Skip to content

Top Navigation

Allrecipes Allrecipes
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Help this link opens in a new tab

More

  • Add a Recipe
  • Shopping List
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • My Profile
  • Saved Items & Collections
  • Help this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Add a Recipe
  • Shopping List
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Login
Get Allrecipes Magazine
Pin FB

Explore Allrecipes

Allrecipes Allrecipes
  • Find a Recipe

    Find a Recipe

    Include these ingredients
    Filter by including Ingredients
    Do not include these ingredients
    Filter by excluding Ingredients
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best Costco Products Under $10 to Grab This Month

      The Best Costco Products Under $10 to Grab This Month

      Act fast — some of these discounts only last for half of the month. Read More
    • My New Favorite Trader Joe's Snack Won't Be On Shelves Long

      My New Favorite Trader Joe's Snack Won't Be On Shelves Long

      This limited-time-only item might just be my all-time favorite. Read More
    • No-Knead Big Bubble Focaccia

      No-Knead Big Bubble Focaccia

      I was very excited to try this high-hydration focaccia, which simply means the dough has a lot of water. In fact, this has the highest amount of water used than any other Food Wishes dough. It holds big bubbles in the baked dough and because of the long fermentation time, has a far superior flavor. Read More
  • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    See All Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    8 Avocado Toast Recipes to Take Breakfast to the Next Level

    8 Avocado Toast Recipes to Take Breakfast to the Next Level

    Avocado toast is crisp, creamy, and totally worth the hype. Start your day with a deliciously savory bite of freshness topped with the ingredients of your choice. From a rye toast piled high with rich, salty pancetta and egg to a simple spread of mashed avocado and pepper-spiked citrus, we have the avocado toast recipes that will make every morning an indulgence. 
    • Breakfast Burrito Recipes
    • Breakfast Casserole Recipes
    • Crepe Recipes
    • Egg Recipes
    • French Toast Recipes
    • Frittata Recipes
    • Granola Recipes
    • Omelet Recipes
    • Overnight Oat Recipes
    • Pancake Recipes
    • Quiche Recipes
    • Waffle Recipes
  • Chicken Recipes

    Chicken Recipes

    See All Chicken Recipes
    6 Chicken Foil Packet Recipes for Quick and Easy Dinners

    6 Chicken Foil Packet Recipes for Quick and Easy Dinners

    What's not to love about chicken foil packets? The simple method is incredibly versatile, perfect for beginners, and makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you're looking to make a quick meal in the oven, on the grill, or over an open campfire, you'll find a fantastic new favorite in this collection of our very best chicken foil packet recipes. 
    • Chicken Soup Recipes
    • Chicken Breasts
    • Chicken Thigh Recipes
    • Fried Chicken Recipes
    • Chicken Salad Recipes
    • Chicken Casserole Recipes
    • Chicken Wings
    • Chicken Parmesan
    • Baked and Roasted Chicken Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Chicken Main Dish Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes
    • Lemon Chicken Recipes
  • Beef Recipes

    Beef Recipes

    See All Beef Recipes
    35 Meals to Make With A Package of Ground Beef 

    35 Meals to Make With A Package of Ground Beef 

    Ground beef: it's the key ingredient that gives our hamburgers their mouthwatering taste and texture and our beef casseroles their meaty flavor. But have you ever wondered what other meals you can create out of this grocery staple? Check out our collection of 35 delicious ground beef meals right here that you can explore with the click of a button.
    • Ground Beef Recipes
    • Flank Steak Recipes
    • Salisbury Steak Recipes
    • Rib-Eye Steak Recipes
    • Beef Stroganoff Recipes
    • Beef Short Rib Recipes
    • Beef Brisket Recipes
  • Pork Recipes

    Pork Recipes

    See All Pork Recipes
    9 Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipes

    9 Air Fryer Pork Chop Recipes

    In this collection of tasty collection of air-fried pork chop recipes, you'll learn how to cook boneless pork chops in the air fryer so they stay succulent and juicy. You'll also find how to dredge and cook breaded pork chops so that they cook up crispy on the outside, but stay tender inside. Cooking pork chops in an air fryer also speeds up the cooking time, so you can have dinner on the table in a flash!
    • Pulled Pork
    • Pork Chop Recipes
    • Pork Roast Recipes
    • Pork Tenderloin Recipes
    • Pork Shoulder Recipes
  • Lunch Recipes

    Lunch Recipes

    See All Lunch Recipes
    10 Kid-Friendly Lunch Box Pasta Salads

    10 Kid-Friendly Lunch Box Pasta Salads

    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Sandwich Recipes
    • Sandwich Wraps and Roll-Up Recipes
    • School Lunch Ideas and Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes

    Dinner Recipes

    See All Dinner Recipes
    15 Easy Dinner Recipes That Taste Like You're Dining Out

    15 Easy Dinner Recipes That Taste Like You're Dining Out

    Sure, you could make dinner reservations. But these easy recipes allow you to savor dining-out dishes right at home—for far less money and decked out in whatever dress code you desire. (Pj's for us, please!) Whether you're sharing these restaurant-quality recipes as part of a dinner party menu or intimate date night in, or even to perk up a Tuesday night family meal, these simple yet special recipes will make dining in feel like a celebration. Scroll through to find easy-to-make dinner favorites like chicken Marsala, linguine with garlic shrimp, French onion soup, and more. Bon appétit!
    • Dinner Fix
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Chicken Breasts
    • Chicken Thigh Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Ground Beef Recipes
    • Pasta and Noodle Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Pork Tenderloin Recipes
    • Turkey Recipes
    • Ground Turkey Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Salmon Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Appetizer & Snack Recipes

    Appetizer & Snack Recipes

    See All Appetizer & Snack Recipes
    This Easy Trick Keeps Your Guacamole From Turning Brown

    This Easy Trick Keeps Your Guacamole From Turning Brown

    Say it with me: No more brown guac! Learn a great way to store guacamole.
    • Baked Brie Recipes
    • Bruschetta Recipes
    • Chicken Wing Recipes
    • Crab Cake Recipes
    • Deviled Egg Recipes
    • Fruit Dip Recipes
    • Guacamole Recipes
    • Hummus Recipes
    • Jalapeno Popper Recipes
    • Meatball Appetizers
    • Nacho Recipes
    • Salsa Recipes
    • Stuffed Mushroom Recipes
  • Bread Recipes

    Bread Recipes

    See All Bread Recipes
    9 Great Grilled Breads That Complete the Cookout

    9 Great Grilled Breads That Complete the Cookout

    • Banana Bread Recipes
    • Biscuit Recipes
    • Bread Machine Recipes
    • Cornbread Recipes
    • Doughnut Recipes
    • Muffin Recipes
    • Pumpkin Bread Recipes
    • Quick Bread Recipes
    • Sourdough Bread Recipes
    • Yeast Bread Recipes
    • Zucchini Bread Recipes
  • Dessert Recipes

    Dessert Recipes

    See All Dessert Recipes
    This Surprising Ingredient Is the Secret to the Best Strawberry Shortcake You've Ever Had

    This Surprising Ingredient Is the Secret to the Best Strawberry Shortcake You've Ever Had

    Food legend James Beard says so. Who are we to disagree?
    • Baking Tips and Techniques
    • Cake Recipes
    • Carrot Cake Recipes
    • Cheesecake Recipes
    • Chocolate Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Cupcake Recipes
    • Frosting and Icing Recipes
    • Ice Cream Recipes
    • Peach Cobbler Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
    • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipes
    • Pound Cake Recipes
    • Sugar-Free Dessert Recipes
    • Sweet Spot
  • Drink Recipes

    Drink Recipes

    See All Drink Recipes
    How to Make a 3-Ingredient Piña Colada for Easy Summertime Sipping

    How to Make a 3-Ingredient Piña Colada for Easy Summertime Sipping

    Bring the islands to your kitchen with this super easy piña colada recipe.
    • Bloody Mary Recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Coffee Drink Recipes
    • Jell-o Shot Recipes
    • Margarita Recipes
    • Martini Recipes
    • Punch Recipes
    • Sangria Recipes
    • Smoothie Recipes
    • Cocktail Tips and Techniques
  • Main Dishes

    Main Dishes

    See All Main Dishes
    Try This One Ingredient for Perfectly Tender Pulled Pork

    Try This One Ingredient for Perfectly Tender Pulled Pork

    It's probably already in your kitchen too!
    • Beef Stroganoff Recipes
    • Casserole Recipes
    • Enchilada Recipes
    • Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
    • Pork Chop Recipes
    • Shepherd's Pie Recipes
    • Shrimp Scampi Recipes
  • Salad Recipes

    Salad Recipes

    See All Salad Recipes
    How Long Can You Actually Leave Potato Salad Out?

    How Long Can You Actually Leave Potato Salad Out?

    Never second guess when it comes to food safety. 
    • Chicken Salad Recipes
    • Coleslaw Recipes
    • Cucumber Salad Recipes
    • Egg Salad Recipes
    • Fruit Salad Recipes
    • Pasta Salad Recipes
    • Potato Salad Recipes
    • Spinach Salad Recipes
    • Tuna Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes

    Side Dish Recipes

    See All Side Dish Recipes
    Our 15 Best Potluck Side Dishes Are So Good Everyone Will Be Begging You for the Recipes

    Our 15 Best Potluck Side Dishes Are So Good Everyone Will Be Begging You for the Recipes

    If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish to bring to the next potluck, do we have some ideas for you! We've rounded up 15 top-rated side dishes that are so good people will be asking you for the recipe all day long. Scroll through to find your new go-to potluck side dish, from pasta salad to potato salad (and every salad in between), plus some non-salad options like mac and cheese, baked beans, and cheesy side dish casseroles. Allrecipes home cooks rate these potluck side dishes the best of the best, and we think you will, too.
    • Baked Bean Recipes
    • Broccoli Side Dish Recipes
    • Mashed Potato Recipes
    • Pasta Sauce Recipes
    • Potato Side Dish Recipes
    • Rice Side Dish Recipes
    • Salad Dressing Recipes
    • Scalloped Potato Recipes
    • Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
  • Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes

    Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes

    See All Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes
    12 Avocado Corn Salad Recipes To Enjoy All Summer Long

    12 Avocado Corn Salad Recipes To Enjoy All Summer Long

    • Beef Stew Recipes
    • Cabbage Soup Recipes
    • Chicken and Dumpling Recipes
    • Chili Recipes
    • Corn Chowder Recipes
    • Gumbo Recipes
    • Jambalaya Recipes
    • Potato Soup Recipes
    • Taco Soup Recipes
    • Tomato Soup Recipes
    • More Soup Recipes
    • More Stew Recipes
  • Cooking Style

    Cooking Style

    See All Cooking Style
    Grilled Pineapple Pairs Perfectly with Prosciutto on this Sweet and Savory Flatbread

    Grilled Pineapple Pairs Perfectly with Prosciutto on this Sweet and Savory Flatbread

    Opposed to pineapple and ham on pizza? Here's why this pineapple and prosciutto flatbread is deliciously different.
    • 5 Ingredient Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • BBQ & Grilling Recipes
    • Cooking for Two
    • Family Dinner Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Kid-Friendly Recipes
    • Leftover Recipes
    • Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Diet & Healthy Recipes

    Diet & Healthy Recipes

    See All Diet & Healthy Recipes
    How I Learned to Balance Carbs After I Was Diagnosed With Diabetes

    How I Learned to Balance Carbs After I Was Diagnosed With Diabetes

    For me, an all-or-nothing approach would never work.
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Recipes
    • Keto Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Low Carb Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Whole30 Recipes
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    Celebrate Labor Day With This Fun Menu

    Celebrate Labor Day With This Fun Menu

    • Holiday Planning
    • Cocktail Hour
    • Good Times, Good Food
    • New Year's Recipes
    • Recipes for Super Bowl(R)
    • Valentines's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • St. Patrick's Day Recipes
    • Easter Recipes
    • Cinco de Mayo Recipes
    • Mother's Day Recipes
    • 4th of July Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Christmas Recipes
  • World Cuisine

    World Cuisine

    See All World Cuisine
    Our Best Thai Green Curry Recipes

    Our Best Thai Green Curry Recipes

    • Chinese Recipes
    • Filipino Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • German Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Russian Recipes
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips

    Kitchen Tips

    See All Kitchen Tips
    The Knife-Holding Mistakes You're Making and How to Fix Them

    The Knife-Holding Mistakes You're Making and How to Fix Them

    You may know the most dangerous thing in a kitchen is a dull knife, but this common way of holding it increases the danger even more.
    • All About Ingredients
    • Baking
    • Buying
    • Cleaning
    • Recipe Conversion and Scaling
    • Decorating Cakes, Cookies and Other Desserts
    • Food Handling and Safety
    • Grilling and Other Outdoor Cooking
    • How To
    • Meal Planning and Menus
    • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Kitchen Tools and Techniques
    • You Can Cook That
  • Allrecipes Magazine Recipes
  • Food Wishes®
  • Homemade Podcast
  • Trusted Brands
  • Food News and Trends

    Food News and Trends

    See All Food News and Trends
    What Does It Mean When They Ring the Bell at Trader Joe's?

    What Does It Mean When They Ring the Bell at Trader Joe's?

    Each chime means something different!
    • Cooks to Follow
    • Gift Guides
    • Product Reviews and Buying Guides
    • Recalls
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Get Allrecipes Magazine this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Help this link opens in a new tab

More

  • Add a Recipe
  • Shopping List
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • My Profile
  • Saved Items & Collections
  • Help this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Add a Recipe
  • Shopping List
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Entertaining
  3. Holiday Planning
  4. Thanksgiving Ideas
  5. 19 Fool-Proof Thanksgiving Recipes for Beginner Cooks

19 Fool-Proof Thanksgiving Recipes for Beginner Cooks

Photo of Jackie Freeman
By Jackie Freeman Updated October 19, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin
sliced turkey breast with gravy on a plate
Credit: Lori

If this your first Thanksgiving, or your first Thanksgiving solo, you'll appreciate these fool-proof Thanksgiving recipes — from appetizers to main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. These recipes share a common theme: They are easy to make, have everyday ingredients, and are absolutely delicious. Plus, we've added a few tips and tricks in the notes as a helping hand. Pick a few to try or pick them all, and get ready your easiest Thanksgiving feast!

Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Date Goat Cheese Basil Bites

Date Goat Cheese Basil Bites
Credit: Kim's Cooking Now
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With a mixture of sweet and savory, these perfect bite-size appetizers can be prepared ahead of time, then baked right before serving. Tips: Make sure to buy pitted dates, otherwise pitting your own can be a lot of work and big mess. If you're not a fan of goat cheese, try a bit of cream cheese or even mascarpone. This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd; use the built-in scaling tool to change the number of servings to suit the size of your group.

  • 15 Easy, Impressive Thanksgiving Appetizers with 5 Ingredients or Less

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Spinach Dip Ever

spinach dip with crackers
Credit: Charlie Brown
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a great choice for a make-ahead appetizer. You want to make sure to chill this dip at least six hours before serving. If you don't have a bread bowl, don't worry. You can easily serve the dip in a pretty bowl or even a hollowed-out pumpkin. Tip: For a milder dip, grab a pack of leek soup mix instead of the onion soup mix. And, for the perfect flavor and texture, double check that you are using actual mayonnaise, not a whipped dressing.

  • Get More Dip Recipes

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Perfect Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs topped with paprika and minced chives on a deviled egg tray
Credit: Allrecipes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion. Learn NicoleMcmom's method for the perfect deviled eggs with a creamy, tangy filling. Tip: You can make them in advance by mixing the filling ahead of time and refrigerating it in a plastic bag (and storing the whites in a separate bag in the fridge). 

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

sliced turkey breast with gravy on a plate
Credit: Lori
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

There's no hard and fast rule that says you have to roast a whole bird for Thanksgiving, especially if it's your first-time cooking or you're cooking for a small group. Instead of biting off more than you can chew (figuratively and literally), cook a turkey breast. All you need for this recipe are three simple items: a turkey breast, a packet of seasonings, and a slow cooker. Then the meal practically cooks itself!

  • 12 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Breast

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Homestyle Turkey, the Michigander Way

roasted turkey on a rack
Credit: bd.weld
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you're ready to roast the whole bird, look no further than this recipe with just a few simple ingredients that add a ton of flavor. The key to a perfect cook is to have an instant-read thermometer on hand. This ensures the bird is roasted to the correct temperature, keeping it juicy instead of dry. Tip: For extra golden color, rub a little butter on top of the bird as well as under the skin.

  • How to Cook a Turkey

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chef John's Perfect Mashed Potatoes

bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes topped with butter and parsley
Credit: Eat
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Rich, fluffy, and lump free, this classic mashed potato recipe is a crowd-pleaser (and goes great with gravy – see below). Tip: To get the best flavor, it is essential to salt the cooking water. Add enough so it tastes like the sea (don't worry, the end result will not be overly salty!). Bring the water to a boil, but then reduce it to a simmer, so the potatoes cook evenly without falling apart.

  • How to Make the Fluffiest Mashed Potatoes Ever

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Suzy's Mashed Red Potatoes

plate of mashed red potatoes
Credit: ttv78
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Save yourself some time and work and forget about peeling potatoes. When using red potatoes, the skins add both color and flavor to the final dish. For an extra pop of savory flavor, stir in a little crushed garlic. Tip: You can easily make these ahead of time and keep them warm in a crockpot.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Candied Yams

marshmallow-topped candied yams in a side dish
Credit: The Gruntled Gourmand
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For many traditionalists, no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a dish of candied yams or sweet potatoes with little marshmallows dotted on top. Using canned spuds saves a ton of time and work, but won't short you on the flavor. Tip: Make sure to drain the yams before adding them to the baking dish, otherwise they'll be too juicy. Adding a dusting of cinnamon over the top adds a nice depth of flavor.

  • 17 Ways to Make Sweet Potatoes for Thanksgiving

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easiest Sausage Stuffing

sausage stuffing in a white bowl
Credit: fabeverdayblog
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Take regular boxed stuffing mix and turn it up a notch by adding veggies and sausage. The celery and onion give the pre-made mix a bit of texture, so that it tastes more homemade. You can serve it right off the stovetop, or stuff it into your turkey before roasting.

  • How to Make Stuffing—Tips and Tricks for Beginners

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Special Turkey Gravy

turkey gravy on turkey and mashed potatoes
Credit: dandrol
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whether you like to top your turkey or your potatoes (or both), you'll need a silky and flavorful gravy. Make sure to strain the turkey drippings of any meat or veggies, so your gravy is perfectly smooth. Tip: If you don't have turkey drippings on hand, you can substitute two cups of canned or boxed turkey or chicken stock.

  • How to Make Turkey Gravy

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rich Turkey Gravy

gravy on turkey and mashed potatoes
Credit: thedailygourmet
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Four ingredients are all you'll need to make this easy turkey gravy. "This recipe was super easy and tastes great! It was my first time making gravy and I aced it," says Janine H.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Fresh Cranberry Sauce in a glass bowl
Credit: baking nana
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It only takes three ingredients to make fresh cranberry sauce. Use it to top your turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, or schmear it on bagels, cornbread, or cheesecake. Tip: If you want to add something a little "extra" swap out the water with orange, sprinkle in some allspice, or even a add splash of brandy while cooking.

  • 10 Quick and Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauces

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bourbon Glazed Carrots

white bowl of sliced glazed carrots
Credit: lutzflcat
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

An easy side dish that offers bright colors and flavors, Bourbon Glazed Carrots only requires a few simple ingredients. If you like a little additional sweetness, you can mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup while cooking. Tip: Remember to cook the glaze over low heat, otherwise you might end up with candy instead of sauce!

  • 15 Best Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cream Corn Like No Other

Cream Corn Like No Other in a glass bowl
Credit: House of Aqua
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Creamed corn is the perfect comfort food. While this recipe may seem like it has a long list of ingredients, they are mostly pantry staples. This side dish is cooked in a single skillet, saving space, and is ready in about 10 minutes, saving time. Tip: If you don't have heavy cream on hand, swap it out with half-and-half or whole milk.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Buttery Garlic Green Beans

Buttery Garlic Green Beans in a white bowl
Credit: Ellyx3
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Green beans are a classic side dish at the Thanksgiving table, whether they are covered in sauce, sprinkled with crispy onions, or left simple to shine – like this recipe. Tip: For the best flavor, use real fresh garlic, not the powdered stuff, in this quick and easy dish.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Freezy Pumpkin Pie

Frozen pumpkin pie with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top
Credit: Jody
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Turn pumpkin pie on its head with this version that uses vanilla ice cream and prepared crusts. Making a frozen dessert helps save valuable oven space on the big day, and you can prepare it a few days ahead of time to save on cooking-day stress. It's easy, it's quick, and most importantly…it's delicious!

  • 15 Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Two Ingredient Pumpkin Cake

Two Ingredient Pumpkin Cake on a glass dish
Credit: dubosefamily
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A dessert that tastes best when made ahead, this pumpkin cake only has two ingredients. Many home chefs like to add two beaten eggs to the batter or a handful of chocolate chips (or both). Once completely cooled, you can literally put the icing on the cake by topping it with store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nanny's Grape Salad

bowl of grape salad with nuts
Credit: Molly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you're looking for something a bit lighter and healthier for dessert than the traditional sweet pie or cake, give this a try. You can serve this dish as soon as it's mixed together, but it tastes even better after being chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Tip: If you don't like things too sweet, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry Martini

cranberry martinis in chilled martini glasses rimmed with sugar
Credit: The Gruntled Gourmand
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Congratulations! You've made it through Thanksgiving meal. Go on and treat yourself to a special adults-only cocktail. Tip: If you're sharing the holiday with kids, you might mix up a batch of this easy Cranberry Punch for them. Cheers!

  • Get More Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jackie Freeman

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19 Date Goat Cheese Basil Bites
    2 of 19 Best Spinach Dip Ever
    3 of 19 The Perfect Deviled Eggs
    4 of 19 Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
    5 of 19 Homestyle Turkey, the Michigander Way
    6 of 19 Chef John's Perfect Mashed Potatoes
    7 of 19 Suzy's Mashed Red Potatoes
    8 of 19 Candied Yams
    9 of 19 Easiest Sausage Stuffing
    10 of 19 Special Turkey Gravy
    11 of 19 Rich Turkey Gravy
    12 of 19 Fresh Cranberry Sauce
    13 of 19 Bourbon Glazed Carrots
    14 of 19 Cream Corn Like No Other
    15 of 19 Buttery Garlic Green Beans
    16 of 19 Easy Freezy Pumpkin Pie
    17 of 19 Two Ingredient Pumpkin Cake
    18 of 19 Nanny's Grape Salad
    19 of 19 Cranberry Martini

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Allrecipes

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us this link opens in a new tab
    • Contact Us this link opens in a new tab
    • Editorial Guidelines this link opens in a new tab
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Apps this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Careers this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithAllrecipes is part of the Meredith Food Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved.
    Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Allrecipes. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.allrecipes.com

    Sign in

    View image

    19 Fool-Proof Thanksgiving Recipes for Beginner Cooks
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.