Thanksgiving can be stressful, but these 19 recipes will help make hosting feel easier than ever. From main dishes to sides and desserts, they are designed to save you time and effort without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for any host looking to keep things simple while still impressing guests. These dishes will let you focus on the fun, even when the pressure is on.
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
This roasted veggie combo of potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers offers a bright, citrusy side that’s ready in 40 minutes. The lemon adds a fresh burst, perfect for cutting through the richness of Thanksgiving dishes. It’s a simple way to bring color and flavor to the table while keeping hosting stress-free. Expect these veggies to get more attention than your turkey.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
This one-pan meal of paprika-seasoned chicken and roasted vegetables takes 45 minutes to make and is a great fit for a hassle-free Thanksgiving. The smoky paprika adds warmth that balances the holiday spread without making things complicated. Perfect for anyone who wants to simplify their prep. With a dish this easy, you might rethink your holiday cooking routine.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Pecan Pie blends smooth pumpkin filling with crunchy pecans in just over an hour, making it a perfect Thanksgiving dessert. The caramel drizzle adds an extra touch that feels like fall on a plate. This dessert ties together texture and taste in a way that keeps guests coming back for more. You might even find yourself making it after the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
This stuffing casserole combines sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds in just about an hour. A fresh twist on traditional stuffing, it’s a fun way to update your Thanksgiving without losing the cozy feel. Perfect for anyone wanting to break out of the stuffing mold. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles with Chocolate Sauce
These pumpkin waffles offer a protein-packed option with 17g per serving, making them a satisfying breakfast during the holiday season. Soft from the pumpkin puree and topped with chocolate sauce, they bring fall flavors into your morning. A great way to kick off Thanksgiving without overdoing it on sweets. Once you try them, they’ll be your new go-to for mornings.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles with Chocolate Sauce
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
Savory pumpkin and caramelized onions wrapped in flaky puff pastry make the perfect appetizer for your Thanksgiving spread. Ready in 35 minutes, these bites offer a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors that’ll start your meal off right. Great for adding a special touch without extra work. Serve these, and you’ll have guests grabbing more before the main course.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
This dish pairs juicy chicken with tangy pomegranate molasses and crunchy walnuts, ready in about an hour. The sweet and savory combo adds a Persian twist to your Thanksgiving table, making it a standout among traditional dishes. It’s perfect for anyone looking to shake things up. Serve this, and your holiday will have a whole new flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
Apple cranberry muffins offer a sweet addition to your Thanksgiving spread in just 40 minutes. The tart cranberries and sweet apples balance each other out, with a crunchy streusel topping adding texture. A great way to change up dessert or breakfast during the holiday season. These will quickly become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
This vibrant couscous salad, with pumpkin, feta, and fresh herbs, is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect side dish for a Thanksgiving spread. The tahini lemon dressing gives it a bright, zesty flavor that balances out the richness of other holiday dishes. Ideal for lightening up the table without losing any flavor. Serve this, and it might just steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
This vegan-friendly Hubbard squash pie has a smooth, spiced filling wrapped in a coconut oil crust, ready in about an hour. Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that fits perfectly into a Thanksgiving dessert spread. It’s a great way to offer something festive that everyone can enjoy. One slice, and you’ll never look at squash the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
This gluten-free and vegan pumpkin pie takes about an hour to make and keeps all the classic flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving dessert. The familiar spices and flaky crust ensure this dish stays true to the holiday’s spirit, even with modern ingredients. A great option for anyone with dietary needs. One bite, and you’ll see why this pie is here to stay.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
This baked cranberry cheesecake offers a creamy, rich filling topped with a tart cranberry layer for a festive Thanksgiving dessert. In just 90 minutes, it’s a showstopper that’s perfect for anyone looking for something other than pie. The tangy cranberries balance the richness, making it feel light yet indulgent. Once served, it might steal the spotlight from pumpkin pie.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
These Brussels sprouts, ready in 20 minutes, combine the tangy flavors of balsamic with salty feta and sweet pomegranate seeds. The crispy texture from the air fryer makes them an easy yet flavorful Thanksgiving side dish. A great way to lighten up the table without sacrificing taste. Even Brussels sprout skeptics will be reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
This classic apple pie, with a lattice top and buttery crust, bakes in just about an hour and brings timeless flavors to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of tender apples and warm spices makes it a comforting crowd-pleaser. Perfect for anyone looking to stick to tradition while keeping things simple. One slice, and you’ll see why this pie is a holiday staple.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail
This Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail, ready in just 10 minutes, brings all the cozy fall flavors into one glass without the alcohol. It’s a great seasonal drink to have on hand during Thanksgiving for guests who want something festive without the booze. Perfect for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful treat. One sip, and it’ll become your favorite fall drink.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail
Caramelized Onion and Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pockets
These savory puff pastry pockets, filled with caramelized onions and pumpkin, make a great appetizer or side for Thanksgiving. Ready in 35 minutes, they offer a delicious combination of flavors wrapped in flaky pastry. A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead of time. Serve these, and guests might fill up before dinner even begins.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion and Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pockets
Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella pairs prunes, olives, and capers with chicken for a bold and flavorful Thanksgiving main course. In just over an hour, you’ll have a dish that brings a unique twist to the holiday spread. Perfect for anyone wanting to step outside the turkey tradition. This is a main course that’ll have everyone talking long after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
This Tabbouleh salad, ready in just 20 minutes, mixes bulgur wheat, feta, and fresh herbs for a light and refreshing side dish. It’s the perfect balance to the heavier Thanksgiving dishes, offering a fresh, herby flavor. A great option for those who want something lighter yet satisfying. Serve this, and guests will rethink what belongs on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Gluten-Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche
This gluten-free pecan pie combines rich maple syrup, bourbon, and pecans for a dessert that no one will believe is gluten-free. Topped with maple dulce de leche, it’s ready in just over an hour and adds a sweet, festive twist to Thanksgiving. Perfect for anyone looking to mix tradition with something new. One slice, and guests will forget about gluten entirely.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche