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Do I HAVE to use a roasting pan/rack

For the bird?

I bought a pan/rack 3 years ago (the last time I roasted a bird) and have since lost it... which should tell you how much I use roasting pans.

We got a very small turkey (10-12 lbs) - do I HAVE to buy a pan/rack? I have oversized casserole dishes (glass and metal) and a ginormous Le Cruset dutch oven. Can I use one of those and, like, bunch tin foil into coils for the rack?

As I'm typing this I realize what an epic FAIL this could be. Please feel free to tell me to quit being cheap, go to Target, drop $40 on another pan and be done with it.

So... what's the verdict?

Re: Do I HAVE to use a roasting pan/rack

  • I really don't think so. when I cooked my oven ready turkey from WF, they prepared it in one of those aluminum roasting pans with no rack and I just popped it in the over like that. It was fine (and delicious!)

    Also, come to think of it, the huge roast pan that my mom has always used doesn't have a rack. It has slightly raised "fingers' along the bottom, but it's nothing like a rack at all. 

  • I don't know if you need one, but I think the roasting pan allows air/heat to circulate under the bird, which is important. Can you check Home Goods? They often have things like that pretty cheap. Or maybe borrow one from someeone who isn't hosting Thanksgiving this year? I'd let you borrow mine, but I don't think you live near me.
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  • No.  I usually only do turkey breasts and always use a glass 9x13 and an oven bag.  My mom has done thanksgiving forever and has never used a rack for any turkey.
  • Just go to the dollar store, buy an aluminum roasting pan, and WALLA!

    or, You can just use your casserole dish and put it an oven bag.

  • I'd just buy a rack.  You're looking at $9-14 at Target or $15 with a $10 mail in rebate at BBB, so if you use a coupon it will net cost only $2 and some change.
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  • I've never used a rack.  I've balled up foil in the past (5 of them in an x pattern under the turkey) and that has worked juuuuust fine.
  • Long carrots and celery stalks work well to elevate the turkey (with the added benefit of flavoring the drippings.  The rack is not necessary.
  • Just don't use the dutch oven.  High sides are not good for air flow.   

    Just raise the turkey up on something so it doesn't sit in it's own juices-- tin foil, veggies, whatev.

  • imageHey Jellisy:
    Long carrots and celery stalks work well to elevate the turkey (with the added benefit of flavoring the drippings.  The rack is not necessary.

    That's what I was going to say. My favorite roast chicken recipe calls for setting the chicken on big slices of onion. 

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