25 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes to Impress Your Guests

25 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes to Impress Your Guests

25 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes to Impress Your Guests

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and, of course, enjoying a delicious meal! But let’s face it: hosting can get overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 25 easy Thanksgiving recipes that are guaranteed to impress your guests—without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all day.

From make-ahead appetizers to crowd-pleasing desserts, these recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for the holiday season.

Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

1. Cranberry Brie Bites
Puff pastry, creamy brie, and cranberry sauce come together for an irresistible bite. They’re fancy, festive, and done in under 30 minutes!

2. Deviled Eggs with a Twist
Give classic deviled eggs a makeover with smoked paprika, fresh dill, or a touch of sriracha for a spicy kick.

3. Pumpkin Soup Shooters
Serve creamy pumpkin soup in small glasses for a fun, mess-free starter. Perfect for mingling!

4. Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet, salty, and sticky—the perfect trifecta for an appetizer. These take just 20 minutes to make.

5. Seasonal Charcuterie Board
Load up a board with cheeses, crackers, nuts, and seasonal fruits like figs and pears. Bonus: No cooking required!

Main Courses

6. Classic Herb-Roasted Turkey
Forget complicated brines. This turkey recipe uses a simple herb butter rub for a moist and flavorful centerpiece.

7. Sheet Pan Maple-Glazed Ham
A sweet and savory maple glaze makes this pre-cooked ham shine. Plus, it’s ready in no time!

8. Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington
This elegant puff pastry filled with sautéed mushrooms is a meat-free showstopper.

Side Dishes

9. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, dreamy, and enhanced with roasted garlic for extra flavor.

10. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
A family favorite, this dish is topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar mixture.

11. Classic Stuffing
Crusty bread, fresh herbs, and a mix of sautéed veggies create a stuffing everyone will love.

12. Green Bean Almondine
Sautéed green beans with butter and toasted almonds—it’s easy, elegant, and so tasty.

13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
The perfect balance of sweet and savory. Just toss and roast for a colorful side dish.

14. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Carrots roasted with honey and thyme are as beautiful as they are delicious.

15. Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy risotto packed with fall flavors and a vibrant pop of color.

Gravy & Sauces

16. Classic Turkey Gravy
Whisk up a rich, savory gravy with your turkey drippings—it’s foolproof and so flavorful.

17. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Simmer cranberries with orange juice and a little sugar for a bright and tangy side.

Thanksgiving Desserts

18. Classic Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving table is complete without this spiced favorite.

19. Apple Crisp
A warm, comforting dessert with tender apples and a buttery oat topping.

20. Pecan Pie Bars
These bars give you all the pecan pie goodness without the hassle of rolling dough.

21. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups
Layer graham cracker crumbs, creamy cheesecake, and cranberry sauce in a glass. So simple!

22. Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream
Rich, airy, and ready in under 30 minutes—a dessert that wows every time.

23. Mini Pumpkin Tarts
Bite-sized and adorable, these mini tarts are perfect for a dessert buffet.

24. Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Moist cupcakes with cream cheese frosting—no slicing required.

25. Spiced Pear Galette
A rustic, flaky tart featuring juicy pears and a hint of cinnamon.

Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

• Prep Ahead: Choose recipes that can be partially or fully prepared in advance, like cranberry sauce or pie crusts.
• Delegate: Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family to bring a dish.
• Keep It Simple: Focus on a few standout dishes instead of trying to cook everything.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. With these easy recipes, you’ll have more time to enjoy the day and less time stressing in the kitchen.

Which recipe will you try this year? Let me know in the comments, or tag me at @RecipesMap on social media. I’d love to see your holiday creations!

Happy Thanksgiving!