I Have To Host Thanksgiving Last-Minute—These Easy Recipes Are My Saving Grace
At Thanksgiving, I’m usually an attendee, not the host. This year, plans have changed at the last-minute (as they often do), and I’ll be hosting my family instead of the other way around. That means instead of being on just sweet potato casserole or cranberry sauce duty, I’ll be making the entire holiday spread. Am I freaking out? No! Well, yes, maybe, but I have a plan. Instead of churning out the classic Thanksgiving feast, I’m turning to shortcuts and easy recipes to help me plan a still-satisfying, but stress-free meal. The slow cooker? My new best friend. Dessert bars? Absolutely—who needs pie? Make-ahead sides? You betcha. If you, like me, are hosting Thanksgiving unprepared, turn to these easy recipes that will make you feel like you have everything under control (because you do!).
Turkuterie
Everyone loves a good cheese board to get the party started, and this just might be the cutest way to serve one up. All you need are your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit (don't forget the pear), to create this adorable holiday board.
Get the Turkuterie recipe.
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
This cranberry-topped whipped feta dip is here to save your holiday appetizer planning. Fresh feta cheese is combined with herbs, garlic, and cream cheese, whipped until super-smooth, then topped with tart homemade cranberry sauce, toasted pistachios, and honey. The result is a salty, creamy, sweet, tart, and absolutely irresistible dip that you can make ahead, then store in the fridge until you're ready to serve!
Get the Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
Sweet Potato Crescent Bites
Just like our famous cranberry brie bites, these little guys are hard to put down! They're the perfect amount of sweet and savory, so you can serve them before or after the big meal. Skip the casserole—these crescent bites are so easy, and even more impressive, TBH.
Get the Sweet Potato Crescent Bites recipe.
Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey tenderloin is the same cut you get when you get chicken tenders, just larger due to the size of the bird. Serve it in place of the classic roasted turkey if you're doing Thanksgiving dinner for 4 to 6 people.
Get the Turkey Tenderloin recipe.
Funeral Potatoes
These potatoes are my preferred potato side every year at Thanksgiving—it's just a perk they are so easy to make. If you'd like to make this casserole ahead of time, assemble up until the Cornflake topping, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, top with the buttery Cornflakes and bake (keep in mind that it might take up to 20 minutes longer to bake—keep an eye on it).
Get the Funeral Potatoes recipe.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Tossed in a honey and vinegar dressing and roasted until glazed and crisp, these sweet and tangy sprouts will steal the (side) show wherever they go. Roasting at high heat on a bare metal sheet pan is key to getting gorgeously browned, crackling-crisp sprouts.
Get the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Crockpot Stuffing
One of my favorite ways to keep the oven free for the major players is by utilizing the magic of the slow cooker. While you buzz around the kitchen, it'll cook your stuffing for you—resulting in a delicious Thanksgiving side dish waiting for you to serve up.
Get the Crockpot Stuffing recipe.
Cranberry-Apple Sangria
Sangria is a perfect cocktail for the holidays because it’s made all in one big pitcher and can be done ahead. Plus, your guests can help themselves to a festive cocktail while you finish up cooking. This recipe is fairly traditional but with a holiday twist, featuring flavors like tart cranberries and warm cinnamon.
Get the Cranberry-Apple Sangria recipe.
Cranberry Bacon Green Beans
It takes just a little effort to take eating your vegetables from a “have to” to a “want to,” and this green beans recipe is a perfect example. Some crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese enhance green beans into a Thanksgiving side dish that your family will be cheering for.
Get the Cranberry Bacon Green Beans recipe.
Pecan Pie
Nothing screams Thanksgiving more than a classic pecan pie. The craggy, crunchy top gives way to that delicious, rich interior FULL to the brim of nuts. You can also make it ahead of time, so it's a perfect way to satisfy your family members without stressing on the big day.
Get the Pecan Pie recipe.
Kabocha Squash
Sure people love apples, pumpkin and butternut squash, but kabocha has a more complex flavor than its gourd cousins. This makes it a perfect match for the caramelized umami-sweet flavor of this maple-soy brown butter. And, despite how fancy it sounds, it's also incredibly easy to make, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Kabocha Squash recipe.
Cranberry Sauce
This sweet-tart sauce is almost as easy as opening up the canned stuff, and you know your Thanksgiving spread deserves better. This is one of the Thanksgiving dishes you can make up to a week in advance. (Bonus: The flavors will meld and deepen while it hangs out in the fridge.)
Get the Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars
Since I'm hosting, I get to pick the dessert, and I'm choosing these make-ahead, decadent bars over pumpkin pie. This cake is meant to be fall-apart gooey, and the moisture in the pumpkin makes this version perfect.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Bars recipe.
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