17 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Recipes That’ll Have You Wondering How You Made Them So Fast

Running out of time to pull together your Thanksgiving feast? These last-minute recipes are quick, easy, and packed with flavor, so you can impress everyone without the stress. They’re the perfect solution to save the day and make your holiday celebration feel effortless.

Potato Skins

These potato skins are the perfect quick addition to your Thanksgiving lineup! Crispy potato halves loaded with gooey cheese, crunchy bacon, and fresh green onions—what’s not to love? They’re so easy to whip up, you’ll have extra time to focus on the turkey, or better yet, just sit back and relax.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Roasted Turkey

A Thanksgiving table without a turkey? This roasted turkey recipe is foolproof, delivering juicy meat and crispy skin with buttery, herby flavors and a hint of lemon. It’s so simple, you’ll still have time to catch up with family while it roasts to golden perfection.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Pepper Gravy

Gravy is the glue that holds Thanksgiving together, and this pepper gravy is as easy as it gets. Thick, creamy, and packed with bold flavor, it’s perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even the turkey. Plus, with just five ingredients, it’s a last-minute hero you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Gravy

Pumpkin Pasta

Add some unexpected flair to your Thanksgiving spread with this creamy pumpkin pasta. It’s the perfect blend of fall flavors with just the right amount of indulgence—who says pasta can’t share the stage with turkey? Quick to make and guaranteed to impress, it’s a new holiday favorite waiting to happen.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Apple Cinnamon Cake

Looking for a dessert that feels homemade but takes no time at all? This apple cinnamon cake has all the cozy Thanksgiving vibes with its tender apples, warm spices, and crumbly topping. It’s the sweet ending your feast deserves—no stress required.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake

Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Who says Thanksgiving mains have to stop at turkey? This stuffed chicken recipe is creamy, cheesy, and fancy enough to sit proudly on your holiday table. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a great option for smaller gatherings or as a second main dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Every Thanksgiving table needs a casserole, and this cheesy broccoli rice dish is here to steal the show. It’s creamy, comforting, and the perfect side to balance out all the turkey and gravy. Bonus: it’s quick and easy to make, so you won’t miss out on the holiday fun.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole

Outback Potato Soup

This Outback-inspired potato soup is the perfect Thanksgiving starter or side dish. Creamy, cozy, and loaded with bacon and cheese, it’s guaranteed to warm everyone up before the big feast. And with just 15 minutes of prep, it’s a no-fuss option for busy holiday kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup

Sweet Potato Fries

Switch things up this Thanksgiving with these air-fried sweet potato fries! They’re crispy, golden, and seasoned to perfection—a fun twist on the classic sweet potato dish. Bonus: they’re ready in minutes and will have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix

Thanksgiving breakfast just got a whole lot better with these fluffy pumpkin pancakes. Bursting with fall spices, they’re the perfect way to kick off the holiday while keeping things simple. Whip them up in no time and watch your family devour them with warm syrup.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix

Baked Potato Soup

This baked potato soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl—perfect for Thanksgiving when you need something quick but comforting. Loaded with cheese, bacon, and tender potatoes, it’s hearty enough to hold its own on the holiday table. Serve it as a side or a warm-up before the main event.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup

Cinnamon Rolls

Start Thanksgiving morning with these gooey, homemade cinnamon rolls, and you’ll set the tone for a perfect day. They’re soft, sweet, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze—what more could you ask for? Quick to whip up, they’ll make your kitchen smell like a holiday wonderland.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Holiday Charcuterie Board

Every Thanksgiving needs a show-stopping snack, and this holiday charcuterie board fits the bill. With a mix of savory meats, cheeses, and crackers, it’s the perfect way to keep everyone happy while the turkey finishes roasting. Bonus: it looks gorgeous and takes almost no effort to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Charcuterie Board

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Give your Thanksgiving table a fresh twist with this easy bruschetta. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crispy bread bring a pop of flavor to your holiday lineup. It’s a light and refreshing appetizer to keep everyone satisfied before the big feast.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread

Let your bread machine handle the heavy lifting while you focus on Thanksgiving fun. This pumpkin bread is sweet, moist, and fills your home with the coziest fall aroma. Serve it as a snack or alongside dinner—either way, it’s a holiday winner.
Get the Recipe: Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread

Chicken and Asparagus Bake

If turkey isn’t your thing, this chicken and asparagus bake is a perfect Thanksgiving alternative. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a quick dish that feels special enough for the holiday. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies, so it checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Asparagus Bake

Lobster

Feeling fancy this Thanksgiving? Impress your guests with lobster—it’s way easier than you think. With buttery, tender meat, this dish is an unexpected showstopper that pairs beautifully with your holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Lobster