How to make a DIY roasting rack with aluminum foil. Hack your Thanksgiving with this tutorial on How to Make a Homemade Roasting Rack. Perfect for a DIY, budget-friendly Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas, or other holiday meal.
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About DIY Roasting Rack
While some people claim that a real roasting rack is included in essential kitchen tools, there are a number of reasons why you might not want or have one.
Personally, limited kitchen storage and cost keep me from buying a roasting rack to use once a year for a thanksgiving turkey. (Speaking of thanksgiving, don't skip my all-time favorite side dish Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetables!)
If you can relate, you will love this simple yet impressive hack for making your own roasting rack for cooking meat costing less than $5.
With a little ingenuity though, you can cook a whole turkey, whole chicken, piece of beef, or whole ham in this DIY roasting rack. No fancy cookware needed.
What To Use
Baking sheet: This is likely something you already have in your kitchen, and you'll use it to hold the disposable pan. That way, you don't have to worry about the pan collapsing from the heavy turkey as you remove it from the oven.
Foil: Basic or heavy-duty foil both work well. You might have to double up on piece of foil if you are using regular and a large piece of meat.
Disposable Roaster Pan: Look for a roasting pan with taller sides. I prefer the round/oval roasting pan, but it's fine to use a rectangle roaster pan.
The size I use is 16" x 13.13" x 3.13"
There's no need to buy a more expensive one that has handles unless you don't have a baking sheet to place the pan on.
Recipe Cost
- Disposable Oval Rack Roaster: $1.24
- Foil 25 square feet: $1.42
TOTAL COST: $2.66 (Based on San Diego grocery stores 2024)
Note that this is not the recipe; it's simply to show the cost breakdown of ingredients. Scroll down to the full recipe to see the specific ingredients and directions.
How to Make a Roasting Rack Out of Aluminum Foil
- Step 1: Place the roaster pan on a baking sheet. Shape the pan to fit if needed.
- Step 2: Tear off a piece of foil that is the length of the longest part of the inside of the pan.
- Step 3: Roll it up. And repeat with another one the same length. Place in the bottom of the pan.
- Step 4: Tear off a sheet that is as wide as the widest inside part of the pan. Roll up, and repeat for a total of 4 smaller pieces.
- Step 5: Fold slightly at the middle of the shorter pieces.
- Step 6: Place the smaller pieces in the opposite direction across the two long pieces.
- Step 7: You did it!
- Step 8: Top with the seasoned meat and roast in the oven following your recipe's instructions.
Recipe Tip
Placing the disposable roasting pan on a baking sheet prevents the pan collapsing and gives you easy access when pulling it out of the oven.
FAQ
You can easily make a DIY roasting rack with only a disposable pan, aluminum foil, and a baking sheet. This is a great option if you don't have space or money to buy a roasting rack, and it can help promote more even cooking.
The DIY roasting rack is meant to be for one time use and disposable. However, it's up to you if you can clean it well and want to reuse it.
Some people use the silverware hack and place a row of spoons on the bottom of the roasting pan. This lifts the meat to promote even heat distribution and crispy skin.
However, I like to use sheets of tin foil to turn into foil ropes. To me, it feels like you get more space from the bottom of the pan with thick ropes of foil as opposed to a row of upside down silverware.
DIY Roasting Rack Tips
- Depending on the size of the meat, you might want to use a little more foil so it doesn't squish under the weight.
- Be sure when you're cooking your delicious roast that you follow food safety recommendations for minimum internal temperature. A meat thermometer is key when making the perfect roast to determine proper doneness.
- This makeshift roasting rack takes about 10 minutes. Plus, it's disposable so it saves you a lot of hassle after your thanksgiving meal.
Recipes!
Diabetic-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes
Need more ideas for your thanksgiving menu? Try these nutritious ideas that pair perfectly with your turkey.
Homemade Roasting Rack
Ingredients
- Aluminum foil
- Disposable roasting pan
Instructions
- Place your disposable roasting pan on a sturdy baking sheet. You might have to reshape the roasting pan to get it to fit on the baking sheet. Doing this will help keep the roasting pan from collapsing when there's a turkey in it.
- Cut two long sheets of foil and roll them into logs. These will go in the roasting pan vertically.
- Take four smaller sheets of foil and roll them into logs.
- Slightly bend them in the middle and put them horizontally in the roasting pan.
- Once the foil ropes are placed in the bottom of the pan, you are ready to use the DIY roasting pan.
What to Use in This Recipe
This tutorial for a DIY Roasting Rack was originally published November 27, 2013. Photos and text have been updated.
Meme
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I've been seeing this tip around the internet for awhile now! It looks like a perfect idea!
Meme
It's super convenient, especially when you don't have space for a regular roasting rack
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
You're so funny! I have a big kitchen, but still use a disposable roasting pan for Thanksgiving - easier cleanup!!
Meme
Haha thanks Jessica!! Easier cleanup is key, especially on Thanksgiving 🙂
Natalie Rizzo
Such a smart idea!
Holly Pelton
This is by far the most genius idea that costs next to nothing! I will be trying this very soon!
Liz Shaw
Barbaric-shmarbaric. I've done this and it works! Great idea
Lorie
You are so very clever--haven't seen this before!!!
Lindsey
Saving this for Thanksgiving!
Emily Kyle
My husband is in charge of cooking thanksgiving dinner, I'm going to share this with him!
Debra T. Cuozzo
Can this be used for 6 pound corned beef brisket
Meme
I believe so! I used a 12 pound turkey, and it held up quite well 🙂
David Warner
What can I substitute for a roasting rack?
Meme
This is a homemade disposable roasting rack option if you do not have a roasting rack. Hope that helps!