Celebrity Chefs Share Their Top Holiday Cooking Tips to Elevate Your Festive Feasts
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and, of course, a bountiful array of delicious food. Whether you’re preparing a grand dinner for a large gathering or baking sweet treats for a cozy night in, the pressure to get everything perfect can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve gathered some expert advice from celebrity chefs who have perfected the art of holiday cooking. These chefs, known for their television appearances, cookbooks, and culinary expertise, have shared their tried-and-true tips to make your holiday meals a breeze—without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re roasting a turkey, baking gingerbread cookies, or tackling a multi-course feast, these tips will help you shine in the kitchen. With these clever hacks, you can save time, reduce stress, and create unforgettable meals for your loved ones.
1. Bobby Flay: Keep Turkey Warm After Carving
When preparing for a large holiday gathering, keeping the turkey warm and juicy after carving can be a challenge. Bobby Flay, the Food Network star famous for his grilling skills, has the perfect solution. "The most important thing to my Thanksgiving is having a pot of hot chicken stock on the stove to reheat the turkey," says Flay. To keep your turkey tender and flavorful, Flay suggests breaking down the bird into its separate parts: slicing the breast meat and pulling the dark meat from the legs and thighs. Once this is done, layer the meat on a tray and pour the hot chicken stock over it. The stock revives the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful, while the heat ensures that everything stays warm for serving.
This method works especially well if you’re juggling multiple dishes or courses and need a way to keep the turkey at the perfect temperature without overcooking it. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify holiday meal prep while still delivering a juicy, tender turkey.
Fun Fact: Bobby Flay is a highly acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author known for his bold flavors and mastery of grilling. He’s been a mainstay on the Food Network and is also the host of Beat Bobby Flay.
2. Giada De Laurentiis: Elevate Your Holiday Gravy
Gravy is a holiday essential, but sometimes it can lack the depth of flavor needed to truly shine. Giada De Laurentiis, the popular Food Network personality and creator of the lifestyle site Giadzy, has a simple but effective trick to elevate your holiday gravy. "Revive any gravy by adding a teaspoon of good-quality balsamic vinegar," says De Laurentiis. The addition of balsamic vinegar enhances the savory notes of the gravy and gives it a deeper, more complex flavor. It also adds a rich, glossy color that makes the gravy look as good as it tastes.
This tip works wonders for any type of gravy, from turkey to beef, and can be a perfect way to impress your guests with an unexpected twist. Adding just a teaspoon of this pantry staple will give your holiday dinner a sophisticated touch that’s sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Fun Fact: Giada De Laurentiis is an expert in Italian-inspired cuisine, known for her approachable cooking style and emphasis on fresh ingredients. She’s also the author of several cookbooks and has been a staple on Food Network for years.
3. Robert Irvine: Carve Meat, Mess-Free
Holiday feasts often involve carving large cuts of meat like roast turkey, ham, or beef. But anyone who’s tackled this task knows it can get messy quickly. Robert Irvine, the host of Dinner: Impossible, has a clever trick to prevent a huge cleanup. "Put your carving board in a sheet pan before you get to work," Irvine advises. By doing so, any juices or drippings from the meat are contained in the pan, saving you from having to mop up your counters afterward.
This simple yet effective tip is a game-changer for anyone carving a large roast during the holidays. With all the drippings caught in the sheet pan, you can carve with ease and focus on getting those perfect slices of meat, rather than worrying about the mess.
Fun Fact: Robert Irvine is a celebrated chef and television personality known for his tough-love approach to cooking and his dedication to improving the lives of service members through his foundation, The Robert Irvine Foundation.
4. Geoffrey Zakarian: Keep Boiling Water from Boiling Over
If you’ve ever been frustrated by boiling water spilling over the sides of your pot, you’ll appreciate this tip from Geoffrey Zakarian, the Iron Chef and Food Network star. "Place a wooden spoon across the top of a pot of boiling water to keep it from boiling over," Zakarian recommends. The spoon acts as a barrier, preventing the bubbles from rising too quickly and spilling out of the pot. If you don’t have a wooden spoon on hand, you can also throw an ice cube into the pot as it begins to bubble up too much.
This simple trick is especially helpful when boiling pasta, potatoes, or vegetables. It allows you to keep your stovetop clean and reduces the need for constant supervision. This quick hack will save you time and stress during the busy holiday cooking season.
Fun Fact: Geoffrey Zakarian is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for his refined culinary techniques. He is a frequent judge on Chopped and the host of The Kitchen on Food Network.
5. Ali Rosen: Cut Onions Without Crying
Tears from chopping onions are a common kitchen frustration, but Chef Ali Rosen has a simple solution. "Hold an unlit match between your teeth while you chop onions," Rosen recommends. This trick works by neutralizing the sulfuric gases released by the onion, preventing them from irritating your eyes. Whether it’s the matchstick’s sulfur or the fact that you’re breathing out of your mouth, this little hack will help you chop onions without shedding a tear.
This simple tip can save you from the tears and frustration that often accompany holiday cooking, making your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.
Fun Fact: Ali Rosen is a chef, author, and host of Potluck on Food Network. She’s known for her easy-to-follow, crowd-pleasing recipes, perfect for casual entertaining.
Related: Gordon Ramsay Takes Dining to New Heights with 22 Bishopsgate Empire!
6. Kristen Tomlan: Soften Brown Sugar
Brown sugar has a tendency to harden into a rock if left exposed to air, and trying to break it apart can be a frustrating task. Chef Kristen Tomlan has an easy solution: "If your brown sugar gets hard, you can bring it back to life by putting it in a microwave-safe bowl and draping a damp paper towel over the top," she says. "Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until it’s nice and soft again."
This quick fix is especially helpful when you’re in the middle of holiday baking and don’t want to waste time trying to soften your brown sugar manually. It’s a fast and efficient way to get your sugar back to its usable state without having to wait for it to soften naturally.
Fun Fact: Kristen Tomlan is the CEO and founder of DŌ, a cookie dough company that specializes in edible, safe-to-eat cookie dough. She’s a trailblazer in the dessert world and is known for her creative and fun takes on classic treats.
7. Camari Mick: Use Apple Cores for Homemade Apple Cider
Nothing says fall and winter like a warm mug of apple cider, but why settle for store-bought when you can make your own? Pastry chef Camari Mick has a clever trick to help you create homemade cider using apple scraps. "Take the peels and cores of all your apples and throw them in a pot with a few oranges and fall spices," Mick says. "Cover with water and simmer for three to four hours; sweeten to desired taste, and you’ll have homemade cider."
This trick not only helps reduce food waste but also creates a flavorful and aromatic beverage perfect for the holiday season. Mick also suggests adding a splash of Calvados, a French apple brandy, for an adult version of the cider.
Fun Fact: Camari Mick is a highly respected pastry chef and culinary artist based in New York City. She’s known for her innovative desserts and dedication to using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
8. Martha Stewart: Keep Cutting Boards Clean
Martha Stewart is known for her timeless cooking tips, and her advice for keeping your cutting boards clean is no exception. "Use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub your cutting board after chopping strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions," Stewart suggests. This method neutralizes any lingering odors and ensures your cutting board is fresh for your next task.
Keeping your cutting boards clean during the busy holiday season is essential, and Martha Stewart’s tip makes it easy to keep your kitchen in tip-top shape.
Fun Fact: Martha Stewart is one of the most iconic figures in lifestyle and cooking. Her brand, Martha Stewart Living, has become a household name, with a range of products, books, and television shows that inspire millions of home cooks around the world.
With the help of these expert tips, you’ll be able to navigate the holiday cooking season with ease and confidence. From Bobby Flay’s turkey hacks to Giada De Laurentiis’ secret for perfect gravy, these tips will make your holiday cooking and entertaining effortless and enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a big family feast or baking sweet treats, these tricks will help elevate your meals and create memories that will last long after the last bite. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!
