food
By Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
•
Published Nov 23, 2020
Additional reporting by
Taryn Pire
Maybe you volunteered to cook Thanksgiving dinner, or perhaps you got roped into it—either way, the pressure’s on and you’re going to do it right. Even if it's your first time, don’t worry: you’ve got this! Take a deep breath and lean on this menu of easy Thanksgiving recipes, which cover every aspect of the big meal, from co*cktails to dessert. They'll impress your guests and relieve some of your stress.
Need more Thanksgiving menu ideas? We've got Thanksgiving side dishes that will impress everyone at the table, Thanksgiving vegetable recipes that are just as delicious as the main course and dessert ideas to sweeten things up like these Thanksgiving cookies.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
co*cktails
1. Hot Buttered Rum
Hot cocoa who? Your guests can warm their bones and chat while you start bringing out appetizers.
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Erin McDowell
2. Cranberry-mint Holiday Punch
There's no easier way to quench a crowd's thirst than by combining liquor, fruit juice and sparkling wine in a pretty bowl.
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3. Pumpkin Patch Punch
Apple cider, pumpkin butter, brandy and ginger beer? The autumn is strong with this one.
4. Fig Bourbon Cider Smash
Sweet cider and fig preserves meet oaky bourbon and a dash of balsamic vinegar.
5. Hard Apple Cider Mule
A seasonal twist on a classic.
6. Black Velvet
If you have Guinness lovers in the family, this drink made with stout beer and crème de cassis will blow them away *and* grant you bragging rights.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Appetizers
7. Cranberry, Brussels Sprouts and Brie Skillet Nachos
All the season's best flavors on one crisp chip. Even picky kids won't be able to resist.
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
8. Cranberry-brie Pie Crust Bites
Sweet, salty, crunchy and downright adorable.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
9. Roasted Mixed Nuts
Making this classic bar snack from scratch is as simple as tossing nuts of your choice in oil, herbs and spices, then baking them for about 10 minutes. Ta-da.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
10. Brussels Sprouts Latkes
Substitute spuds for the season's most beloved vegetable.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
11. Prosciutto And Fig Salad Board
Using a chic cutting board instead of a serving bowl can turn any salad into a sophisticated masterpiece without a second of extra work.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
12. Bacon, Onion And Asiago Fondue
Is there anything more comforting than a skillet of warm, melty cheese? Didn't think so.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
13. The Best Damn Pumpkin Soup
OK, your mind is about to be blown. This seven-ingredient soul-warmer roasts inside the pumpkin; just scoop out the seeds, fill 'er up and pop the whole gourd in the oven.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
14. Delicata Squash Rings With Garlic-lemon Sauce
Warning: These handhelds will disappear in minutes.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Mains
15. The Fastest Roast Turkey in the Universe
Thirty-three minutes is all it takes to roast this turkey—just remember to defrost it with time to spare.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
16. Maple-herb Roasted Turkey Legs
Who says you need to cook the whole bird? Your guests who love dark meat definitely won't mind.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
17. Slow-cooker Turkey Breast With Orange And Herbs
Not only can you set it and forget, but slow-cooker turkey breast is basically impossible to overcook. Bye-bye, dry meat.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
18. Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken
Your fam doesn't do turkey? That's cool. This skillet chicken is loaded with fresh herbs and cranberries, plus it doesn't even need to be seared on the stove before roasting.
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Nisha Vora
19. Creamy Vegan Lentil And Roasted Vegetable Bake
Your vegan relative will be overjoyed to see this cashew cream-drenched beauty loaded with butternut squash, cauliflower and pine nuts on the table.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
20. Butternut Squash Lasagna
This vegetarian-friendly Thanksgiving main dish will have even meat-lovers asking for seconds.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Sides
21. Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
The key to hosting Thanksgiving is prepping in stages. Prep these spuds a day or two ahead so you can quickly reheat them before dinnertime.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
22. Make-ahead Vegetarian Gravy
The secret to whipping up rich, flavorful gravy sans-turkey drippings? Umami-rich portobello mushrooms.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
23. 5-ingredient Red-wine Cranberry Sauce
One cup of dry red vino in the pot, the rest for the chef.
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Ellen Silverman/Everyday Dorie
24. Dorie Greenspan's Maple Syrup And Mustard Brussels Sprouts
This side dish starring pantry staples and fall flavors will only take you 25 minutes to pull together.
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25. Julia Turshen’s Sheet-pan Stuffing With Sausage And Spinach
You can prep this holiday staple a day in advance and wrap it up on the sheet pan until you’re ready to bake it. Crisis averted.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
26. Kale Salad With Crispy Chickpeas
It won't kill your guests (or you) to make some room on your plate for greens, right?
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Chloe Flavor
27. Vegan Butternut Mac And ‘cheese’ With Smoky Shiitake ‘bacon’
Because no one should have to miss out on the world's most beloved side dish.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
28. Sweet Potato Crostini
Let’s talk about crostini for a sec. This party appetizer is super versatile, looks sophisticated and is incredibly simple to make.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Dessert
29. Rosé Poached Pears with Ginger and Vanilla
Psst: We found the perfect use for that leftover bottle of summer wine in your fridge. Don't forget the whipped cream.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
30. Miniature Banoffee Cobblers
This British dessert of sweet bananas, crispy graham crackers, gooey caramel and vanilla whipped cream is well worth crossing the Atlantic for. Better yet, save yourself the trip and make it on your own.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
31. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
So, pie feels like a tall order and gingersnaps seem too boring. Consider these cookies the best of both worlds.
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PHOTO: JON COSPITO/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
32. Mini Caramel Pecan Pies With Cinnamon Roll Pie Crust
A twist on a timeless classic that couldn't be easier to pull off. (Hint: It all starts with store-bought pie dough.)
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PHOTO: JON COSPITO/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
33. Slow-cooker Spiked Cinnamon Lattes
Leave drip coffee behind this year. A blend of espresso, maple syrup, vanilla vodka and Kahlúa will pair with dessert like a charm.
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Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
34. Sweet Potato Pots De Crème With Toasted Marshmallow
Consider your dinner guests wined, dined and wowed.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
35. Chai Hot Toddy
Cozy up to the fireplace with one of these rum-spiked beauties before calling it a night. If you prefer your hot toddy fruity, try this cranberry version on for size, made with rum, brandy and honey.
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RELATED
RELATED 21 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes That Rival Any Turkey
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
Freelance PureWow Editor
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Taryn Pire
Food Editor
Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...
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