Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. If you’re short on time or just want to simplify your holiday cooking, these five easy Thanksgiving recipes—each with five ingredients or less—will add a flavorful twist to your menu without overwhelming your to-do list.
Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving classic, but this version takes them to the next level with a hint of maple sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The result? Perfectly caramelized bites of comfort.
Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini
Need an easy appetizer? These crostini are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and tart.
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Toast the baguette slices in the oven until golden. Spread a layer of goat cheese, top with cranberry sauce, drizzle with honey, and finish with thyme if desired. A bite-sized crowd-pleaser!
Garlic Butter Green Beans
A simple yet flavorful way to serve up your greens.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Toss in the green beans, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Voilà—an elegant veggie side dish!
3-Ingredient Pumpkin Mousse
Dessert doesn’t get easier (or tastier) than this!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
Fold the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the whipped topping until combined. Chill for at least an hour before serving. For extra flair, sprinkle with cinnamon or crushed graham crackers.
Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots
These sweet and tangy carrots are sure to brighten up your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Steam the carrots until tender, then drain. In a skillet, melt butter and stir in honey and mustard. Toss the carrots in the glaze and cook for 2-3 minutes. Easy and delicious!
With these simple Thanksgiving recipes, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
Also, get caught up on our other Fall and Thanksgiving food tips.