20+ Thanksgiving Recipe Hacks Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 13, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a delicious feast, but preparing and cooking all of the traditional dishes can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of recipe hacks that can make your Thanksgiving meal preparation easier and more efficient. From shortcuts to flavorful twists, these hacks will save you time and impress your guests. So put on your apron and get ready to try out some of these Thanksgiving recipe hacks!
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Sugar, Clove, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy a delicious meal together. And what better way to kick off the festivities than with a refreshing and festive Thanksgiving cider sangria? This twist on the traditional sangria features the warm and cozy flavors of fall, making it the ideal drink to sip on while catching up with loved ones.
2of 20
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Loaf, Cornbread, Butter, Large Onion, Celery
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a heaping serving of stuffing. This classic side dish is a staple on every Thanksgiving table and for good reason. With a crispy top and a moist and flavorful center, it's the perfect accompaniment to your turkey and other side dishes. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite herbs, spices, and add-ins.
Thanksgiving just wouldn't be the same without a juicy and flavorful roasted turkey as the star of the show. While it may seem intimidating to cook a whole turkey, it's actually quite simple with the right techniques. And the result is a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast.
4of 20
Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
While the turkey may be the star of the show, let's not forget about the delicious array of sides that make up a traditional Thanksgiving meal. From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce and everything in between, these sides are what make the meal truly special and something to look forward to every year.
5of 20
Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a bowl of tangy and sweet cranberry sauce. Whether you prefer the traditional canned version or a homemade recipe with fresh cranberries, this condiment is the perfect accompaniment to your turkey, stuffing, and other sides. Plus, it adds a pop of color to your plate!
6of 20
Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
When it comes to Thanksgiving stuffing, sometimes sticking to the classic and traditional recipe is the way to go. This simple yet delicious recipe features all the staple ingredients like bread, celery, onions, and plenty of herbs and spices. It's the perfect accompaniment to your turkey and other sides.
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving must-have, and this recipe is sure to become your go-to for years to come. With a creamy and buttery texture and plenty of flavor from garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese, these mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Just be sure to make extra, because they're bound to be a hit!
8of 20
OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
Looking for a fun and creative Thanksgiving dessert idea? These OREO cookie balls in the shape of turkeys are sure to impress your guests. They're easy to make and can even be a fun activity to do with kids. Plus, who can resist the combination of chocolate and OREO cookies?
9of 20
Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon
Need a festive drink to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than this delicious and refreshing Thanksgiving punch. Made with cranberry juice, apple cider, and ginger ale, it's the perfect balance of sweet and tart. And for an extra kick, you can add a splash of rum or vodka.
If you're looking for a lighter side dish to balance out all the rich and heavy Thanksgiving foods, this Thanksgiving slaw is the perfect choice. Made with shredded cabbage, apples, and dried cranberries, it's a refreshing and tangy addition to your meal. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate some healthy vegetables into your feast.
11of 20
Thanksgiving Sangria
Main Ingredients: Honey, Water, Apple Pie Spice, Pinot Grigio, Apple
Another twist on the classic sangria, this Thanksgiving version is made with red wine, apple cider, and seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, and cranberries. Not only is it delicious and festive, but it's also a great way to use up any leftover wine from your Thanksgiving feast.
Croquettes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving, but trust us, these crispy and flavorful bites are a great addition to your meal. Made with mashed potatoes, turkey, and herbs, they're a fun and unique way to use up any leftovers from your holiday feast.
13of 20
Pumpkin Crunch – The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Evaporated Milk, Granulated Sugar, Large
Pumpkin pie may be the classic Thanksgiving dessert, but if you're looking for something a little different this year, give this pumpkin crunch recipe a try. With a crunchy and buttery pecan topping and a creamy and spiced pumpkin filling, it's the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
14of 20
Bacon and Cheese Brussels Sprouts Casserole + My...
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground Pepper
If you're looking for a way to make brussels sprouts more appealing to the picky eaters at your Thanksgiving table, this bacon and cheese brussels sprouts casserole is sure to do the trick. With crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tender brussels sprouts, it's a comforting and indulgent side dish that everyone will love.
15of 20
Multi-Cooker Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Large Eggs, Salt, Pepper
Short on oven space? Don't worry, you can still make a delicious and flavorful Thanksgiving stuffing with your multi-cooker. This recipe is easy to make and results in a moist and flavorful stuffing that is sure to impress your guests. And the best part? It frees up some much-needed oven space for other dishes.
After the big Thanksgiving meal, you're likely to have plenty of leftover turkey. Rather than just reheating it, why not turn it into a delicious and comforting pot pie? This recipe is easy to make and a great way to use up any leftover veggies and gravy from your holiday feast.
17of 20
Thanksgiving Pockets
Main Ingredients: Roasted Turkey, Buttermilk Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes
If you're looking for a unique and portable way to serve up Thanksgiving leftovers, these Thanksgiving pockets are the perfect solution. Made with puff pastry and filled with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, they're a fun and tasty way to enjoy all the flavors of the holiday in one bite.
18of 20
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Ice Water, Tap Water, Dark Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt
For a perfectly juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey, brining is the way to go. And this ultimate Thanksgiving turkey brine recipe is sure to impress. With a mixture of salt, sugar, herbs, and spices, it infuses the turkey with delicious flavor and ensures it stays moist and tender during cooking.
19of 20
Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Onion, Celery, Medium Carrot, Garlic
For those who are vegetarian or just looking for a break from all the meat-centric dishes on Thanksgiving, this meatless loaf is the perfect option. Made with lentils, mushrooms, and plenty of flavorful herbs and spices, it's a hearty and delicious alternative to the traditional turkey.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
Another delicious and fool-proof way to ensure your Thanksgiving turkey is juicy and flavorful is by brining and roasting it in the oven. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and results in a perfectly cooked and flavorful bird that will impress all your guests.
Upgrade Your Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple on every Thanksgiving table, but instead of sticking to the traditional recipe, why not give them an upgrade? Try adding crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese to your mashed potatoes for a delicious and unexpected twist. Simply fry up some bacon and crumble it into your mashed potatoes along with some shredded cheddar cheese. This will add a savory and cheesy flavor to your mashed potatoes that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover bacon from your breakfast spread.
You can also add some roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes for a more elegant and gourmet touch. Simply roast a head of garlic in the oven until it's soft and then mix it into your mashed potatoes. This will add a subtle garlic flavor and a creamy texture to your potatoes.
Speed up Your Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a must-have on any Thanksgiving table, but making it from scratch can be time-consuming. Instead of spending hours cooking cranberries on the stove, try this quick and easy hack. Simply buy a can of whole berry cranberry sauce and mix it with a can of cranberry jelly. This will give you the perfect balance of whole berries and smooth jelly in just a few minutes. You can also add a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of cinnamon to add some extra flavor to your cranberry sauce.
Revamp Your Stuffing
Stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving dish, but it can be a hassle to make from scratch. To save time, try using pre-made cornbread or bread cubes instead of making your own. You can also add some Italian sausage to your stuffing for a delicious and hearty twist. Simply cook the sausage and mix it in with your stuffing before baking. Your guests will love the added flavor and texture of the sausage in their stuffing.
For a healthier alternative, you can also substitute cauliflower rice for bread cubes in your stuffing. This will add a nutritious and low-carb option to your Thanksgiving table.
Update Your Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie, but why not switch it up this year? Instead of making a traditional pumpkin pie, try making pumpkin cheesecake bars for a fun and tasty twist. Simply combine a can of pumpkin puree with cream cheese, sugar, and spices and bake on a graham cracker crust. This will give you the classic pumpkin flavor with a creamy and decadent twist.
You can also add a crumble topping to your pumpkin pie for an extra crunch and flavor. Simply mix together some oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter and sprinkle it over your pie before baking.
Incorporating these Thanksgiving recipe hacks into your holiday meal planning will not only save you time and stress, but also add some delicious and creative twists to your traditional dishes. Give them a try and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Happy Thanksgiving!