Running out of a roasting rack doesn’t have to mean disaster for your perfectly planned holiday meal. You’ve got the turkey seasoned, the oven preheated, and the sides prepped, but as you reach for the roasting rack, you realize it’s nowhere to be found.
Panic sets in—how will you achieve that golden, evenly cooked bird without it? Don’t worry.
A roasting rack’s job is to elevate your meat, allowing heat to circulate and fat to drip away, but there are plenty of creative ways to replicate its function with items you already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re improvising with pantry staples, repurposing kitchen tools, or just thinking outside the box, these substitutes will keep your roast juicy, crispy, and perfectly cooked—no last-minute store runs required.

7 Easy Substitutes for a Roasting Rack
A roasting rack’s charm lies in its ability to lift your meat off the pan, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin. These substitutes mimic its function while adding their own flair. Perfect for roasting poultry, beef, or even vegetables, here’s how to pivot without missing a beat:
1. Vegetable Bed: The Flavorful Foundation
Create a bed of sturdy vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, or potatoes to elevate your meat. The veggies will lift the roast off the pan and absorb delicious drippings, adding extra flavor to your dish.
This substitute is a win-win—your meat cooks evenly, and the veggies become a tasty side dish. I once used this method for a last-minute chicken roast, and the caramelized vegetables were a hit. For extra flavor, toss the veggies with herbs and olive oil before roasting.
Pro tip: Use vegetables that won’t break down easily, like root vegetables.
2. Balled-Up Foil: The Quick Fix
Crumple up sheets of aluminum foil into small balls and place them in the bottom of your roasting pan. Arrange them in a grid pattern to create a stable platform for your meat.
This hack is perfect for those who want a quick, no-fuss solution. My friend used this method for her Thanksgiving turkey, and it worked like a charm. For extra stability, use larger foil balls and space them evenly.
Fun twist: Add herbs or citrus slices between the foil balls for extra aroma.
3. Oven-Safe Bowls or Mugs: The Pantry Rescue
Place a few oven-safe bowls or mugs upside down in your roasting pan to create a raised platform for your meat. Make sure they’re stable and evenly spaced to support the weight of your roast.
This substitute is ideal for those who have oven-safe dishes on hand. I used this trick for a pork roast, and the result was perfectly cooked meat with crispy skin. For extra safety, check that the bowls are heatproof before using.
Watch out: Avoid using plastic or delicate ceramics that could crack.
4. Cooling Rack: The Multi-Tasker
If you have a cooling rack that fits inside your roasting pan, it can double as a roasting rack. Just make sure it’s oven-safe and sturdy enough to hold your meat.
This swap is perfect for bakers who already have cooling racks on hand. My cousin used this method for a beef roast, and the even heat circulation made for a delicious meal. For extra stability, place the rack on top of a layer of vegetables.
Pro tip: Choose a rack with closely spaced wires to prevent smaller cuts of meat from falling through.
5. Sliced Onions or Citrus: The Aromatic Lift
Arrange thick slices of onions, lemons, or oranges in the bottom of your roasting pan to create a raised platform for your meat. The slices will lift the roast and infuse it with subtle flavor.
This substitute is ideal for adding a touch of aroma to your dish. I used this method for a citrus-infused chicken, and the result was fragrant and flavorful. For extra moisture, add a splash of broth or wine to the pan.
Fun twist: Use a mix of onions and citrus for a sweet-savory combo.
6. Crumpled Parchment Paper: The Non-Stick Solution
Crumple up sheets of parchment paper into small balls and place them in the bottom of your roasting pan. Arrange them in a grid pattern to create a stable, non-stick platform for your meat.
This hack is perfect for those who want to avoid sticking and ensure easy cleanup. My neighbor used this method for a duck roast, and the skin came out perfectly crispy. For extra stability, use larger parchment balls and space them evenly.
Pro tip: Add herbs or garlic cloves between the parchment balls for extra flavor.
7. Bread Loaf Pan: The Elevated Solution
If you have a bread loaf pan, place it upside down in your roasting pan to create a raised platform for your meat. The loaf pan’s shape works well for smaller roasts like chicken or pork.
This substitute is ideal for those who have a loaf pan on hand. I used this trick for a small chicken, and the result was evenly cooked and juicy. For extra stability, place the loaf pan on top of a layer of vegetables.
Watch out: Ensure the loaf pan is oven-safe and can handle the weight of your roast.

Kimberly Baxter is the proud owner of the food blog Eatdelights.com. A self-proclaimed foodie, Kimberly loves to cook and share her recipes with others. She has been blogging about food since 2010 and has amassed a following of loyal readers.
Her recipes are creative, delicious, and easy to follow. In addition to her blog, Kimberly also enjoys writing for other publications.