As much as everyone may look forward to digging into a beautiful spread of succulent turkey or ham, mouthwateringly rich sides, and indulgent desserts, the idea of creating such a large, elaborate meal can be daunting.

If you’re picking up the mantle this season, equipping your kitchen with the right tools can help streamline preparation to save you time and effort, transforming holiday cooking from a stressful task into a joyful experience.

Food processor

Why go through the tediousness of chopping vegetables yourself when a food processor can do it in less than half the time? Simply select the blade attachment for either large or fine dice, toss the food in the bowl (cutting each piece into smaller chunks as needed to fit), and turn on the device at an appropriate speed. Plus, this versatile machine can shred cheese, make dips and sauces, and even knead dough. From creating smooth cranberry sauce to finely mincing herbs for stuffing, it will have you moving through meal prep with ease.

Air fryer

This countertop marvel uses rapid air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly with minimal oil, enabling it to deliver crispy texture without excess fat. Its different functions for baking, grilling, and roasting make it ideal for appetizers, vegetables, and a small turkey or chicken, depending on the size of your air fryer. In turn, you can free up valuable space in the oven for other dishes like casseroles, helping you maximize your efficiency in the kitchen.

Slow cooker

A slow cooker is a hero for hands-off cooking. All you need to do is add your ingredients, set the timer, and let everything simmer over the course of several hours. Whether you’re crafting a hearty stew, braised meat, or warm dip, such a gradual process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully for an irresistible dish. Just as valuable, this gadget will keep food warm ahead of and throughout the festivities so you never have to worry about reheating.

Stand mixer

For bakers, a stand mixer is a must-have. Its powerful motor and various attachments effortlessly mix batters, knead dough, and whip cream with consistent results, ensuring that everything is perfectly combined. It doesn’t matter if you need to make a hearty loaf of bread for an appetizer or cookies for dessert—this appliance will be your best friend.