60+ Classic Thanksgiving Recipes & Ideas

If you're looking for the ultimate classic Thanksgiving menu, this collection of 60+ recipes has everything you need to create a warm and memorable holiday feast. From simple Thanksgiving dinner options to old-fashioned, 5-star favorites, you’ll find everything from perfectly roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes to crowd-pleasing stuffing and pies that taste just like Grandma’s. With recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and kid-approved, hosting Thanksgiving has never felt more manageable. Whether you're serving a traditional southern Thanksgiving meal or a cozy country Thanksgiving gathering, these recipes will bring a touch of timeless comfort to your table. Pin this list now to have all the best Thanksgiving recipes at your fingertips!

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Planning Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming, but these tried-and-true recipes will take the stress out of the day, allowing you to focus on family and friends. With options for delicious leftovers and potluck-friendly dishes, this collection makes it simple to pull off an unforgettable meal that’s both tasty and practical. Perfect for seasoned hosts and first-time entertainers alike, these good recipes offer all the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving with modern simplicity. Save this list so you can easily plan your Thanksgiving menu, from appetizers to dessert, and make your holiday hosting a breeze!

Host Your Easiest Thanksgiving Ever!

If you want an instant, done-for-you Thanksgiving meal, check out this easy holiday meal guide that includes a full menu, complete shopping lists for food, tools, and serving ware, a timeline of what to do and when, and everything you need to plan a simple, delicious, and easy Thanksgiving dinner.

The Best Ever Classic Thanksgiving Menu

Of course, no Thanksgiving meal is complete with a roast turkey. I spatchcock my turkey, making it cook in a third of the time of a traditional bird. Follow that link for instructions.

Now on to the good stuff! The nine recipes in this list constitute my entire Thanksgiving meal. Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry fluff, cranberry sauce, and several pies. That's what I have made for nearly two decades and will continue to make year after year.

Below this list are multitudes of quick and easy (and some make ahead) recipes that are suitable for a Thanksgiving table. You don't have to follow my menu exactly - all of the recipes on all of the lists are amazing and will be a hit with your friends and family!

Creamy Make Ahead CrockPot Mashed Potatoes

With sour cream and cream cheese mixed in, these Crock Pot mashed potatoes are delicious, rich, and creamy. Thanks to the slow cooker, they are easy to make ahead and simply heat on the holiday morning - couldn't be easier!

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Candied Yams with Marshmallows

These candied yams are like dessert with a roasted marshmallow topping and thick syrupy sauce made from orange juice, brown sugar, and butter. Cook candied sweet potatoes in the microwave for an easy Thanksgiving side dish. Perfection!

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Roasted Autumn Vegetable & Cornbread Stuffing

Roasted Vegetable & Cornbread Stuffing is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Made with cornbread stuffing mix and filled with roasted squash and onions, it is the perfect addition to your holiday meal.

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Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This simple and easy green bean casserole uses cream soup, cheddar cheese, and french fried onions to make the ultimate comfort food for holiday meals or any time of year!

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Fluffy Cranberry Fruit Salad with Pineapple

This Fluffy Cranberry Fruit Salad with Pineapple is a delicious twist on the traditional cranberry sauce served at holiday meals. It’s filled with ground cranberries, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream and makes the best side dish or dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce

This is the best homemade orange cranberry sauce recipe, and it is so simple to make with 5 fresh ingredients and a few minutes. Make it ahead for an easy holiday morning. Once you taste this sweet tart sauce, you'll never eat store-bought again! Perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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Praline Pumpkin Pecan Pie with Streusel Topping

This rich and creamy praline pumpkin pecan pie includes a streusel topping that is made from brown sugar, butter, and pecans. The topping is crispy and crunchy and adds an amazing sweetness to the traditional pie. You will love it!

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Couldn't Be Easier Cherry Pie Recipe

This easy cherry pie recipe takes about three minutes to assemble and then 45 minutes to bake. There is no easier and more delicious cherry pie out there. You're going to love it!

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The World's Best Ever Pecan Pie Recipe

There is nothing like a pecan pie with its crunchy nuts, gooey sweet filling, and flaky crust. This is the world's best ever pecan pie recipe because it comes out perfectly every time!

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Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Whip up quick and easy Thanksgiving side dishes with these classic recipes perfect for any family table. From traditional Southern flavors to kid-friendly favorites and a few make ahead recipes, these 5-star dishes bring comfort and simplicity to your holiday feast.

4 Classic Thanksgiving Potato Side Dishes

CrockPot Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

With sour cream and cream cheese mixed in, these Crock Pot mashed potatoes are delicious, rich, and creamy. Thanks to the slow cooker, they are easy to make ahead and simply heat on the holiday morning - couldn't be easier!

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Red Skin Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Our red skin mashed potatoes are made with butter and half and half. So creamy and easy to make, yet so delicious!

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Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

How to make the best crockpot sweet potatoes with marshmallows - This simple and easy side dish casserole is perfect for healthy holiday meals! Can use canned or fresh sweet potatoes. Top with pecan streusel topping.

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Candied Yams with Marshmallows

These candied yams are like dessert with a roasted marshmallow topping and thick syrupy sauce made from orange juice, brown sugar, and butter. Cook candied sweet potatoes in the microwave for an easy Thanksgiving side dish. Perfection!

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11 Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes

I feel like no one wants vegetables on their Thanksgiving table, but we all make them because we feel like we should. I personally serve green bean casserole (and LOVE it!!!) but I know a lot of other veggies are also popular, so I've included all kinds of fall vegetables on the list.

Easy Carrot Soufflé

Simple & easy healthy carrot soufflé recipe - This low carb souffle is sweet and gluten-free. Best side dish for Thanksgiving or Easter dinner.

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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Parmesan roasted carrots are crispy and sweet, and the addition of the crunchy Parmesan cheese sends them over the edge to amazing. Your family will devour these carrots at holiday meals and everyday dinners. Always double the recipe if you want leftovers because these carrots disappear quickly.

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Air Fryer Carrots with Honey Brown Sugar Glaze

The secret to mouthwatering air fryer carrots is a brown sugar honey glaze that makes this easy side dish a game changer for any meal.

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Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This simple and easy green bean casserole uses cream soup, cheddar cheese, and french fried onions to make the ultimate comfort food for holiday meals or any time of year!

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Best Ever Canned Green Beans

This is the best canned green bean recipe because it's cheap, easy, and quick too! Perfect for a fast and simple vegetable side dish to complement any meal. A few ingredients make a veggie the family will love in just 10 minutes.

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Green Beans with Caramelized Onions

This easy recipe is healthier than green bean casserole but just as delicious!

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Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans

Roasting brussels sprouts brings out the sweetness hiding inside. Pair them with bacon, pecans, and Parmesan cheese, and you have a winning side dish for any meal!

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Roasted Frozen Brussel Sprouts

It is not only possible to roast frozen brussels sprouts, it is easy using these instructions. This simple recipe makes crispy and tender brussels sprouts, perfect for any occasion. No need to thaw before roasting.

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Garlic Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese

This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is made with just a few simple ingredients and makes a perfectly delicious side dish for any meal! This quick and easy vegetable side dish bakes in the oven in less than 15 minutes. Serve it with brunch, lunch, or dinner.

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Air Fryer Asparagus

Perfect bacon wrapped air fryer asparagus is a simple recipe! The end result is crisp and tender asparagus spears that make a healthy side dish for any meal or a healthy snack for any time of day. This quick and easy side dish recipe is also low-carb, keto, vegan, Whole30, and Paleo.

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Oven Roasted Red Beets with Low Carb Balsamic Glaze and Feta Cheese

Oven roasted red beets are sweet, rich, tender, and an incredible addition to salads or great as a side dish for any meal! Paired with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, they’re naturally gluten free, paleo and vegan. Add some feta cheese for a burst of tangy flavor.

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2 Unique Thanksgiving Stuffing Side Dishes

Spice up your Thanksgiving table with unique stuffing recipes that add a twist to traditional holiday flavors. These easy, make-ahead dishes are perfect for a country Thanksgiving, bringing 5-star taste to every bite.

Roasted Autumn Vegetable & Cornbread Stuffing

Roasted Vegetable & Cornbread Stuffing is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Made with cornbread stuffing mix and filled with roasted squash and onions, it is the perfect addition to your holiday meal.

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Homemade Old-Fashioned Chestnut Stuffing

This old-fashioned stuffing or dressing recipe is made with cracker crumbs, garlic, butter, chestnuts, and lots of bread. It is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and pairs well with turkey, chicken, or even roast beef or lamb.

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Unique Thanksgiving Side Dish with Mac and Cheese

Make your Thanksgiving dinner unforgettable with a unique mac and cheese side dish perfect for a cozy, country gathering. This easy 5-star, make-ahead recipe brings comfort and Southern flair to the classic Thanksgiving menu everyone loves.

Smoky Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes

This smoky baked mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest, laden with cheddar cheese and heavy cream and topped with crispy bread crumbs and more cheese. This macaroni and cheese with tomatoes recipe is baked in the oven in under 30 minutes.

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6 Unique Thanksgiving Side Dishes with Fruit

Add a fresh twist to your Thanksgiving menu with unique side dishes featuring fruit for a sweet and savory flair. These 5-star, make-ahead recipes bring a touch of Southern charm to any family gathering or potluck.

Fluffy Cranberry Fruit Salad with Pineapple

This Fluffy Cranberry Fruit Salad with Pineapple is a delicious twist on the traditional cranberry sauce served at holiday meals. It’s filled with ground cranberries, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream and makes the best side dish or dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce

This is the best homemade orange cranberry sauce recipe, and it is so simple to make with 5 fresh ingredients and a few minutes. Make it ahead for an easy holiday morning. Once you taste this sweet tart sauce, you'll never eat store-bought again! Perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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Mandarin Orange Fluff Salad

This classic mandarin orange fluff salad is made with juicy mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, orange jello, instant vanilla pudding, and Cool Whip but no cottage cheese. The result is a delicious jello salad that is the perfect dessert for any meal or potluck. Grandma's vintage recipe!

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Pistachio Fruit Salad AKA Watergate Salad

The best easy Watergate salad recipe with pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans. Pistachio fruit salad is a classic dessert salad recipe similar to ambrosia that’s perfect for holidays and potlucks. Pistachio fluff salad is a creamy pistachio delight that's ready in just 5 minutes.

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Cracker Barrel Copycat Skillet Fried Apples

Cracker Barrel copycat skillet fried apples make a delicious side dish for any brunch, breakfast, or dinner or a rich dessert over ice cream or custard. This is a simple & easy recipe that can be prepared in under an hour.

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Baked Pineapple Casserole

Baked pineapple casserole is a simple and easy Paula Deen recipe that can be a side dish or a dessert. It's a sweet, creamy, and delicious recipe with eggs, but no cheese and no flour. Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion.

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9 Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Start your Thanksgiving dinner with these quick and easy appetizer recipes, perfect for hosting and potluck gatherings. These 5-star, family-friendly bites add a delicious touch to any classic or Southern-inspired holiday menu.

Cold Apps

Bacon and Cheddar Deviled Eggs

This simple, quick, and easy loaded bacon cheddar deviled eggs recipe is keto, paleo, and gluten free. It makes the best fancy deviled eggs perfect for any holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. Use Miracle Whip or mayo in this unique low carb recipe.

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Classic Deviled Eggs

Quick and easy classic deviled eggs recipe made with simple ingredients: mayo or Miracle Whip, horseradish mustard, Worcestershire, and seasoning to taste.

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Cream Cheese Veggie Dip

The best homemade cream cheese Veggie Dip recipe is quick and easy to make with cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and fresh herbs. It is irresistible as an appetizer or snack for parties and potlucks. This simple and flavorful veggie dip is ready in 5 minutes. Serve this classic dip with carrots, celery, bell peppers, or any of your favorite veggies. Low carb, keto, and gluten-free.

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The Best Buffalo Cheese Ball Recipe

The best buffalo cheese ball includes all of your favorite flavors - buffalo wings, cheddar cheese, blue cheese, and cream cheese. Easy appetizer recipe takes 10 minutes to prepare. Yum!

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Hot Apps

Prosciutto-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

These homemade oven baked spicy jalapeno poppers are wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with a cream cheese and cheddar filling. This easy & healthy recipe is low carb, keto, and gluten-free. One of the best simple appetizers, no frying needed.

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Frank's RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is the perfect easy appetizer to take to any potluck or party! This buffalo chicken dip recipe is simple, quick, and easy with only 5 ingredients and can be made in the microwave, oven, Instant Pot, or slow cooker! All of your favorite buffalo chicken wings flavors but in an easy to eat cheesy chicken dip!

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Hot Onion Dip with Swiss Cheese

This creamy hot onion dip recipe is made from sweet caramelized onions, tart Swiss cheese, and a creamy base. It's simple, quick, and easy to put together, baked in the oven, and perfect for crostini, vegetables, potatoes, crackers, or chips. It's the best dip for any party, game day, potluck, or picnic. You're going to love it!

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Cream Cheese Garlic Dip

Cream Cheese Garlic Dip has three different cheeses and lots of roasted garlic. It's all the flavors of your favorite Garlic Bread in a delicious appetizer dip!

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Spicy Baked Brie with Apricot Jam

How to make the best spicy baked brie recipe with apricot jam - This super simple and easy recipe is the perfect sweet and savory appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion! Includes almonds or pecans as a topping.

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23 Classic Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

End your Thanksgiving dinner on a sweet note with classic dessert recipes that are easy, make-ahead, and crowd-pleasing. From Southern favorites to kid-approved treats, these 5-star desserts are perfect for any family gathering or potluck.

The World's Best Ever Pecan Pie Recipe

There is nothing like a pecan pie with its crunchy nuts, gooey sweet filling, and flaky crust. This is the world's best ever pecan pie recipe because it comes out perfectly every time!

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The Best Gluten-Free Pecan Pie

Gluten-free pecan pie has no crust, so there's no messing with wheat flour substitutes. All you have to do is create a firm filling, top with pecans, and bake!

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Couldn't Be Easier Cherry Pie Recipe

This easy cherry pie recipe takes about three minutes to assemble and then 45 minutes to bake. There is no easier and more delicious cherry pie out there. You're going to love it!

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Praline Pumpkin Pecan Pie with Streusel Topping

This rich and creamy praline pumpkin pecan pie includes a streusel topping that is made from brown sugar, butter, and pecans. The topping is crispy and crunchy and adds an amazing sweetness to the traditional pie. You will love it!

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Cinnamon Roll Pie

Cinnamon Roll PIE?! This is so amazing! If you like the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls, you are going to LOVE this pie which is made from two layers of cinnamon rolls with a sweet nutty brown sugar filling in between. Tasty and simple and easy to prepare with Grands! prepared rolls. Great for families and holidays!

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Pecan Pie Squares - Pecan Pie Bar Cookies

The best ever simple and easy pecan pie bars - These bar cookies are easy to make from scratch and are quick to bake. This traditional Southern recipe is great for a crowd. Perfect party or potluck dessert. These classic bar cookies are gooey and chewy.

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Pampered Chef Apple Crisp with Cake Mix

This easy apple crisp is the best recipe you'll ever eat! With its rich topping and no oats plus a secret ingredient, you'll never make another apple crisp recipe again!

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Easy Apple Crisp

How to make the best apple crisp - This simple and easy recipe with fresh apples, oats, graham crackers, and brown sugar makes a healthy crumble topping that is baked in the oven. Homemade recipe adapted from Pampered Chef's Easy Apple Crisp.

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The Very Best Pear Crisp Recipe

The best pear crisp recipe may look impressive, but is one of the easiest, tastiest fall desserts ever! This warm, cozy pear crisp recipe is also ridiculously easy with just 15 minutes of prep! Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Pecan Pie Cobbler

This easy pecan pie cobbler recipe is a pure delight, a classic all-American pudding that tastes just like your favorite pecan pie. From the satisfying crunch of the pecans to the sweet, buttery richness of the crust, it’s a comforting dessert that the whole family will love.

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Caramel Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry

How to make the best simple and easy caramel apple strudel - Because this recipe uses puff pastry for dough, it comes together in just a few minutes and tastes amazing. The filling is sweet but not too sweet because it uses Granny Smith apples.

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Pumpkin Dump Cake

How to make the best pumpkin dump cake. This simple and easy recipe is better than any desserts you've ever had! It is made with a yellow cake mix and sweetened condensed or evaporated milk, sugar, and spices and topped with crunchy roasted pecans.

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Nana's Best Classic Apple Cake Recipe

This simple and delicious apple cake recipe is perfect for beginners and will be a hit at any occasion. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time! Get ready to indulge in a slice of sweet and tender goodness.

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The Best Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

How to make the best easy caramel apple upside down cake. This simple recipe uses a box cake mix with apples, cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar to make a gooey, rich, moist dessert.

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Chocolate Cherry Cake

This chocolate cherry cake or Black Forest Cake is made from scratch with gluten-free or wheat flour, cherry pie filling, and homemade chocolate frosting, so it is moist, rich, and delicious. 

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The Best Skillet Pineapple Upside Down Cake (from a Pampered Chef recipe)

Skillet pineapple upside down cake with a delicious caramelized pineapple and cherry topping. This classic dessert is so soft and moist, filled with the perfect amount of pineapple flavor.

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Mini Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cakes (Could be made as cupcakes too)

These delicious chocolate mini bundt cakes couldn’t be any easier! Combining a brownie mix and a chocolate cake mix gives you a moist, rich chocolate cake with the perfect crumb. Drizzle it with velvety chocolate ganache for a quick but impressive dessert. It's the perfect recipe for Valentine's Day, birthdays, or any holiday!

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Flourless Chocolate Cake (Gluten-Free)

This simple & easy flourless chocolate cake is the best! Dense and decadent, every bite is packed with rich chocolate flavor.

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Super Stuffed Baked Apples

The best simple and easy gluten-free baked apples recipe. This healthy recipe can be made in the oven or microwave. Stuffed with granola, sugar, and oats. Whole apples soften and make a perfect side dish or dessert. Delicious with ice cream.

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No Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream

No Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream is easy to make at home without an ice cream machine. It's a simple egg-free vanilla ice cream filled with crunchy candied pecans and the best summer treat. Tastes better than store bought!

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No Churn Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

This no-churn pumpkin pie ice cream recipe creates a creamy, rich pumpkin treat that’s full of deliciously spiced fall flavors. No machine is needed to make this simple and easy gluten-free frozen dessert.

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Pumpkin Flan

This is the best simple and easy pumpkin spice flan you'll ever taste! This recipe is easy to follow. Pumpkin flan is incredibly smooth and creamy with a thin caramel sauce.

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No Bake Turtle Pumpkin Pie

How to make the best easy turtle pumpkin pie with caramel whipped cream - Includes vanilla pudding and canned or fresh pumpkin. Light and refreshing no-bake no oven no eggs eggless pie recipe.

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4 Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes

Transform Thanksgiving leftovers with quick, 5-star recipes that bring fresh flavors to family meals. These easy ideas for classic and Southern-inspired dishes are perfect for keeping the holiday spirit alive.

Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Muffins - Turkey & Stuffing Muffins

Use up your leftover turkey and stuffing in these quick and easy muffins. This dish is a quick and easy way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. This easy recipe transforms turkey and stuffing into muffins that are perfect with a drizzle of leftover gravy.

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Leftover Turkey Salad Sandwiches

This easy turkey salad recipe is made with leftover roast turkey, hard-boiled egg, pecans, mayo, and mustard. It's the best way to enjoy leftover Thanksgiving turkey! Ready in 15 minutes. Gluten-free.

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Leftover Turkey Quesadillas

This is a great recipe for Thanksgiving leftovers. It's a quick and easy lunch that gives this traditional meat a non-traditional spin. The turkey, cheese, and black beans tucked inside a tortilla make the perfect combination.

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Leftover Turkey Enchilada Casserole

This healthy leftover turkey enchilada casserole recipe is so simple and an easy way to use up turkey leftovers with bold and spicy Mexican flavors.

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With this collection of Thanksgiving recipes, you’ll have everything you need for a classic Thanksgiving menu that’s both simple and delicious. These quick and easy, make-ahead options ensure you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with family and friends. From traditional Thanksgiving recipes to southern-style favorites, each dish is designed to bring comfort and joy to your table. Whether you're hosting a big family gathering, preparing a cozy country Thanksgiving, or planning a potluck, these are the best recipes to make your holiday unforgettable. Save this list for a Thanksgiving filled with good food, happy kids, and plenty of leftovers!