23 Easy Thanksgiving Feast Ideas So Good, Even the In-Laws Will Be Impressed

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean hours of stress in the kitchen. These easy feast ideas are packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and guaranteed to wow even the pickiest in-laws. These recipes will help you serve up a delicious and memorable holiday meal without the hassle.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites are a Thanksgiving appetizer that’s as pretty as it is tasty. With creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberries, buttery puff pastry, and crunchy pecans, every bite feels like a little holiday treat. Best of all, they’re quick to make, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Honey Mustard Salmon

Enhance your Thanksgiving table with this honey mustard salmon that’s as stunning as it is flavorful. The tender, flaky salmon pairs beautifully with a sweet and tangy glaze that feels both festive and indulgent. It’s an effortless dish that will make your holiday spread even more impressive.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon

Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

This cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is the Thanksgiving appetizer your guests didn’t know they needed. Gooey cheese and garlicky butter tucked into golden bread make it impossible to stop at one piece. Serve it as a shareable pre-dinner snack to keep everyone happy while the turkey finishes cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Cranberry Chicken Salad

Perfect for using up leftover turkey or chicken, this cranberry chicken salad is a Thanksgiving lifesaver. Sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing make it feel festive while being ridiculously easy to throw together. It’s ideal for a lighter bite before diving back into the pie.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Peanut Butter Fudge

Add a sweet twist to your Thanksgiving dessert table with this creamy peanut butter fudge. It’s melt-in-your-mouth good and a fun alternative to traditional holiday treats. Everyone will be sneaking seconds of this irresistible, easy-to-make treat.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge

Roasted Turkey

No Thanksgiving is complete without a perfectly roasted turkey, and this one’s as stress-free as it gets. With golden crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat, it’s everything a holiday centerpiece should be. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, this foolproof recipe will wow your guests and your in-laws alike.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Thanksgiving calls for creamy mashed potatoes, and these slow cooker mashed potatoes make life so much easier. They’re garlicky, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned, all without taking up stovetop space. Let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on enjoying the holiday vibes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Frozen Cranberry Margarita

Shake things up this Thanksgiving with a frozen cranberry margarita that’s as festive as it is refreshing. Its vibrant red color and sweet-tart flavor make it the perfect holiday cocktail. Serve these slushy beauties alongside your feast to add a little extra sparkle to your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margarita

Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

The ultimate Thanksgiving appetizer, this cheese and bacon cob loaf is cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Crispy bread stuffed with melty cheese and smoky bacon will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Bring some tropical vibes to your Thanksgiving table with this pineapple cheese ball. The combination of creamy cheese, juicy pineapple, and crunchy pecans makes it a standout appetizer. It’s festive, fun, and guaranteed to have your guests asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Thanksgiving gatherings feel extra special with a warm mug of slow cooker mulled wine. The blend of fruity red wine, citrus, and holiday spices creates a cozy drink that pairs perfectly with the cooler weather. Let it simmer while you relax and soak in the holiday magic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

3-Ingredient Fudge

This 3-ingredient fudge is a no-fuss addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Rich, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey, it’s a sweet treat everyone will adore. Make it ahead of time and have it ready to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Fudge

Pumpkin Brownies

Pumpkin brownies are the perfect marriage of chocolate and fall flavors for your Thanksgiving dessert lineup. Fudgy and spiced with a swirl of pumpkin, these brownies bring something new to the table. They’re so good, you might want to make a double batch—just in case.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies

Vodka Cranberry

For a quick and festive Thanksgiving drink, whip up a vodka cranberry that’s both light and refreshing. Add a few fresh cranberries for garnish, and you’ve got a cocktail that looks just as good as it tastes. It’s an easy way to keep the holiday cheer flowing.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Cranberry

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin dump cake is a Thanksgiving dessert that’s as easy as pie—literally! With creamy pumpkin filling and a buttery crumble topping, it’s the ultimate fall comfort food. Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream for a crowd-pleasing finale to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

Give classic apple pie a Thanksgiving twist with these puff pastry apple pie pockets. Flaky, buttery pastry wraps around perfectly spiced apple filling for a dessert that’s simple yet sophisticated. They’re great for a grab-and-go option or a fun addition to your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots are a colorful, flavorful side dish that fits right in with any Thanksgiving spread. Sweet and tender with a touch of garlic butter, they’re a perfect balance to heavier dishes like turkey and stuffing. Plus, they’re quick to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the day.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Turn basic green beans into a Thanksgiving showstopper with this parmesan roasted green bean recipe. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they’re the perfect veggie side to complement your feast. Even the pickiest eaters will love this enhanced version of a classic.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Maple Bacon

Maple bacon brings smoky, sweet, and savory flavors to your Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch. Whether served alongside eggs or as a crispy snack while the turkey roasts, it’s always a hit. The hint of maple syrup adds a seasonal touch that feels just right for the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon

Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

Add some elegance to your Thanksgiving feast with bacon-wrapped filet mignon. Juicy, tender beef paired with crispy bacon is a combination that never fails to impress. Serve it as a main course or a luxurious alternative to turkey for a truly memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

Stuffed Dates

These stuffed dates are a no-cook Thanksgiving appetizer that delivers big on flavor. Sticky-sweet dates filled with creamy goat cheese and topped with crunchy walnuts are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. They’re fancy enough for the holidays yet so simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple that no feast is complete without. Creamy, buttery, and just the right amount of garlicky, they’re a side dish everyone will love. Serve them with gravy or enjoy as-is—they’re perfection either way.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Parmesan Potatoes

Add a little crunch to your Thanksgiving sides with these parmesan roasted potatoes. Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and coated with cheesy goodness, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pair them with your turkey and watch everyone reach for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes