Thanksgiving has a way of turning calm people into short-order cooks, but these 31 easy recipes know how to keep the peace. The oven stays busy while you look like you’ve got it all under control. Each dish brings that holiday feel without turning the kitchen into a stress zone. You get all the cozy without the chaos, which is what real holiday magic looks like.

A plate of Pumpkin Turnovers arranged in a stack, with autumn-themed decorations and a small bowl of orange spread nearby. — Tasty Pumpkin Turnovers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Six pumpkin whoopie pies with cream filling are arranged on a gray plate, viewed from above. Two cinnamon sticks are visible at the edge of the plate. — Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Soft desserts that feel homemade always bring smiles to the table. Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies balance gentle sweetness with a smooth, creamy center that makes them stand out. Bites stay tender from start to finish without feeling heavy. People tend to grab them in pairs before you can even blink. They fit anywhere, from dessert trays to coffee breaks without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Turkey Roll Roast

A piece of roasted turkey on a cutting board with a knife. — Turkey Roll Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You can’t go wrong with a meal that serves a crowd without the hassle. Turkey Roll Roast is super convenient because it’s easy to slice and serve. It’s a fantastic option for Thanksgiving because you don’t have to spend the entire day in the kitchen. Let your oven do the work while you enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Roast

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Dutch Apple Danishes

Mornings feel warmer when something flaky is baking in the oven. Dutch Apple Danishes come out with golden layers wrapped around a soft, fruit-filled middle. One bite brings comfort that reminds people of old bakery mornings. Plates empty faster than you expect when these appear on the table. Guests always ask when you’ll make them again.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Danishes

Sausage Stuffing

This one’s a total game-changer when it comes to holiday sides. Sausage Stuffing brings rich, comforting vibes to the table. It’s packed with hearty goodness that keeps everyone satisfied without added stress. Plus, it bakes up beautifully right alongside your main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

An Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream, served in a rectangular dish, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle, accompanied by a portion on a plate beside it. — Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Warm desserts always earn attention when the meal winds down. Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream melts comfort into every bite, balancing crunch with smooth sweetness. People tend to pause mid-conversation once they taste it. It never looks fancy, yet always feels special. Bowls usually return empty before anyone asks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels. — Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a quick, impressive appetizer that feels fancy but is super simple? Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a perfect choice. They’re great for getting everyone munching while the main course finishes up. Just pop them in the oven, and they come out golden and delicious every time.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Wild Rice Salad

Old recipes sometimes surprise with how well they still work. Wild Rice Salad has that mix of texture and heartiness that fits right alongside everything else. The earthy flavor ties together big spreads without trying too hard. People who skip salads usually take another helping once they taste it. It’s simple but never plain.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Pumpkin Spice Scones

Warm treats at breakfast always feel like small celebrations. Pumpkin Spice Scones hit that rare point between crumbly and soft, the kind that pairs well with quiet mornings. Every piece holds a gentle spice that makes coffee or tea feel complete. They vanish faster than most realize. Anyone who tries them once always asks for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Scones

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Little sides often carry big comfort. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots bring a glossy finish and soft texture that make even simple plates feel special. Their sweetness stands out without overpowering the meal. Families keep these close to the main dish so they don’t have to pass them far. Plates come back spotless every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

A rectangular white plate with cooked red cabbage and bacon pieces, placed on a light surface next to a floral-patterned cloth. — Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Classic combinations earn their place for a reason. Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon hits that balance of tangy and rich that sticks in memory. The flavor pairs easily with anything nearby on the plate. It always sparks quite an appreciation from the first bite. People who swore they didn’t like cabbage usually ask for another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced turkey breast on a white plate with sprigs of thyme. — Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Big dinners run smoother when something cooks itself right. Air Fryer Turkey Breast stays juicy through the middle while crisping on the outside just enough. Perfect for smaller gatherings or when the oven’s already in use. Once carved, it disappears faster than expected. No one misses the full-size bird.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Simple desserts can still draw attention at the end of a meal. Puff Pastry Apple Tart bakes up golden and light, holding its shape with buttery layers. The soft fruit settles into the crust in a way that feels almost effortless. Guests tend to hover close to the tray until it’s gone. It tastes like something that took hours, even when it didn’t.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Baked Spanish Rice

Comfort often hides in familiar casseroles that never fail. Baked Spanish Rice brings warmth and depth that round out a table full of bold dishes. The texture holds together just enough for easy scooping without losing softness. Families rely on it for dependable flavor and quick cleanup. Leftovers usually vanish before morning.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel

Homemade sweets hit harder when they look bakery-ready. Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel combine chewiness and smooth drizzle in one perfect handful. The flavor sits right between rich and mellow, keeping people coming back for more. Plates clear out faster than anyone expects. A single batch rarely feels like enough.
Get the Recipe: Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel

Texas Corn Succotash

Hearty side dishes bring everyone closer around the table. Texas Corn Succotash blends color, crunch, and warmth into something worth passing twice. It pairs effortlessly with meats or casseroles without losing its own character. Guests always comment on how it pulls the meal together. It’s a dish that feels made for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

A sweet potato on a plate with a fork. — Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple methods often make the best results. Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer turn golden outside and soft inside without needing much attention. The flavor feels calm, steady, and built for family tables. Kids love them as much as adults do. What starts as a side usually ends up being the favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies

A black plate holds Pumpkin Linzer cookies dusted with powdered sugar. — Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Fancy-looking desserts don’t always take extra effort. Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies give that bakery-style look with a delicate texture that melts together just right. Sweetness sits softly instead of shouting for attention. They fit as easily on a holiday tray as they do with coffee. Once served, no crumb ever stays behind.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Home gatherings feel incomplete without something rich and familiar. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole layers smooth comfort with a browned top that always wins hearts. The creamy texture sits perfectly beside roasts or vegetables. Relatives still argue over who gets the last scoop. It feels like home from the first spoonful to the last.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

A baking tray filled with a layer of chopped apples coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. — Caramel Apple Sheet Cake. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sweet desserts shine brightest when they don’t ask for attention. Caramel Apple Sheet Cake fills every inch of the pan with soft, sticky comfort. Slices fall apart gently without feeling too heavy. Serves crowds with ease while tasting like it was baked just for one. Once cooled, only crumbs stay behind.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Vegetables get their moment when smoke adds depth to their flavor. Smoked Brussels Sprouts cook until tender inside, while edges turn crisp enough to snap. Each bite lands with a balance of warmth and freshness. Works well next to hearty mains or eaten alone from the tray. People who never liked sprouts usually change their minds fast.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

A slice of sweet potato casserole topped with pecan crumble on a white plate with a spoon, surrounded by pecans and sunflowers. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Some side dishes win hearts without even trying. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping mixes creamy layers with a buttery crunch that feels both rich and cozy. The blend of textures keeps spoons moving back for more. Perfect for big gatherings where comfort matters most. No one ever leaves without mentioning it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Dessert trays always feel livelier when color and texture mix. Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake pairs deep chocolate with a smooth pumpkin base that melts on contact. Each piece holds its shape yet stays soft through every bite. Designed for sharing but hard to give away. People keep circling back for another square.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Simple vegetables can feel elegant with the right touch. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds bring a nutty tone that lingers just long enough to make you pause. Crunch blends into silkiness in a single bite. Good for dinner tables that value flavor without fuss. Guests notice when this one doesn’t appear again.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Family tables feel warmer when dessert brings layers worth cutting into. Pumpkin Crunch Cake combines a soft base with a crumble top that keeps every forkful interesting. Moistness stays even after hours on the counter. Pairs easily with coffee or stands alone as a showstopper. Crowds always ask for it next time around.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Quick cooking can still taste like a long effort. Air Fryer Corn on The Cob turns bright kernels into juicy bites with light char across each row. Butter melts evenly without soaking through. Great for meals that need something fast but familiar. People grab seconds before the main dish is ready.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Apple Dump Cake

Some desserts prove comfort doesn’t need precision. Apple Dump Cake bakes into golden layers that settle into perfect sweetness without effort. Texture lands between pie and crumble, keeping every spoonful soft. Ideal for lazy weekends or gatherings that sneak up on you. Leftovers never make it to the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Apple Dump Cake

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Small portions often hold the biggest comfort. Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry bring flaky crusts wrapped around warm filling that hits just right. Each bite carries a cozy balance between crisp and creamy. Handy for quick dinners that still feel home-cooked. People love getting one all to themselves.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Apple Fritter Bread

Mornings brighten when fresh bread hits the table. Apple Fritter Bread offers a tender crumb with a caramelized edge that feels nostalgic without being heavy. Cuts cleanly yet stays moist for hours. Great for gifting or keeping to slice through the week. Guests usually ask for a loaf before leaving.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritter Bread

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Warm bowls have a way of slowing life down. Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings thick comfort that settles nicely without overdoing it. Soft dumplings float through creamy broth in every spoonful. Perfect for quiet evenings when something gentle fits the mood. No one walks away hungry.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Pumpkin Brownies

Familiar flavors find new life when they blend just right. Pumpkin Brownies keep rich chocolate intact while adding a smooth texture that stays moist even after cooling. Square cuts hold their shape but melt once tasted. Suited for sharing at family tables or late-night snacks. A tray rarely lasts an hour.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies

Corn Fritters

Crispy bites bring energy to any gathering. Corn Fritters fry up golden with a soft center that feels homemade every time. Each handful hits that sweet spot between snack and meal. Works well for crowds who like food that travels from pan to plate. No one ever stops at one.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters