15 thanksgiving dishes that are so easy, even a turkey could make them

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Thanksgiving can be busy enough without complicated recipes slowing you down. These 15 dishes keep things simple while bringing all the traditional flavors that make the holiday feel complete. Whether you’re hosting a feast or bringing a dish to share, these easy recipes cut down on prep time and stress. With straightforward ingredients and quick steps, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying the holiday with family and friends.

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping

Three apple cranberry muffins on a table.
Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These Apple Cranberry Muffins blend tart cranberries with sweet apple pieces for a classic fall flavor combination. A buttery streusel topping adds a crunchy, crumbly texture that balances the moist muffins perfectly. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re packed with seasonal flavors and make a quick addition to any Thanksgiving table. With warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes, each bite is like fall in muffin form.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping

Tabbouleh Salad with Feta

Close up overhead of tabbouleh salad with feta.
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tabbouleh Salad with Feta is a bright, refreshing salad featuring bulgur, tomatoes, parsley, and tangy feta cheese. This 20-minute dish offers a Mediterranean-inspired taste that’s light but satisfying with its herby, lemony flavor. Perfect for balancing richer dishes on the table, it adds a fresh pop to any Thanksgiving spread. Each forkful provides a bit of crunch and zest that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad with Feta

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

4 slices of crusted turkey breast
Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast offers a unique twist on Thanksgiving turkey, with a rich hazelnut crust that adds a nutty flavor. This recipe takes about 45 minutes to make and keeps the turkey moist while adding a crunchy outer layer. Seasoned with rosemary and thyme, the hazelnuts elevate the simple turkey breast without overpowering it. The end result is a juicy, tender cut of meat with a deliciously crisp crust.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

A dish of granola with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.
Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This casserole combines sweet potatoes, cranberries, and almonds into a hearty, comforting stuffing that’s easy to make in just 40 minutes. Each bite has the perfect mix of sweetness from the potatoes, tartness from the cranberries, and crunch from the almonds. It’s an unexpected, flavorful twist on traditional stuffing without complicated prep work. Ideal for adding a bit of holiday color and flavor to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Overhead view of pumpin pecan pie.
Pumpkin Pecan Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pumpkin Pecan Pie combines two Thanksgiving favorites into one delicious dessert, with a creamy pumpkin layer and a pecan-studded topping. It takes only about 50 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying option for holiday baking. The warm, spiced pumpkin base pairs perfectly with the slightly crunchy, sweet pecan topping. Each slice brings a little bit of spice and a whole lot of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Baked Cranberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake with cranberry sauce on top.
Baked Cranberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Cranberry Cheesecake offers a festive twist on classic cheesecake with its cranberry topping and creamy filling. This recipe is ready in about an hour, giving you a luscious, tangy dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. The tart cranberries cut through the richness of the cheesecake, creating a balanced flavor that’s smooth yet slightly fruity. It’s an eye-catching dessert that’s as tasty as it is beautiful.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cranberry Cheesecake

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies dish delivers a flavorful meal of tender chicken and roasted vegetables. Ready in under 40 minutes, it features a blend of bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes with a smoky paprika seasoning. The chicken is juicy, and the veggies become perfectly roasted for a satisfying side or main dish. With one pan and simple ingredients, it’s both easy and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions

A plate of small, round, golden-brown puff pastries garnished with a sprig of rosemary.
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets are filled with creamy pumpkin and sweet caramelized onions for a savory twist. Taking only 30 minutes, these pockets are wrapped in flaky puff pastry for a light but indulgent appetizer or side. The caramelized onions add a subtle sweetness, while the pumpkin makes each bite creamy. Ideal for guests who want something different from the usual Thanksgiving fare.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts come to life with feta, pomegranate seeds, and a balsamic glaze in this 20-minute recipe. The air fryer creates a crispy outside, while the feta adds creaminess and pomegranate a pop of freshness. The balsamic glaze ties it all together with a hint of tanginess. It’s a simple yet flavor-packed side that brings color and texture to the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy offers a comforting, savory meal filled with tender chicken, carrots, and peas in a creamy sauce. This classic dish is ready in about an hour and is encased in a buttery crust that makes each bite rich. The hint of tarragon adds a unique, herby flavor to the familiar pot pie taste. It’s perfect for chilly Thanksgiving evenings when everyone craves a little comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers

A baking pan full of vegetables and a spoon.
Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers is a simple yet flavorful side that’s done in about 30 minutes. The lemon adds a bright zest, while the potatoes and broccoli roast up crisp and tender. Peppers bring a mild sweetness that complements the lemon perfectly. This easy side dish is ideal for balancing richer main courses with a light, fresh touch.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers

Chicken Marbella

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Marbella brings a unique sweet-savory flavor with prunes, olives, and capers baked into tender chicken thighs. Taking just under an hour, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired main with a delicious blend of earthy, salty, and sweet flavors. The prunes add depth, the olives a briny bite, and the capers a slight tang. Perfect for impressing guests with a twist on the usual Thanksgiving fare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Jerusalem Kugel

A hand using a spatula to scoop a portion of cooked shredded food from a pot. Nearby are a plate, fork, mustard-colored cloth, and three cinnamon sticks on a marble surface.
Jerusalem Kugel. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Jerusalem Kugel is a sweet and savory noodle dish with caramelized sugar and black pepper, creating a unique taste that’s both spicy and sweet. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a comforting, slightly chewy side that brings a bit of Israeli tradition to the table. The kugel’s caramelized flavor offers a touch of sweetness, while black pepper provides a gentle heat. It’s a great option for anyone looking to add something different to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Overhead view of apple pie with apples.
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie is a classic dessert with tender, spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. In just 50 minutes, you’ll have a pie that’s as delicious as it is timeless. Each slice is bursting with warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, paired with the fresh taste of baked apples. Perfect for a traditional end to any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Overhead of Moroccan pearl couscous salad.
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad is a vibrant dish filled with couscous, dried fruits, and warm spices like cumin and cinnamon. Ready in 30 minutes, it has a sweet-savory flavor profile that’s both satisfying and unique. The dried fruits bring a bit of sweetness, while the couscous keeps it hearty. It’s an ideal side for adding color and bold flavors to the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

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