18 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Recipes for When You Have *No* Time
Whether you are hosting your first Friendsgiving feast or you’re looking for a dish to bring to that family potluck, you’re going to need a few quick and easy recipes this season. From appetizers, side dishes, mains and dessert, one (or more!) of these Thanksgiving recipes will definitely become your back pocket go-to for when you have *no* time during the holidays. They’re sure to please and there are options for every guest — Paleo, vegan, gluten-free or just picky-eater status.
1. Paleo Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes and Bacon: No one will want to pass over the veggies with this gluten-free, healthy side dish that only has five ingredients. One of those five ingredients is bacon, so you know it’s good. (via Food Faith Fitness)
2. Spiralized Sweet Potato Casserole: Who has time to cut sweet potatoes this time of year? Spiralizing them takes only a few minutes, and this dish will look like it took you all day to make. (via Kitchen of Eatin’)
3. Sesame & Sage Roasted Veggies With Barley: 10 minutes of prep time is all you need for this gorgeous vegan main dish or side dish. Let the veggies roast while you get ready before Friendsgiving. (via My California Roots)
4. Small Batch Three-Minute Cranberry Pistachio Fudge: Microwave a bag of white chocolate chips, mix with dried fruits and nuts you have in your pantry and then just stick it all in the freezer to get this yummy dessert. (via Mom on Time Out)
5. Gluten-Free Crustless Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes: You can actually make these cupcakes a day ahead, which can be a total lifesaver this time of year. Plus, they are dairy-free, gluten-free and a lot quicker to make than traditional pumpkin pie. (via Meaningful Eats)
6. Roasted Root Vegetables With Herb-Chip Salt: If chips had been part of the veggie dishes on our table growing up, we would have been way bigger fans. The chip crunch topping makes these veggies extra delicious. (via Brit + Co)
7. Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Throw out the hand-masher this year and make your mashed potatoes in the stand-mixer for a quick, hands-free approach. Garlic, butter and fresh chives make these next-level delicious. (via Lou Lou Biscuit)
8. Cranberry Moscow Mules: Don’t worry about picking out the perfect wine. Instead, mix up a batch of festive cocktails. Moscow mules are delicious any time of year, and you can use extra cranberries from your cranberry sauce as garnish. (via Blackberry Babe)
9. Cauliflower Rice Stuffing: This is a stuffing *everyone* can enjoy. Cauliflower stands in for bread, and it only takes 30 minutes to make. (via The Healthy Maven)
10. Slow Cooker Sage Butter Turkey Thighs: When you’re pressed for time, the last thing you want to do is baste your turkey. In the morning, throw your turkey thighs in with butter and sage and you’ll have dinner ready by the time your guests arrive with no extra work on your end. You can easily substitute turkey breast for the thighs as well. (via Chattavore)
11. Parmesan and Walnut Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are all the rage right now, and a nutty, cheesy topping will have your guests going back for seconds or maybe even thirds. (via Brit + Co)
12. Chard and Prosciutto Stuffed Turkey Breast: Don’t feel like you need to roast an entire turkey for your friends. A breast is often more than enough meat for a few people, and this recipe is both simple and delicious. (via Simply Recipes)
13. Homemade Red Wine Gravy Recipe: This gravy doesn’t require drippings from the Friendsgiving bird, so you can easily make it ahead. And it’s even vegan, so everyone at the table can enjoy it over their mashed potatoes. (via Savory Experiments)
14. Soft and Fluffy One-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe: You forgot to buy rolls, the grocery store’s closed for Thanksgiving and your guests will be over in just a couple hours. Have no fear — these rolls are ready in an hour and are *way* better than the store-bought kind. (via Little Spice Jar)
15. Veggie Pot Pie Muffins: Crunched for time and need your entire dinner (minus the bird) in one dish? Use cut veggies, Pillsbury biscuits and cream of broccoli soup for this all-in-one meal (or side!). (via A Million Moments)
16. Cabernet Cranberry Sauce: If there’s ever a time to put booze in cranberry sauce, it’s Friendsgiving. Pour just a touch of your favorite Cabernet in this super simple and super tasty fresh cranberry sauce. (via Brit + Co)
17. Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Sauté: When all else fails, throw all the veggies you have in your fridge in the skillet and roast until cooked. This healthy and quick dish will wow your guests. (via Simply Recipes)
18. Healthy Green Bean Casserole: Yes, green bean casserole can be healthy! It is made with a creamy garlic cauliflower sauce and will be loved by vegans and omnivores alike. (via The Almond Eater)
What is your go-to last-minute Friendsgiving dish? Tell us below in the comments.
