10 Quick and Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes for Busy Parents

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. But for busy parents, the pressure to create a memorable feast can add to the stress of an already hectic schedule. Fear not! I've put together a list of 10 quick and delicious Thanksgiving recipes that will help you create a festive spread without spending hours in the kitchen. These dishes are perfect for keeping your family satisfied and your sanity intact, especially when you're busy juggling work and home life!

1. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Skip the whole bird and go for a tender, juicy turkey breast cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. Rubbed with olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika, and slow-cooked with chicken broth, this turkey breast is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey breast

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Place it in the slow cooker and pour chicken broth around it.

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the turkey is fully cooked.

Let it rest before slicing. 

2. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Creamy mashed potatoes made in a fraction of the time using an Instant Pot. These potatoes are cooked with chicken broth and mashed with milk and butter for a comforting side dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.

2. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then release the pressure.

3. Drain any excess liquid, then mash the potatoes with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.  

3. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake: A simple and delicious dessert that requires no oven time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1 prepared graham cracker crust

Instructions:

1. Beat together pumpkin puree, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.

2. Pour into the graham cracker crust and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

4. Crockpot Green Bean Casserole: A classic side dish that can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans, trimmed

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 cup fried onions

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.

2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.

3. Top with fried onions before serving.

5. Stovetop Stuffing: Quick and easy stuffing that can be made on the stovetop.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 cups chicken broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion and celery; cook until softened.

3. Stir in bread cubes and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broth is absorbed, and the stuffing is heated through.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta: A savory and easy-to-make side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 4 oz pancetta, diced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss Brussels sprouts and pancetta with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and crispy.

7. Cranberry-Apple Chutney: A sweet and tangy chutney that pairs perfectly with turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberries

• 1 apple, peeled and diced

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

3. Cook for 15-20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

8.  Cauliflower au Gratin: A cheesy cauliflower dish that's a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Gruyère)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Arrange cauliflower florets in a baking dish.

3. Pour heavy cream over the cauliflower and sprinkle with cheese, salt, and pepper.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. Pumpkin Pie Parfaits: Individual servings of pumpkin pie that are easy to prepare and serve.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup granola

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Layer pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, granola, and pumpkin pie spice in serving glasses.

2. Drizzle with maple syrup.

3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

10. Turkey Cookie Cutouts: Fun and festive cookies for the kids to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 roll of sugar cookie dough

• 1/2 cup frosting (various colors)

• Cookie cutters (turkey shapes)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven as directed on the cookie dough package.

2. Roll out dough and cut into turkey shapes using cookie cutters.

3. Bake according to package instructions and let cool.

4. Decorate with colorful frosting.

I hope you enjoy these easy, Thanksgiving dishes!! Come back to Hill House Haven for more easy recipes, for the busy, working parents!