Thanksgiving is an amazing time to spend time with friends and family over delicious holiday foods, but it’s also a stressful time, especially if you’re hosting Thanksgiving. Luckily, there are tons of recipes that can be made in half an hour or less—here are our favorite picks.
1. Crumb Coated Macaroni and Cheese Crispy Cups
Macaroni and cheese is delicious in any format, but when you turn it into crispy, bite-sized savory muffins, it’s absolutely divine. If you’re looking to be a little more health conscious, swap out the regular elbow macaroni for a vegetarian alternative, or add spinach and broccoli. Try to avoid consuming an entire tray at one time.
2. Smashed potatoes with chives
Will mashed potatoes ever get old for thanksgiving? We don’t think so, given how good they taste and how low maintenance they are. This recipe is made even easier by the fact that the potatoes don’t need to be peeled, and the addition of chives and flavored cream cheese takes this mashed potato dish to another level.
3. Air Fryer Turkey Croquettes
As an added side dish or replacement for a whole roasted turkey, consider these Turkey Fry Nuggets, which take 20 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. Combined with different types of cheese, mashed potatoes, herbs, and shallots, these croquettes are a crunchy, golden game changer.
4. Skillet Cornbread
This homemade cornbread will taste so amazing, you won’t even need a little butter on top. And it can be done and ready in just half an hour. It can be cooked in a square cake pan, cast iron skillet, or stoneware baking dish. The edges are crisp, the inside is tender, and the pan will probably be done before the turkey comes out.
5. Baked Brie Puff Pastry Cups with Raisins and Walnuts
It infuses traditional Thanksgiving ingredients with a Greek vibe. While this is definitely not a recipe for anyone with a nut allergy, the Craisins and walnuts are cradled in a gooey brie flaky cup of pastry, creating a completely unique charcuterie effect that makes it the perfect appetizer for dinner parties. parties.
6. Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad
For a bright, shredded salad that’s ready in no time, consider this Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon and almonds, and tangy Parmesan cheese, all drizzled with an orange-lemon vinaigrette. It tastes fresh but decadent thanks to the bacon, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, no matter who’s sitting at your table.
7. Honey Butter Baked Carrots
Some people may find carrots boring, but they were clearly never prepared like that. Ditch those unseasoned steamed carrots and consider these melt-in-your-mouth stovetop carrots infused with delicious honey butter.
8. Portobello Boats with Rosemary Lentil Crumble and Apple Balsamic Glaze
Portobello mushrooms are the meat of the vegetarian world—they’re juicy, have a good bite, and an earthy flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. This one is filled with herbs, lentils, and a tangy balsamic apple glaze that is sure to make your taste buds explode.
9. Green Bean Casserole (One Pot)
Green bean casserole is sometimes referred to as a “green bean bake,” but it’s been a Thanksgiving dinner staple for years. Although it’s more of a side dish than a main dish, it’s creamy, crunchy, and contains the best texture blends.
10. Crispy Delicata Rings with Currant, Fennel, and Apple Relish
Vegetarian or not, these nutritious and flavorful pumpkin rings are a great addition to any Thanksgiving table, brightened up with a little lime, apple relish, and current, along with the complex flavors of fennel. Best of all, you don’t need to peel this squash before cutting and preparing it!
11. Martha Stewart Cheddar and Sage Crackers
Yes, you can make cookies in less than 30 minutes! These deliciously buttery sage and white cheddar crackers make a fluffy base to soak up your filling, sauce, or whatever else you need. They can be made without a food processor by incorporating the butter with a dough cutter.
12. Pear salad with dried cherries and candied walnuts
Whoever said salad wasn’t exciting hasn’t spent enough time experimenting with the ingredients. This sweet and savory salad is packed with ripe pairs, dried cherries, and candied walnuts, all tossed with your choice of mixed greens or spinach, which pair well with these flavors.
