Thanksgiving is an amazing time to spend time with friends and family while chowing down on some delicious holiday foods, but it’s also a stressful time, especially if you’re the one hosting Thanksgiving. Fortunately, there are tons of recipes that can be whipped up in half an hour or less – here are our favorite picks.
1. Crispy Crumb-Topped Mac and Cheese Cups
Mac and Cheese is delicious in any format, but when you turn them into crispy little bite-sized savory cupcakes, they’re absolutely divine. If you’re looking to be a little more health-conscious, swap regular elbow macaroni for a veggie alternative, or add in spinach and broccoli. Try to stop yourself from consuming a whole tray in one go.
Will mashed potatoes ever get old for thanksgiving? We don’t think so, given how good they taste and how low maintenance they are to make. This recipe is made even easier by the fact that you don’t need to peel potatoes, and the addition of chives and flavored cream cheese puts this mashed potato dish on another level.
3. Air Fryer Turkey Croquettes
As an additional side or a replacement for a whole roasted turkey, consider these air-fryer turkey croquettes, which take 20 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. Combined with different kinds of cheese, mashed potatoes, herbs and shallots, these croquettes are a crispy, golden-brown game-changer.
This homemade cornbread will taste so amazing, you won’t even need a pat of butter on top. And it can be made and ready in just half an hour. It can be cooked in a square cake pan, cast iron skillet, or a baking dish made of stoneware. The edges are crisp, the inside is tender, and the pan will probably be done before the turkey comes out.
5. Baked Brie Phyllo Cups with Craisins and Walnuts
Infuse traditional Thanksgiving ingredients with a Greek vibe. While this is definitely not a recipe for anyone who is allergic to nuts, Craisins and walnuts are cradled in a phyllo cup with ooey-gooey brie, creating a completely unique charcuterie effect that makes the perfect bite-sized holiday appetizer.
6. Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad
If you want a bright, shredded salad that’ll be ready in no time, consider this Brussel sprout, crunchy bacon and almonds, and sharp parmesan, all doused in an orange-lemon vinaigrette. It’s fresh-tasting yet decadent thanks to the bacon, and a sure crowd-pleaser, no matter who’s sitting at your table.
7. Stovetop Honey Butter Carrots
Some people might consider carrots boring, but they’ve clearly never prepared them like this. Toss those unseasoned steamed carrots to the side and consider these stovetop-cooked melt-in-your-mouth carrots which are infused with mouthwatering honey butter.
8. Portobello Boats with Rosemary Lentil Crumble and Balsamic Apple Glaze
Portobello mushrooms are the meat of the veggie world – they’re juicy, have a good bite to them, and an earthy flavor that blends well with other ingredients. This one is stuffed with herbs, lentils, and an acidic balsamic apple glaze that’s bound to make your tastebuds explode.
9. Green Bean Casserole (One Pot)
Green bean casserole is sometimes referred to as a “green bean bake” but this has been a staple at Thanksgiving dinner for years now. Although it’s more of a side dish than a main, it’s creamy, crunchy, and contains the ultimate blends of texture.
10. Crispy Delicata Rings with Currant, Fennel, & Apple Relish
Vegetarian or not, these nutritious and flavorful squash rings are a great addition to any Thanksgiving table, brightened up with some lime, apple relish, and current, along with the complex flavors of fennel. Best of all, you don’t need to peel this squash before you cut and prep it!
11. Martha Stewart Cheddar and Sage Biscuits
Yes, you can make biscuits in under 30 minutes! These deliciously buttery sage and white cheddar biscuits make for a fluffy base to soak up stuffing, gravy, or anything else that you need. They can be made without a food processor if you incorporate the butter with a pastry cutter.
12. Pear Salad with Dried Cherries and Candied Walnuts
Whoever said that salad wasn’t exciting hasn’t spent enough time experimenting with ingredients. This sweet and savory salad is filled with ripe pares, dried Cherrys, and candied walnuts, all broken up by mixed greens of your choice, or spinach, which pairs well with these flavors.