5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Recipes for Busy Cooks: Easy and Delicious

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Thanksgiving can be a hectic day, but these 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Recipes are here to save the day. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these dishes are perfect for busy cooks who want to create a memorable meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From appetizers to desserts, these recipes prove that simplicity can still be delicious!

1. Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 lbs turkey breast (bone-in or boneless, skin-on preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rub turkey breast with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast for 60–90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

2. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb baby carrots
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

  1. Steam carrots until tender, about 10 minutes.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet, stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Toss carrots in the glaze and cook for 2–3 minutes until coated and shiny.

3. Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

  1. Combine cranberries, orange juice, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst.
  3. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg. Let cool before serving.

4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Boil potatoes for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain.
  2. Mash potatoes with butter, milk, garlic, and salt until smooth.

5. Green Bean Almondine

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté almonds and garlic until golden, and toss with green beans. Season to taste.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Ingredients:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions:

  1. Boil sweet potatoes for 15 minutes until tender. Mash with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Spread into a baking dish, top with marshmallows, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden.

7. Pumpkin Pie Mousse

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup whipped cream (or non-dairy alternative)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla.
  2. Fold in whipped cream until smooth.
  3. Chill for 1 hour and serve in cups.

8. 3-Minute Biscuits

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk until dough forms.
  3. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.

9. Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Directions:

  1. Mix graham crackers, butter, and sugar. Press into a baking dish.
  2. Top with pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey before serving.

FAQs

1. Can these recipes be made ahead of time?

Yes! Dishes like cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and mashed potatoes can be prepped in advance and reheated before serving.

2. Can I scale these recipes for larger gatherings?

Absolutely, just double or triple the ingredients as needed.

3. Are these recipes gluten-free?

Many are naturally gluten-free, like mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. Substitute ingredients where needed, like gluten-free breadcrumbs for the pecan bars.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen green beans or Brussels sprouts can work in these recipes—just adjust cooking times.

5. How do I make these recipes vegan?

Swap butter for plant-based alternatives, use almond milk, and replace marshmallows with vegan versions.

These 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Recipes make holiday cooking quick, easy, and delicious. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can focus on spending time with loved ones while enjoying a feast full of flavor. Happy Thanksgiving!

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