Easy Thanksgiving feasts: 19 simple recipes for a memorable holiday

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Thanksgiving is a meal made with love. There are always classics you can’t live without, but sometimes it’s fun to change things up a little, too. With these 19 simple recipes, you can put together a delicious meal that’s easy to make and hard to forget. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few, these dishes keep the stress low and the flavors high. Get ready for a Thanksgiving feast that everyone will love.

Image shows a closeup head on shot of Harvest Quinoa Salad in a glass bowl.
Harvest Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Marguerite Salad

Bowl of marguerite salad topped with cherries on a black counter.
Marguerite Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creamy marshmallow salad brings together pineapple, maraschino cherries, and marshmallows in a sweet, comforting mix that will have everyone reaching for more. It’s an easy dish to prepare and works as a side or dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will stay in everyone’s memory long after the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Marguerite Salad

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes in a casserole dish on a blue wooden table.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This cheesy scalloped potato dish layers thinly sliced potatoes in a rich, creamy sauce topped with plenty of cheese. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that will fit perfectly into any Thanksgiving meal. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to make it a favorite at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spinach and Parmesan quinoa makes a hearty, healthy side dish that pairs well with just about anything. Full of protein and flavor, it’s easy to prepare and offers a lighter option to balance out heavier main dishes. It’s a tasty, nutritious addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Italian-inspired ratatouille brings together colorful vegetables like zucchini and squash in a simple, flavorful dish. Seasoned with herbs, it’s an easy way to add a healthy, vibrant option to the table. It’s a perfect, light complement to a more filling Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Dinner Roll Knots

Indulge in flaky, buttery goodness with homemade crescent rolls that will melt in your mouth and elevate any meal. These rolls are the epitome of comfort and pair perfectly with just about any meal.
Dinner Roll Knots. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These soft, buttery dinner roll knots are the perfect side dish for any meal. They’re easy to make, fluffy, and pair well with just about anything, from stews to holiday feasts. These rolls will add a comforting touch to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots

Harvest Quinoa Salad

Image shows a closeup head on shot of Harvest Quinoa Salad in a glass bowl.
Harvest Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This hearty quinoa salad blends roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and feta cheese in a vibrant, flavorful mix. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s full of different textures, perfect for adding something fresh to the Thanksgiving table. It’s a great way to balance out the heavier main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad

Cinnamon Apples

Image shows a Fork holding a bite of cinnamon apples with a ramekin holding more in the background.
Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender apple slices, spiced with cinnamon and cooked in the Instant Pot, create a dish that fills your home with delicious aromas. It’s a comforting addition to any meal, whether as a dessert or breakfast topping. These apples are easy to make and will be a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples

Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Image shows a hand holding a piece of grilled baby bok choy over a bowl containing more bok choy.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Grilled baby bok choy is a unique and healthy vegetable dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tossed in a light Asian marinade, it adds a flavorful and fresh touch to any meal. It’s an impressive yet simple side that pairs well with almost anything on your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Image shows a bowl filled with Buttery Dinner Rolls.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft, buttery dinner rolls are a perfect side for any Thanksgiving feast. They’re light, fluffy, and will soak up all the rich gravies and sauces. These easy-to-make rolls will quickly become a staple on your table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls

Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts with caramelized edges in a serving dish.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Roasting Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that makes them irresistible. The high roasting temperature caramelizes the sprouts, bringing out their sweetness in every bite. This simple yet flavorful side will be a favorite at your Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Image shows A spoonful of cranberry sauce in a pot.
Orange Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This tangy cranberry orange sauce adds a fresh twist to the traditional holiday dish. With just a few ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and adds a zesty kick to your turkey or sides. It’s a simple, flavorful addition that will brighten up your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce

Corn Casserole

Overhead image of corn casserole in a white dish.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A creamy corn casserole made with sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a cheesy sauce is sure to be the star of the meal. Topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker crust, this dish brings comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that will have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Mashed Potatoes

Overhead shot of a bowl of mashed potatoes in a blue bowl with parsley sprinkled over it.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These creamy mashed potatoes, made in the Instant Pot, are rich and velvety, the perfect side to any main course. They’re quick to prepare and easy to make, saving you time on Thanksgiving day. With their perfect texture and flavor, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Buttery Crescent Rolls

Image shows an overhead view of homemade Crescent Rolls on a baking sheet.
Buttery Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Flaky and delicious, buttery crescent rolls are the perfect side dish for any Easter meal. They’re quick and easy to make, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm from the oven and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls

Spinach Orzo Salad

This photo shows a spinach orzo salad in a square glass bowl sitting on a black granite countertop.
Spinach Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spinach and orzo come together in this light, flavorful side dish that’s easy to make. The savory ingredients mix into the warm orzo for a perfect balance of freshness and flavor. This simple dish will be a welcome addition to your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a plate with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a roll.
Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This boneless turkey breast cooked in a slow cooker is a stress-free way to enjoy tender turkey with savory gravy. It’s an easy recipe that will save you time and effort while still delivering great flavor. This is a hassle-free way to make Thanksgiving dinner a breeze when a whole turkey is too much.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A buttermilk brined roasted surrounded by festive holiday side dishes.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brining turkey in buttermilk creates a moist and tender bird full of rich flavor. The herbs like rosemary and sage infuse the turkey, making each bite deliciously savory. This easy recipe will help your Thanksgiving turkey stand out without taking too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter green beans are an easy, flavorful side dish that will complement any main course. The garlic butter gives the fresh beans a savory richness that makes them irresistible. This simple dish is a great addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Turkey Charcuterie Board

A fruit-filled turkey shaped platter.
Turkey Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

A turkey charcuterie board brings together an assortment of meats, cheeses, and savory accompaniments to create a fun and festive spread. It’s a perfect way to start a Thanksgiving meal with a variety of flavors. This easy-to-make board is an impressive way to show off your Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Charcuterie Board

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