Getting through Thanksgiving without a table full of picky eaters is almost a miracle. But offering these 39 simple dishes means something for everyone, and most importantly, fewer complaints. These recipes give permission to keep things manageable without sacrificing variety. Maybe keeping mouths full will help keep the peace just a little longer.

Easy Pumpkin Turnovers

In gatherings where quick and kid-friendly options matter, Easy Pumpkin Turnovers offer a handheld treat that’s easy to serve and share. With just a few steps, these pastries blend canned pumpkin and spices with a simple crust for fuss-free preparation. Since everyone can grab one easily, there’s less time spent arranging trays and more time enjoying each other. This gives every guest a sweet bite to keep conversations lively and moments at the table quiet and content.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Turnovers

Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

For those who want comfort and familiar flavors in one dish, Classic Corn Pudding Casserole stands out for its versatility and creamy corn texture. Simple to assemble in advance, it fits perfectly alongside meats and sides without a lot of fuss. The soft consistency and subtle sweetness add a quiet charm, making it popular with guests, young and old. Sharing this casserole ensures plates are finished in silence, keeping the focus on good food and happy company.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

When you need an attractive dessert that can be sliced for sharing, Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake answers with its appealing layers of chocolate and pumpkin flavors. Easy to decorate and cut, this cake keeps preparation time short while delivering a rich taste everyone recognizes. Its combination of brownie base and pumpkin topping gives each bite a comforting blend of textures. Offering slices brings smiles around the table, helping everyone settle in quietly for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Winning approval across generations, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole features smooth potatoes enriched with cheese and a golden topping. Prepared ahead for easier serving, it holds warmth and consistent flavor, ensuring every scoop is just right. Its creamy base offers satisfaction with minimal effort, especially when seconds are needed. Placing this casserole at the center helps guests focus on their plates, turning mealtime into a peaceful event.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

At gatherings, handheld treats like Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies simplify dessert while pleasing both kids and adults. Soft pumpkin cookies sandwich a sweet filling, offering mess-free enjoyment and reliable flavor in every bite. The simple preparation makes these pies ideal for busy cooks who want something special without extra fuss. Serving them encourages quiet appreciation and keeps everyone reaching for a second one.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Adding a distinct flavor to the mix, Smoked Dill Pickle Wings combine tangy marinade with smoky depth, creating a memorable appetizer. Easy to prepare on the grill or smoker, these wings bring something different to the table without complicated steps. The smoke and dill help balance heavier dishes, giving variety to the meal and keeping guests satisfied. Serving these wings helps keep napkins in hand and chatter to a minimum as everyone enjoys their portions.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies

Quick-to-make desserts like Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies draw attention with their inviting cut-outs and jam filling. Each cookie pairs pumpkin flavor with a sweet touch, and the design makes them a fun and attractive addition to any table. Because they can be assembled ahead of time, these cookies help reduce kitchen stress and keep guests focused on their treats. Make room on the tray, as these cookies always disappear without much discussion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Practical options such as Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties maximize leftovers with simple steps that produce flavorful bites. Shaped from mashed potatoes and turkey scraps, these patties crisp up easily and serve well as snacks or main items. Presenting them on a platter streamlines serving and cuts down on extra side dishes. Featuring a new twist on familiar flavors, these patties help keep the meal running smoothly and guests quietly content.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Among dessert options, Puff Pastry Apple Tart delivers a crisp crust and tender apple topping in a bake-and-serve format. With minimal ingredients and simple assembly, this tart saves time and ensures everybody gets a slice with even flavor. The elegant presentation means less fuss plating individual portions, while the familiar taste keeps complaints away. Slices passed around always seem to prompt quiet enjoyment at any table.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Balancing rich main dishes, Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon offers crunch and salt in every bite that complements other sides. Cooked with simple ingredients, this dish adds both color and interest without overwhelming flavor. The bacon provides depth and a lovely structure, bringing harmony to heavier offerings. Placed on the buffet, it helps round out the meal so guests remain happy and focused on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Smoked New York Strip Roast

Robust in flavor and impressive on any spread, Smoked New York Strip Roast delivers tender meat with minimal prep after smoking. Carving slices for each guest ensures juicy portions and a straightforward serving style that avoids fuss. The smoked exterior enhances taste while the roast remains tender inside, making it a reliable centerpiece. Plates served with this dish tend to fill quickly and keep conversations light.
Get the Recipe: Smoked New York Strip Roast

Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma

Drinks such as Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma can smooth over busy moments with a gentle note of vanilla and herbal balance. Simple ingredients and easy mixing help ensure everyone gets a glass without long wait times. The refreshing character fits alongside other flavors at the table, keeping thirst out of the picture. Pouring these drinks is a quiet pleasure that brings guests together with each sip.
Get the Recipe: Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma

Chef Jenn’s Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

When side dishes need to be quick and homemade, Chef Jenn’s Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe provides a reliable blend of sweet apples without added fuss. Minimal preparation and rapid cooking create a naturally sweet sauce that matches any main dish. Easy storage and serving mean there’s less stirring or watching required during busy moments. Every spoonful gives something simple and memorable while reducing the noise around the table.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Comfort food is front and center in Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese, adding richness and a smooth consistency everyone appreciates. The easy-to-follow recipe lets cooks whip up a batch in less time, making it fit for any gathering. Cream cheese helps blend potatoes into a texture so soft, quiet satisfaction is guaranteed. Second helpings are common, as guests enjoy each spoonful without distraction.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet rolls bring a festive appeal, and Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine spiced apples with tender dough in a way that’s easy to share. Baking them ahead means warm treats come out fresh without extra prep, perfect for any brunch or dessert table. Children and adults both gravitate to the familiar flavors, finding comfort in each swirl. Serving these rolls leads to happier, quieter moments as plates come back clean.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

White Bean Salad

For quick, wholesome variety, White Bean Salad uses canned beans and fresh veggies in a straightforward toss-and-serve approach. This salad provides a mild and creamy texture with hints of crunch, standing out as a side or simple lunch. Its ease of preparation makes it possible to assemble just before guests arrive, cutting down on last-minute chaos. On any menu, this dish keeps everyone happy and focused on finished plates.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad

Easy Pumpkin Waffles

Breakfast or brunch is covered with Easy Pumpkin Waffles, which combine classic convenience with a tasty twist. Simple ingredients and fast mixing allow batches to be made for groups without delay. The waffles pair well with sweet or flavorful toppings, bringing a quiet contentment to the table. Serving stacks ensures that nobody waits long between bites, keeping everyone pleased.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Waffles

Cream of Onion Soup

When you want to offer a comforting starter, Cream of Onion Soup brings mellow, sweet flavors with a creamy touch that pairs well with bread. Straightforward steps and basic ingredients make this soup an easy choice for batch cooking. Its warmth and smooth texture invite guests to settle in, creating a gentle transition to the main course. Bowls filled with this soup set the tone for a pleasant, quiet meal ahead.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Among baked treats, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins stand out for their soft crumb and rich swirl of cream cheese. Quick to prepare and simple to bake, these muffins please everyone from children to adults with a familiar, easy-to-eat format. They store well and can be served at room temperature, removing the final-hour rush. Their popularity at the table means plates are finished with little chatter, keeping everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Filling in both taste and texture, Twice-Baked Potato Casserole brings together potato, cheese, and bacon in a format everyone trusts. Straightforward preparation and baking make this dish suitable for serving large groups with minimal stress. Scooping out portions produces a soft, hearty side that stands up to strong main courses. Plates are emptied at a steady pace, keeping noise levels low and spirits high.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Pumpkin Spice Scones

Quick to bake and easy to serve, Pumpkin Spice Scones feature a tender crumb and special flavor that fits morning or afternoon gatherings. Minimal kneading and ingredients ensure these scones are ready without fuss, while their shape encourages sharing. Everyone at the table grabs a scone and a cup, making tea or coffee breaks quiet and pleasant. Their convenience means happy guests reach for seconds without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Scones

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Tired of heavy dishes, guests enjoy Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill for its bright, refreshing flavor and simple preparation. Roasting and tossing with lemon juice and fresh dill makes a colorful side that balances the rest of the meal. Offering bite-sized florets means guests can sample without overfilling their plates. This option keeps conversation flowing as everyone appreciates a lighter choice.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Apple Crisp with Ice Cream

Easy desserts like Apple Crisp with Ice Cream offer comforting flavor and contrast in temperature that appeals to every guest. Baking the crisp ahead ensures a warm base to serve, while a scoop of ice cream adds creaminess and sweetness. The oat topping provides both crunch and structure, keeping slices neat for serving. Seeing bowls empty quietly speaks to the universal appeal of this classic treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp with Ice Cream

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Using equipment that simplifies cooking, Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans guarantee tender vegetables cooked with smoke and bacon in a hands-off process. Low effort means more time spent away from the stove, and every serving holds consistent flavor. These beans pair easily with both meat and other sides, rounding out the spread. The steady pace of serving helps guests settle in for a relaxed meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Group-friendly desserts benefit from Caramel Apple Sheet Cake, which offers easy slicing and rich caramel notes for every eater. Preparing a single pan lets hosts avoid extra plating and ensures each piece holds both fruit and sweetness. The surface caramel creates a tender crust that draws people back for seconds. Serving this cake quietly brings smiles as plates return empty.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Modern convenience is found in Air Fryer Turkey Breast, offering crispy skin and juicy meat without extended oven times. Quick cooking and even browning ensure main dish perfection in less time. Slicing for guests is simpler, with each portion handled cleanly and easily. Placing this turkey breast on the table ensures smiles and quiet concentration from hungry eaters.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Adding a twist to a favorite treat, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls present a spiral of pumpkin and cinnamon that bakes up soft and fragrant. Preparation is straightforward, enabling quick assembly and hassle-free serving for family members. At the table, each roll offers enough sweetness and spice to keep conversation centered on eating. When rolls vanish quickly, you know everyone is happy and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Rich in texture and variety, Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole brings together nuts, marshmallows, and smooth sweet potatoes in a visually appealing bake. Direct preparation steps mean this casserole is perfect for stress-free gatherings and easy serving. The balance of crunch and creaminess draws compliments without much discussion. Sharing this dish always leads to quiet appreciation at any busy event.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

When dessert needs both flair and simple assembly, Pumpkin Crunch Cake delivers a layered structure and crispy topping in every slice. Mixing ingredients and baking in one pan helps cut down on preparation stress, setting up easy-serving portions. The contrast in texture makes this cake memorable among other sweets. Once placed on the buffet, it always gets repeat visits from both children and adults.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup

Everyone loves a classic starter, and Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup brings robust flavor with caramelized onions, rich broth, and melted cheese in every bowl. Oven-finished with bread and cheese, this soup is easy to portion for gatherings. The aroma alone invites quiet anticipation while guests wait. Bowls passed around quickly ensure everyone is content and ready for the main courses.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup

Apple Fritter Bread

Baked loaves like Apple Fritter Bread combine chunks of apple and spiced batter in an easy-to-slice format that fits any meal. Quick to mix and bake, this bread makes breakfast, brunch, or dessert simple to prepare and share. Serving slices with a glaze on top keeps plates tidy and guests quick to finish. The soft texture and inviting aroma mean every slice is enjoyed with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritter Bread

Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Appetizers such as Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets offer every guest a perfect bite with easy-to-handle pastry and delicious filling. These tartlets can be baked in advance, making last-minute serving smoother for hosts. Their simple size and rich taste encourage sampling without overcrowding the plate. Placing them in reach helps quiet the crowd as everyone tries one.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Apple Dump Cake

Among desserts, Apple Dump Cake is a go-to for quick assembly and a familiar, comforting flavor that pleases all ages. Mixing canned apples and cake mix in a single pan produces a sweet, golden topping that’s easy to serve. The straightforward method makes it perfect for last-minute hosts who still want something special. Every scoop brings smiles as guests focus on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Apple Dump Cake

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Smooth and filling, Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup offers subtle sweetness with easy prep steps that suit any cook. Soups like this can be made ahead and stored until ready to serve, keeping kitchen stress down. The gentle flavor pairs well with hearty bread or lighter starters, making it versatile for any meal. Bowls passed quietly between guests keep the atmosphere calm and happy.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Best Ever Pumpkin Bread

Quick breads such as Best Ever Pumpkin Bread use basic steps to produce a moist, spiced loaf that everyone welcomes at the table. Preparation is simple, and the bread slices neatly for sharing without crumbs or fuss. The familiar pumpkin flavor is an easy win when picky eaters need something they know. Serving it quietly ensures plates are finished with little talk as guests enjoy each piece.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Pumpkin Bread

Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl

Balanced meals like Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl mix fresh vegetables, grains, and tender salmon in a layered format that’s easy to portion. Bowls can be assembled to order, allowing for flexibility with dietary needs and quick serving. Each element stands out on its own, yet comes together simply at mealtime. Guests appreciate the variety and focus on finishing every bite.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl

Dutch Apple Danishes

With a flaky crust and apple filling, Dutch Apple Danishes bring bakery flavor home in a simple format perfect for sharing. Assembling and baking ahead of time gives hosts flexibility while still offering a special treat. Guests can choose their own Danish, making serving quiet and effortless. The blend of pastry and apple filling means plates are always cleared with quiet satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

Turkey à la King

For using leftovers in a classic format, Turkey à la King blends tender turkey with creamy sauce and vegetables in a comforting dish. Serve over rice or bread to keep things tidy and easy for large groups. The single-pan preparation helps minimize kitchen mess and keeps stress low for cooks. Every serving brings quiet contentment, with guests appreciating the welcoming flavors.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Simple baking is made easy with Pumpkin Dump Cake, which layers canned pumpkin, sweet spices, and cake mix for stress-free preparation. Everything goes into one pan, cutting down on steps and making cleanup quick. The result is a soft layer topped with crispy crumbs, inviting everyone to finish their portions. With this dessert, plates come back clean and guests remain content.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake