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    Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

    Last Updated: Oct 31, 2023 by Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

    Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas

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    Pin multi split image with text showing different easy Thanksgiving menu ideas.

    These easy Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas will reduce the stress of hosting a holiday dinner without sacrificing flavor! I've included everything from appetizers to desserts! You can copy my menu or pick and choose your ideal Thanksgiving recipes!

    Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

    You don't have to be an experienced chef to pull off a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. It might seem daunting, but with a good game plan and a few of my easy Thanksgiving recipes, you can't fail!

    Most of these recipes will serve anywhere between 4-6 people. If you're expecting a larger crowd, you can use the 2x or 3x button at the top of each individual recipe card to scale it up as needed!

    Square multi split image showing different easy Thanksgiving menu ideas.
    Jump to:
    • Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
    • 1. Antipasto Platter
    • 2. Pickle Roll-Ups
    • 3. Air Fryer Turkey Breast
    • 4. Ham Steaks
    • 5. Campbell's Green Bean Casserole
    • 6. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    • 7. Easy Stuffing
    • 8. Crockpot Macaroni & Cheese
    • 9. Microwave Acorn Squash
    • 10. Sweet Potato Muffins
    • 11. Slow Cooker Candied Yams
    • 12. Microwave Carrots
    • 13. Pumpkin Dump Cake
    • 14. No Bake Pumpkin Pie
    • 15. Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
    • 💭 Tips For Making Thanksgiving Dinner Easy
    • 📖 Recipe Card
    • Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas (15+ Super Easy Holiday Recipes!)
    • 💬 Reviews

    Whether you're a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you're sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don't forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early, too!

    1. Antipasto Platter

    Nothing beats an appetizer you don't have to cook, plus, it doubles as a distraction to keep people out of the kitchen! Arrange cured meats like salami, roasted nuts, hard and soft cheeses, and olives on a platter for grazing.

    Antipasto Platter
    This antipasto platter is an excellent appetizer for parties with a variety of tasty meats, cheeses, olives, and more to snack on! It's super simple to assemble, and you don't have to cook a thing! You can even prepare all the ingredients the day before, which means more time to spend at your party!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide close up image of antipasto platter, with mostly mixes of cheese and meat.

    2. Pickle Roll-Ups

    With just 3 ingredients, these pickle roll-ups are still the first thing to disappear at my house on Thanksgiving every year. Deli ham or turkey, cream cheese, and pickles, it's simple but so delicious!

    Pickle Roll Ups
    These pickle roll ups are the perfect super quick snack or appetizer for any pickle fans you may be serving! They only use 3 ingredients, have no cooking required, and can easily serve a crowd! Not to mention, they are low-carb and gluten-free!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of pickle roll up appetizers.

    3. Air Fryer Turkey Breast

    Utilizing alternative kitchen appliances like crockpots, air fryers, and Instant Pots is a great way to lessen the load on Thanksgiving. If you aren't confident cooking a whole bird, give these perfectly juicy turkey breasts with crispy skin a try!

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast
    Air fryer turkey breast is an easy meaty main dish that's equally suited for a fabulous family meal as it is a holiday gathering! Perfectly tender and superbly moist turkey is practically effortless whether you're using bone-in turkey breast or boneless turkey breast!
    Check out this recipe
    Closeup on the air fryer turkey breast sliced and served on wooden cutting board.

    4. Ham Steaks

    Ham steaks are an easy way to satisfy any Thanksgiving ham fans without cooking a whole honey-baked ham. They cook super quickly and are coated in caramelized butter and brown sugar, which gives them the same effect!

    Ham Steaks
    These ham steaks are browned and then cooked in a sweet brown sugar glaze for a dish that is quick, easy, and delicious! It is such a versatile protein that you can enjoy it any time of the day, from breakfast or brunch all the way to dinner! Plus, it only requires 3 ingredients and is ready to go in only 15 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of ham steaks with eggs on a plate.

    5. Campbell's Green Bean Casserole

    Campbell's classic green bean casserole recipe made with canned green beans and cream of mushroom soup couldn't be easier! Pick up a tub of French's fried onions for the crispy topping and bake until golden!

    Campbell's Green Bean Casserole
    Campbell's green bean casserole is a classic recipe that takes minimal prep work, is ready in a snap, and tastes absolutely delicious! Perfect for the holidays, this casserole is packed with green beans and a creamy sauce, and then topped with crispy fried onions! Plus, it only uses a handful of ingredients!
    Check out this recipe
    Close up square image of Campbell's green bean casserole in a glass baking dish.

    6. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    These super rich and creamy mashed potatoes are made with just 5 ingredients, and they're ready to eat in 30 minutes! This is the perfect recipe for anyone with an Instant Pot that hasn't made mashed potatoes before.

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    Instant Pot mashed potatoes will make some rich and creamy mashed potatoes with minimal effort! Made with only 5 ingredients. They’ll be your easiest side dish yet! These mashed potatoes come out perfect every time and are always a crowd-pleaser!
    Check out this recipe
    Delicious, fluffy instant pot mashed potatoes served in wooden bowl.

    7. Easy Stuffing

    Ready-to-use stuffing cubes make this stuffing a breeze, yet it still tastes homemade! Many grocery stores even sell a mix of pre-diced onions and celery that you can snag to cut down the prep time even further!

    Easy Stuffing
    Easy stuffing is a cornerstone recipe to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and amazingly tasty family dinners all year long! Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes combine with tasty herbs to complement so many dishes!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy stuffing with tasty herbs served in glass dish with serving spoon.

    8. Crockpot Macaroni & Cheese

    The convenience of crockpot mac and cheese is that you just dump the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the rest! This macaroni is rich, creamy, and delicious, with 3 kinds of cheese!

    Crockpot Mac and Cheese
    Crockpot mac and cheese is about to be your new favorite method of making macaroni and cheese because it's so easy and there are no dishes! There's no boiling your macaroni noodles, you just toss them in your slow cooker with the other ingredients and let it do its thing. Give crockpot mac and cheese a try the next time you're craving some indulgently rich and creamy macaroni and cheese!
    Check out this recipe
    Closeup on the crockpot mac and cheese after dishing it up into a white pasta bowl.

    >>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<

    9. Microwave Acorn Squash

    Acorn squash is one of my favorite fall ingredients, and it adds to the Thanksgiving ambiance. The squash is steamed until tender in the microwave, then coated with butter and brown sugar (or cinnamon)!

    If you prefer, you can make acorn squash in the Instant Pot too!

    Microwave Acorn Squash
    This easy Microwave Acorn Squash cooking method yields perfectly tender acorn squash in no time at all! Load up your favorite fillings like the comfort food classic combination of butter and brown sugar for a super quick vegetable side that everyone loves!
    Check out this recipe
    Perfectly cooked microwave acorn squash filled with butter and brown sugar.

    10. Sweet Potato Muffins

    Sweet potato muffins aren't overly sweet and are an easy bread option that can be served right alongside dinner. Not to mention, they freeze beautifully, so you can make them in advance!

    Sweet Potato Muffins
    These sweet potato muffins are an easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed as breakfast, a snack, or even a side dish at dinner! They are moist, flavorful, and packed full of delicious warming spices! Not to mention, these muffins can be frozen so that you always have them on hand whenever the craving strikes!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of sweet potato muffins.

    11. Slow Cooker Candied Yams

    These tender yams are sweet and warmly spiced with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You can even add mini marshmallows if you like your candied yams with marshmallows!

    Slow Cooker Candied Yams
    These slow cooker candied yams are the easy, sweet side dish you didn't know you were missing in your life! These slow cooker candied yams can be made in your crockpot with or without marshmallows, and they're so simple there's no need to wait for Thanksgiving or Christmas to whip up some sweet yams!
    Check out this recipe
    Best slow cooker candied yams that can be cooked with or without mini marshmallows and served up hot.

    12. Microwave Carrots

    You can quickly steam sliced carrots in the microwave as an easy vegetable side dish. They're tasty with just salt & pepper, or you can experiment with different seasonings!

    Microwave Carrots
    These microwave carrots are so quick and simple, and they are also some of the tastiest steamed carrots you'll ever enjoy! With only a splash of water and a few minutes of cooking time, this has to be the best way to get a veggie side dish on the table in no time at all. Serve up some microwave carrots at the holiday dinner table and everyone will be none the wiser!
    Check out this recipe
    Large square overhead of microwave carrots with parsley garnish.

    13. Pumpkin Dump Cake

    It's called a dump cake because you just 'dump' all the ingredients in a baking dish and pop it in the oven! There are practically no baking skills required!

    Pumpkin Dump Cake
    This pumpkin dump cake uses spice cake mix for an extra effortless yet extraordinarily delicious fall dessert! It features both pumpkin puree and homemade pumpkin pie spice for a truly warming flavor! As an added bonus, it is completely beginner-friendly, so anyone can make it!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of a slice of pumpkin dump cake on a white plate.

    14. No Bake Pumpkin Pie

    Skip the classic pumpkin pie and try this cool and creamy no-bake pumpkin pie instead! I like to make this pie the night before and keep it refrigerated until it's time for dessert on Thanksgiving day!

    No Bake Pumpkin Pie
    No-bake pumpkin pie is a sweet and tasty fall time treat that is perfect for any occasion and incredibly easy to make! You'll only need about 15 minutes of prep work, and then just let the pie chill in the fridge all night! Go ahead and make two because your guests will be coming back for seconds!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of a slice of no bake pumpkin pie.

    15. Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce

    Some people are perfectly happy with canned cranberry sauce, and that's okay! If you want to try your hand at making your own, my apple cider cranberry sauce is super flavorful and surprisingly simple!

    Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
    My apple cider cranberry sauce is the perfect blend of spiced apples, sweet sparkling apple cider, and tangy cranberries for Thanksgiving! It is tart, sweet, and full of juicy apple flavor! This easy-to-make cranberry sauce is sure to be a new family favorite for the holidays!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide side image of the apple cider cranberry sauce in crystal serving dish.

    💭 Tips For Making Thanksgiving Dinner Easy

    Going in with a game plan in mind is the most important part of hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Follow these steps to keep yourself organized!

    1. Plan your menu in advance: You're already on track just by being here! You can't do much until you know the number of guests and the menu.
    2. Create a timeline: Make a detailed timeline of when you need to start each dish and when they need to be finished.
    3. Prepare as much as possible in advance: Chop vegetables and measure ingredients the day before. Some dishes can even be partially cooked or assembled in advance and finished on Thanksgiving day.
    4. Delegate tasks: Friends and family will likely offer help, and there's no shame in accepting! They can focus on setting the table and cleaning up if you don't need help in the kitchen.

    I hope these recipes help ease the holiday stress so you can enjoy it! Be sure to come back and tell me how your Thanksgiving dinner turned out in the comments below!

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe Card

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    5 from 2 reviews

    Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas (15+ Super Easy Holiday Recipes!)

    These easy Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas will reduce the stress of hosting a holiday dinner without sacrificing flavor! I've included everything from appetizers to desserts! You can copy my menu or pick and choose your ideal Thanksgiving recipes!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 306kcal
    Prep 30 minutes minutes
    Cooking 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 50 minutes minutes
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    Ingredients
     

    • 2 medium sweet potatoes (rinsed and scrubbed)
    • ½ cup butter (melted, cooled slightly)
    • 2 large eggs (beaten, at room temperature)
    • 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or sour cream, or Greek yogurt)
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (or allspice)
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
    • ½ cup pecans (optional, chopped)
    Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

    Instructions

    Prep the Whipped Sweet Potatoes

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease your muffin pan or use cupcake liners.
    • Place 2 medium sweet potatoes on a baking dish, then bake until the sweet potatoes until tender (about 35-45 minutes). Remove from the oven and allow to cool until you can easily handle the sweet potatoes.
      2 medium sweet potatoes
    • Scrape the meat of the potatoes into a bowl and then whip using a hand mixer on low speed until nice and creamy. Set aside to cool.

    Mix The Muffin Batter

    • In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine ½ cup butter, whipped sweet potatoes, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon heavy cream, and 2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
      ½ cup butter, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon heavy cream, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Add ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly.
      ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt
    • Stir in 2 cups all-purpose flour until just combined (do not over-mix the batter). Fold in the optional chopped ½ cup pecans if desired. *The muffin batter will be thick!
      2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup pecans

    Portion & Bake the Muffins

    • Use a scoop or ¼-cup measuring cup to portion the batter into the muffin pan.
    • Bake for 20-22 minutes at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4), or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean from the center of your muffins. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
    • Transfer the muffins to a cooling rack to cool completely or serve warm.

    Equipment You May Need

    Muffin Tin
    Mixing Bowl
    Hand Mixer
    Measuring Cups
    Measuring Spoons

    Notes

    Tips:
    • 2 large sweet potatoes are equivalent to about 1½ cups of mashed sweet potatoes.
    • If you’re a cinnamon fan, up to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon works well in this recipe.
    • Do not fill the muffin tin all the way full, or it will overflow. Instead, only fill it ⅔ of the way full, or use a ¼-cup measuring cup to portion the batter.
    • If making mini muffins, start checking them for doneness after about 9-10 minutes.
    Storage:
    • Store any leftover sweet potato muffins in an airtight container with paper towels on the bottom. They can be kept at room temperature for 3-4 days or up to a week in the fridge. 
    • These muffins can also be frozen. I recommend wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing all of them in a large storage bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 306kcal (15%) | Carbohydrates: 46g (15%) | Protein: 4g (8%) | Fat: 12g (18%) | Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 53mg (18%) | Sodium: 285mg (12%) | Potassium: 212mg (6%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 23g (26%) | Vitamin A: 5646IU (113%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 41mg (4%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    baking, easy thanksgiving dinner menu, easy thanksgiving dinner menu ideas, easy thanksgiving recipes, holiday baking, moist sweet potato muffins, muffins, sweet potato, sweet potato muffins
    Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Muffin Recipes, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine American, Southern
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/

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    Author bio photo with cake.

    Hi there, I'm Angela! I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

    Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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