Thanksgiving is a time for feasting and sharing delicious food with loved ones. But let’s be honest, it can also be a bit stressful in the kitchen!
That’s why we’ve put together these 21 simple and easy recipe hacks to help you save time, reduce stress, and create a Thanksgiving meal that everyone will rave about.
1. The Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Secret
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The Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Secret Recipes |
Creamy Mashed Potatoes from The Pioneer Woman.
Cooking Time: 1 h 30 min.
Rating: 4.8.
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Homemade Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes from Betty Crocker.
Cooking Time: 1 h 40 min.
Rating: 4.5.
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Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes from NYT Cooking – The New York Times.
Cooking Time: 1 h 10 min.
Rating: 4.
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Source: Google.com
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Did you know you can make mashed potatoes ahead of time? Prepare them a day or two before Thanksgiving, then reheat them in a slow cooker or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream. This frees up valuable oven space on the big day!
2. Turkey Brining: Not Just for the Pros
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Turkey Brining: Not Just For The Pros Recipes |
How To Brine a Turkey from The Kitchn.
Rating: 5.
Ingredients: 5, 0(31).
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Favorite Turkey Brine from Yummly.
Rating: 4.
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Turkey Brine from Taste of Home.
Cooking Time: 4 h 20 min.
Rating: 4.2.
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Source: Google.com
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Brining your turkey might sound fancy, but it’s a simple way to ensure a moist and flavorful bird. Soak your turkey in a saltwater solution overnight for juicy meat that everyone will love.
3. The Stuffing Savvy Swap
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The Stuffing Savvy Swap Recipes |
Grain Free, Low Carb Buttery Stuffing from The Savvy Spoon.
Cooking Time: 35 min.
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The Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing from Savvy Saving Couple.
Cooking Time: 5 h 10 min.
Rating: 5.
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The Best Sausage and Sourdough Stuffing Recipe from Smart Savvy Living.
Cooking Time: 55 min.
Rating: 4.9.
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Source: Google.com
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Instead of stuffing your turkey, try baking the stuffing separately. This allows the stuffing to get crispy on top while the turkey cooks evenly. Plus, it’s safer!
4. Cranberry Sauce with a Twist
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Cranberry Sauce With A Twist Recipes |
Fresh Sweet Cranberry Sauce with a Twist from Allrecipes.
Cooking Time: 1 h 15 min.
Rating: 5.
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Cranberry Sauce from Once Upon a Chef.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Rating: 4.9.
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Cranberry Sauce with Monkfruit and Allulose from Lakanto.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Rating: 3.
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Source: Google.com
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Give your cranberry sauce a zesty kick by adding a bit of orange zest and a pinch of cinnamon. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference!
5. Gravy Rescue Mission
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Gravy Rescue Mission Recipes |
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How to Make Gravy—Quick and Easy from 101 Cooking For Two.
Cooking Time: 12 mins.
Rating: 4.4.
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Brown Gravy from Simply Stacie.
Cooking Time: 35 mins.
Rating: 5.
Ingredients: Balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, worcestershire sauce, garlic, salted butter.
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Leftover Turkey in Gravy Recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.
Cooking Time: 25 mins.
Rating: 4.9.
Ingredients: Gluten free flour, leftover turkey meat, mushrooms, chicken broth, olive oil.
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Source: Google.com
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Don’t panic if your gravy is too thin. A simple slurry of cornstarch and cold water will thicken it up in a flash.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole Superhero
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Sweet Potato Casserole Superhero Recipes |
Superhero Chickpea Sweet Potatoes with Crème Fraîche from HelloFresh. |
Sweet Potato Superhero Muffins Recipe from loaves & such -.
Rating: 4.1.
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Yam Spiced Superhero Muffins from Vital Farms. |
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Source: Google.com
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Tired of mushy sweet potatoes? Roast them instead of boiling! They’ll have a caramelized sweetness that complements the marshmallows perfectly.
7. Pumpkin Pie Perfection
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Pumpkin Pie Perfection Recipes |
Pumpkin Pie from Lily Lou Tay.
Cooking Time: 2 h 30 min.
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The BEST Pumpkin Pie Recipe from Not Quite Nigella.
Rating: 5.
Ingredients: 5, 0(67).
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Perfect Pumpkin Pie from Martha Stewart.
Rating: 5.
Ingredients: 5, 0(1).
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Source: Google.com
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For a creamier pumpkin pie, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk. It adds a rich flavor and helps the pie set beautifully.
8. Green Bean Casserole Genius
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Green Bean Casserole Genius Recipes |
Best Ever Green Bean Casserole from Food Network.
Cooking Time: 1 h 10 min.
Rating: 4.4.
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The Ultimate Homemade Green Bean Casserole from Serious Eats.
Cooking Time: 1 h 40 min.
Rating: 4.8.
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Green Bean Casserole from American Heart Association Recipes.
Rating: 3.9.
Ingredients: 3, 9(41).
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Source: Google.com
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Love green bean casserole but hate the canned soup? Make a homemade cream sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and a touch of cream for an upgraded flavor.
9. The Leftover Transformation
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The Leftover Transformation Recipes |
Surprisingly gourmet ways to transform your leftovers from Taste. |
The leftover chicken transformation. Chicken mayo rice from 10000recipe.com. |
Leftovers recipes from BBC Good Food. |
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Source: Google.com
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Don’t let those leftovers go to waste! Turn leftover turkey into a hearty soup or a tasty casserole. And those extra cranberries? They make a delicious topping for pancakes or waffles.
10. The Prep-Ahead Party Trick
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The Prep-Ahead Party Trick Recipes |
Make-ahead summer party food from BBC. |
Make Ahead Party Food Menu (Sweet and Savory!) from Sprinkle Bakes.
Cooking Time: 4 h 40 min.
Rating: 5.
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Get the party started with these 60 snacks and appetisers from Delicious. |
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Source: Google.com
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Chop veggies, measure spices, and even make pie crusts a day or two in advance. This will save you so much time on Thanksgiving Day!
11. The Secret Weapon: A Meat Thermometer
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The Secret Weapon: A Meat Thermometer Recipes |
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Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops with Creamy Mash and Peppercorn Sauce from HelloFresh. |
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Sous Vide Smoked Brisket from Typhur. |
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Easy Sirloin Tip Roast from BigOven. |
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Source: Google.com
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Don’t guess when your turkey is done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to perfection and safe to eat.
12. The Cooling Conundrum Solved
Pies and desserts need to cool completely before serving. Speed up the process by placing them on a wire rack in a cool spot.
13. Serving with Style
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Serving With Style Recipes |
56 party food recipes from Olive Magazine. |
Carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes) from Italian recipes by GialloZafferano.
Cooking Time: 50 min.
Rating: 4.1.
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Platter recipes from BBC Good Food. |
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Source: Google.com
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Make your dishes look as good as they taste by using festive serving platters and garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a few cranberries can make all the difference.
14. The Guest Participation Plan
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Have guests bring a dish or two to share. It takes the pressure off you and allows everyone to contribute.
15. The Gratitude Reminder
Thanksgiving is about more than just food. Take a moment to share what you’re thankful for with your loved ones. It’s a beautiful way to connect and create lasting memories.
16. The “Just in Case” Essentials
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The “Just In Case” Essentials Recipes |
50 just-in-case dinners made from pantry staples from Taste. |
Chewy & Soft Lemon Cookies from fayesfood.com.
Ingredients: Cream cheese, sour cream, food coloring, lemon juice, lemon zest.
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Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies from Amy Fewell.
Rating: 4.
Ingredients: Peppermint essential oil, cacao powder, eggs, baking powder, sugar.
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Source: Google.com
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Have extra napkins, plates, and utensils on hand. You never know who might drop by for a surprise visit!
17. The Cleanup Crew
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The Cleanup Crew Recipes |
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This Boursin Cheese Take on the Viral Feta Pasta Dish Made Me Stop Scrolling from Eat This Not That.
Rating: 3.4.
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Banh Mi Sheet Pan Nachos with Fresh Herbs from Slice of Jess.
Ingredients: Ground pork, bell peppers, fish sauce, avocado, cheddar cheese.
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Boeuf Bourguignon from Kitchen Detail.
Ingredients: Mushrooms, tomato paste, stewing beef, carrots, orange peel.
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Source: Google.com
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Enlist the help of your family and friends to clean up after the meal. It’s a team effort, after all!
18. The “Relax and Enjoy” Mantra
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The “Relax And Enjoy” Mantra Recipes |
Golden Turmeric Moon Milk from Holistic Chef Academy.
Cooking Time: 10 min.
Rating: 5.
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Quinoa Porridge from Holistic Chef Academy.
Cooking Time: 8 h 20 min.
Rating: 5.
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Mediterranean Cucumber Salad from The Beach House Kitchen.
Cooking Time: 20 min.
Rating: 5.
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Source: Google.com
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Remember, Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the company of loved ones. Don’t stress over perfection. Just relax and have fun!
19. The Leftover Label Trick
Label all those leftovers so you know what’s what when you’re rummaging through the fridge later.
20. The “Take a Break” Reminder
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The “Take A Break” Reminder Recipes |
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Take-a-Break Snack Mix from Go Red for Women.
Rating: 2.8.
Ingredients: 2, 8(19).
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Take-a-Break Snack Mix from American Stroke Association.
Rating: 2.8.
Ingredients: 2, 8(19).
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Take-a-Break Snack Mix from American Heart Association CPR.
Rating: 2.8.
Ingredients: 2, 8(19).
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Source: Google.com
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Don’t spend the entire day in the kitchen. Step outside for some fresh air or take a few minutes to relax with a cup of tea.
21. The Post-Thanksgiving Feast
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The Post-Thanksgiving Feast Recipes |
50 Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Easy Mashed Potatoes from Love and Lemons.
Cooking Time: 1 h 10 min.
Rating: 5.
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Mom’s Cornbread Stuffing from My 100 Year Old Home.
Cooking Time: 55 min.
Rating: 4.5.
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Roasted Turkey Breast with Stuffing from Budget Bytes.
Cooking Time: 1 h 40 min.
Rating: 5.
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Source: Google.com
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After all the hard work, treat yourself to a relaxing evening with a cozy blanket and a good movie. You deserve it!
With these helpful tips, your Thanksgiving will be a stress-free and delicious celebration. Happy Thanksgiving!
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