It’s essential to keep food warm during holidays, but it can be tricky when the turkey takes up the oven. Turning a basic cooler into a hot box is the perfect way to keep your sides warm while the turkey cooks. Here’s how to make the most out of your cooler turned hot box.
- Preheat the Cooler: To keep your food just as hot as when you put it in, preheat the cooler. If you have electric heating pads, those are a great option. If not, use a bowl of hot water. Put the heating pads or bowl in about 10 minutes before you want to use it, and the steam will heat the cooler.
- Pack the Hottest Foods at the Bottom: If you’re layering food, try to put the hottest foods at the bottom. This typically means mashed potatoes and stuffing, followed by casseroles, sweet potatoes, or corn.
- Fill Up the Cooler: If there’s less air inside, the food will stay warm longer. Try to fill the cooler as much as possible. Use sheet pans as layers to stack dishes. Add some clean towels to fill any extra space.
- Keep the Lid Closed: If the cooler is open, all the hot air will escape, and your sides will get cold.
- Use For Less Than 2 Hours: The cooler is great at keeping food warm for short periods of time, and it’s not safe to leave it for more than two hours.
Source: Delish