35 Easy Thanksgiving Dishes That Are Perfect for Busy Cooks

Keeping the holiday menu stress-free is possible, even if your calendar is already packed. The 35 quick recipes below rely on pantry staples, short ingredient lists, and clever time-savers like sheet pans and slow cookers. Mix and match them for a full spread or just pick the ones that fit the gaps in your plan. Either way, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the day.

1. One-Pan Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

Opting for a bone-in breast instead of a whole turkey slashes cook time and makes carving simple. Rub butter, garlic, and mixed herbs under the skin, then roast everything on the same pan with potatoes that soak up the drippings. The result is juicy meat, crisp skin, and a built-in side dish ready in about 90 minutes.

2. Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Simmer turkey wings with onion, carrot, and celery a few days in advance, then strain and chill the broth. On Thanksgiving, reheat the broth, thicken with a quick roux, and finish with a splash of cream for richness. Prepping early frees up valuable stove space when guests arrive.

3. Slow-Cooker Stuffing

Cube a loaf of crusty bread and toss it with sautéed onions, celery, and browned sausage. Let the slow cooker handle the rest while you focus on the main course. The gentle heat keeps the stuffing moist while the edges still develop a pleasant crispness.

4. Sheet-Pan Maple-Glazed Carrots

Baby or cut-to-size carrots roast quickly and evenly on one pan. A mixture of maple syrup, olive oil, and a pinch of chili flakes adds sweet heat without extra fuss. Pop them in the oven for the final 20 minutes of turkey roasting and they’ll finish together.

5. Cranberry Orange Relish

Pulse fresh cranberries, a whole seedless orange, and sugar in a food processor for a bright, no-cook condiment. The relish keeps for a week and tastes even better after a night in the fridge. Spoon it over turkey, spread it on sandwiches, or stir it into yogurt the next morning.

6. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Blanch green beans ahead, then shock them in ice water to retain color. Just before serving, sauté with butter and minced garlic until fragrant, adding almonds for crunch if you like. The whole finishing step takes under five minutes.

7. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Pressure-cooking potatoes means no pot boil-overs and tender spuds in about ten minutes. Mash right in the pot with warm milk and cream cheese for extra silkiness. Use the “keep warm” setting to hold them until dinnertime without drying out.

8. Skillet Cornbread

Heating the skillet in the oven first guarantees a crispy edge on every slice. A splash of buttermilk keeps the interior tender while honey adds a gentle sweetness. Serve straight from the pan to save dishes and maintain warmth.

9. Simple Sweet Potato Casserole

Microwave cubed sweet potatoes to soften them fast, mash with brown sugar and cinnamon, then bake. A quick broil melts the marshmallow layer to gooey perfection. The entire casserole moves from prep to table in roughly 30 minutes.

10. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Combine canned pumpkin, cream cheese, and warm spices, then spoon the mixture into a premade crust. After a four-hour chill, the filling sets without ever turning on the oven. It’s light, creamy, and slices cleanly even after a heavy meal.

11. Stove-Top Mac and Cheese

A one-pot cheese sauce thickens while the noodles cook, saving both time and cleanup. Sharp cheddar and a splash of evaporated milk yield a silky texture that stays smooth. Finish with a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

12. Honey-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Halve the sprouts for quicker cooking and more crispy surface area. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then drizzle with honey during the last five minutes so it doesn’t burn. The sweet coating pairs especially well with savory turkey and ham.

13. Turkey and Cranberry Sliders

Warm leftover turkey in a skillet, layer onto small rolls, and top with relish and cheese. A quick bake melts everything together for easy hand-held bites. They double as next-day snacks or a casual party appetizer.

14. Five-Minute Cranberry Sauce

Use canned whole cranberries, a splash of orange juice, and a pinch of cinnamon for instant depth. Simmer just until glossy and thickened, then cool. The sauce sets quickly and can be served warm or chilled.

15. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Roast cubed squash alongside onion and garlic, then blend with stock until smooth. A touch of coconut milk creates a luxurious texture without dairy if you’re serving varied diets. Keep it warm in a slow cooker so guests can ladle their own cups.

16. Pecan Streusel Apple Crisp

Sliced apples bake under a quick topping of oats, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Because the dessert uses pantry items, it comes together with almost no notice. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a comforting finish.

17. Roasted Parmesan Asparagus

Thin spears roast in less than ten minutes, perfect for last-minute timing. Grated Parmesan adds nuttiness while a squeeze of lemon brightens everything. The dish is elegant enough for the holiday yet effortless to prepare.

18. Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Rolls

Store-bought puff pastry wraps around a quick filling of sautéed spinach, feta, and dill. Slice the roll into pinwheels before baking for crispy edges in every bite. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature, making timing flexible.

19. Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Steak

A single ham steak cooks faster than a whole ham yet still offers that classic sweet-savory flavor. Baste with a quick glaze of brown sugar, mustard, and a splash of cider vinegar. Slice and serve in under 20 minutes.

20. Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Toss florets with olive oil, garlic powder, and grated cheese, then roast until tender and crisped at the edges. The nutty flavor of Parmesan replaces the need for a heavy sauce. Kids tend to love the cheesy bite, so it’s a smart way to add veggies.

21. Lemon Dill Roasted Salmon

Baking salmon at a moderate temperature keeps it moist and flaky while you handle other tasks. A quick rub of olive oil, lemon zest, and dill provides bright flavor. It’s a lovely option for guests who don’t eat poultry.

22. Easy Sausage and Apple Dressing

Sauté chopped onions with crumbled sausage, then fold in cubed bread, diced apples, and chicken broth. Bake until the top turns crisp but the center stays soft. The sweet fruit balances the savory meat for a crowd-pleasing side.

23. Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash

Halve the squash, slice into crescents, and roast until tender. A brush of butter, maple, and a sprinkle of pecans adds crunch and caramel notes. The presentation is colorful enough to stand in for center-table decor.

24. Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls

Use refrigerated dough to shave off rising time, then bake in a round cake pan for easy portioning. While they’re still hot, brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table.

25. Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites

Press crescent roll dough into mini muffin tins, add a cube of Brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, then bake. In 12 minutes you have gooey, festive appetizers. They disappear fast, so consider a double batch.

26. Bourbon Cranberry Meatballs

Combine frozen meatballs, cranberry sauce, and a splash of bourbon in the slow cooker, then let them simmer until heated through. The sauce thickens as the sugars caramelize, coating each meatball. Serve right from the cooker to keep them warm through the evening.

27. Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf

Cook wild rice blend in broth, then fold in sautéed shallots, cranberries, and toasted pecans. The nutty grains hold well at room temperature, making timing flexible. Fresh herbs stirred in just before serving keep flavors bright.

28. Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

Combine oats, milk, pumpkin purée, and warm spices in jars the night before the holiday. By morning, breakfast is ready with no cooking required. The chilled oats also double as a lighter dessert option for guests watching sweets.

29. Easy Deviled Eggs with Chives

Boil eggs in advance, then mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, and a dash of vinegar for balance. A small zip-top bag works as a quick piping tool. The sprinkle of fresh chives adds color and a mild onion bite.

30. Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Press a simple butter crust into a pan, pour on a mix of corn syrup, eggs, pecans, and chocolate, then bake. Once cooled, slice into neat bars that travel well. They capture the flavor of pie without the fuss of rolling dough.

31. Air-Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs, then cook in the air fryer for ten minutes. The circulating heat creates a crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Serve them as an appetizer or toss into leftover gravy for next-day subs.

32. Caramelized Onion Dip

Slow-cook sliced onions until deeply golden, then fold into a base of sour cream and Greek yogurt. A splash of Worcestershire adds complexity without extra effort. Make it a day ahead—the flavor only improves overnight.

33. Sheet-Pan Roasted Autumn Vegetables

Cubed root veggies roast together at the same temperature, creating caramelized edges and tender centers. A drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of dried thyme keep seasoning straightforward. Leftovers are excellent tossed into salads or grain bowls.

34. Quick Pickled Red Onions

Simmer vinegar, water, sugar, and salt, then pour over thinly sliced onions. In just 30 minutes, they turn tangy and vivid, ready to liven up sandwiches and salads. The jars store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

35. Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail

Combine chilled apple cider and plain seltzer in equal parts for instant fizz. A splash of lemon juice keeps the drink from tasting overly sweet. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a festive, alcohol-free toast.