The holidays are a time for joy, family, and of course—delicious food. But let’s be real—cooking a big holiday feast can be stressful. From overcooked roasts to under-seasoned dishes, even seasoned home cooks run into kitchen mishaps. The good news? Most holiday cooking fails are easy to fix with a few expert tips.
Here are 10 common holiday cooking mistakes and how to avoid them, so your holiday meal is stress-free and full of flavor.
1. Overcooking Your Meat (Hello, Dry Brisket!)
The Problem: Meat that’s dry, chewy, or tough.
The Fix: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pull your meat from the oven or smoker a few degrees before it reaches the desired temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting. Hoagland Meat’s premium cuts make getting a juicy, tender roast easier.
2. Forgetting to Let Your Meat Rest
The Problem: Cutting into your roast too soon, losing all those precious juices.
The Fix: Rest your meat for at least 15-30 minutes after cooking. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
3. Using the Wrong Cut for the Recipe
The Problem: Using a cut of meat that doesn’t match your cooking method.
The Fix: Match your meat to your cooking style. Braising? Use tougher cuts like brisket or chuck roast. Grilling or searing? Choose tender cuts like ribeye or filet. Hoagland Meat has a variety of cuts perfect for any recipe.
4. Skipping the Seasoning
The Problem: Bland, flavorless meat.
The Fix: Season generously! Use salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Consider marinating overnight or using a flavorful rub like “The Rub” from Idaho Prep Co.
5. Not Preheating the Oven or Skillet
The Problem: Meat that’s unevenly cooked or lacking a good sear.
The Fix: Always preheat your oven, grill, or skillet before cooking. A hot surface ensures a perfect sear and locks in juices.
6. Overcrowding the Pan
The Problem: Steamed instead of seared meat.
The Fix: Give your meat space! Cook in batches if necessary to allow for even browning.
7. Cooking Meat Straight from the Fridge
The Problem: Cold meat that cooks unevenly.
The Fix: Let your meat come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
8. Forgetting to Baste or Glaze
The Problem: A roast that’s dry or lacking that holiday-worthy shine.
The Fix: Baste with pan juices or apply a glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Check out Chef Chris’s top five ham glazes on our blog for inspiration!
9. Not Using a Meat Thermometer
The Problem: Guessing when your meat is done (and often guessing wrong).
The Fix: Use a digital meat thermometer for precise cooking. It’s the easiest way to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
10. Ignoring Resting Time After Slicing
The Problem: Slicing all your meat at once, causing it to dry out.
The Fix: Slice only what you need, keeping the rest of the meat covered and warm. This keeps it moist and flavorful until serving.