17 Hassle-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and comfort food — not stress in the kitchen. Between the turkey, sides, and desserts, preparing a full feast can feel overwhelming.

That’s why hassle-free Thanksgiving recipes are the secret weapon for every host. They’re simple, time-saving, and still deliver the same cozy flavors we all love.

This carefully curated list of 17 easy Thanksgiving recipes covers everything from appetizers and side dishes to main courses and desserts.

Each one is beginner-friendly, delicious, and guaranteed to impress without hours of prep or cleanup. Let’s make this Thanksgiving memorable — for the joy, not the exhaustion.

1. Easy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

A golden, juicy turkey with crispy skin and aromatic herbs — the centerpiece of your feast made effortless.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp chopped rosemary
• 2 tbsp chopped thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix butter, olive oil, herbs, and seasonings.
3. Rub the mixture under and over the turkey skin.
4. Roast for 3–3½ hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Rest for 30 minutes before carving.

2. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes made entirely in your slow cooker — no boiling, no mess.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes and broth to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for 3–4 hours until soft.
3. Mash directly in the pot with butter and milk.
4. Season and serve.

3. One-Pan Green Bean Casserole

All the flavor of the classic casserole, without extra cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix beans, soup, milk, and half the onions in a skillet.
3. Bake for 25 minutes, top with the rest of the onions, and bake 5 more minutes.

4. Maple Glazed Carrots

Sweet, buttery carrots with a glossy maple coating that pairs beautifully with any main dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby carrots
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil carrots until tender.
2. Melt butter in a pan and stir in maple syrup.
3. Toss carrots in glaze and serve warm.

5. No-Fuss Cornbread Stuffing

A hearty, flavorful stuffing that comes together quickly — no fancy prep required.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cornbread cubes
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft.
2. Combine with cornbread and seasoning.
3. Add broth and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

6. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Soft, golden rolls brushed with rich garlic butter — a Thanksgiving must-have.

Ingredients:

• 12 pre-made dinner rolls
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp parsley flakes

Instructions:

1. Bake rolls according to package directions.
2. Mix butter, garlic, and parsley.
3. Brush over warm rolls and serve.

7. Cranberry Orange Sauce

Fresh, zesty, and bursting with holiday flavor — a major upgrade from the canned version.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
3. Cool before serving.

8. Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

Colorful, roasted vegetables that caramelize to perfection — all on one pan.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, 1 bell pepper, 2 carrots, 1 red onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and rosemary

Instructions:

1. Toss veggies with oil and seasoning.
2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes until tender and golden.

9. Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Smooth, cozy, and full of fall flavors — perfect as a starter or side.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup cream
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

10. Sweet Potato Casserole

Classic Thanksgiving comfort — sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• Mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, and butter.
2. Spread in a baking dish and top with marshmallows.
3. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until golden.

11. Easy Gravy

Rich, smooth, and perfect over turkey or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups turkey drippings or broth
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and whisk in flour.
2. Gradually add broth, whisking until thickened.

12. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Crispy, golden potatoes seasoned with garlic and Parmesan — pure perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Toss potatoes with oil, garlic, and cheese.
2. Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes until crisp.

13. Quick Turkey Gravy Mix

A simple shortcut when you’re out of turkey drippings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp onion powder

Instructions:

1. Mix cornstarch and broth until smooth.
2. Heat with butter and seasoning until thickened.

14. Easy Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection — a kid favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook and drain macaroni.
2. Stir in butter, cheese, and milk.
3. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

15. Simple Harvest Salad

A refreshing, colorful salad that balances out the heavier sides.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens
• Sliced apples
• Dried cranberries
• Feta cheese
• Balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Toss with vinaigrette before serving.

16. Pumpkin Pie Bars

All the flavors of pumpkin pie, no rolling pin required.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 pie crust

Instructions:

1. Mix pumpkin, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon.
2. Pour into crust and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.

17. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups

A creamy, crowd-pleasing dessert ready in minutes — no oven needed.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cream cheese
• ½ cup whipped cream
• ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tbsp sugar

Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese, whipped cream, and sugar.
2. Layer with crumbs in small cups.
3. Chill before serving.

Conclusion

With these 17 hassle-free Thanksgiving recipes, you can craft a full holiday feast without spending hours in the kitchen.

From the perfect roast turkey to quick desserts, every dish balances flavor, simplicity, and festive charm.

This Thanksgiving, skip the stress — enjoy good food, good company, and the warm, cozy spirit of gratitude that truly defines the holiday.