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Hosting Thanksgiving but running out of time to finalize your menu? Don’t worry! These last-minute Thanksgiving recipes are quick, simple, and guaranteed to impress your guests. From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got everything covered for a stress-free, delicious holiday meal.
Contents
Why Go for Last-Minute Recipes?
Sometimes, life gets busy, and planning every detail in advance isn’t possible. Last-minute recipes save time without sacrificing taste, and they’re perfect for making the most of what you already have in your kitchen.
Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Menu
1. Appetizer: Cranberry Brie Bites
- What You Need:
- Puff pastry sheets
- Brie cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Chopped walnuts (optional)
- Steps:
- Cut the puff pastry into squares and place in a mini muffin tin.
- Add a small piece of brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce to each.
- Top with chopped walnuts and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Tip: Serve warm for maximum gooey deliciousness.
2. Main Course: Herb-Butter Turkey Breast
- What You Need:
- Turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)
- Butter, softened
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- Garlic, minced
- Steps:
- Mix butter, minced garlic, and chopped herbs.
- Rub the mixture under the turkey skin and over the surface.
- Roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Tip: Cooking just the turkey breast is faster and ideal for smaller gatherings.
3. Side Dish: Maple-Glazed Carrots
- What You Need:
- Baby carrots
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Steps:
- Toss carrots with melted butter, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Tip: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
4. Dessert: Pumpkin Pie Cups
- What You Need:
- Store-bought pie crust
- Pumpkin pie filling (canned or homemade)
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon
- Steps:
- Cut pie crust into circles and press into a muffin tin.
- Fill with pumpkin pie filling and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon before serving.
- Tip: These mini pies are perfect for individual servings and require no slicing.
Pro Tip for Quick Hosting
Pair these recipes with make-ahead dishes or pre-made store-bought items for a balanced menu. For example, serve store-bought rolls alongside the herb-butter turkey breast or add a pre-made salad mix for extra sides.
Related Thanksgiving Tips
Check out our guide to 5-Minute DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces to create a beautiful table setting that complements your meal.
Get Inspired
Looking for more quick Thanksgiving recipes? Visit Food Network’s Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for additional ideas.
Bonus: Printable Shopping List
Download our free printable shopping list to make your last-minute prep even easier!
Tag us on Pinterest or Facebook with your Thanksgiving menu photos. We’d love to see how your meal turned out!
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