The holidays are here, bringing families together and filling the season with festive joy. Thanksgiving, in particular, is the ultimate feast—a holiday where everyone manages to pile their plates high with scrumptious food: turkey, smoked ham, baked mac and cheese, and so much more! However, preparing a spread of so many delicious dishes for Turkey Day can feel like a huge, time-consuming undertaking.
If you grew up in a household where someone had to start prepping the turkey the night before, then you know how rigorous the cooking process can be. It’s understandable that many people are too tired or unmotivated to whip up a whole feast. But, fear not — you can still host or enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner without the headache.
For the non-cooks (or just the time-crunched), there are simple recipes and shortcuts that let you serve up big flavor without all the hassle. Whether you want a simple three-course meal or plan to meal-prep for the days ahead, here are 7 stress-free dishes that are ideal for your Thanksgiving table.
Cranberry Sauce
A Thanksgiving staple, homemade cranberry sauce is surprisingly simple and quick. The prep time is minimal, no matter your preferred method (stovetop or slow cooker!). While it’s typically served with turkey, you can also enjoy it with mashed potatoes, or even thin it out and serve it over salad as a vinaigrette dressing. Get creative by turning leftovers into cranberry salsa or a festive dip.
Chopped Salad
Chopped salads are perfect because they require little to no cooking. There are countless varieties to choose from—whether you opt for a traditional Italian-style or a hearty Cobb salad. These fresh, crunchy bowls are filling, offer a nice break from heavy sides, and make for excellent, easy meal prep!
Mashed Potatoes
You can never go wrong with a creamy bowl of mashed potatoes. Traditional methods can take 20 to 35 minutes, but for a true shortcut, grab a pack of instant mashed potatoes from the store! You can easily elevate them by mixing in tasty ingredients like crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dash of garlic powder and chives.
Creamed Corn
Despite its rich, creamy texture, this side dish is deceptively fast! It’s one of the quicker sides you can make, often coming together in just 15 minutes. It’s typically composed of heavy cream, butter, and a bit of flour, seasoned with black pepper and salt. This dish is great alongside cornbread or pork chops, but it’s delicious enough to be a standalone treat.
Soup
For a cozy, comforting Thanksgiving starter, soup is your answer. To lean into the autumn and holiday vibe, consider creamy, seasonal options like butternut squash soup or pumpkin soup. Bonus points if you have a crockpot or slow cooker, which allows you to throw in the ingredients and let it cook itself—no action required in the kitchen!
Charcuterie Board
While not a traditional side, a charcuterie board is the perfect, no-cook appetizer to keep guests happy while dinner finishes. This tasty and picturesque spread is filled with cheeses, crackers, and fruit. Put a Thanksgiving spin on it by including seasonal colors and, of course, sandwich meats like sliced turkey and ham for a playful “pre-Turkey Day” snack.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Not in the mood to stick a whole turkey in the oven for countless hours? Opt for an air fryer, which can cut the traditional cooking time in half (Note: only for a turkey breast, not a whole bird). Air frying a turkey breast typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes, at about 10 minutes per pound. This stress-free method results in a juicy main course that is absolutely worth the minimal effort!
Once your main course is ready, you can pair it with your stress-free sides to enjoy a memorable, homemade feast! Best of all, you’ll have delicious leftovers ready for turkey sandwiches or turkey salad the next day.