Easy-to-Make Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and that means I need to get started on creating my menu! If you are looking for easy-to-make Thanksgiving menu ideas, I’ve got you covered. I have chosen a variety of recipes from the main course to sides and desserts that are all super easy to make and delicious. Many of them are even better because they are able to be made ahead of time so that you aren’t stuck in the kitchen and have more time to spend with your loved ones.

And if these recipes have you ready for more delicious fall-inspired dishes, check out my slow cooker chili recipe HERE.

Main Course

This first turkey dish is the perfect recipe if you are trying to save room in the oven for other sides. Turkeys notoriously spend hours taking up oven space, but not this one! If you have an instant pot then you need to try this delicious Instant Pot Turkey Breast. It’s quick to make, juicy, and has so much flavor. It’s perfect if you are not going to have hours to devote to basting and cooking a full turkey.

If you don’t have an instant pot, but you are still needing the extra oven space pull out your crock pot! This Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey Breast is another delicious way to keep turkey on your menu. This recipe will leave you with a moist, flavorful, and flaky main course using minimal ingredients. The crock pot also makes a delicious cranberry gravy that pairs perfectly with the turkey. Another upside to using a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey is no big cleanup!

If you need a whole turkey this Thanksgiving but are still worried about how to get everything else cooked, look no further. I found an Overnight Turkey recipe that is perfect for this scenario. This turkey will cook all night long and leave your oven empty in the morning for all your other delicious dishes to bake. You only need 15 minutes of prep and in the morning you will have a crispy, but juicy turkey perfect for your dinner gathering.

Side Dishes

Sometimes I love side dishes more than the turkey itself and these Maple and Brown Sugar-Glazed Carrots are no exception! This is the perfect side dish for a busy mom because you can toss them into your slow cooker and forget about them! The sweet, warm glaze is the perfect fall addition to your Thanksgiving menu.

Everyone knows what a staple green bean casserole is during the holidays, but this recipe takes it up a notch. This Cream Cheese & Bacon Green Bean Casserole is even more delicious than the original. The added addition of cream cheese and bacon gives it that little something extra that will have your guests begging for the recipe. To check out my other go-to green bean casserole recipe in action check out my Instagram reel HERE.

This recipe looks super fancy and difficult to make, but it’s actually surprisingly easy! This gorgeous Scalloped Sweet Potato side dish is the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast. Featuring a buttery brown sugar sauce and topped with marshmallows and pecans, you’ll wonder if you're eating a vegetable or dessert!

Sometimes it’s nice to have a couple of dishes that you can make ahead of time and macaroni and cheese is perfect for that. This Ultimate Make-Ahead Macaroni and Cheese is super easy to make and a real crowd-pleaser.

Desserts

Instead of a traditional apple pie, I chose another make-ahead dish that is perfect for your dessert table. This Old Fashioned Freezable Apple Crisp captures all the wonderful fall flavors you are looking for in a dessert, but also saves you time in the kitchen. It’s sweet and buttery and perfectly golden brown. Top it with some vanilla ice cream and you’ll have your guests coming back for seconds.

Pumpkin cheesecake is a staple in my house at Thanksgiving and this No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake is the perfect recipe for a busy host. No-bake recipes are perfect during the holiday season because there is no competition for oven time. This recipe features a delicious graham cracker and ginger snap crust which gives it a little extra kick that I love. Feel free to make it ahead of time and freeze it or make sure it has at least 2 hours to chill if freshly made!

Pecan pie is another familiar Thanksgiving dessert, and I found this drool-worthy Pecan Pie Cobbler that makes me want to skip the turkey altogether. Loaded with brown sugar toasted pecans on top of a layer of caramel and you have the most perfect Thanksgiving dessert you could ever dream of.

Whether you are looking for a main course idea or a delicious new side dish to try, I hope you were able to find something to satisfy your taste buds! What recipe do you want to try first?