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Savor Thanksgiving Without the Stress with These Simple 17 Recipes

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Thanksgiving can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With these easy recipes, you’ll get all the classic flavors without the usual kitchen chaos. Relax, enjoy your holiday, and let these dishes take the stress out of your celebration.

Roasted Turkey

Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

A perfectly roasted turkey doesn’t have to be a Thanksgiving headache. This simple recipe walks you through how to get crispy skin and juicy meat without any stress. With classic flavors like butter, garlic, and herbs, you’ll have a centerpiece that’s both foolproof and totally impressive—perfect for making Thanksgiving feel special without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Broccoli Rice Casserole

A wooden spoon holds a serving of broccoli rice casserole from a baking dish.
Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This broccoli rice casserole is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish—creamy, cheesy, and packed with comfort. The combination of tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese feels indulgent but is so easy to whip up. Whether it’s your star side or a cozy weeknight leftover, it’s guaranteed to make everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole

Pepper Gravy

Pepper gravy on pork chop with black pepper garnish and fresh rosemary.
Pepper Gravy. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Pepper gravy is a Thanksgiving essential that takes your meal to the next level. Whether you pour it over mashed potatoes, turkey, or biscuits, its creamy texture and bold pepper flavor tie everything together. With just five ingredients, it’s a no-stress addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Gravy

Pumpkin Pasta

Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Pumpkin pasta is the dish that brings Thanksgiving comfort with half the effort. The creamy pumpkin and cheese sauce gives you all the cozy fall vibes in a meal that’s as simple as stirring and serving. It’s perfect for adding some seasonal flair to your table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Apple Cinnamon Cake

A slice of moist apple cinnamon cake with chocolate chunks is lifted from a whole cake.
Apple Cinnamon Cake. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

End Thanksgiving on a sweet note with this apple cinnamon cake. It’s fluffy, spiced just right, and topped with a crunchy crumble that tastes like autumn in every bite. This easy dessert is perfect for impressing your guests without stressing over a pie crust.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake

Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Ruth chris stuffed chicken on a plate, resting on a bed of creamy, cheesy spinach mixture.
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Want Thanksgiving comfort food with a touch of fancy? This stuffed chicken is creamy, cheesy, and golden-baked perfection. It’s simple to make but feels like a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for holiday celebrations or the weekend after.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Sweet Potato Fries

A basket of seasoned sweet potato fries with a bowl of ketchup in the background.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Sweet potato fries are the side dish you didn’t know your Thanksgiving needed. Tossed in olive oil and savory spices, they’re crispy, fluffy, and ready in minutes. They’re a guilt-free, crowd-pleasing option that’s great for snacking while the turkey finishes roasting.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Holiday Charcuterie Board

A platter of meats, cheeses and crackers on a table.
Holiday Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

A holiday charcuterie board is the easiest way to wow your Thanksgiving crowd with minimal effort. Fill it with cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal fruits to create a centerpiece that’s both delicious and beautiful. It’s perfect for grazing while the main meal is still in the works.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Charcuterie Board

Potato Skins

A plate of potato skins topped with melted cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped chives.
Potato Skins. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These loaded potato skins are a Thanksgiving appetizer that everyone will devour. Crispy, buttery potato halves topped with bacon, cheese, and green onions are simple to make and even easier to love. They’re the perfect bite to keep your guests happy while you finish the main course.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

A person's hand picking up a slice of bruschetta al pomodoro.
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Fresh and light, bruschetta al pomodoro is a no-fuss starter that balances out the richness of Thanksgiving dinner. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crusty bread come together in a simple dish that’s big on flavor. It’s a refreshing way to kick off your holiday meal without adding extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix (IHOP Copycat)

Close-up of a stack of pumpkin pancakes topped with a pat of melting butter, syrup, and some chopped nuts.
Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix (IHOP Copycat). Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Start your Thanksgiving morning right with these fluffy pumpkin pancakes. They’re loaded with warm spices and made extra easy thanks to pancake mix. Your house will smell amazing, and breakfast will be on the table in no time—leaving you more energy for the big meal later.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix (IHOP Copycat)

Baked Potato Soup

A person holding a bowl of baked potato soup garnished, with similar bowls and a spoon on a checkered tablecloth.
Baked Potato Soup. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This baked potato soup is like wrapping yourself in a cozy Thanksgiving hug. Creamy, hearty, and topped with crispy bacon and melty cheese, it’s perfect for a holiday starter or an easy meal during Thanksgiving week. It’s simple to make and packed with comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup

Cinnamon Rolls

Close-up of a cinnamon roll on a spatula, covered in white icing, with a tray of similar cinnamon rolls in the background.
Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

What better way to kick off Thanksgiving morning than with warm, gooey cinnamon rolls? These soft, pillowy treats are swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze that feels like dessert for breakfast. With a quick and easy recipe, you can enjoy homemade goodness without the holiday stress.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread

A slice of brown bread rests on a wooden cutting board next to the main loaf.
Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Let your bread machine do the work this Thanksgiving with this pumpkin bread recipe. It’s sweet, spiced, and perfect for snacking, breakfast, or even pairing with your turkey dinner. Add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat, and let the warm aroma fill your home.
Get the Recipe: Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread

Lobster

A cooked lobster is served in a wooden steamer basket with green garnishes around it.
Lobster. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Who says Thanksgiving can’t be a little fancy? Learn how to cook lobster perfectly for a show-stopping addition to your holiday spread. Whether it’s a luxurious side or a seafood twist on the main course, this recipe keeps it easy while delivering big-time flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lobster

Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins

Two pumpkin and cream cheese muffins sit on a blue and white cloth.
Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These pumpkin and cream cheese muffins are the perfect grab-and-go Thanksgiving treat. Soft, spiced muffins filled with velvety cream cheese and topped with a crunchy praline make every bite feel festive. Skip the Starbucks line and enjoy a lighter, homemade version of your favorite seasonal indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins

Starbucks Copycat Chai Syrup

Chai syrup in glass jar on crochet lace fabric with star anise and wooden spoon in white geometric bowl.
Starbucks Copycat Chai Syrup. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This homemade chai syrup brings all the cozy Thanksgiving spices to your drinks and desserts. Use it to make lattes, iced teas, or even drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a seasonal twist. Made in just 15 minutes, it’s a simple way to infuse your holiday with warm, spiced flavor.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Copycat Chai Syrup

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