Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Menu

Here are time-saving shortcut recipes that free you up without compromising taste. The genius lies in the simplicity of every dish.

• Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Chive Sour Cream
• Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash
• Three-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
• Mocha Pie with Coffee Whipped Cream
• Fennel and Cumin-Roasted Turkey Breast with Thyme Gravy
• Sautéed Haricots Verts with Bacon Breadcrumbs
• Apple-Sage Stuffing Cups
• Pecan-Pumpkin Drops

These potatoes deliver the best of both worlds: creamy, starchy center and crisp, golden edges. To smash, place the back of a wide spatula over each potato, and then press with the heel of your hand.

This side is simple and fabulous. The cooking is mostly hands-off, and the prep is easy. Serve the tender butternut squash in large pieces to catch every last bit of the honey butter drizzle.

You can "spike" your cranberry sauce by stirring in 1 to 2 tablespoons orange or black currant liqueur at the end. If you like it spiced, stir in ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground allspice.

A breast takes less time and serves just enough for a smaller gathering. Leaving the skin on adds only 20 calories and 1g sat fat per serving.

Slender haricots verts get delightfully browned and crisp in the pan. A bacon breadcrumb topper makes them an instant crowd-pleaser.

The muffin cups give you crispy edges and a tender interior in half the time, though the stuffing won't hold its shape like a traditional muffin. Presliced bread and prechopped onion and celery save time.

Take canned pumpkin out of the pie shell realm and stir into tender drop biscuits. Making turkey soup after Thanksgiving? You can serve these alongside, spread with a little honey butter.

This pie comes together quickly and won't hog oven space as it chills and sets in the fridge (a great make-ahead option). You can use decaf instant coffee granules instead of regular, or leave them out entirely for a silky-smooth chocolate pie with vanilla topping.