Thanksgiving is such a special time, but for working moms, it can feel overwhelming to balance everything. Juggling work, family, and preparing a full Thanksgiving meal might seem impossible.
But with the right recipes, you can create a delicious and memorable holiday meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
These 25 easy Thanksgiving recipes are perfect for busy moms who want quick, flavorful dishes that won’t add to the stress of the day. From main dishes to sides and desserts, this collection has everything you need to make your Thanksgiving meal a success.
Main Dishes
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the main course is the star of the meal. These options are delicious, easy to prepare, and ideal for working moms who need to save time without sacrificing taste.
Thanksgiving Chicken
Looking for a faster alternative to turkey? Thanksgiving Chicken is a great choice. Roasting a chicken takes less time than a turkey but still delivers the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving. It’s a perfect option for smaller gatherings, offering a flavorful and juicy dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Dutch Oven Turkey Breast
If you want to stick with turkey but need a more manageable option, Dutch Oven Turkey Breast is ideal. Cooking just the turkey breast reduces the cooking time, and the Dutch oven ensures the meat stays moist and tender. It’s perfect for working moms who want to serve a traditional turkey meal without the stress of roasting a whole bird.
Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar
For moms who prefer ham, the Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar is a wonderful option. Simply add everything to the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The ham turns out sweet, savory, and tender while freeing you up to handle other dishes or enjoy family time. It’s perfect for working moms who need to maximize their time.
Pumpkin Sweet Potato Roast Beef
If you’re looking for something a little different this Thanksgiving, the Pumpkin Sweet Potato Roast Beef is a wonderful choice. This slow cooker recipe is packed with rich fall flavors like pumpkin and sweet potatoes. It’s perfect for moms who want to add a unique dish to their holiday table without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
For smaller families or moms who want to simplify their Thanksgiving meal, Air Fryer Turkey Legs are a great solution. The air fryer crisps up the skin while keeping the meat juicy, and it cuts down on cooking time. It’s a practical and delicious option for moms who don’t want to deal with the hassle of roasting a whole turkey.
Turkey Cranberry Sandwich
If you’re wondering what to do with leftover turkey, the Turkey Cranberry Sandwich is the perfect solution. It’s a quick and easy meal that combines savory turkey with tangy cranberry sauce for a delicious post-Thanksgiving treat. Great for busy moms who need something simple yet satisfying for lunch or dinner.
Side Dishes
Side dishes complete the Thanksgiving meal. These recipes are quick, easy, and flavorful, helping you serve a complete dinner without spending hours prepping.
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a creamy, rich side dish that’s always a hit. The cheesy, comforting flavors make it perfect for Thanksgiving, and the recipe is simple enough for even the busiest moms to pull together quickly.
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
You can make Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes the night before to save time on Thanksgiving Day. These potatoes are creamy, buttery, and ready to reheat and serve, making them the perfect side for busy moms who need to streamline their Thanksgiving prep.
Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Casserole
Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Casserole is a Thanksgiving classic that never disappoints. It’s sweet, comforting, and super easy to prepare, making it ideal for working moms who want to offer a traditional dish without the hassle.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For a quick and easy side, try Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The Instant Pot helps you get fluffy, garlicky mashed potatoes on the table in no time. This is a great option for busy moms who are juggling multiple dishes and need to save time.
Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts are a simple yet flavorful side dish that can be ready in just 20 minutes. The garlic and butter add a rich flavor to the crispy sprouts, making this a healthy and tasty addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Perfect for moms looking for a quick, veggie-packed side dish.
Apple Cranberry Stuffing
This Apple Cranberry Stuffing adds a sweet and fruity twist to traditional stuffing. The apples and cranberries provide a burst of flavor that complements any main course. It’s also easy to make ahead, giving working moms one less dish to worry about on the big day.
Cornbread Casserole
This Cornbread Casserole is a delicious, comforting side dish that pairs well with turkey, ham, or any main dish. It’s easy to prepare, and the slightly sweet cornbread flavor is always a crowd-pleaser. This casserole is a perfect choice for moms looking for a simple yet flavorful side.
Easy Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole (with Fried Onions)
Easy Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole (with Fried Onions) are a quick, healthy side that fits into just about any diet. These green beans are perfectly seasoned and ready in minutes, making them a great option for working moms who want to add something nutritious to the table.
Buttery Herb Creamy Mashed Potatoes
For a rich and indulgent side, try Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes. These potatoes are loaded with butter and herbs, creating a flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with any main course. This recipe is perfect for moms who want to add something special to their holiday table.
Crockpot Green Beans with Bacon
These Crockpot Green Beans with Bacon are packed with smoky, savory flavor, and the slow cooker does most of the work. This side dish is perfect for moms who want to free up their stovetop while still serving a delicious veggie side.
Desserts
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert. These easy recipes offer the perfect sweet ending to your holiday meal without adding stress.
Pumpkin Pie Crunch Cake
If you love pumpkin pie but don’t have time to make one from scratch, Pumpkin Pie Crunch Cake is the perfect alternative. This dessert offers all the delicious flavors of a traditional pie but requires far less effort. It’s perfect for working moms who want to serve a holiday classic with minimal prep.
Nantucket Cranberry Pie
Nantucket Cranberry Pie is a tart and sweet dessert that’s simple to prepare and adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table. This pie is easy to make ahead, making it perfect for moms who need to manage their time wisely during the holiday rush.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
For a quick and easy dessert that doesn’t require the oven, No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake is a lifesaver. It’s creamy, flavorful, and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy moms who want to offer a delicious dessert without the stress of baking.
Cherry Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix
Cherry Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix from Stef’s Eats and Sweets is a quick and easy dessert perfect for busy moms or anyone looking for a simple fall recipe. This cobbler combines tart cherries and sweet apples, topped with a buttery cake mix crumble for a warm, comforting dessert that’s great for holiday gatherings or weeknight treats. The recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, making it a go-to choice for delicious and hassle-free baking.
Billy Miner Pie
Billy Miner Pie is a no-bake dessert that combines chocolate and coffee flavors in a decadent treat. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require oven time, making it a great option for busy moms who want to wow their family with minimal effort. This rich, creamy dessert is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner.
Best Pumpkin Cupcakes
If you’re looking for an easy-to-make dessert that can be prepared ahead, Best Pumpkin Cupcakes are a great option. These moist, spiced cupcakes capture the flavors of fall and are perfect for Thanksgiving. Plus, they’re a fun, kid-friendly option that your family will love, and they take very little time to whip up.
Condiments
Elevate your Thanksgiving meal with these simple but flavorful condiments. They’re quick to prepare, add a special touch to your dishes, and are perfect for busy moms who want to enhance their meals without extra work.
Instant Pot Spiced Cranberry Sauce
For a quick and flavorful cranberry sauce, Instant Pot Spiced Cranberry Sauce is an easy choice. Ready in minutes, this recipe gives you all the tangy sweetness of homemade cranberry sauce with minimal effort. It’s perfect for moms who want to add a homemade touch to their Thanksgiving meal but don’t have a lot of time to spare.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
If you prefer a classic approach, Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a simple and quick option that can be made ahead of time. This recipe offers a fresh, tangy taste that pairs perfectly with turkey or ham. Preparing it in advance means one less dish to worry about on Thanksgiving Day, which is great for busy moms juggling multiple tasks.
Grand Marnier Orange Sauce
Add a gourmet touch to your meal with Grand Marnier Orange Sauce. This sweet and tangy sauce complements both turkey and desserts, making it a versatile addition to your Thanksgiving table. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for working moms who want to add something special to their meal without spending extra time in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Being a working mom doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a delicious Thanksgiving meal. With these 25 easy recipes, you can serve up a holiday feast that’s flavorful, satisfying, and stress-free. From quick main dishes to make-ahead sides and easy desserts, this collection ensures you can spend more time enjoying the holiday with your family and less time in the kitchen.
Thanksgiving is about spending time with loved ones, and these recipes help make that possible while still creating a meal everyone will remember.
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