When planning a Thanksgiving feast that rivals a five-star spread, it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve. These 17 recipes are made for those last-minute inspirations and the “Oh, no, I forgot to start” moments. Holiday tables don’t need to know your prep time, and these dishes keep you looking prepared even if you only started cooking that morning. Thanksgiving just got a lot more fun and a lot less panic-inducing.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
If you’re looking for a twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress, then this recipe is a game changer. Easily baked and served in individual portions, Au Gratin Potato Stacks bring a fun and elegant side to any Thanksgiving spread. They’re not just about looks though; each bite is packed with cheesy goodness, making it impossible to have just one. Perfect for those who love a touch of sophistication with their comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
For a start that warms from the inside out, nothing beats a good soup. Red Pepper & Tomato Soup serves this purpose with a rich blend of flavors that come together in a harmonious blend. It’s not only a comforting choice on a chilly day but also adds a splash of color to the table. Ideal for the ambitious cook looking to add a simple yet sophisticated touch to the Thanksgiving meal, this soup promises to warm up the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Turkey & Apple Panini
Who said Thanksgiving leftovers have to be boring? Turkey & Apple Panini turn the day-after struggle into a wonderful lunch experience. With crisp apples and tender turkey packed between bread, it’s a delicious way to make the most of what you have. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive a little longer, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup
On a quest for something comforting yet light? Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup is your answer. It’s a dish that combines the earthiness of cauliflower with the sweetness of sweet potatoes in a way that’s hard not to love. For those looking to bring a bit of healthy comfort to their Thanksgiving table, this soup ticks all the boxes, showing that being under-prepared doesn’t mean lacking in creativity.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup
Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
When you think of Thanksgiving, desserts and drinks might come to mind. Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned is an inventive take on a classic that blends the two in the best way possible. It’s a cocktail that captures the essence of apple pie in a glass, making it a festive addition to any meal. Perfect for the ambitious yet under-prepared host, this drink offers a toast to creativity and the holiday spirit.
Get the Recipe: Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Often, it’s the simplest ingredients that stand out, and Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta is a testament to that. This side dish brings a slight bitterness of the greens together with the saltiness of pancetta, creating a balanced flavor profile. It’s a great way to show off your cooking skills without needing a lot of prep. Ideal for anyone who wants to add a touch of gourmet to their meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Wild Rice Salad
Looking for something different to add to the Thanksgiving table? Wild Rice Salad is a refreshing change from the usual sides. It’s packed with textures and flavors that make it a standout dish. This is the perfect choice for those who want to bring a bit of diversity to their meal, proving that you can be adventurous in the kitchen, even if you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
If you’re after a cocktail that’s as attention-grabbing as it is delicious, then Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour is the way to go. It combines smoky and sweet notes for a drink that’s both complex and refreshing. This cocktail is a testament to the fact that ambitious Thanksgiving drinks don’t require professional skills, just the right recipe. It’s perfect for anyone looking to surprise their guests with something uniquely wonderful.
Get the Recipe: Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)
For a side dish that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your Thanksgiving, Fasolakia Lathera is a perfect choice. This dish of Greek green beans is simple yet flavorful, proving that you don’t need a complicated recipe to make something delicious. It’s ideal for the cook looking to add an international flair to their meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)
Pumpkin Blondies
When it’s time for dessert, why not switch things up with Pumpkin Blondies? This treat combines the beloved flavor of pumpkin with a dense, moist blondie, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist. It’s a perfect option for those who love to bake but are looking for something a bit different this Thanksgiving. These blondies show that being under-prepared doesn’t mean you can’t still pull off a show-stopping dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Blondies
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Gone are the days of boring vegetables. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds bring a nutty, buttery twist to a classic side. Each bite is a mix of crispy and soft, showing that Brussels sprouts can indeed be the star of the show. This recipe is ideal for anyone wanting to upgrade their side dish game with a combination of simple ingredients that pack a punch.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Sunshine Salad
For a bright, refreshing addition to your holiday table, you can’t go wrong with Sunshine Salad. This dish meshes a variety of fruits and textures, making it a visually appealing and deliciously vibrant choice. It’s an easy way to bring a bit of lightness to a meal that’s often heavy, perfect for those wanting to balance their Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Salad
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
If you’re all about efficiency in the kitchen, Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer is your go-to. This method delivers perfectly cooked sweet potatoes without the fuss of oven baking. It’s a great way to save time and still come up with a dish that’s sure to please. Ideal for the under-prepared chef who still wants to make an impression.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Cider Sangria
For a festive drink that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy, turn to Cider Sangria. This beverage marries the flavors of cider with fruit in a way that’s both refreshing and seasonally appropriate. It’s the perfect choice for those aiming to add a bit of cheer to their meal without needing to be a mixologist. A great way to keep guests happy and hydrated.
Get the Recipe: Cider Sangria
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
If you’ve got leftover turkey, Turkey Pot Pie Soup offers a comforting way to repurpose it. This recipe creates a rich, hearty soup that encapsulates the essence of a pot pie without the crust. It’s a wonderful option for extending the holiday flavors in a cozy, warming dish. Perfect for anyone who loves the creativity of turning leftovers into something new and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Pumpkin Chocolate Cake
For a dessert that brings a bit more decadence to the table, Pumpkin Chocolate Cake fits the bill. This cake combines the rich taste of chocolate with the seasonal favorite, pumpkin, for a dessert that’s hard to put down. It’s an ideal choice for the baker looking to impress without the need for overly complicated techniques. This cake proves that ambitious desserts are within reach, even for the under-prepared.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Cake
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
When simplicity meets flavor, you get Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. This dish takes minimal effort but delivers on taste, with crispy edges and a soft interior. It’s a no-fuss side dish that complements any Thanksgiving meal, showing that sometimes, the best flavors come from the simplest preparations. Perfect for anyone looking to keep kitchen time to a minimum without sacrificing quality.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes