It’s almost Turkey Day! Sigh. Remember when you were little, staring at the thanksgiving buffet on your grandma’s table with childlike awe, before you found out how many hours it took to create all of that food? Or how many hours it took to clean up after your family’s ravenous display of hunger? And now it’s your turn. Maybe you can’t go home for the holidays this year. Maybe you don’t want to go home for the holidays this year because your new apartment needs some company over break. Whatever the cause, you’re ready to try creating a Thanksgiving feast of your own. We’re here to help!
We’ve compiled a list of easy thanksgiving recipes that are sure to be popular with your guests, your wallet, and the clock. Each of the 5 items has three options listed under them, ranging from easiest to hardest. Even the hardest recipes include common ingredients you probably have in your kitchen, and simple steps that are easy follow. Pick your difficulty level and dive in! You can even mix and match if you want that perfectly roasted turkey, but can’t attend to boiling potatoes and frying green beans at the same time. These tasty and affordable recipes have been hand picked just for you! Bon Apetite.
1. Turkey
Easy: You can get a roasted turkey for $4.99/lb. at Harris Teeter. All the flavor, none of the work.
Medium: Don’t wanna deal with a whole turkey? Try cooking turkey breasts instead.
Difficult: Simple roasted turkey with paprika and thyme.
2. Stuffing
Easy: Stove Top stuffing mix. This stuff tastes like you slaved over it all day, and all you have to do is heat it up. Show me a better deal, and I’ll show you fantastic stuffing in 30 minutes or less.
Medium: You only need five ingredients for this one!
Difficult: Cornbread stuffing. Use jiffy cornbread mix for an even easier version of this southern classic.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
Easy: You can substitute pre-made mashed sweet potatoes from Betty Crocker or a similar brand instead of boiling and mashing all those yams yourself.
Still Pretty Easy But Takes Longer: Honestly, sweet potato casserole is so easy I couldn’t find a difficult recipe. This one has few more steps, but it’s worth it for a delicious pecan crumble!
4. Green Beans
Easy: For a quick and simple solution, buy a can of green beans and sauté them with some onions, salt, and pepper.
Medium: Spice things up with some bacon! Everyone loves bacon.
Difficult: Try these fancy green beans with toasted almonds. They’re easier to make than they look.
5. Dessert
Easy: Keep it simple and serve your favorite cookies, cake, or pie with a side of pumpkin ice cream.
Medium: Semi-homemade Pumpkin pie. You probably have all of these ingredients at home, sans the canned pumpkin. Good news: canned pumpkin is easy to find and even easier to use!
Difficult: Banana pudding. Easy to make, but takes forever to chill. Make this dish at the beginning of the meal and leave it cooling in the ‘fridge while you eat.
Hopefully we’ve provided some inspiration for your very own Friendsgiving table. Creating a beautiful and delicious meal is easier than you’d think. Some other good ideas are to have your guests bring drinks or desserts, split the cooking responsibilities, and help provide festive decorations. Happy Thanksgiving from the Her Campus CofC team! Now break out your Thanksgiving pants and enjoy!