Hosting can be stressful, but with these 21 easy recipes, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, each dish is designed to simplify your prep without sacrificing flavor. These recipes let you focus on enjoying time with your guests, not stressing over the kitchen. Hosting may not always be easy, but this lineup will make it feel like a breeze.
1. Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
This Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie offers all the comforting fall flavors in just about an hour, making it perfect for easy, stress-free hosting. The spiced pumpkin filling paired with a flaky crust brings tradition to the table without the hassle of complicated prep. It’s an excellent choice for accommodating guests with dietary needs without compromising on taste. One slice, and it’ll be a new holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: 1. Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
2. Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
This stuffing casserole blends sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds, offering a stress-free solution for Thanksgiving sides. In about an hour, it creates a fresh take on traditional stuffing, giving your menu a modern touch with minimal effort. A perfect addition for hosts looking to impress without the stress. Serve this dish, and your guests might just expect it every year.
Get the Recipe: 2. Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
3. Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie, with its smooth spiced filling and coconut oil crust, makes for a festive, easy-to-prepare dessert. Ready in just an hour, it’s a great choice for hosts needing a holiday-friendly vegan option. The maple syrup brings natural sweetness, making this pie fit seamlessly into a Thanksgiving menu without the extra work. One slice, and you’ll have a new tradition on your hands.
Get the Recipe: 3. Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
4. Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
This Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad, ready in under 30 minutes, offers a vibrant and easy-to-prep dish for your Thanksgiving spread. The pumpkin, feta, and fresh herbs bring bold flavors, while the tahini lemon dressing adds a bright touch. It’s perfect for lightening up the table without the stress of complicated recipes. Serve this, and your guests will appreciate the refreshing change.
Get the Recipe: 4. Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
5. Gluten-Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche
This Gluten-Free Pecan Pie, with its bourbon, maple syrup, and pecans, brings rich holiday flavors in just over an hour. Topped with maple dulce de leche, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits effortlessly into any Thanksgiving dessert table. Perfect for gluten-free guests, but so good that no one will even notice. One slice, and the focus will be on the pie, not the gluten.
Get the Recipe: 5. Gluten-Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche
6. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
These Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, ready in 20 minutes, bring big flavor in a small, low-stress package. The balsamic, feta, and pomegranate combination offers a burst of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, making this a quick win for any Thanksgiving table. A perfect side for keeping things simple and delicious. Even skeptics will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: 6. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
7. Caramelized Onion and Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pockets
These savory-sweet puff pastry pockets are a simple, stress-free appetizer or side for Thanksgiving. With caramelized onions and pumpkin in a flaky crust, they’re ready in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for hosting without added pressure. The bite-sized treats will have guests raving before the main course. Once served, they’ll be asking for the recipe, guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: 7. Caramelized Onion and Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pockets
8. Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
This classic Lattice Top Apple Pie, with tender apples and warm spices, brings nostalgic sweetness to Thanksgiving in just about an hour. The buttery, flaky crust makes it a perfect dessert for stress-free hosting. A comforting favorite that everyone will recognize and love. One slice, and you’ll see why it’s been a holiday staple for generations.
Get the Recipe: 8. Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
9. Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles with Chocolate Sauce
These Pumpkin Protein Waffles, packed with 17g of protein per serving, offer a quick, easy breakfast to start the holiday off right. The pumpkin puree adds softness, while the chocolate sauce gives them a sweet finish, making this a fun, stress-free recipe. It’s perfect for keeping guests satisfied without extra work. Once you try them, they’ll become a new fall breakfast favorite.
Get the Recipe: 9. Fluffy Pumpkin Protein Waffles with Chocolate Sauce
10. Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
This Baked Cranberry Cheesecake offers a rich and creamy dessert with a bright cranberry topping, perfect for easy, stress-free hosting. Ready in just 90 minutes, it’s a festive alternative to pies that still feels classic. The tart cranberries cut through the richness, balancing the flavors effortlessly. Once it’s served, your guests might just ask for this over pumpkin pie.
Get the Recipe: 10. Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
11. Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
These Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with caramelized onions bring easy fall flavors to your Thanksgiving table. Ready in 35 minutes, they’re a great choice for a simple appetizer that doesn’t skimp on taste. Perfect for keeping things stress-free while still impressing your guests. Serve these, and they’ll be talking about the pre-dinner bites as much as the main course.
Get the Recipe: 11. Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
12. Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta, ready in just 20 minutes, is a light and fresh option that balances out heavier Thanksgiving dishes. The fresh herbs and feta bring a burst of flavor without any stress, making it a great choice for hosts looking to add variety without the hassle. A side dish that might just change the way your guests see Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: 12. Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
13. Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts offers a sweet and savory dish in about an hour, making it a great stress-free main course for Thanksgiving. The bold flavors of pomegranate molasses and crunchy walnuts bring a unique twist to the holiday table. Perfect for hosts wanting to keep things simple yet impressive. Serve this, and you’ll see the turkey get some serious competition.
Get the Recipe: 13. Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
14. Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella combines prunes, olives, and capers for a bold, flavorful main course that’s ready in just over an hour. This dish brings a stress-free, standout option to Thanksgiving, perfect for hosts wanting something different from the usual turkey. The vibrant flavors will have guests talking long after dinner is over. Once served, it might just steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: 14. Chicken Marbella
15. Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Pecan Pie blends the smoothness of pumpkin with the crunch of pecans, making it a perfect dessert for easy Thanksgiving hosting. In just over an hour, the caramel drizzle takes it from simple to special, fitting perfectly into any fall gathering. It’s a dish that keeps coming back year after year. Once you bake it, it’ll be hard not to repeat it.
Get the Recipe: 15. Pumpkin Pecan Pie
16. Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail
This Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail brings cozy fall flavors in just 10 minutes, making it a quick and stress-free seasonal drink. Without the alcohol, it’s perfect for any gathering where you want to offer something festive yet easy to prepare. It captures all the flavors of the season in one glass. One sip, and it’ll become your new fall favorite.
Get the Recipe: 16. Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail
17. Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
This Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers dish is ready in just 40 minutes, offering a vibrant, fresh side for your Thanksgiving table. The lemon adds a bright flavor that balances out heavier dishes, making it perfect for hosts looking for simplicity. A stress-free side that doesn’t sacrifice on taste. These veggies might just be the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: 17. Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
18. Jerusalem Kugel Recipe
This Jerusalem Kugel brings sweet and peppery noodles together in a crispy, chewy dish that’s perfect for fall gatherings. Ready in about an hour, it’s a nostalgic addition to any Thanksgiving spread, reminding guests of family traditions. Its unique flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for keeping things interesting while staying stress-free. Serve this, and guests will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: 18. Jerusalem Kugel Recipe
19. Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
These Apple Cranberry Muffins offer a sweet and tart bite, with a crunchy streusel topping, perfect for a simple addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Ready in just 40 minutes, they add a festive touch without adding stress to your prep. The balance of flavors makes these muffins hard to resist. Once they’re on the table, they might disappear faster than the main course.
Get the Recipe: 19. Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
20. Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
This Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy offers a hearty, comforting dish that’s ready in just about an hour, perfect for stress-free hosting. The hint of tarragon adds a fresh twist, making this a great addition to any Thanksgiving spread. Its rich flavors and golden crust make it feel like a special treat with minimal effort. Once baked, you’ll feel like you’ve brought the family together around the table.
Get the Recipe: 20. Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
21. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
This Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies recipe offers a simple, one-pan option for a stress-free Thanksgiving. In just 45 minutes, it’s ready to serve, with smoky paprika adding warmth to the chicken and roasted vegetables. Perfect for hosts looking to streamline their cooking without sacrificing flavor. Once you try it, you might rethink your holiday meal prep.
Get the Recipe: 21. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
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