21 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Recipes So Fast, You’ll Be Ready Before the Turkey’s Done
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Forgot a dish or running out of time? These last-minute Thanksgiving recipes are so effortless, you’ll have them ready before the turkey finishes roasting. Packed with flavor and easy to make, they take the stress out of holiday prep so you can enjoy the day without the chaos.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry brie bites are the holiday starter your Thanksgiving spread is begging for. With creamy brie, tart cranberries, and flaky puff pastry, these bite-sized beauties are both fancy and effortless. In just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a stunning addition to your table that screams Thanksgiving without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is the ultimate Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser. Picture your guests tearing into a golden, buttery loaf filled with gooey cheese while they wait for the turkey to finish roasting. With just six ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe delivers big flavors without stealing your time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
3-Ingredient Fudge
This 3-ingredient fudge is the perfect last-minute sweet treat for Thanksgiving. It’s rich, creamy, and comes together in a snap when you need something indulgent for your dessert table. Bonus: It’s a crowd favorite and makes the perfect takeaway gift for guests who are already planning to snag leftovers.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Fudge
Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets
Puff pastry apple pie pockets are Thanksgiving dessert made simple. Juicy, spiced apples wrapped in flaky pastry deliver all the cozy pie flavors your guests expect without the hours of rolling and baking. They’re quick to prep and bake, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Need a quick Thanksgiving twist for lunch or leftovers? Cranberry chicken salad is the answer. With its sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing, it’s festive, flavorful, and comes together faster than your turkey can cool. Perfect for next-day sandwiches or scooped onto crackers during the big day.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad
Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots add a pop of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving table. Sweet, tender, and coated in a buttery honey-garlic glaze, they’re the perfect complement to turkey and stuffing. Plus, they’re so quick to make that you’ll wonder why you didn’t add them to your lineup sooner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey Mustard Salmon
Not a turkey fan? Honey mustard salmon is the Thanksgiving alternative you didn’t know you needed. The sweet and tangy glaze perfectly complements the flaky salmon, making it a standout dish that’s ready before you can say “pass the gravy.”
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin dump cake is a Thanksgiving classic that’s as easy as it is delicious. Creamy pumpkin pie filling with a buttery crumble topping brings all the cozy fall vibes your dessert table needs. No pie crust required, no extra stress—just pure holiday magic in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake
Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Add a festive splash to your Thanksgiving with a frozen cranberry margarita. This sweet-tart cocktail comes together in just five minutes and pairs perfectly with everything from appetizers to pumpkin pie. Its vibrant red color looks amazing on the table and adds an extra layer of cheer to your holiday.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Pineapple cheese ball may not be traditional, but it’ll definitely be the most talked-about dish at your Thanksgiving. Sweet pineapple, tangy cheese, and crunchy pecans make it a standout addition to your appetizer spread. It’s so easy to whip up, you’ll have time to sneak a bite before the guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball
Vodka Cranberry
Vodka cranberry is a simple, festive drink that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Light, refreshing, and perfectly sweet-tart, it balances out all the rich dishes on your table. Garnish with fresh cranberries, and you’ve got a cocktail that tastes as good as it looks.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Cranberry
Peanut Butter Fudge
Thanksgiving desserts don’t have to be complicated, and this peanut butter fudge proves it. Creamy, rich, and loaded with peanut buttery goodness, it’s perfect for adding something sweet to your holiday spread without hours in the kitchen. Plus, it doubles as a great treat for guests to take home.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Set the mood for Thanksgiving with a cozy batch of slow cooker mulled wine. Fruity red wine, warm spices, and citrus create a drink that tastes like the holidays in a glass. Let it simmer while you prep your feast, and your home will smell as amazing as the wine tastes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf
Cheese and bacon cob loaf is the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort food. Creamy, cheesy filling baked into a crusty bread bowl is perfect for snacking while you wait for the turkey. It’s quick, indulgent, and guaranteed to keep everyone happy while the main meal is in the works.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf
Pumpkin Brownies
Pumpkin brownies are Thanksgiving dessert with a twist. Fudgy chocolate and spiced pumpkin come together in a treat that feels festive and indulgent without being fussy. They’re the perfect addition to your dessert table—and your guests will beg for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies
Parmesan Potatoes
Parmesan potatoes bring the crispy, cheesy goodness your Thanksgiving table needs. Roasted to golden perfection, they’re easy to make and pair beautifully with turkey, ham, or even salmon. Serve these, and don’t be surprised when they disappear faster than you can refill the dish.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon
Hosting a smaller Thanksgiving or just looking for something special? Bacon-wrapped filet mignon is a simple yet impressive dish that will steal the show. Juicy, tender beef wrapped in crispy bacon is the kind of holiday upgrade everyone will be talking about.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon
Maple Bacon
Maple bacon brings sweet and smoky magic to your Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch. Coated in a sticky maple glaze and baked until perfectly crisp, it’s a treat that disappears as fast as you can make it. Serve it alongside your feast, and watch everyone fight for the last slice.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon
Roasted Turkey
No Thanksgiving is complete without a beautifully roasted turkey, and this recipe makes it foolproof. Juicy, tender meat with crispy, golden skin will have your guests raving—and you’ll love how stress-free the process is. This is how you impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey
Stuffed Dates
Stuffed dates are the sweet-and-savory Thanksgiving bite everyone will love. Filled with tangy goat cheese and topped with crunchy walnuts, they’re elegant, effortless, and ready in minutes. Perfect as an appetizer or a fun addition to your spread, these are a holiday must.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish. Creamy, fluffy, and perfectly garlicky, they’re everything you want next to turkey and gravy. Best of all, they’re easy to make, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday and less time fussing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
