5 Last Minute Thanksgiving Recipes

1. LAST MINUTE SIDE DISH: LOADED MASHED POTATOES

Dress up refrigerated mashed potatoes with creative and tasty stir-ins. It is easy to transform refrigerated mashed potatoes into cheesy Loaded Mashed Potatoes in just a few steps.  To make these shortcut mashed potatoes, heat the refrigerated potatoes as directed and then stir-in plain Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. Add shredded Cheddar cheese, chives, and crunchy crumbled bacon. This dish tastes just like a homemade loaded baked potato and your guests will never know that you started with a premade potatoes!

To note, buy the real mashed potatoes in the refrigerated section and NOT the boxed instant mashed potatoes.

2. SIDE DISH: SHORTCUT CRANBERRY SAUCE RECIPE

While cranberry sauce is very easy to make (just cook fresh cranberries, sugar, and water), sometimes it may feel like one more thing to do for the big meal. Instead of skipping this antioxidant-rich dish altogether, pick up a can of whole berry cranberry sauce. 

To make Shortcut Pecan Cranberry Sauce, stir together whole berry cranberry sauce, orange zest, cinnamon, and Grande Marnier (or black-cherry bourbon or orange juice). Top with toasted pecans. You can’t be the ease and delicious flavor of this dressed up canned cranberry sauce.

3. THANKSGIVING DESSERT FOR KIDS: BROWNIE TURKEYS

Start with small bite-sized brownies from the grocery store and dress them up with store-bought chocolate icing, candy eyeballs (or M&Ms), and candy corn.   

4. DESSERT HELPER: HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM IN A JAR

My favorite tip for saving time at Thanksgiving is at dessert. While I love eating pie, honestly, I’m not the best at making them. That’s why I love dressing up a store-bought pie and making it my own with a fresh homemade whipped cream. This recipe is a great option for children wanting to help prepare the Thanksgiving recipes for the meal. 

Simply add heavy whipping cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sugar to a Mason jar, close with the lid and SHAKE. Now bring in the kiddos and getting shaking! 

5. SIMPLE APPETIZER: THANKSGIVING CHARCUTERIE TURKEY APPETIZER

Another last minute Thanksgiving recipes you can assign to the kids to make for Thanksgiving is Mr. Cheddar & Apple Turkey. This cute and tasty appetizer uses tart Granny Smith apples, sweet Honeycrisp apples and cheddar cheese. Display the turkey on the appetizer table and if it hasn’t been gobbled up, bring it back out for dessert.

If you love the idea of making “turkeys” with your food, check out these 21 Healthy and Fun Thanksgiving Turkey Ideas

If you have other last minute Thanksgiving recipes and tips, please share them in the comments section. I’m always looking for a new trick! Happy Thanksgiving!