prep mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, pies, cranberry sauce, and gravy in advance. Chop veggies, brine your turkey, and make dough for rolls ahead to save time on the big day.