Thanksgiving can be a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes the only thing getting us through is the food—and a little patience. These 27 dishes and drinks bring just the right balance of ease and flavor, helping you tackle the holiday without added stress. They’re crafted to keep things moving smoothly from prep to table, even when the chaos sets in. With these on hand, you'll be well-equipped to keep everyone happy, fed, and maybe a little more relaxed.
Chai White Russian Mocktail
This Chai White Russian Mocktail offers a comforting drink option for Thanksgiving, creating a moment of relaxation amidst the holiday hustle. With the warming spices of chai and a creamy texture, it’s a drink that makes everyone feel at ease. It’s an invitation to take a breather and connect with loved ones. Sip by sip, you’ll find the family gathering becoming a bit more peaceful.
Get the Recipe: Chai White Russian Mocktail
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to richer Thanksgiving dishes. The massaged kale, sweet apples, and creamy dressing add lightness to the spread, making it a welcome addition. Ready in a snap, this salad helps create a balanced and inviting holiday menu. It’s the kind of dish that has guests happily clearing their plates.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Baked Butternut Squash Chips
These baked butternut squash chips are a Thanksgiving snack that combines convenience with seasonal flavor. Requiring only a few ingredients, they come together quickly and add a healthy crunch to your table. Perfect for casual snacking, they’re a tasty way to keep guests entertained while the main meal cooks. Set them out, and you’ll have everyone reaching for another handful before they know it.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash wild rice pilaf adds a hearty, flavorful touch to Thanksgiving, showcasing a classic fall ingredient. With nutty wild rice and tender squash, this dish comes together in 45 minutes and pairs well with any main. It’s a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly complements the holiday table. Expect your guests to be reaching for seconds and asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)
This Moroccan Zaalouk dip is the answer to easy Thanksgiving entertaining, bringing bold flavors to the table with minimal prep. Roasting eggplant and tomatoes creates a rich, earthy taste that feels like a luxury without much work. The aromatic spices make it a stand-out dish, perfect with bread or crackers as guests mingle. Serve it, and everyone will be asking how you found the time to create such a flavorful dip.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
These puff pastry pumpkin pockets are a Thanksgiving appetizer that makes an impact with minimal effort. The rich blend of caramelized onions and pumpkin in a buttery pastry offers the cozy essence of fall in each bite. Simple to assemble and quick to bake, they make holiday hosting stress-free. Bring these out, and your guests will be wowed by your holiday finesse.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail
This Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail is a fun and festive way to celebrate Thanksgiving, capturing the essence of fall. With warm spices and a hint of sweetness, it keeps the holiday spirit alive without the added alcohol. Every sip is a reminder of cozy autumn days, adding cheer to the gathering. Serve it, and you’ll have everyone feeling the seasonal magic.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe
This Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole is an easy, comforting addition to your Thanksgiving spread, keeping things simple and satisfying for everyone. The plant-based creaminess and rich flavors make it a great choice for both vegans and non-vegans alike. It bakes up with minimal effort, giving you more time to focus on other Thanksgiving tasks. With each spoonful, it’s the perfect way to add a little patience to the holiday chaos.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Jerusalem Kugel
Jerusalem Kugel combines sweet and peppery flavors in a unique noodle dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Its crispy noodles and chewy center provide a texture that surprises and delights, making it a crowd-pleaser. This dish adds variety and interest to your table, capturing everyone’s attention. By the end of the meal, it might just be the dish everyone talks about.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel
Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri
The Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri is a playful choice for Thanksgiving, bringing a burst of color and flavor to the table. Its refreshing mix of strawberries and lime offers a hint of summer warmth in the holiday season. Easy to prepare, this drink is a hit with guests of all ages and keeps the mood upbeat. With each sip, you’ll see smiles and hear lively conversations grow around the table.
Get the Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri
Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned Mocktail
This Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned Mocktail brings a touch of elegance to Thanksgiving, making family time feel extra special. The blend of bitters, sugar, and citrus creates a nostalgic flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s an easy way to bring some vintage charm to the festivities without the alcohol. Serve it, and let the classic taste set a relaxed, joyful tone.
Get the Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned Mocktail
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts bring a Thanksgiving twist with earthy Middle Eastern flavors, perfect for spicing up the table. Fresh thyme and a touch of date syrup elevate the dish, creating a side that feels special yet approachable. The nutty crunch of hazelnuts adds texture, making it a standout addition. With each bite, your guests will be transported to a whole new world of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried halloumi salad is the unexpected Thanksgiving side that guests will remember. With crispy, salty halloumi over fresh greens, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes, making it an effortless addition to your spread. The blend of textures and flavors rounds out any holiday table beautifully. Serve it, and you might just have guests insisting it’s their new favorite holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Easy Baked Oysters Mornay Recipe with Breadcrumbs, Butter, and Garlic
Easy Baked Oysters Mornay brings an elegant touch to Thanksgiving while keeping prep easy, which is always a plus on a busy holiday. Made with fresh oysters, garlic, butter, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this dish adds a special feel without overcomplicating things. It’s an excellent choice to wow guests, making the holiday spread feel just a little more refined. The combination of flavors is sure to make this a Thanksgiving favorite that’s worth the few extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Oysters Mornay Recipe with Breadcrumbs, Butter, and Garlic
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Moroccan pearl couscous salad brings an exotic flair to your Thanksgiving feast, adding a burst of color and texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, the blend of couscous, feta, and roasted pumpkin complements the holiday meal perfectly. A tangy tahini lemon dressing ties it all together, creating a memorable side. Serve it up, and you’ll have everyone talking about your inspired choices.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a no-fuss, hearty dish that adds a nostalgic touch to your Thanksgiving table, perfect for those moments you need a break. With tender cabbage, melted cheese, and a crunchy cracker topping, it brings a lot of comfort without complicated prep. This casserole is an easy addition to any feast, fitting right in with Thanksgiving classics. Every bite is a little reminder of simpler times, perfect for surviving the holiday madness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Sour
The Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Sour brings a classic cocktail vibe to Thanksgiving, perfect for enjoying family time without the buzz. Its sweet and sour balance pays homage to old-fashioned cocktail hour, setting a nostalgic tone. Easy to prepare, it lightens the mood and helps everyone relax and enjoy the moment. Watch as even the skeptics reach for a glass with a smile.
Get the Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Sour
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli, and peppers add a vibrant side dish to Thanksgiving, guaranteed to earn you compliments. Combining tangy lemon with earthy spices, this dish complements heavier sides, balancing out the feast. Quick to make, it’s a reliable addition to the table. With every bite, guests may just forget about the usual sides and reach for more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Air Fryer Cheese Bites Recipe
Air Fryer Cheese Bites are the quick and easy snack that lets you get through Thanksgiving without any extra stress. These crispy bites are perfect as a pre-dinner snack to keep everyone happy while the main courses cook. With just a few minutes in the air fryer, they’re ready to go, offering a simple crowd-pleaser that feels festive and fun. A little cheesy indulgence before the feast is a welcome treat for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Bites Recipe
Blackberry Moscow Mule Mocktail
The Blackberry Moscow Mule Mocktail is a Thanksgiving drink that keeps the atmosphere light and fun, offering a burst of flavor with each sip. Combining ginger beer and lime with juicy blackberries, this drink brings a festive touch that energizes the crowd. It’s easy to prepare, making it a stress-free addition to the holiday. Watch as it adds a lively spark to the room.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Moscow Mule Mocktail
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cranberry Apple Stuffing adds a seasonal twist to Thanksgiving, changing how everyone sees stuffing. The tart cranberries and sweet apples balance the flavors, creating a side that feels fresh and festive. Ready in just 45 minutes, this stuffing is sure to win guests over. Once you serve it, there’s no going back to plain stuffing again.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheesy loaded twice-baked potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite that’s hard to resist, perfect for adding comfort to your holiday table. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. The creamy, cheesy filling is what everyone will crave. Expect these potatoes to be one of the first sides to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
These air fryer sweet potatoes offer a quick and fluffy Thanksgiving side that guests will appreciate. Simple to prepare, they’re a convenient choice for busy holiday kitchens. The light, airy texture complements any main dish beautifully. Watch as everyone is pleasantly surprised by the simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Festive Christmas Bruschetta
This festive Christmas Bruschetta is a standout choice for surviving Thanksgiving with elegance and ease. Featuring goat cheese, garlic, herbs, and cranberries, it brings together flavors that feel both special and holiday-ready. Quick to prepare and bursting with seasonal colors, it makes a beautiful appetizer to keep guests occupied before the main meal. Serve this, and watch it set the tone for a lively and flavorful holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Bruschetta
Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries
These homemade mushroom savory pastries make Thanksgiving hosting simpler by adding a hearty snack that’s easy to grab. Best served warm, these pastries feature rich, authentic flavors that feel like an indulgence without the extra hassle. Perfect for guests to enjoy between courses, they bring a satisfying bite that’s both comforting and festive. Set these out, and watch them disappear as guests keep reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries
Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey
This baked feta dip is a Thanksgiving lifesaver, perfect for entertaining when time is short. Its creamy texture and effortless preparation make it an easy addition to any holiday spread. The sweet and savory mix of feta, dates, hazelnuts, and honey feels indulgent, yet requires minimal effort. Your guests will likely be requesting this recipe before the night is over, adding a new favorite to their holiday traditions.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey
Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey
Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey adds a vibrant touch to Thanksgiving, bringing Middle Eastern flavors to your table. The creamy feta, crunchy dukkah, and hint of honey make this dip perfect as a unique appetizer or side. It’s an easy way to add depth and excitement to your spread. Set it out, and you’ll have guests intrigued by your creative flair.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey
Tell Me What You Think!