Best Roasting Pans for Turkey: What You Need for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the one day a year when the turkey takes center stage, and your roasting pan has a pretty important supporting role. From keeping flavorful drippings contained for gravy to giving your bird enough room to roast, choosing the right turkey roasting pan can make Thanksgiving cooking a whole lot easier.
And if you’re roasting your first turkey this year? Deep breaths. We get it! Between choosing the right pan, figuring out turkey size, calculating cooking time, and sorting through everyone’s favorite roasting technique, there’s a lot to consider.
The good news? A great Thanksgiving turkey doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a sturdy roasting pan for turkey that gives your bird plenty of room, promotes even heating, and fits comfortably inside your oven. Then rely on a few simple turkey roasting tips to help you get the results you’re after.
In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in a roasting pan, how to choose the right size, helpful tips for roasting turkey, and how to choose cookware you’ll keep reaching for long after Thanksgiving.
Table of Contents:
- What Makes a Roasting Pan Great for Turkey?
- What Size Roasting Pan Do You Need?
- Turkey Roasting Tips for Better Results
- Common Mistakes When Choosing a Roasting Pan
- Choosing the Right Nordic Ware Roaster
- Cookware for Large-Batch Holiday Cooking
- What to Do With Leftover Turkey
- Prepare for Holiday Cooking With Nordic Ware
What Makes a Roasting Pan Great for Turkey?
A great turkey roasting pan is more than just a place to put your bird. It should have enough room for the turkey and all those flavorful drippings, sturdy construction that can support a fully loaded pan, and handles that are comfortable to grip with oven mitts.
It’s also worth thinking beyond Thanksgiving. The right large roasting pan can earn its place in your kitchen throughout the year for whole chickens, roasts, braised dishes, casseroles, roasted vegetables, and family-size meals.
Sturdy Construction for Even Heating
Consistent heat is an important part of roasting, which is why the material and construction of your pan matter. Look for sturdy metal construction designed to heat effectively while supporting the weight of a large turkey, vegetables, and drippings.
Aluminized steel is one option worth considering for a roasting pan. Rather than looking at material alone, consider the entire pan, including its size, depth, handles, cooking surface, oven-safe temperature, and recommended care.
Deep Sides to Keep Drippings Contained
Those turkey drippings are the start of a really great gravy, so you’ll want to keep them in the pan.
A deep roasting pan creates room for drippings, vegetables, herbs, and basting liquids while helping keep everything contained. It also gives you more flexibility for other high-volume recipes throughout the year.
Just make sure you’re giving the turkey enough space rather than squeezing it into the smallest possible pan. You’ll appreciate the extra room when it’s time to baste, add vegetables, or work with those drippings.
Consider Whether You Want a Roasting Rack
A roasting rack elevates the turkey above the bottom of the pan and allows air to circulate beneath it. If you prefer a traditional roasting pan with rack setup, look for a pan with a sturdy rack that fits securely inside.
If an included rack is high on your list, Nordic Ware’s Extra Large Copper Roaster with Rack is one option to consider.
But a rack doesn’t need to be a deciding factor for every cook. Think about what else you’ll prepare in the pan. A high-sided roaster without a dedicated rack may give you more flexibility for recipes like braises, casseroles, vegetables, and other one-pan meals.
Don’t Overlook the Handles
Handles probably aren’t the first feature you think about when shopping for a roasting pan. They become a lot more important when you’re holding a hot pan loaded with turkey, vegetables, and drippings.
Look for substantial handles that give you enough room for a secure grip while wearing oven mitts. It’s a small detail that can make getting a heavy turkey in and out of the oven much more manageable. 
Think About Cleanup, Too
Once Thanksgiving dinner is finished, nobody wants cleanup to become the evening’s main event.
If easy food release and cleanup are important to you, a nonstick roasting pan may be a good fit. Pay attention to the type of cooking surface, safe cooking temperatures, recommended utensils, and washing instructions before choosing your pan.
And yes, reading the care instructions before Thanksgiving is significantly more helpful than reading them after the pan is already soaking in the sink.
What Size Roasting Pan Do You Need for Turkey?
When choosing a roasting pan for turkey, start with the size of your bird, but don’t forget about your oven.
You want enough room around the turkey for drippings, vegetables, and aromatics without overcrowding the pan. At the same time, your roasting pan needs to fit comfortably inside your oven.
Before Thanksgiving, do yourself a favor and test the empty pan in your oven.
It sounds obvious until you’re standing in the kitchen Thanksgiving morning holding a turkey while trying to rearrange oven racks.
Also consider how you plan to use the pan after the holiday. If large roasts, whole chickens, casseroles, or family-size meals are regularly on the menu, a larger roaster may earn its cabinet space pretty quickly.
Turkey Roasting Tips for Better Results
Once you’ve found the right pan, a few simple techniques can make roasting a turkey feel much less intimidating.
Start With a Fully Thawed Turkey
Give yourself plenty of time to safely thaw your turkey before Thanksgiving. Starting with a fully thawed bird makes your roasting timeline much easier to manage.
This is definitely one of those Thanksgiving jobs that’s better tackled early rather than discovering an icy surprise Thanksgiving morning.
How Long Does It Take to Thaw a Turkey?
Give yourself plenty of time to thaw your turkey before Thanksgiving. For refrigerator thawing, the USDA recommends allowing approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey in a refrigerator set at 40°F or below.
| Turkey Weight | Refrigerator Thawing Time | Cold Water Thawing Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4–12 lb. | 1–3 days | 2–6 hours |
| 12–16 lb. | 3–4 days | 6–8 hours |
| 16–20 lb. | 4–5 days | 8–10 hours |
| 20–24 lb. | 5–6 days | 10–12 hours |
These thawing times come directly from USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidance.
Planning tip: Refrigerator thawing takes the most time, but once thawed this way, a turkey can remain refrigerated for an additional 1 to 2 days before cooking. For cold-water thawing, keep the turkey in a leak-proof bag, completely submerged in cold tap water, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook the turkey immediately after it has thawed.
Give Your Turkey Some Room
Your roasting pan should comfortably accommodate your turkey without crowding it. A little extra room makes it easier to work with vegetables, aromatics, and drippings throughout the cooking process.
And remember, your turkey isn’t the only thing that needs to fit. Check your large roasting pan against your oven dimensions before the big day.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Roasting times can help you plan, but don’t rely on the clock alone to determine when your Thanksgiving turkey is finished.
Use a food thermometer and follow current food-safety guidance for checking the turkey in the appropriate places. It takes much of the guesswork out of determining doneness and means fewer oven-door openings “just to check.”
We know. It’s tempting.
Keep an Eye on Browning
If your turkey reaches that beautiful golden-brown color before it’s finished cooking, loosely tenting it with foil can help manage additional browning while the turkey continues to roast.
There’s no need to chase color all the way to the finish line.
Let the Turkey Rest
You’ve waited all day. Give it just a little longer.
Allow your turkey to rest before carving. Use that window to finish the gravy, warm the rolls, transfer side dishes to serving dishes, and figure out where that serving spoon went that you just put on the counter.
Save Those Drippings
Don’t forget about all that flavor collected at the bottom of your roasting pan. Turkey drippings can become the starting point for Thanksgiving gravy or a simple pan sauce.
If your roasting pan is compatible with your stovetop, you may also be able to work with those drippings directly in the pan rather than transferring everything to another piece of cookware. Always follow the specific use instructions for your pan.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Roasting Pan
Whether you’re hosting your tenth Thanksgiving or roasting your first-ever bird, choosing a pan that fits the way you actually cook can make the entire process easier.
Choosing a Pan That’s Too Small
It’s tempting to choose a pan that fits your turkey as closely as possible, but leave yourself some working room.
Consider the pan’s interior dimensions, the size of your turkey, and whether you’ll be surrounding the bird with onions, carrots, potatoes, herbs, or other aromatics.
Forgetting About Your Oven
An extra-large roasting pan isn’t particularly helpful if your oven door won’t close.
Always compare the dimensions of the pan with your available oven space, especially if you’re moving up to a larger turkey roaster this year.
Focusing Only on Thanksgiving
A turkey might be the reason you started shopping, but ideally, Thanksgiving won’t be the only time you use your new cookware.
Whole chickens, roasts, braised dishes, roasted vegetables, casseroles, holiday ham, and family-size meals can all help turn a Thanksgiving purchase into something you reach for regularly.
Overlooking Care Instructions
Before choosing a roasting pan, look at the recommended cleaning method, safe cooking temperature, utensil recommendations, and coating care.
Taking care of your cookware properly helps preserve its performance for the meals that come after Thanksgiving, too.
Choosing the Right Nordic Ware Roaster
There isn’t one best roasting pan for turkey for every cook. The better question is what style of roaster fits the way you cook.
Verde™ Grand Roaster: For Year-Round Versatility
The Verde™ Grand Roaster is worth considering if you want your Thanksgiving roasting pan to work just as hard during the rest of the year.
Its generous, high-sided shape gives you room for whole poultry and large roasts while lending itself to braised dishes, casseroles, vegetables, and other family-size meals.
This is the direction we’d look for cooks who want a traditional roasting pan to double as an everyday piece of cookware rather than getting packed away with the Thanksgiving decorations.
Extra Large Copper Roaster with Rack: For Traditional Turkey Roasting
If an included roasting rack is higher on your wish list, consider Nordic Ware’s Extra Large Copper Roaster with Rack.
The generous size and included rack make it a practical choice for Thanksgiving turkey and other large roasts. It’s especially worth considering for cooks who prefer a traditional turkey roasting pan with a rack.
Not sure which style makes sense? Think about what happens after Thanksgiving. Consider the Verde™ Grand Roaster if versatility across roasting, braising, casseroles, and other family meals is the priority. Look to the Extra Large Copper Roaster with Rack if an included roasting rack is one of the features you value most.
Nonstick High-Sided Oven Crisp Baking Tray: For Crispy Roasting
For smaller roasting jobs and foods that benefit from airflow, the Nonstick High-Sided Oven Crisp Baking Tray is another option to consider. Its high-sided design gives you room for roasting while keeping food contained, making it a useful choice for holiday sides, roasted vegetables, and smaller portions. It also gives you another pan to reach for when the turkey has already claimed the main roasting pan and you need extra oven space for everything else.
Cookware for Large-Batch Holiday Cooking
Of course, the turkey isn’t the only thing competing for attention on Thanksgiving.
When you’re cooking for a crowd, having a few pieces of large-capacity cookware can make everything from prep to leftovers easier.
Stock Pots for Stocks, Soups, and Big Batches
A large stock pot is one of those kitchen pieces that becomes particularly useful around the holidays.
Use stock pots for homemade turkey or chicken stock, soups, pasta, potatoes, and other recipes that need plenty of room. After Thanksgiving, they’re also a natural place to put leftover turkey bones and aromatics to work in homemade stock.
That’s one way to keep Thanksgiving going that we fully support.
Dutch Ovens for Low-and-Slow Favorites
Dutch ovens are another versatile option for holiday and winter cooking, especially when braises, hearty soups, stews, and slow-cooked comfort foods are on the menu. They’re particularly useful when you want one piece of cookware that can transition from holiday recipes to everyday meals throughout the colder months.
For family-size recipes, the Basalt 6-Quart Dutch Oven with Lid offers plenty of room for soups, stews, braised meats, and other comforting dishes. Use it throughout the holiday season for everything from hearty sides to cozy meals made with Thanksgiving leftovers.
Big Batch Pan for Feeding a Crowd
Sometimes you don’t need a deeper pot. You just need more pan.
The Naturals® Big Batch Pan gives you extra room when you’re preparing larger quantities for family gatherings, holiday parties, or meal prep.
Use a large baking pan like this when you need additional space for big batches of roasted vegetables, appetizers, baked dishes, or other crowd-size recipes without dividing everything between multiple smaller pans.
The goal isn’t to find one piece of cookware that does everything. It’s to have the right amount of space for what you’re actually cooking.
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What to Do With Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey
And then comes one of the best parts of Thanksgiving: leftovers.
Once you’ve had your fill of turkey sandwiches, give those leftovers a completely different second act with Turkey Pot Pie for Two with Savory Crust.
Turkey pot pie turns cooked turkey into a cozy post-Thanksgiving meal and gives you a break from simply reheating the same plate for the third day in a row.
Leftover turkey is also perfect for soups, casseroles, and other comforting recipes. Portioning the meat as you put away Thanksgiving dinner makes it easy to grab exactly what you need for the next meal.
Consider it Thanksgiving dinner’s encore.
Prepare for Holiday Cooking With Nordic Ware
A great Thanksgiving turkey doesn’t depend on one secret trick. Start with a roasting pan for turkey that comfortably fits your bird and your oven, give yourself plenty of time to prep, use a thermometer to monitor doneness, and save those flavorful drippings for gravy.
When choosing cookware, think about the rest of the meal, too. The Verde™ Grand Roaster offers a versatile approach to holiday and everyday roasting, while the Extra Large Copper Roaster with Rack gives cooks who prefer a traditional roasting setup the convenience of an included rack. Stock pots provide capacity for stock, soups, and other big-batch recipes, while a Dutch oven brings versatility to braises and slow-cooked meals. And when you simply need more room, the Naturals® Big Batch Pan can help handle the larger quantities that come with feeding a crowd.
From Thanksgiving turkey and gravy to large batches of sides, leftover turkey recipes, and the cozy meals that follow, the best cookware is the cookware that fits the way you actually cook.
