10+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Thanksgiving: Simple and Delicious Ideas for a Stress-Free Feast

Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with family and friends. Having the right dishes on your table can make it even more enjoyable. Easy dinner recipes can simplify your holiday cooking and help you spend more time with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

From quick appetizers to simple main courses and festive sides, there are plenty of options that require minimal effort while still impressing your guests. These recipes allow you to create a delicious Thanksgiving meal without the stress.

1) Sheet Pan Turkey Breast with Vegetables

A Sheet Pan Turkey Breast with vegetables makes dinner simple and delicious. This dish combines juicy turkey with colorful veggies all cooked together on one pan.

You can use ingredients like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots for a tasty mix. The best part is that cleanup is easy since everything cooks on the same sheet.

Start by seasoning your turkey breast and veggies with your favorite herbs and spices. Then roast them in the oven until the turkey is fully cooked. It’s a great option for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts
• 2 sweet potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Herbs (like rosemary or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the turkey breast and vegetables on a sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Roast for about 45 minutes, or until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

2) Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey Butter

Sweet potato biscuits are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. They’re soft, fluffy, and have a hint of sweetness from the sweet potatoes. Topping them with honey butter makes them even more special.

To prepare, you’ll need to cook and mash the sweet potatoes first. Then mix them with flour, sugar, and a few other ingredients. Roll the dough into biscuits and bake until golden brown at 425°F (220°C).

For the honey butter, simply combine softened butter with honey. Spread it generously on the warm biscuits for a tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold butter
• 1 cup milk
• Honey (for butter)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
5. Stir in milk and sweet potato until combined.
6. Roll dough and cut into biscuits.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
8. Mix softened butter with honey and serve.

3) Quick Green Beans with Bacon

Quick green beans with bacon make a tasty side dish for Thanksgiving. They are easy to prepare and can be on the table in no time. The combination of crisp green beans and savory bacon is sure to please.

To start, you’ll need fresh green beans. Trim the ends and wash them thoroughly. Next, chop some bacon into small pieces for added flavor. You can choose to pan-sear or roast them, depending on your preference.

Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Then, add the green beans to the pan and sauté them until they are tender but still bright green. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

These crunchy, flavorful green beans will add a delightful touch to your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients

• Fresh green beans
• Bacon
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Trim and wash the green beans.
2. Chop bacon into small pieces.
3. Cook bacon in a pan until crispy.
4. Add green beans and sauté until tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

4) Special Creamed Corn

Special creamed corn is a delightful side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite. You can easily prepare it with just a few ingredients.

To start, you will need frozen corn, heavy cream, butter, and cream cheese. This combination creates a delicious base that pairs well with many Thanksgiving dishes.

You can season it with salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar to enhance the sweetness of the corn. Simmering it on the stove allows all the flavors to blend.

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen corn
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the frozen corn and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar.
5. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.

5) Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Carrots

Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Carrots are a delicious and easy side dish for Thanksgiving. With bright flavors and a beautiful color, they can complement any holiday meal.

To make this dish, you will need fresh carrots. Start by boiling them until they are tender. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

You can add sweet and tangy flavors by mixing in butter, sugar, and a splash of vinegar. This combination enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.

Serve them warm as a perfect side for your Thanksgiving dinner. They not only taste great but also look lovely on your table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh carrots
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Place water, carrots, and salt in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Cover and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain water and add butter, sugar, and vinegar.
5. Stir well and serve.

6) Crisp-Skinned Roast Turkey

Crisp-skinned roast turkey is a delightful main dish for your Thanksgiving dinner. The key is to ensure you get that perfect golden skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Start by brining your turkey. This will enhance its flavor and moisture. Next, spatchcocking helps the turkey cook evenly and adds extra crispiness to the skin.

Season generously with herbs and butter. Roast it in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Basting the turkey often keeps the skin from drying out.

After roasting, let it rest before carving. This ensures that the juices settle, making each slice delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• Salt
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
• Butter
• Garlic

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brine the turkey overnight.
2. Spatchcock the turkey for even cooking.
3. Season with salt, herbs, and butter.
4. Roast at 375°F (190°C) until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Baste every 30 minutes.
6. Let it rest before carving.

7) Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that can add sweetness to your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s known for its rich filling made from pecans, corn syrup, and a touch of vanilla. The combination makes it a favorite among many.

Making pecan pie is quite simple. Start with a flaky crust and pour in the sweet, nutty filling. Bake until golden brown for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.

This pie can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget a scoop of ice cream on top!

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup (dark)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light)
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup pecans
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix corn syrup, sugars, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and salt.
3. Stir in the pecans.
4. Pour mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 60 minutes or until set.
6. Let cool before slicing. Enjoy!

8) Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin scones are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. They are soft and flaky, bringing warm spices that remind you of fall. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a treat later in the day.

To make them even better, top your scones with a simple glaze or some coarse sugar. This adds a sweet crunch that balances perfectly with the pumpkin flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed pumpkin (cold)
• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• Optional: coarse sugar and maple icing for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter until crumbly.
4. Add the pumpkin and egg; mix until combined.
5. Shape the dough and cut into scones.
6. Place on a baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden.

9) Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing is a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s savory and easy to make, which makes it a great choice for any holiday meal.

To start, you need crumbled cornbread, which brings a sweet flavor. You’ll also want diced onions and chopped celery for a nice texture.

Don’t forget the eggs, which help bind everything together. Add some chicken stock for moisture and flavor.

You can also include spices like sage to enhance the taste. Baking this stuffing in the oven gives it a warm, comforting aroma.

Ingredients

• 3 cups crumbled cornbread
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups chicken stock

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter in a pan and sauté the onions and celery until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, sautéed veggies, and beaten eggs.
4. Gradually add the chicken stock until the mixture is moist.
5. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

10) Frozen Bulgogi Dumplings Over Rice

This dish is quick and satisfying. You can whip it up in no time, making it a great option for Thanksgiving.

Start by steaming frozen bulgogi dumplings. This will keep them juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can also pan-fry them for a crispy outside.

Serve the dumplings over a bed of fluffy rice. You can add some vegetables like steamed bok choy or sautéed spinach for extra color and nutrition.

A drizzle of soy sauce or sesame oil can enhance the flavor. Top with sesame seeds for a nice touch.

Ingredients

• Frozen bulgogi dumplings
• Cooked rice
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Optional: steamed vegetables, sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. Steam or pan-fry the frozen bulgogi dumplings according to package instructions.

2. Cook rice according to your preferred method.

3. Place dumplings over the rice.

4. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the dumplings.

5. Add optional vegetables and sprinkle with sesame seeds.