We’re quickly closing in on Turkey Day, which seems almost impossible. I swore November just began a day or two ago. Last week, the airline sent me an email notification that my flight was in six weeks and I was all, “no way”, because Christmas feels like it should be months away, not weeks! Not ready, people! But before we start hyperventilating over Christmas, let’s survive Thanksgiving first. I know many of you are in the process of finalizing your menu and planning your big Thanksgiving grocery run this weekend, so to help out, I put together some great recipes that your friends and family will gobble up on Thanksgiving.
However, before I jump into the recipes, I strongly encourage you to read my 8 Tips to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving first and really think about #2 as you put the finishing touches on your menu. Also, if you plan on venturing out on Black Friday, check out my post, Black Friday Money Saving Tips, Tools and Apps, on my new blog, A Mindful Migration. And even if you’re not a Black Friday shopper, please still check out my new site!
Okay, enough self-promotion — let’s put our game (and food) face on and figure out our Thanksgiving menu!
Appetizers
While appetizers may not be necessary for the main meal, you need snacks for watching the big game or however you spend the remainder of the day. These apps or snacks will be a huge hit and all are simple to make.
Bacon Ranch Tortilla Roll-Ups
A tortilla stuffed with cream cheese, crispy bits of bacon, green chiles and cheese. Best of all, these can made in advance, which is an added bonus. Get the recipe …
Crab and Artichoke Dip
Another easy, make-ahead dip full of crab, artichokes and lots and lots of cheese. It’s decadent and rich and will certainly impress your guests. Get the recipe …
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
This may seem like an unusual combination with cranberries and jalapeños spread over cream cheese, but it is utterly addictive. The tartness of the cranberries pair beautifully with the subtle heat from the jalapeños and the cream cheese provides the perfect foundation to balance the flavors. Get the recipe …
Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage
Tender mushrooms are stuffed to the max with a delicious cream cheese and sausage mixture. These bad boys are filling and gorgeous. Get the recipe …
Toffee Dip with Apple Slices
A sweet dip filled with bits of toffee. Spread a healthy spoonful on a fresh apple slice and you can pretend it’s good for you! Get the recipe …
Beverages
You can’t have a meal without some refreshing beverages to accompany it. These are some tried-and-true beverages that always get rave reviews.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
This a copycat recipe of the famous Starbucks version and conveniently is made in the crockpot. FYI — the leftovers make a great base for french toast. Get the recipe …
Caramel Apple Cider
Apple cider is my all-time favorite Fall beverage. Mix in a rich caramel sauce and I’m in heaven. You can put this in a crockpot to keep it warm all day. Get the recipe …
Breads and Jams
What would Thanksgiving be without some bread? It wouldn’t be right in my book. I’ve also included some yummy homemade jams and jellies to really wow your guests.
Cranberry Jam
This is a refreshingly tart jam that really highlights cranberries nicely. And looks gorgeous too. Get the recipe …
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
This is such an easy recipe for apple butter. It’s also gets a nice pop of color (and tinge of heat) from the red hots. Get the recipe …
Dinner Rolls
Nothing beats a nice fluffy dinner roll to help soak up excess turkey gravy or to slather homemade jam or jelly over it. Yum-O! Get the recipe …
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
Pumpkin is showcased in this moist bread with a ribbon of cream cheese in the middle. Get the recipe …
Desserts
No pumpkin pie here but lots of delicious desserts to help round out your dessert buffet.
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Cranberries add great depth to a classic apple crisp recipe. This is my favorite Thanksgiving dessert. Get the recipe …
Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel Sauce
Not a fan of cranberries? No problem! This traditional apple crisp is updated with a delicious salted caramel sauce that makes it out of this world. Get the recipe …
Cranberry Cake with Butter Cream Sauce
A moist cake is dotted with tart cranberries then drenched in a very decadent butter cream sauce. Oh la la. Get the recipe …
Easy Peasy Cherry Dessert
This is one my family’s favorite desserts and my Mom’s go-to dessert when she needs something quick. It has just a few ingredients and only takes minutes to prepare. We love it with a scoop of ice cream on top. Get the recipe …
Snickers Ice Cream Pie with Caramel Sauce
An ice cream dessert may seem like an unusual choice with the cooler temperatures, but that is why it is also a treat! This looks so impressive but it couldn’t be easier to make. Perfect for the non-baker! Get the recipe …
Side Dishes
I know many people check out the dessert offerings first so they save plenty of room, but not me. The glorious side dishes are what I gravitate to the first go-round and second one too. Frankly, I’d skip dessert for another spoonful of dressing. Yeah, I’m weird.
Corn and Bacon Casserole
Bacon makes everything better — right? I think so. Bacon adds some nice crunch while the sour cream gives the corn a little bit of edge. Get the recipe …
Creamy Corn Casserole
This may look a bit like cornbread but it’s not. It’s more like a yummy soufflé with plenty of corn and cheese. I just call it delicious. Get the recipe …
Creamy Sweet Corn
This dish is on the menu for every special gathering in our home. I think guests might protest if my Mom did not make it. Seriously. It’s that good. Get the recipe …
Crockpot Stuffing
This is my favorite dish. Stuffing is something not served frequently outside of Thanksgiving, which makes it even more special to me. My Mom has perfected this recipe throughout the years and it’s real treasure. Get the recipe …
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
I don’t mean to brag, but I’m sort of famous for my mashed potatoes. Seriously, they are delicious. I jazz them up with cream cheese and sour cream, which makes them so decadent. Seriously, you gotta try them. Get the recipe …
Roasted Green Beans with Bacon
Green beans slowly roast in the oven with onions and red peppers, then get tossed with crispy bacon. Perfection. Get the recipe …
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
It doesn’t quite seem like Thanksgiving without green bean casserole. This delicious version is conveniently made in a crockpot, which helps keep the oven free for everything else. Get the recipe …
Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Another family favorite salad that is versatile and refreshing. You can feature whatever fruits are in season (or even some canned fruit works fine) and pair well together. Get the recipe …
Happy Eating
Good golly — that’s a lot of tempting food, if I do say so myself! Your friends and family will certainly be filled with gratitude to enjoy such a yummy bounty.
Be sure to come back on Monday, when I’ll be sharing a mouth-watering recipe that takes advantage of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Tanya
