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    Home » Recipes » Holiday Recipes » Thanksgiving Recipes

    Quick Thanksgiving Recipes Ideas

    Last modified: August 4, 2026 · By Adina Beck · Leave a Comment

    This collection of Quick Thanksgiving Recipes features simple and quick recipes. Some of them are traditional, some not so much, yet all of them are delicious and super satisfying.

    This collection of Fast Thanksgiving Recipes has something for everyone, so you're sure to find something that everyone will enjoy.

    Jump to:
    • What to make for Thanksgiving?
    • Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Sides
    • Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Desserts
    • Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
    • 💬 Comments

    What to make for Thanksgiving?

    As the holiday season approaches, many people begin to think about what recipes to make for Thanksgiving. Turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals, but there are many other traditional or non-traditional dishes that are served as well.

    In our recipe collection, you will find many ideas and even leftover Thanksgiving recipes to inspire you for your Thanksgiving meal prep.

    Check out our collection of Thanksgiving Pasta Dishes.

    Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Sides

    Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, food! While the turkey is usually the star of the show, but the side dishes really make the meal special.

    Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

    This is the classic Thanksgiving side dish: creamy, sweet, and incredibly comforting. Is it a side? A dessert? I like it both ways.

    old fashioned sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows.

    Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
    No Thanksgiving table is complete without an old-fashioned sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and crunchy pecans. A classic dish, rich, creamy, and sweet, just perfect for the holiday season. Only 5 ingredients!
    Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

    Red-Skinned Mashed Potatoes

    Another classic side dish, I can't even image a holiday without some sort of mashed potatoes.

    red-skinned mashed potatoes with melting butter on top.

    Red-Skinned Mashed Potatoes
    Make delicious, creamy red-skinned mashed potatoes - perfect for holiday meals. This easy, one-pot recipe requires just a few ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes.
    Red-Skinned Mashed Potatoes

    Honey-Roasted Pumpkin

    Baked pumpkin wedges are so amazing, I make them all the time, not just for Thanksgiving. You can serve them as a side or a really tasty appetizer on top of a gree salad.

    honey roasted pumpkin sprinkled with feta and pepitas and drizzled with more honey.

    Honey-Roasted Pumpkin
    This honey-roasted pumpkin is sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized around the edges - probably the best way to cook pumpkin. It's ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish.
    Honey-Roasted Pumpkin

    Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

    If you've never have smashed potatoes before, now is the time to try them - they are utterly delicious!

    cheesy smashed potatoes on a black baking sheet.

    Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
    Try our amazing Cheesy Smashed Potatoes! They're full of butter, garlic, rosemary, cheese, and chives for a fantastic taste.
    Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

    Roasted Savoy Cabbage

    Not a classic dish, but incredibly fitting for the holidays. It might become your new favorite.

    roasted savoy cabbage sprikled with feta cheese.

    Roasted Savoy Cabbage
    These roasted Savoy cabbage wedges are tender inside with a crispy exterior. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness, making them the perfect holiday side dish.
    Roasted Savoy Cabbage

    Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Sriracha

    A simple, sweet and hot twist on a classic side dish.

    many halved shallots and small brussels sprouts with hot sauce on a tray.

    Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
    Amazing honey sriracha Brussels sprouts, roasted in the oven and ready in about 30 minutes, this way of cooking sprouts will become a regular.
    Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

    Baked Sweet Potato Slices

    You can make them sweet or savory - both ways are delicious! Not to mention super fast to make.

    many baked sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet.

    Baked Sweet Potato Slices
    These baked sweet potato slices make an excellent side dish or snack. And the best thing about the recipe: you can make the sweet potatoes sweet or savory.
    Baked Sweet Potato Slices

    Cooked Canned Corn

    One or two cans of corn from the pantry can make a quick and satisfying Thanksgiving side dish.

    cooked corn from a can in a black bowl with butter on top.

    Cooking Canned Corn
    Learn how to cook canned corn and serve a delicious and easy side dish in less than 10 minutes. All you need is a can of sweet corn and a few pantry ingredients.
    Cooking Canned Corn

    Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

    If the oven is already busy, bake the sweet potatoes in the air fryer.

    air fryer baked sweet potatoes served with butter and parsley on a plate.

    Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
    Air fryer baked sweet potatoes served with butter or any other topping of your choice. Perfect as a side dish or light main course.
    Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato

    Cornbread without Buttermilk

    Forgot the buttermilk? No worries! You can still make cornbread without it.

    close up stapled slices of cornbread without buttermilk.

    Cornbread without Buttermilk
    This easy cornbread recipe without buttermilk is sweet and crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, this bread is ready in less than 30 minutes.
    Cornbread without Buttermilk

    Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

    It really works! Just give it a try; you will love it!

    dried cranberry sauce from dried cranberries in a small bowl with a cinnamon stick in it.

    Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries
    Make easy, delicious cranberry sauce using dried cranberries. This quick Thanksgiving recipe needs pantry staples and takes just 15 minutes.
    Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

    Thanksgiving Turkey & Chicken Recipes

    Turkey and chicken are two of the most popular poultry dishes served during Thanksgiving. A whole turkey is wonderful for a whole family or a larger gathering, but if you are cooking for less people, try some of our simpler recipes.

    Brined Boneless Turkey Breast

    I make this recipe every couple of months, not just for Thanksgiving. Brining turkey breast makes it so tender and flavorful.

    brined boneless turkey breast sliced and served with cranberry sauce.

    Brined Boneless Turkey Breast
    Make the most succulent brined boneless turkey breast! This easy recipe is ideal for your festive feast and will delight your entire family.
    Brined Boneless Turkey Breast

    Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

    This is another classic turkey breast recipe in our house - we all love it especially when served with creamy mashed potatoes.

    sliced dutch oven turkey breast served with mash, cabbage and gravy.

    Dutch Oven Turkey Breast
    This Dutch oven turkey breast recipe is perfect for a delicious and simple Thanksgiving meal for a small gathering or an everyday dinner.
    Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

    Baked Turkey Wings

    I absolutely love turkey wings - just as delicious as chicken but MORE of the good stuff.

    many crispy baked turkey wings sprinkled with fresh parsley.

    Baked Turkey Wings
    These baked turkey wings are tender, crispy, and flavorful - perfect for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving, without the hassle of roasting a whole bird.
    Baked Turkey Wings
    close up asian meatballs coated with sweet and sour sauce.

    Glazed Asian Turkey Meatballs
    Delicious Asian turkey meatballs that you won't be able to stop eating! These amazing meatballs are coated in a sweet and sour glaze and are ready in about 30 minutes.
    Glazed Asian Turkey Meatballs

    Turkey Breast with Sauce

    The perfect recipe for a small family; it's easy to make and satisfying.

    sliced turkey breast with sauce in a dutch oven.

    Turkey Breast with Sauce
    Make a juicy turkey breast with sauce in one pot. This easy recipe features a sweet and sour sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, and spices, perfect for dinner.
    Turkey Breast with Sauce

    Air Fryer Turkey Legs

    Another recipe for a small gathering; fast and delicious!

    overhead pictures of a large turkey drumstick on a black plate with fork behind.

    Air Fryer Turkey Legs
    A delicious recipe for air fryer turkey legs, crispy on the outside, juicy, and tender on the inside. This might be the easiest Thanksgiving turkey you could possibly cook. Ready in 40minutes.
    Air Fryer Turkey Legs

    Thanksgiving Chicken

    Easy, fast & so much smaller than a whole turkey.

    close up golden and crispy chicken for thanksgiving.

    Thanksgiving Chicken
    Try our Thanksgiving chicken recipe for this year's holiday feast! This juicy chicken with crispy skin is an excellent alternative to turkey, perfect for smaller gatherings.
    Thanksgiving Chicken

    Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

    And if you want to keep it even smaller, make some meatballs.

    overhead view of a small bowl full of air fryer turkey meatballs.

    Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
    These air fryer turkey meatballs are delicious, healthy, easy, and quick to make. Serve them as they are or include them in other recipes.
    Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

    Fall-Off-the-Bone Turkey Wings

    Another turkey wing recipe you will love! And you will probably make them all year around.

    golden brown, fall-off-the-bone turkey wings close up.

    Fall-Off-the-Bone Turkey Wings
    Learn how to make tender turkey wings with crispy skin using just four ingredients and an easy cooking method.
    Fall-Off-the-Bone Turkey Wings

    Baked Turkey Legs

    They are easy to make and perfect with mashed potatoes.

    two golden brown baked turkey drumsticks close up.

    Baked Turkey Drumsticks
    Juicy, tender baked turkey drumsticks made easy. Slow-roasted for maximum flavor, ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners.
    Baked Turkey Drumsticks

    Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Desserts


    From pumpkin cakes to muffins or cornbread, there are plenty of delicious recipes to choose from. And the best part is, you don't have to be a master baker to make them!

    Philadelphia Pumpkin Cheesecake

    You don't have too much time to make dessert this Thankgiving? Than this cheesecake is perfect for you. You can prepare it in 20 minutes and put it in the fridge until the next day.

    small no bake pumpkin cheesecake sprinkled with orange and yellow sprinkles.

    Creamy Philadelphia Pumpkin Cheesecake (No-Bake)
    Ultra-creamy Philadelphia pumpkin cheesecake - a simple no-bake cheesecake recipe that you can prepare in about 20 minutes.
    Philadelphia Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crust

    This is another super fast Thanksgiving dessert recipe. And you will only need 5 ingredients to make it.

    slice of pumpkin pie with pecan crust and topped with whipped cream.

    Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crust
    This 5-ingredient pumpkin pie with pecan crust is an easy Thanksgiving dessert that you can make ahead or at the last minute. It's the easiest pumpkin pie recipe ever!
    Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crust

    Pumpkin Puree Muffins

    Do you have some leftover pumpkin puree? Use it to make these muffins.

    pumpkin puree muffins in a muffin tin.

    Moist Pumpkin Puree Muffins
    Moist pumpkin puree muffins with pumpkin pie spices and plenty of chocolate chips, these spicy muffins are the perfect autumn treat.
    Pumpkin Puree Muffins

    Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

    Streusel muffins are some of my favorite kind of muffins and these ones made with pumpkin are no exception.

    pumpkin muffin with streusel topping and drizzled with lemon glaze on a wire rack.

    Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
    Soft, moist pumpkin muffins with a buttery streusel topping. Quick, easy, and perfect for fall breakfasts or snacks.
    Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

    Pumpkin Banana Muffins

    Do your kids love muffins as much as mine do? These muffins are perfectly kid-friendly.

    pumpkin banana muffin in a paper liner close up.

    Pumpkin Banana Muffins
    This pumpkin banana muffins recipe combines two of our favorite comforting fall or winter flavors: bananas and pumpkin. They are soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious.
    Pumpkin Banana Muffins

    Brownie Blondies

    And if you would like to make a pumpkin-free dessert, check out these brownie blondies.

    brownies blondies on a wooden board close up.

    Easy Brownie Blondies Recipe
    These brownie blondies are easy to make, super delicious, and ready in less than 30 minutes. All you need are seven ingredients and one bowl.
    Brownie Blondies

    Apple Blueberry Crumble

    You can serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or cooled with whipped cream - amazing both ways!

    Golden apple and blueberry crumble with oat topping in a rustic baking dish.

    Apple and Blueberry Crumble
    This apple and blueberry crumble recipe is warm, cozy, and easy to make, with sweet apples, juicy blueberries, and a buttery oat topping everyone will love.
    Apple and Blueberry Crumble

    Fast Fall Soups

    There are so many great recipes out there that it can be hard to decide which one to make. But one thing is for sure; you can't go wrong with a soup that includes ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots.

    So this Thanksgiving, go for something a little bit different - a big pot of homemade soup, pure comfort food, and a quick Thanksgiving meal.

    Chorizo Pumpkin Soup

    Spicy, creamy, and utterly delcious! Sausage does make any soup better.

    chorizo and pumpkin soup drizzled with cream and sprinkled wiht parsley in a bowl.

    Chorizo Pumpkin Soup
    Make a quick and easy chorizo and pumpkin soup, perfect for a comforting and warming meal. Full of flavor, it's just right for cozy days!
    Chorizo & Pumpkin Soup

    Sweet Potato, Coconut and Chili Soup

    A lighter soup yet still super spicy and comforting.

    close up sweet potato soup with coconut milk and chili, decorated with basil in a bowl.

    Spicy Sweet Potato, Coconut and Chili Soup
    Spicy sweet potato, coconut, and chili soup - a smooth and flavorful bowl of soup to keep you warm on a cold day.
    Sweet Potato, Coconut & Chili Soup

    Creamy Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Soup

    Look at that creamy thick soup! Don't you just want to make it immediately?

    a bowl of thick pumpkin soup with sweet potatoes on a dark background with a spoon beside it.

    Creamy Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Soup
    Smooth and creamy sweet potato and pumpkin soup to lift your mood and boost your immune system. A warming, spicy soup perfect for this time of the year.
    Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Soup

    Carrot Pumpkin Soup

    Another bowl of creaminess topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds.

    bowl of carrot pumpkin soup with a coconut milk swirl and pepitas on top.

    Carrot Pumpkin Soup - Quick and Creamy
    This carrot pumpkin soup is creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying - a soup I never get tired of making, especially on chilly fall nights.
    Carrot Pumpkin Soup

    Pumpkin Soup without Cream

    If you want to save some calories for the main meal and dessert, start the feast with this lighter soup.

    bowl of pumpkin soup without cream sprinkled with chili and parsley.

    Pumpkin Soup without Cream
    This pumpkin soup without cream is a delightful autumn treat, perfect for warming up on chilly days. Made with fresh pumpkin, aromatic spices, and a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon, it offers a light and delicious flavor.
    Pumpkin Soup without Cream

    Turkey Leftover Recipe

    When it comes to leftovers, there are few dishes as versatile as the turkey sandwich. But there are so many delicious recipes you could also make with leftover turkey.

    Turkey Sandwich

    The most obvious choice when it comes to turkey leftovers.

    boy showing the inside of a avocado and turkey sandwich with tomatoes and mayo.

    Turkey and Avocado Sandwich
    Loaded turkey avocado sandwich with tomatoes, lettuce, spicy mayonnaise, and sweet chili sauce. Perfect recipe using the leftover Thanksgiving turkey!
    Turkey & Avocado Sandwich

    Fried Rice with Turkey

    Fried rice might not be the most obvious choice, but you should definitely try it; you will love it and you will probably make it all the time.

    fried rice with turkey on a white plate with two chopsticks on top.

    Fried Rice with Turkey
    Turn your holiday leftovers into a delicious dish with this simple turkey fried rice recipe! It's a quick and family-friendly meal, ready in just around 20 minutes.
    Turkey Fried Rice

    Leftover Turkey Orzo Soup

    One of my favorite ways of using leftover orzo, especially if I have a bag of open orzo (or other small pasta) in the pantry.

    bowl of turkey orzo soup with a spoon in it.

    Turkey Orzo Soup
    Enjoy this Turkey Orzo Soup using leftover holiday turkey for a delightful meal that warms both the heart and soul!
    Turkey Orzo Soup

    In order to have the best turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner, you definitely need to check the cooking temperature of your turkey; we created a small guide on how to measure and cook the perfect turkey: Where do you put the thermometer in a turkey?

    Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

    I hope you all have a wonderful day with your friends and family. I'm so thankful for all of you and everything we have. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!

    [ratemypost]

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    Adina Beck the recipe writer, creator, and photographer behind The Fast Recipe Food Blog.

    Hi, I'm Adina! I create and photograph recipes for my blog, focusing on quick, easy meals you can make any day.

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