The Thanksgiving Kitchen Checklist

Roast turkey on a Thanksgiving table with mashed potatoes and stuffing
Photo: Megan Watson / Unsplash

To cook Thanksgiving dinner you need five things for the turkey: a sturdy roasting pan with a rack, an instant-read thermometer, a baster, a carving fork and a sharp knife. Add a pie plate and a pie server and you're ready for the whole meal. Here's a checklist to run through now, while there's still time to fill the gaps.

For the turkey

  • A heavy roasting pan with a rack. A thin pan warps and burns drippings. The Hestan classic stainless roaster with rack comes in large ($199.99) and small ($159.99). Already have a pan? Add an oval roasting rack ($6.99) or the OXO silicone roasting rack ($31.99).

  • An instant-read thermometer. The only sure way to know the turkey is done: 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and breast. We carry digital models from $12.99 to $24.99.

  • A baster. The OXO baster with cleaning brush ($18.99) or a basic 1.5 oz baster ($4.99).

  • A turkey stuffing bag ($7.99) or oven roasting bags ($5.99) if you want an easier cleanup.

  • A carving fork (OXO, $21.99) and a long, sharp knife.

Hestan Host & Roast event: through Nov 23, save 20% on Hestan Provisions roasters, au gratins and OvenBond bakeware in the store.

Smoothing pumpkin pie filling with an offset spatula
Photo: Lois Spencer Carter / Unsplash

For the sides and table

  • Gravy boat. Stainless 8 oz, $22.99.

  • Pie plate, pie shield and pie server. Mrs. Anderson's pie shield ($6.99) keeps crust edges from burning. An offset pie server is $9.99.

  • Measuring cups and spoons. Doubling recipes is where mistakes happen.

Carving a roast turkey with a knife and fork
Photo: Claudio Schwarz / Unsplash

Two weeks out: sharpen your knives

A dull knife shreds turkey instead of slicing it. Drop your knives off at Culinary Viking and we'll sharpen them within 24 hours for $7.99 per knife.

Want to master the crust?

Join our Pie Dough 101 class on Tuesday, Nov 17, 6–8 PM ($125). Seats are limited. Call (360) 994-3663 or stop by to sign up. See all classes.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature is a turkey done?

165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh, measured with an instant-read thermometer. Let it rest 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

Do I need a roasting rack?

Yes. A rack lifts the turkey so heat circulates and the bottom doesn't steam in the drippings.

Where can I buy a roasting pan in Poulsbo?

Culinary Viking, 18804 Front St NE, carries Hestan stainless roasters and roasting racks.

Find it at Culinary Viking

18804 Front St NE, Ste 101, Poulsbo, WA 98370 · (360) 994-3663
Open daily 10am–6pm · Plan your visit · See what's in store

Prices as of November 2026; selection may vary.

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