Take it easy this holiday season (without sacrificing flavor) with my best easy recipes for Thanksgiving sides, desserts, appetizers and more.
easy delicious recipes to the rescue this Thanksgiving
Good food doesn’t need to be complicated! It’s the mantra of this site and always has been. Even for those of us who love to cook, Thanksgiving is really all about the time spent with friends and family, and the last thing we want is a stressful, messy day in the kitchen.
My simple recipes for appetizers, sides, dessert, and even a pared down turkey main course are all about that kind of cooking that is actually enjoyable, without sacrificing anything. Simple food cooked well, now that’s something to be thankful for!
3 Ingredient Biscuits
There is something so satisfying about whipping together something fabulous from ingredients you can count on one hand. These fluffy, buttery biscuits deliver on texture and flavor, and are a cinch to whip together.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Sage
No need to boil, mash, bake, and top with a marshmallow-concoction, this delicious sweet potato dish cuts down on so many steps. Thinly sliced potatoes are roasted with fresh sage leaves and a tiny drizzle of honey for that hint of sweetness that goes so well with the rest of the dishes on your Thanksgiving table.
How to Perfectly Cook a Turkey Breast
When a whole bird is just a little too much for your table (or oven), a simple, perfectly cooked turkey breast can still be festive for the holiday. My method even gives you a delicious gravy from the drippings at the end, too.
Simple Buttered Rutabagas
Thanksgiving brings us back to seasonal ingredients and recipes that we tend to forget about the rest of the year. These simple buttered rutabagas are a great way to try a traditional fall veggie that maybe you’ve never had before, or maybe you remember from your childhood. I’m on team rutabaga, for sure!
Sweet and Spicy Bar Mix
If you’re anything like me, you want a little something to nibble on while waiting for the big meal, but forget fussy appetizers that are cut out into little shapes or anything too heavy and filling. This irresistible little snack mix is just the thing. Ever since I started making it last year, I’m almost never without a fresh batch!
Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Dressing
A fresh green salad is always welcome on a Thanksgiving table. A sliced pear and creamy walnut dressing makes this salad special, but it couldn’t be easier to make.
Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
This homemade liqueur makes for such a fun and impressive night cap after the big meal. Make extra and you’ve got your holiday gifts sorted!
Perfect Oven Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary
You can’t go wrong with a classic, and these crispy roasted potatoes require just 4 ingredients and a little oven space ~ they go a long way towards rounding out a Thanksgiving menu.
Instant Pot Gravy
Every Thanksgiving table needs extra gravy, but oven and stovetop space is always at a premium. My Instant Pot gravy solves that problem!
Cranberry Shortbread Crumble Tart
This gorgeous tart is festive and delicious, but soooo much easier than pie! It’s my classic shortbread crumble base that I’ve used with everything from marmalade to rhubarb.
Rainbow Carrots with Browned Butter and Sage
Fresh veggies, a little browned butter and a light sprinkling of fresh sage make for an aromatic and gorgeous side dish that is the epitome of laid back, wholesome cooking.
The Ultimate Cheese Board
If you’re looking for a no-cook appetizer (or even sophisticated dessert!) idea for Turkey day, a cheese plate is the way to go. Simply assemble and serve! My tips for balancing the flavors and textures of the perfect cheese board will make yours as memorable as anything else on your table.
No Churn Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
No-churn ice creams are one of my favorite desserts to make because it’s just so satisfying to mix together a few ingredients, throw it in the freezer, and, like magic, you have a silky, rich homemade ice cream! This dessert tastes just like pumpkin pie, and doesn’t hog any oven space 🙂
Roasted Rainbow Vegetables
Between the turkey, the gravy, and the mashed potatoes, Thanksgiving tables can get a little drab. These fresh, vibrant roasted veggies bring so much life and flavor to the holiday spread.
The Best Pecan Sandies
These buttery shortbread cookies are infused with the rich flavors of pecan pie, in an easy, slice-and-bake cookie! Set out a plate with after dinner coffee and you’ve basically beat the system with an effortless dessert that everybody loves. (My butter pecan shortbread also works!)
