26 simple last-minute recipes that will save your Thanksgiving (2024)

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SheKnows Editorial

November 17, 2016 at 3:00am EST

Plus IconGina Matsoukas/SheKnows

You were looking forward to a nice, relaxing Thanksgiving Day celebration at your sister’s house, when she calls you in tears on Wednesday night because a water main broke and flooded her kitchen. Or maybe you were going to show up at a buddy’s house for Friendsgiving, but their kids came down with the stomach flu and their place is a no-go.

Whatever the scenario may be, it’s last minute and you’re hosting the big Thanksgiving event! Don’t panic— these recipes will have you on your way to a quality holiday in a hurry.

Originally published November 2015. Updated November 2016.

15-Minute roasted sweet potatoes
Get your sweet potato fix this Thanksgiving in just 15 minutes thanks to this quick recipe.
Quick stovetop stuffing
Free up your oven space with this quick homemade stovetop stuffing recipe.
15-Minute mashed potatoes
Creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes can be on the table in 15 minutes thanks to this easy recipe.
Cheesy pull-apart rolls
Running out of time to impress your Thanksgiving guests? These 15-minute cheesy, pull-apart rolls will do the trick.
Quick turkey gravy
Making your own turkey gravytakes only a few minutes, and it’s way better than anything from a jar.
Roasted turkey breast
Skip the whole bird, and roast this turkey breast in just an hour so you can spend less time in the kitchen.
10-Minute double-layer pumpkin pie
A layer of pumpkin pie and a layer of cheesecake make this no-bake Thanksgiving dessert totally delicious.
15-Minute cranberry sauce
Almost as fast as opening up a can, this homemade cranberry sauce will wow your guests.
Roasted vegetables
Choose your favorite vegetables, then roast them up for a healthy side dish in just 30 minutes.
Green bean casserole from scratch
Ready in less than 45 minutes, green bean casserole from scratch will change your mind about this dish.
Savory herb and cheese monkey bread
No one will guess that this fancy monkey breadwas madein under an hour thanks to canned biscuits.
Easy creamed corn
Easy, cheesy creamed corn is a perfect 30-minute side dish for your Thanksgiving meal.
Roasted green beans
Green beans cook up in a flash in a hot oven, while browned butter and balsamic vinegarmake them taste luxurious.
Panko- and herb-stuffed mushrooms
Ready in just 20 minutes, these panko- and herb-stuffed mushrooms just happen to be vegan too.
Stuffed Cornish hens
No time for turkey? These Cornish hens cook in an hour and takeonly 10 minutes to prep.
Easy baked Brie with balsamic cherries
Baked Brie with balsamic vinegar and cherries is a surefire Thanksgiving hit, ready in just 15 minutes.
60-Minute dinner rolls
Hot, fresh bread in just an hour? Your Thanksgiving guests will be impressed by your kitchen prowess.
Carrots with rosemary and thyme
Add some color and flavor to your Thanksgiving with these 15-minute rosemary and thyme carrots.
Easy creamy mushrooms
In less than 30minutes, these easy creamy mushrooms will be gracing your table.
Balsamic Brussels sprouts
A quick roast in a superhot oven gives these balsamic Brussels sprouts an irresistible flavor.
Rosemary-cranberry spread
Whip together this rosemary-cranberry spread in just fiveminutes to seriously jazz up your appetizer table.
Honey-glazed baby carrots
If rosemary carrots aren’t your thing, honey-glazed carrots are delish and only take about 20 minutes to whip up.
Pumpkin pie crescents
No time for pie? Crescent rolls to the rescue! These yummy pumpkin pie-inspired treats take 20 minutes.
Slow cooker cranberry-pecan stuffing
Don’t let “slow” in the name fool you. This recipe allows you to keep your hands free to attend to other important tasks.
Jalapeño cornbread muffins
These jalapeño cornbread muffins are seriously addictive, and total prep and cook time is less than 30 minutes.
See Also
Easy Drop Biscuits Recipe
Cranberry-pineapple punch
This simple punch recipe is virgin, but just throw in some Champagne to add some quick holiday cheer.