Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Menu

October 15, 2014
Photo: Chris Court
Keep it simple with dishes that minimize effort from start to finish. These make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes allow for a last-minute feast so you can relax with company while the turkey breast roasts; then finish up the meal with fast, easy sides that won't compete for oven space. Here are time-saving shortcut recipes (like stuffing baked in muffin cups instead of a big casserole dish) that free you up without compromising taste. The genius lies in the simplicity of every dish.
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The Menu

Photo: Chris Court

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
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Chive Sour Cream

Photo: Chris Court
View Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Chive Sour Cream

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.

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Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash

Photo: Chris Court
View Recipe: Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash

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.

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Three-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce

Photo: Chris Court
View Recipe: Three-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce

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.

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Fennel and Cumin-Roasted Turkey Breast with Thyme Gravy

Photo: Chris Court
View Recipe: Fennel and Cumin-Roasted Turkey Breast with Thyme Gravy

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.

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Sautéed Haricots Verts with Bacon Breadcrumbs

Photo: Chris Court
View Recipe: Sautéed Haricots Verts with Bacon Breadcrumbs

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

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Apple-Sage Stuffing Cups

Photo: Chris Court
View Recipe: Apple-Sage Stuffing Cups

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.

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Pecan-Pumpkin Drops

Photo: Chris Court
View Recipe: Pecan-Pumpkin Drops

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.

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Mocha Pie with Coffee Whipped Cream

Photo: Chris Court
View Recipe: Mocha Pie with Coffee Whipped Cream

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.

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