18 Hassle-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and of course — mouthwatering food. But let’s be honest, spending the entire day in the kitchen can feel overwhelming.

That’s where hassle-free recipes come to the rescue! With minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and easy steps, you can enjoy the celebration without the stress.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or planning a cozy dinner, these 18 easy Thanksgiving recipes will make your feast flavorful and effortless.

From appetizers to desserts, each recipe is designed to deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

1. Classic Herb Butter Roast Turkey

A juicy and tender centerpiece with rich herb butter that melts into every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix butter with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat turkey dry and rub butter mixture under and over the skin.
4. Roast for 3–4 hours, basting occasionally.
5. Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Maple Glazed Ham

Sweet, sticky, and savory ham with a caramelized maple finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (8–10 lbs)
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Whisk maple syrup, brown sugar, and mustard.
3. Score the ham and brush with glaze.
4. Bake for 1½–2 hours, basting every 20 minutes.
5. Let cool slightly before slicing.

3. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, buttery potatoes infused with roasted garlic.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 head roasted garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain and mash with garlic, cream, and butter.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve warm with gravy or herbs.

4. Easy Turkey Gravy

A rich and velvety gravy made in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups turkey drippings or chicken broth
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
3. Slowly add drippings, whisking constantly.
4. Simmer until thickened.
5. Season and serve hot.

5. Cranberry Orange Sauce

A tangy and sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with turkey.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and sugar.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
3. Cook for 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Stir in orange zest.
5. Chill before serving.

6. Garlic Green Bean Almondine

Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic and almonds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add almonds and toast lightly.
4. Toss in green beans, season, and serve.

7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

A sweet and fluffy holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix sweet potatoes with sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
3. Spread in a baking dish and top with marshmallows.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

8. Savory Stuffing with Herbs

A classic side dish that’s full of flavor and comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread, cubed
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh sage and thyme, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
2. Add herbs and stir.
3. Mix with bread cubes and broth.
4. Bake in a dish at 350°F for 30 minutes.

9. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Creamy mac and cheese with a seasonal twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta as directed.
2. In a pot, melt butter, add milk, pumpkin, and cheese.
3. Stir until smooth.
4. Mix pasta into sauce.
5. Serve hot.

10. Honey Butter Cornbread

Soft, sweet, and golden cornbread with a buttery finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix all ingredients into a smooth batter.
3. Pour into a greased baking pan.
4. Bake 20–25 minutes.
5. Brush with honey butter.

11. Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

Colorful veggies roasted to perfection with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, herbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and herbs.
3. Spread on a sheet pan.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring once.

12. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and tangy sprouts caramelized beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet.
2. Add sprouts cut-side down and sear until golden.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze.
4. Toss and cook for 5 minutes more.

13. Apple Sausage Stuffing Cups

Perfectly portioned stuffing bites.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf bread, cubed
• ½ lb sausage
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage until browned.
2. Add apple and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Combine with bread and broth.
4. Spoon into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

14. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Tender carrots coated in a glossy sweet glaze.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby carrots
• 3 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil carrots until tender.
2. In a pan, melt butter with brown sugar.
3. Add carrots and toss to coat.
4. Cook until glaze thickens.

15. Herb Butter Dinner Rolls

Soft, buttery rolls infused with fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

• 12 dinner rolls (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brush rolls with herb butter.
3. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden.
4. Serve warm.

16. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

A creamy, spiced dessert that requires no oven time.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup whipped topping
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 graham cracker crust

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add pumpkin and spice.
3. Fold in whipped topping.
4. Pour into crust and chill 4 hours.

17. Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat layer.

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, sliced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon.
3. Spread in a baking dish.
4. Mix oats and butter; sprinkle on top.
5. Bake 30–35 minutes.

18. Pecan Pie Bars

All the flavor of pecan pie in easy-to-serve bars.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (pre-made)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup corn syrup
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Press pie crust into a baking pan.
3. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over crust.
4. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Cool before slicing into bars.

Conclusion: Stress-Free Feasting

Thanksgiving should be about togetherness, not hours of complicated cooking. These 18 hassle-free Thanksgiving recipes let you focus on what matters most — making memories around the table. With easy prep, simple ingredients, and big flavors, your holiday spread will be impressive without the extra work.