23 Incredible Thanksgiving Recipes So Fast, You’ll Have Time for a Nap
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Thanksgiving should be about enjoying your time—not stressing in the kitchen. These fast, incredible recipes let you whip up impressive dishes without spending all day at the stove, so you can actually relax (or sneak in a nap!). With big flavors and minimal effort, these recipes will keep everyone happy and give you more time to enjoy the holiday.
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
This cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is exactly what your Thanksgiving table needs for easy snacking and sharing. Just 15 minutes of prep, and you’ve got a warm, soft loaf loaded with gooey mozzarella and garlic butter that everyone will love. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing appetizer that lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Every Thanksgiving gathering needs a standout appetizer, and this pineapple cheese ball is just the ticket! A creamy mix of cheese, juicy pineapple, crisp peppers, and crunchy pecans comes together in a snap, delivering a sweet-and-savory flavor that’s unforgettable. Roll it out, and let everyone dig in while you relax—no cooking required.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball
Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Add a festive splash to your Thanksgiving with this frozen cranberry margarita—perfectly vibrant and easy to make in just 5 minutes! With its red hue and frosty, tart-sweet flavor, this cocktail looks gorgeous and keeps things feeling festive and fun. It’s the easiest way to wow your guests while keeping things light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Add some green to your Thanksgiving with these easy, cheesy parmesan roasted green beans. They’re roasted to crisp perfection and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan for a veggie dish that’s delicious without being complicated. It’s an easy win that adds some balance to your holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Stuffed Dates
These goat cheese-stuffed dates are an ideal Thanksgiving appetizer that takes almost no time to prepare. The sticky-sweet Medjool dates filled with creamy goat cheese and topped with crunchy walnuts create a flavor combination that’s perfect for holiday snacking. They’re elegant, tasty, and absolutely no-cook, making them a great way to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates
Vodka Cranberry
Add a refreshing twist to your Thanksgiving with this vodka cranberry cocktail! Light, festive, and just sweet enough, it’s the perfect drink to serve with appetizers or alongside dinner. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries, and you’ve got a holiday-ready drink in five minutes flat.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Cranberry
Peanut Butter Fudge
This three-ingredient peanut butter fudge is just what you need for a quick Thanksgiving dessert that feels homemade. Rich, creamy, and easy to whip up, these fudge squares taste like childhood nostalgia and holiday joy combined. It’s a no-bake treat that’s ready in minutes, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge
Cranberry Chicken Salad
This cranberry chicken salad brings a festive twist to a classic with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. Made in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick Thanksgiving lunch or an easy side dish that doesn’t steal time from your main dishes. Serve it with greens or in lettuce cups for a refreshing bite amidst the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad
3 Ingredient Fudge
This 3-ingredient fudge is the Thanksgiving treat you need when you want something sweet without any fuss. Rich and chocolatey, it’s easy to make and even easier to eat, offering up holiday flavor with just chocolate, condensed milk, and butter. It’s perfect for satisfying that post-dinner chocolate craving in a snap.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Fudge
Pumpkin Dump Cake
For a Thanksgiving dessert that tastes homemade but is easy as pie (literally!), try this pumpkin dump cake. With creamy pumpkin filling and a buttery crumb topping, it’s everything you love about fall flavors in one effortless cake. Just layer, bake, and enjoy while everyone marvels at your baking “skills.”
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without mashed potatoes, and this garlic version takes it to the next level. Creamy, fluffy, and just garlicky enough, these mashed potatoes require minimal prep but bring major holiday vibes to your table. Serve them up with a pat of butter on top and let everyone dig into this classic side made effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Fill your Thanksgiving with cozy vibes by whipping up a batch of this slow cooker mulled wine! Just toss in red wine, citrus, spices, and a little honey, and let the slow cooker handle the rest while you enjoy your day. It’s the ultimate hands-off holiday drink, perfect for warming up everyone around the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Apple Pie Using Puff Pastry
This puff pastry apple pie is a Thanksgiving classic made easy. Flaky, buttery pastry wraps around spiced apples for a shortcut version of apple pie that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy all the compliments without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Using Puff Pastry
Pumpkin Brownies
These pumpkin brownies are a Thanksgiving must-have for chocolate lovers. Fudgy, chewy, and with a hint of pumpkin spice, they bring fall flavors together in one perfect bite. Plus, they’re quick to make, giving you a rich dessert with minimal time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies
Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf
For an appetizer that will make your Thanksgiving memorable, go for this cheese and bacon cob loaf. Loaded with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, this warm bread bowl is the ultimate holiday comfort food. Set it on the table, and watch it disappear as guests pull off bites of melty, cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf
Cranberry Brie Bites
These cranberry brie bites are the perfect Thanksgiving appetizers to start your feast with elegance and ease. With brie, cranberry, and puff pastry, they’re festive, fancy, and easy to make in just minutes. Pop them in the oven, and enjoy as guests rave over your culinary “skills.”
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites
Honey Mustard Salmon
Honey mustard salmon brings a beautiful main course to your Thanksgiving spread without any of the fuss. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly flaky, it’s an easy mix, brush, and bake recipe that delivers big flavor in minimal time. It’s a wonderful addition to your holiday meal, offering something special without extra prep.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
This bacon-wrapped filet mignon is a Thanksgiving show-stopper with surprisingly little effort. Wrapped in crispy bacon and finished in the oven, it’s tender, juicy, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Perfect for making a memorable meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
Parmesan Potatoes
These oven-roasted parmesan potatoes are the perfect Thanksgiving side when you want something crispy, cheesy, and comforting. With a tender, buttery inside and golden parmesan crust, they’re simple to make but totally addicting. Serve them up, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “Happy Thanksgiving.”
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Mashed Potato Waffles
Repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden waffles for an unexpected Thanksgiving side that’s too good to pass up. Just pop them in the waffle maker, and you’ll have a fresh twist on a classic dish in minutes. They’re a creative and delicious way to make your Thanksgiving spread stand out.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles
Honey Glazed Carrots
These honey-glazed carrots add a pop of color and sweetness to your Thanksgiving table, and they come together in minutes. With a simple honey-garlic-butter glaze, these carrots are tender, flavorful, and easy to make. They’re the perfect side to balance out savory dishes with a touch of holiday sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
Maple Bacon
For a special Thanksgiving twist, serve up maple-glazed bacon that’s sweet, smoky, and completely crave-worthy. Just coat bacon in maple syrup and bake until crispy for a side that adds a whole new level of comfort to your meal. It’s the perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or any part of your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
These slow cooker mashed potatoes are here to save you precious Thanksgiving stovetop space. Creamy, fluffy, and garlicky, they cook themselves while you tend to other dishes, making Thanksgiving prep easier than ever. Just set it, forget it, and come back to perfectly mashed potatoes with zero hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
