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Thanksgiving is my favorite but it doesn’t have to mean spending all day in the kitchen and being stressed over the perfect menu. I’ve come up with an easy Thanksgiving menu that is packed with tried-and-true recipe that my family loves (some that have been in my family for years).
Simple ingredients, quick or easy prep, and even slow cooker options so you can free up oven space. Whether you’re hosting the whole family or keeping it cozy these recipes are some I think you will love.
Thanksgiving Appetizers:
Let’s start with our easy appetizers. We love to prep these the day before and set these out to snack on while we finish preparing the main meal.
A charcuterie board is the easiest way to make your Thanksgiving table look fancy with almost zero cooking. Pile on meats, cheeses, crackers, and a few fresh fruits or nuts and you’ve got a beautiful grazing board everyone can snack on while the turkey finishes.
This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is always one of the first things to disappear. Creamy, loaded with ranch flavor, and rolled in crispy bacon, it’s the perfect spread for crackers and veggies.
Sausage Balls are a classic, can’t-stop-at-one appetizer that works for both brunch and dinner. They’re bite-sized, cheesy, and so easy to make with just a few ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Italian Pinwheels are a fun, no-cook option that add color to your appetizer spread. They’re easy to make ahead, store in the fridge, and set out right before guests walk in the door.
Breads and Rolls:
These simple recipes are perfect for beginners and no-fail recipes anyone can make.
These Butter Swim Biscuits are a must for soaking up every last bit of gravy on your plate. They bake in a pool of melted butter so the edges get golden and crispy while the inside stays soft and fluffy. No rolling or cutting required, just mix, pour, and bake, which makes them perfect for a busy Thanksgiving kitchen.
Pumpkin Bread is a simple way to bring all those warm fall flavors to your Thanksgiving table. Slice it up and serve it in a basket with your rolls, or enjoy a piece with coffee while the turkey cooks. This recipe is tender, full of cozy spice, and can easily be made a day or two ahead so it is ready to go on the big day.
Cinnamon Honey Butter takes any roll or biscuit from good to irresistible. It is creamy, lightly sweet, and comes together in just a few minutes with pantry ingredients.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes:
I know most people think the turkey is the star of the show but my favorite is always the side dishes. These cozy and crowd-pleasing side dishes are simple to make and the perfect addition to your menu.
Roasted Vegetables add color and freshness to your Thanksgiving plate. Toss your favorite veggies with a little oil and seasoning, then let the oven do the work.
This Thanksgiving Salad brings something light and crisp to balance out all the cozy casseroles. It’s easy to throw together and looks beautiful on the table.
Broccoli Casserole is creamy and cheesy. It’s a recipe that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a great way to get some veggies in while still feeling like comfort food. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it right before dinner.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Casserole is the ultimate “set it and forget it” side dish. Frozen potatoes, cheese, and a few simple ingredients turn into a rich, creamy casserole while you focus on everything else. Plus, it frees up precious oven space on a busy holiday.
More Slow Cooker Options:
Green Bean Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side for a reason. Tender green beans in a creamy sauce with crispy onions on top is pure comfort in a dish. It’s familiar, easy to prep, and always a hit with the family
Mashed Potatoes are a must-have on any Thanksgiving menu. These are smooth, buttery, and perfect for soaking up gravy. You can make them a little ahead and keep them warm so they’re ready when the turkey is.
More Potato Options:
And you can’t have mashed potatoes without gravy.
Mac and Cheese is the side dish kids and adults both get excited about. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and cozy. It’s perfect for rounding out your comfort food spread. You can also try my simple White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe for something different and a little more fancy.
Funeral Potatoes are a cheesy, creamy potato casserole with a crispy topping that’s impossible to resist. They’re easy to stir together with simple ingredients and bake up bubbly and golden. If you like this recipe but you want something a little different you could also try these Crack Potatoes.
Thanksgiving Turkey:
Now for the turkey. If you want to go classic or do something on a smaller scale these recipes will work perfectly.
Smoked Turkey adds so much flavor without a lot of extra work from you. The low and slow cooking makes the meat juicy with a delicious smoky crust, and it frees up your oven for all those side dishes. I
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is perfect when you want tender, juicy white meat without roasting a whole bird. You can season it, set it in the slow cooker, and let it cook while you focus on everything else.
Turkey Meatloaf is a fun, unexpected main dish that is perfect for a smaller crowd. It has all the cozy flavor of Thanksgiving turkey in an easy-to-slice loaf that bakes up juicy and comforting. Serve it with your favorite sides and gravy for a simple, scaled-down holiday dinner.
Easy Thanksgiving Desserts:
Now to get to the best part of the day, the sweets! These desserts are classic that are all simple to make.
Dutch Apple Pie is a must on our Thanksgiving table. A buttery crust, tender cinnamon apples, and a sweet crumb topping bake together into the coziest slice of fall. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it disappear. I also have a recipe for a tradition Apple Pie if you want to check that out as well.
Apple Spice Dump Cake is the easiest way to get all those warm apple pie flavors without fussing with a crust. You just layer the ingredients, bake, and scoop. It’s gooey, cozy, and perfect when you need a simple dessert that still feels special.
Acorn Cookies are a cute little treat that double as dessert and decoration. They’re made with simple store-bought ingredients and come together quickly, making them a fun project to do with the kids before the big meal. Scatter them on a platter or around your dessert table for a festive touch.
Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake has all the flavor of a pumpkin pie with almost no effort. It’s soft, spiced, and topped with a buttery, golden cake layer. Just dump, bake, and serve with whipped cream for an easy crowd-pleasing dessert.
No Bake Pumpkin Pie is perfect when your oven is already packed with casseroles and side dishes. It has a creamy pumpkin filling in a simple crust and chills in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Make it the day before Thanksgiving for a stress-free, slice-and-serve dessert.
Once you’ve picked your favorites from each section, you’ll have a simple, stress-free Thanksgiving menu that covers everything from appetizers to dessert with recipes your family will actually be excited to eat.
What to do with Leftover Turkey:
And when the big meal is over, don’t forget the leftovers! Turn that extra turkey and sides into easy next-day meals:
If you tried any of my recipes, I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below. You can also connect with me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST. I would love for you to follow along and discover more amazing recipes.
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