🦃 Simple Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas for a Stress-Free Holiday
Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones, not stressing in the kitchen. If you want a delicious holiday meal without complicated steps, we’ve got you covered! Here are three simple recipes that will make your Thanksgiving table festive and tasty.
1. Sheet-Pan Roast Turkey Breast with Veggies
Skip the hassle of a whole bird! This turkey breast is juicy, flavorful, and cooks alongside your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 turkey breast (2–3 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3–4 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions, Brussels sprouts)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Rub turkey with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Arrange veggies on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place turkey on top and roast 45–60 minutes (until internal temp reaches 165°F).
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Use whatever root vegetables you have on hand—they roast beautifully together!
2. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving table is complete without creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
- Peel (optional) and boil potatoes until fork-tender (~15 min).
- Warm butter, milk, and garlic together.
- Drain potatoes, mash, and mix in the warm garlic-butter mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Tip: For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
3. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Finish your meal with a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 graham cracker crust
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
Directions:
- Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, spice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold in whipped topping.
- Spoon mixture into crust, smooth the top, and chill 2–3 hours.
Optional: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
🥳 Quick Thanksgiving Tips
- Prepare mashed potatoes and pumpkin cheesecake ahead of time to save stress on the big day.
- Roast vegetables with the turkey for one-pan convenience.
- Keep things simple: focus on flavor, not complexity.
These three dishes are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday, and don’t forget to savor the moments with family and friends!
