21 Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dishes Your Family Will Devour

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a stressful juggling act in the kitchen. With these easy, crowd-pleasing dishes, you’ll spend less time sweating over the stove and more time enjoying your family. These recipes are packed with flavor, simple to make, and designed to keep everyone—yes, even the picky eaters—coming back for seconds.

Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is perfect for keeping everyone happy while the turkey finishes cooking. It’s buttery, garlicky, and packed with melty cheese that pulls apart in the most satisfying way. With just six ingredients and minimal effort, this dish guarantees the kind of smiles that remind you why you love hosting Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

This slow cooker mulled wine sets the tone for a warm and cozy Thanksgiving gathering. Fruity red wine, citrus, and holiday spices simmer together into the perfect sip while you prep the rest of the meal—or relax with your guests. It’s a no-fuss way to bring festive cheer to your table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry brie bites bring a touch of elegance to your appetizer spread without adding any stress. Creamy brie, tart cranberries, and flaky puff pastry combine into one beautiful, bite-sized treat. They’re a delicious nod to classic Thanksgiving flavors that will disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Thanksgiving is all about sharing good food, and this pineapple cheese ball fits right in. The mix of creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, crunchy pecans, and a little savory kick makes it a must-have for your holiday appetizer table. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

Frozen Cranberry Margarita

Add some frosty fun to your Thanksgiving drink lineup with this frozen cranberry margarita. Sweet-tart cranberries and lime balance out all those rich holiday dishes, while the vibrant red color gives your table an extra festive flair. Blend one up in minutes, and toast to a stress-free holiday.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margarita

Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Looking for a Thanksgiving appetizer that’s hearty enough to keep everyone happy until dinner? This cheese and bacon cob loaf is the answer. Packed with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and creamy sour cream, it’s baked right into a crusty bread bowl that screams holiday comfort.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

Thanksgiving dessert just got way easier with these puff pastry apple pie pockets. They have all the cozy, spiced flavor of classic apple pie, wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust that’s quick to make. Serve them warm, and watch your guests go back for seconds (and thirds).
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots are the side dish your Thanksgiving table has been waiting for. Sweet, buttery, and tender, they add a bright pop of color and flavor alongside the turkey and stuffing. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Vodka Cranberry

Vodka cranberry is the cocktail your Thanksgiving celebration needs—light, refreshing, and perfectly tart. It’s a simple yet festive drink that pairs perfectly with a heavy holiday meal. Toss a few fresh cranberries on top for a pretty finishing touch that feels perfectly on theme.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Cranberry

Pumpkin Brownies

Pumpkin brownies are the Thanksgiving dessert you didn’t know you needed. Fudgy, chocolatey, and swirled with cozy pumpkin spice, they’re a fresh twist on holiday treats. Serve these after dinner and watch them become everyone’s new fall favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies

Honey Mustard Salmon

If turkey’s not your thing, honey mustard salmon is an elegant Thanksgiving alternative. The sweet and tangy glaze complements classic holiday sides beautifully, and the whole dish comes together with almost no effort. It’s a standout option that will impress without adding stress.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon

Pumpkin Dump Cake

This pumpkin dump cake is Thanksgiving dessert made easy. Creamy pumpkin pie filling and a buttery crumble topping come together for a treat that’s as indulgent as it is effortless. It’s the perfect way to end your holiday feast on a sweet, stress-free note.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

If you’re skipping turkey or hosting a smaller Thanksgiving, bacon-wrapped filet mignon is the way to go. Tender beef, crispy bacon, and rich herb butter make for a dish that feels special without the hassle of a full turkey. It’s a perfect fit for a holiday meal that’s simple yet unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

3-Ingredient Fudge

Thanksgiving sweets don’t have to be complicated—this 3-ingredient fudge proves it. Rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth good, it’s a great addition to your dessert table or a thoughtful treat for guests to take home. It’s so simple to make, you’ll want to add it to your holiday traditions.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Fudge

Cranberry Chicken Salad

Thanksgiving leftovers just got a glow-up with this cranberry chicken salad. Mix leftover turkey (or chicken) with sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing for a fresh, flavor-packed dish. It’s the perfect way to keep those holiday flavors going strong.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter fudge is a sweet way to round out your Thanksgiving dessert spread. Rich, creamy, and full of peanut buttery goodness, it’s simple enough to whip up in minutes. Whether you serve it as a post-dinner treat or package it as edible gifts, it’s bound to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Thanksgiving mashed potatoes just got a lot easier thanks to this slow cooker recipe. Creamy, fluffy, and garlicky, they cook themselves while you handle the rest of the meal. No stovetop juggling, no last-minute rushing—just perfect potatoes every time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Turkey

A beautifully roasted turkey is the heart of any Thanksgiving celebration, and this recipe makes it simple. Juicy, tender meat and crispy golden skin come together with the help of butter, garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. It’s an impressive centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a must-have for any Thanksgiving table. Creamy, buttery, and perfectly garlicky, they’re the ultimate comfort food to pair with turkey and gravy. These potatoes are so good, you’ll find yourself making them long after the holiday is over.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Stuffed Dates

Stuffed dates are the perfect no-cook addition to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread. Sweet Medjool dates, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts combine into one irresistible bite. They’re quick to make and elegant enough to hold their own among the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates

Maple Bacon

Thanksgiving breakfast deserves a little something extra, and maple bacon is it. Crispy bacon glazed with sweet maple syrup is the ultimate combination of savory and sweet. Whether it’s part of a big brunch or a pre-dinner snack, it’s sure to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon