17 Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Recipes to Make a Last Minute Dinner

I am the queen of procrastination.

Some call it a bad habit; I call him effective.

This has been applied to many aspects of my life over the years, from writing the final documents to filing my taxes, but none as much as in the cooked.

Work and life are hectic enough to give any meal of the day a lot of anticipation. Add in all the curves from 2020 and, yes, I leave most of them at the last minute.

So here there 17 Thanksgiving RecipesFrom the creamiest garlic mashed potato to soft, chewy pumpkin cookies that will make you forget about last-minute cake.

Believe me, no one at your table will be the wiser; you might even be wrong.

1. Spinach and artichoke dip with extra cheese

There is nothing no I love this super creamy and bubbly version of the classic Spinach Artichoke Dip. All you have to do is remember to thaw frozen spinach, and if you forget, well, that’s what microwaves are for.

2. Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan by Ina Garten

Of course, Ina Garten would dream of the best broccoli you have ever tasted in your life. Yes, of course

, this would be the simplest recipe ever – just roast the vegetables with garlic and olive oil, then toss them with a lemon and basil vinaigrette (and don’t forget the Parm, obviously).

3. Instant Potatoes with Buttermilk and Leeks

A window of only 2 hours (or less) between the start and service of Thanksgiving dinner is no problem for Instant Pot. In fact, these allium buttermilk infused mashed potatoes are ready to be dipped in your favorite sauce (or if you’re me, a thick slice of butter) in 20 minutes.

4. Tots & Cheese

If you want to get your fix of potatoes without rubbing or peeling the root vegetables, go the frozen tater tot route. Broil them well in the oven before drizzling with a lush cheddar sauce.

5. Tender and crispy roasted root vegetables

Some form of roasted tubers is a must for most Thanksgiving menus. Fortunately, you can still put them on the table without much preparation or effort, thanks to this simple (but very tasty) method.

6. Golden butter filling

I don’t know about you, but for me it’s not Thanksgiving without the filler. If you forgot to leave the stale bread on the counter a day or two before, put the bread cubes in the oven before making this recipe; from there it’s all easy, fresh, with browned butter.

7. Kale and anchovy salad

Among all the carbs and starches, a little green is always welcome. I love this kale salad for its simplicity and its anchovy dressing filled with umami (if you’re not a fan of these canned little fish, try this recipe).

8. Pork tenderloin with kimchi and apples

I was impressed with the tender juiciness of this pork tenderloin, considering that it only requires five ingredients and broils in about 15. Yes, you will need brine, but you can still get maximum flavor. at the lower end of the period (approximately 2 hours).

9 Pan-fried macaroni and cheese with pumpkin and brown butter

For those who want every bite of mac and cheese to have crispy edges, this skillet version is for you. The addition of pumpkin puree, brown butter, and pome seeds makes it warm and welcome to any Thanksgiving spread.

10. Barbara Kafka’s Easiest Roast Chicken

So you forgot to order your turkey ahead of time and now your grocery store is empty. Do not worry! This sparkling roast chicken is a more than worthy substitute for the traditional bird, and it’s also much less picky.

11. Cooking cabbage

Who says a Thanksgiving main course has to be filling? This spicy hot cabbage that comes together in one bowl and one baking dish is totally worthy of a centerpiece.

12. Chocolate chip and pumpkin cookies

Homemade pumpkin pie takes a lot of effort, from making the crust from scratch to making a silky filling. These cute canned pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are just as satisfying and a lot easier to make quickly.

13. Sticky Caramel Pudding Cake on a Platter

An incredibly squidgy whisk and dump cake with awesome sticky caramel pudding vibes. All the usual suspects are here: brown sugar, butter, flour, eggs and milk, as well as chopped dates, which give this dessert its signature texture.

14. Miso candy

There’s nothing easier than making a quick batch of silky caramel and pouring it over store-bought ice cream (spring for the good stuff). A touch of just one ingredient, white miso, gives this staple the perfect earthy touch in cooler weather.

15. Fudgy Bourbon balls

You got me on fudge and bourbon. (I’m happy to take them separately, but they’re so much better together.)

16. Lindsey Shere Baked Caramel Pears

“With five ingredients and around 20 minutes, you’ll have a pure, cheerful dessert,” Kristen Miglore writes of this Genius dessert (it really is). No longer a fan of apples? Try them – they’re cooked in cider with brown sugar and cinnamon.

17. Last minute fall pies

If your last minute idea is to make dough from scratch and then make a filling, this recipe is for you as is. If you’re like me and you’re not, go for store-bought dough.