10 Kitchen Essentials to Make a Last-Minute Holiday Dinner

This peculiar year will bring about an equally interesting holiday period. Whether you’re having a traditional Christmas dinner, a socially distant holiday gathering, or a solo dinner, these kitchen items can help you upgrade your feast if you need some last-minute essentials.

1. Cuisinart Chef's Stainless-Steel Roaster Rack; $55

Is there anything better than a Christmas roast? Whether you like turkey, ham, or chicken, a roaster rack will help you cook meats while trapping the juices underneath. You can use it without the rack as a high-walled pan or casserole dish as well. This stainless-steel version will look beautiful on your table (and in your photos).

Buy it: Amazon

2. Cosori 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven; $164

If you're opting for a smaller affair, this multifunctional air fryer oven comes with an air frying basket, air rack, baking pan, crumb tray, and more. It's just big enough to roast a whole chicken and bake a smaller batch of cookies.

Buy it: Amazon

3. Waterproof Thermocouple Instant Read Thermometer; $30

Make sure those great centerpieces aren't undercooked (or overcooked) with this instant read thermometer. It's also great for when precision is key, like making sure your oil is the right temperature for frying, getting your chocolate perfectly tempered, and other baking needs.

Buy it: Amazon

4. Braun Multiquick Hand Blender; $80

If you're working from a kitchen with less counterspace, this versatile hand blender works wonders. Comes with a beaker, whisk, and chopper, along with a masher accessory.

Buy it: Amazon

5. Le Creuset 3.5-Quart Dutch Oven; $260

There's a reason Dutch ovens are so beloved by home cooks and chefs alike. The weight helps retain and distribute heat evenly, they're oven safe, and the colorful ones look so pretty on your stovetop. Great for braising meats, baking breads, or even just everyday cooking.

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6. Duxtop Portable Induction Burner; $70

If you're an ambitious home cook, you might appreciate having an extra burner to do even more cooking on. This induction burner has no open flame so it's easy to maintain temperatures (and not accidentally burn things!) and the glass top makes for easy cleanup.

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7. Duralex Picardie 18 Piece Set; $60

Nice glassware always helps elevate a dinner, and this classic design is both sleek and evergreen. This set comes in three sizes, with six of each size. These are great for water, wine, or even lattes. The tempered glass also makes them resistant against chips and stains.

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8. Silicone Pastry Mat; $23

After getting one of these, you'll wonder why you didn't have one sooner. It's great for rolling out dough and baking on; you can make cookies, pieces for your gingerbread house, or roll out puff pastry for beef wellington. It can also be used as a countertop mat for food prep, and the non-slip silicone design makes it easy to clean.

Buy it: Amazon

9. Cuisinart Stainless-Steel Electric Kettle; $100

Whether you like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate with your desserts, having a hot beverage at just the right temperature is an underrated joy in life. This electric kettle comes with heat presets so you can experience this joy without much effort. Pro tip: It's also great for quickly boiling water for cooking.

Buy it: Amazon

10. Acacia Wood Cutting Board; $45

A good cutting board is probably the kitchen item we reach for the most. This beautifully designed acacia wood one is sturdy enough for food prep, but also works and looks great for charcuterie board photos.

Buy it: Amazon

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