17 Simple Thanksgiving Dishes for a Stress-Free Feast

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean spending the entire day in the kitchen. With these simple Thanksgiving dishes, you can serve a full, flavorful feast without all the stress. From classic sides to easy main dishes and desserts, these recipes keep things approachable while still delivering the comfort and warmth you expect from the holiday table.

Festive Holiday Salad Pack with Orange Vinaigrette

This Festive Holiday Salad is the perfect way to add a burst of color and freshness to your holiday table. Packed with fresh ingredients like seasonal greens, bright pomegranate seeds, and crunchy apples, and avocado this salad balances the richness of traditional holiday dishes. Get the recipe

Stuffed Turkey Rolls with Gravy

Stuffed Turkey Rolls are a simple and satisfying dinner idea that comes together with just a few ingredients. It’s everything you love about a turkey dinner—turkey, stuffing, and gravy—all rolled up into neat little bundles. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or even a fuss-free holiday dinner. Get the recipe

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

If there’s one side dish that always disappears fast at the table, it’s Creamy Scalloped Potatoes. This version is extra creamy, garlicky, and rich with Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme. The layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes soak up all that velvety sauce and bake into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Get the recipe

Roasted Green Beans with Buttermilk Dressing

When green beans are roasted until crisp-tender and finished with a creamy, herby dressing and crispy shallots, they turn into a side dish that steals the show. This Roasted Green Beans with Buttermilk Dressing recipe gives you all the textures: charred edges, cool tangy sauce, and a crunchy topping. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for the holidays. Get the recipe.

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Dessert

These no-bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Desserts are a fun alternative to the typical pumpkin pie that you can serve at Thanksgiving. Get the recipe

Pear & Gorgonzola Salad

Sweet pears and tangy Gorgonzola are a classic pairing that works beautifully in a fall salad. Tossed with mixed greens, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing, it hits all the right flavor notes. It’s elegant and easy, perfect for impressing your guests with minimal effort. Get the recipe

Classic Make-Ahead Stuffing

This classic make-ahead stuffing is everything you want on your holiday table: savory, herby, soft in the center with perfectly crispy edges. It’s made with simple ingredients and can be assembled a day ahead so you’re not scrambling on the big day. Just pop it in the oven and you’ve got a stress-free side that tastes like home. Get the recipe.

Miso Kale Salad

This delightful Miso Kale Salad brings together crunchy kale with the umami richness of miso dressing to create a satisfying dish. Whether you’re a kale aficionado or just looking for a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your diet, this recipe is a must-try. Get the recipe

Baked Spiral Ham

Baked Spiral Ham is a perfect main dish for your holiday dinner. Since spiral ham comes fully cooked already, all you have to do is bake to reheat it and serve! Get the recipe

Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Carrot Cake Cheesecake features a carrot cake layer, creamy cheesecake, and decadent cream cheese frosting to create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Get the recipe

Holiday Wreath Salad

This Holiday Wreath Salad is as festive as it is delicious. With vibrant greens, pops of red from Craisins, and creamy goat cheese, it’s a cheerful way to add some color to your holiday dinner menu. The wreath shape makes it a showstopper on any table, and it’s so simple to assemble. Get the recipe

Roasted Carrots with Walnuts & Feta

These Roasted Carrots with Walnuts and Feta are a vibrant and easy side dish that brings sweet, salty, and nutty flavors together in every bite. Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sweetness, while the crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts gives just the right amount of crunch. Get the recipe.

Simple Roast Turkey Breast

This simple Roast Turkey Breast recipe requires just a few simple spices and about 90 minutes of cook time, cutting down on your typical holiday meal prep and setting you up with the perfect meal for a smaller crowd. Get the recipe

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt Sauce

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt Sauce is one of those side dishes that never disappoints. Their natural sweetness intensifies in the oven, creating crispy edges and a tender center that’s full of flavor. But when you top them with a tangy yogurt sauce, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs, they go from simple to spectacular. Get the recipe

Orange Chiffon Cake

Orange Chiffon Cake is light, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful. The orange juice and zest give it a bright, tangy taste that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. Get the recipe

Butternut Squash Arugula Salad with Maple Dressing

This fall-inspired salad brings together warm roasted butternut squash, peppery arugula, and a sweet maple dressing for a fresh, colorful side dish that feels just a little bit fancy. With creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and tart cranberries, every bite hits that perfect sweet-savory balance. It’s a great way to brighten up any autumn meal. Get the recipe.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Mushrooms

Roasted Brussels sprouts meet rich, creamy mushrooms in this simple yet flavorful side dish. The sprouts get crispy and caramelized in the oven while the mushrooms simmer in a garlicky cream sauce that brings everything together. It’s a cozy and savory combo that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for holiday meals. Get the recipe.