People say Thanksgiving is about gathering with loved ones, but secretly, it’s also about making sure no one spots you googling how long to roast a turkey. These 37 simple recipes have a knack for making you look prepared, even if your oven timer just jingles “good luck.” They’re meant for sharing, enjoying, and getting everything done without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone.

Best Ever Pumpkin Bread

Someone looking for an easy shortcut can try Best Ever Pumpkin Bread, which brings together a moist texture and a bold pumpkin flavor with minimal hands-on effort. Quick preparation time means more chances to focus on other parts of your holiday meal. No advanced skills or special gadgets are required, yet the result is a homemade loaf that slices beautifully. A simple mix-and-bake process allows anyone to turn out a reliable bread every time.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Pumpkin Bread

Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl

Adding variety to your menu is easy with Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl, designed for a quick, filling meal that doesn’t require complicated steps. Flaky salmon combines with hearty grains and fresh ingredients, all in one bowl for fast assembly. You get pleasing color and nutrition together, but with far less time than traditional main course fare. Everything comes together quickly for a balanced dish that’s sure to become a repeat favorite.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl

Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies

Looking for a quick dessert, Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies deliver the look of classic cookies with a shortcut method that skips hours of chilling and fancy techniques. Pumpkin flavor shines through in every bite, layered with jam between tender rounds that hold their shape well. With easy-to-handle dough, these treats appeal to both novice and veteran bakers alike. Each bite offers a shortcut to impressive holiday baking without the usual fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

A recipe like Smoked Dill Pickle Wings lets you skip deep frying but still enjoy crisp skin and bold flavor, all thanks to an accessible preparation method. Marinated with dill pickle brine, these wings absorb a tangy taste that stands out on any table. Smoky notes add a finishing touch, giving you an impressive appetizer without extra steps. Every batch yields big flavor with minimal hands-on time, keeping things simple for hosts and guests alike.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Making dessert is effortless with Puff Pastry Apple Tart, as store-bought dough cuts down on prep without sacrificing quality. Thinly sliced apples are layered on flaky pastry, then baked to a golden finish with minimal supervision required. The entire process is beginner-friendly and quick, meaning hosts can handle this recipe even with a packed schedule. Simple ingredients come together for a sweet ending that looks as good as it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Skipping lengthy steps is easy when you try Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli, which relies on fresh, not frozen, broccoli for better texture and flavor. Pre-cooked rice streamlines assembly, offering a hearty side dish with minimal effort. Cheese binds everything together, resulting in a creamy, fuss-free casserole. A few straightforward steps and basic ingredients produce a reliable option whenever you need comfort food fast.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

For a fun dessert, Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies allow you to achieve classic flavors with far less effort than traditional cakes or cookies. Store-bought shortcuts make the batter simple to handle, while a creamy filling comes together quickly. You’ll appreciate that assembly is fast, with no need for special molds or piping bags. Each whoopie pie is a convenient handheld treat that disappears quickly from the dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

You can streamline side dish prep using Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese, which yields a creamy, flavorful result in a matter of minutes. This version features tangy cream cheese for extra smoothness and depth, all with no complicated steps. Mashing is made easier by the added moisture and richness, letting you achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Great for busy kitchens, the potatoes pair beautifully with almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Easy Pumpkin Turnovers

When looking for maximum flavor with the least fuss, Easy Pumpkin Turnovers use packaged dough and spiced filling to provide impressive results. Folding and sealing each turnover takes little time, producing consistently flaky pastries every batch. They bake quickly and are easy to serve at gatherings or for snacking throughout the day. With a hint of sweetness and balanced spices, these turnovers are sure to please anyone craving something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Turnovers

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Shortcuts in preparation meet plenty of flavor in Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon, where chopped bacon speeds up both cooking and richness. Quickly wilted cabbage is tossed with a tart-sweet dressing that requires no complex reductions. One-pan preparation means cleanup is quick, so you can spend more time with family and friends. Each bite balances tang, sweetness, and a spicy note from bacon for an easy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Impress guests with minimal effort using Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, featuring store-bought dough filled with sweet apple mixture. Baking is straightforward and portions are simple to cut, saving time at every stage. Icing drizzle goes on at the end for a quick finish that looks homemade. These rolls combine loved flavors in a format perfect for breakfast or dessert, all while keeping the process short and easy.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Turkey à la King

Bringing comfort to the table is simpler with Turkey à la King, which turns leftover turkey into a fulfilling meal with just a handful of staple ingredients. The creamy sauce builds in a single pot, cutting back on dishes and prep. Serve it over toast, rice, or noodles for a fast dinner that makes use of holiday leftovers efficiently. This shortcut favorite helps you create a warm, hearty meal without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Easy Pumpkin Waffles

Creating breakfast or brunch is hassle-free once you try Easy Pumpkin Waffles, where canned pumpkin streamlines the batter for quick pouring and even cooking. Slightly crisp edges and warm spices make these waffles hard to resist, even on busy mornings. They cook up quickly in any standard waffle maker, freeing up time for other preparations. The result is a fulfilling breakfast that feels special without any unnecessary steps.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Waffles

White Bean Salad

Putting together a nourishing dish is simple when you go for White Bean Salad, which relies on canned beans and a tangy dressing. Chopped fresh veggies and herbs add both crunch and color, creating a dish that comes together in under twenty minutes. No cooking is required, which means cleanup is a breeze. The end result is filling, protein-packed, and perfect as a side or light meal with zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad

Pumpkin Spice Scones

Baking at home doesn’t have to be stressful when you make Pumpkin Spice Scones, which use pantry staples and canned pumpkin for a shortcut to bakery-style treats. The dough is easy to mix and shape, with no lengthy kneading or rising times required. Lightly sweet and warmly spiced, these scones bake fast and hold their shape well. Finished with a simple glaze, they offer a way to enjoy homemade baking even on a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Scones

Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Your family and friends will love Classic Corn Pudding Casserole, a dish that comes together quickly with canned corn and a few pantry staples. The mixture bakes up tender, creamy, and golden, requiring no constant attention as it cooks. Whisking and baking are about as complex as this recipe gets, making it approachable for cooks of all levels. The shortcut method lets you focus on other dishes while still delivering familiar comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Making a themed dessert is easy with Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake, a creative recipe that relies on boxed mixes for both brownies and decorating cream. Assembly is straightforward, so you can achieve a playful appearance without much effort. No special techniques are needed, allowing beginners to achieve impressive results. The finished cake draws attention as both a centerpiece and a sweet treat for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Leftovers get new life in Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties, combining two dishes into a single, easy-to-form patty. Mixing and shaping take only minutes, while pan-searing delivers a crisp outside with a tender interior. This recipe helps reduce food waste and enhances classic flavors using minimal extra ingredients. Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy for a quick meal that keeps holiday spirit going strong.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

People looking for a quick treat will appreciate Pumpkin Crunch Cake, made with a box cake mix to minimize steps and cleanup. The dessert layers quickly and bakes up with a crunchy topping, offering texture contrast in each bite. Preparation is so simple that even kids can help with assembly, allowing for family-friendly fun in the kitchen. The cake keeps well, making it suitable for preparing ahead when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Cream of Onion Soup

A warm bowl of Cream of Onion Soup is achievable in less time by using store-bought broth and quick-cooking onions. The soup comes together in one pot, so multitasking is easy for busy cooks. Blending yields a smooth finish without extra steps or special tools. Topped with bread or cheese, the soup delivers comfort without any drawn-out process.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Dessert prep is a breeze with Pumpkin Dump Cake, which calls for just a few essential ingredients mixed directly in the baking dish. No need for mixers or complicated layering, so cleanup takes only seconds. The cake bakes up moist with a crisp topping, thanks to a simple pour-over technique. Quick to assemble, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to save time but still enjoy a homemade dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Smoked New York Strip Roast

Serving an impressive main course is easier using Smoked New York Strip Roast, which capitalizes on pre-seasoned meat and straightforward cooking directions. The smoking process requires only minimal attention, freeing you for other kitchen tasks. Once cooked, slicing is clean and portions even, with consistent results each time. Guests are sure to notice the bold flavors and welcoming aroma that come from this shortcut preparation.
Get the Recipe: Smoked New York Strip Roast

Chef Jenn’s Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

Fresh fruit turns into a smooth side in minutes with Chef Jenn’s Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe, using an electric pressure cooker for speed. Set-it-and-forget-it directions mean there is no need to stand over the stove or stir constantly. With only a handful of ingredients, this shortcut yields flavorful applesauce that children and adults enjoy. You can serve it warm or cold, adjusting the sweetness as you prefer, with no stress.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Achieving the flavor of classic twice-baked potatoes takes much less time with Twice-Baked Potato Casserole, layered and baked in a single dish. Pre-cooked or leftover potatoes form the base, so assembly and baking are quick. Cheese, bacon, and green onions add the required toppings for a dish that’s hearty and simple to put together. The casserole approach means fewer dishes and convenient serving for large groups.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Apple Crisp with Ice Cream

Bringing a beloved dessert to the table is simple with Apple Crisp with Ice Cream, which uses quick-mix topping ingredients for fast assembly. Sliced apples go straight into a pan, covered with a crumbly mixture that turns golden as it bakes. Serve scoops with ice cream for an easy pairing that requires little planning. This shortcut keeps things stress-free, even when you’re short on time before guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp with Ice Cream

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

A vibrant side is minutes away with Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill, where florets cook quickly and toss with fresh herbs and citrus juice. No complicated sauces are required, and steaming or microwaving can make things even faster. The result is a light, fresh dish that brightens up hearty meals. Fast prep, easy cleanup, and crowd-pleasing flavors make this recipe a winning option for any menu.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

You can whip up fresh bakery-style muffins in half the time thanks to Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, featuring a spiced pumpkin batter and simple cream cheese filling. Assembly is straightforward, using only a bowl and a spoon, so everyone can participate. The payoff is a batch of tender muffins with a creamy center, all made from convenient ingredients. Each one is perfect for a snack, breakfast, or even dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Preparing a juicy main course is simple with Air Fryer Turkey Breast, which relies on air frying to cook meat evenly and quickly. With just a short marinating time, the turkey browns up nicely on the outside while staying moist inside. The air fryer method eliminates the need for constant basting or rotating, streamlining the process. Guests will appreciate the quick turnaround from kitchen to table with minimum cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Bake up a sweet treat fast using Caramel Apple Sheet Cake, a straightforward recipe thanks to prepared batter and ready-made caramel drizzle. Chopped apples fold in easily, distributing tart flavor throughout every soft bite. One-pan baking and simple mixing keep this recipe within reach, even for beginners. Ideal for sharing, this cake slices up neatly and serves a crowd with almost no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Busy cooks appreciate how easily Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans come together, using a few main ingredients tossed right into the appliance. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing beans with flavor from bacon and seasoning. No need for sautéing or constant checking, so you’re free to focus on other tasks during holiday prep. The result is a side dish that tastes like hours of effort with only minutes of actual work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Bringing together warming spices and tender bread is effortless with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, which use time-saving dough and spiced filling. These rolls rise quickly and bake up soft in less than an hour, saving you time for other dishes. Simple icing goes on after baking, adding a finishing touch with minimal cleanup. Family and friends will enjoy a bakery-style treat made at home, thanks to shortcut steps.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup

Packed with delicious depth, Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup comes together using easy methods such as pre-sliced onions and quality store-bought broth. Simmering the soup takes far less time than traditional versions, offering rich flavor in a shorter window. Toasted bread and melted cheese are achieved quickly under a broiler, making serving easy. This recipe offers the essence of classic soup with almost none of the usual wait.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Famous French Onion Soup

Apple Fritter Bread

Tasting just like a bakery loaf, Apple Fritter Bread streamlines prep by combining a few pantry staples with chopped apples and cinnamon. The batter comes together in minutes and needs only one bowl, so cleanup is minimal. A quick glaze poured over the finished loaf makes each slice that much more tempting. This shortcut version packs big apple flavor with much less effort than frying individual fritters.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritter Bread

Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Top every holiday table with Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole, which blends sweet potatoes, marshmallows, and pantry toppings for fast assembly. Everything bakes together in one pan, so even large batches are simple to prepare and serve. The shortcut ingredients provide big flavors without extra peeling or boiling. The result is a crowd-pleasing casserole that disappears quickly every time.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Apple Dump Cake

Sweet endings are fuss-free thanks to Apple Dump Cake, a dessert that lets you layer canned pie filling and dry cake mix directly in the pan. Simply dot with butter and bake, skipping any need for mixing bowls or beaters. Each bite offers a warm combination of tender apples and crunchy topping with almost no prep. This shortcut makes entertaining effortless, even during busy celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Apple Dump Cake

Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Whipping up impressive appetizers is quick with Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets, which use pre-made tart shells and a speedy stovetop filling. Bacon and mushrooms cook together fast, yielding rich flavor that’s easy to spoon into ready crusts. The recipe scales up without extra hassle, making it perfect for serving a crowd. Every tartlet delivers big taste with almost no prep involved, ideal for busy holiday hosts.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Serving a flavorful starter is easy with Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup, made faster by using frozen or pre-cut vegetables. All the ingredients cook in one pot, then blend into a smooth, rich soup with little effort. Cream or coconut milk enhances the final result without lengthy simmering. This shortcut makes it possible to serve up a rich bowl in far less time than more complicated recipes.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup