A time meant to spend with family and friends, many people often spend way too long in the kitchen during Thanksgiving. Instead of sweating over the stove for hours, try these quick and easy recipes for Thanksgiving.
Don’t Forget to Feed the Kids Breakfast: Egg Cups
While it might seem like a nuisance on such a busy day, you’ve still got to eat breakfast. Instead of spending extra time in the kitchen, try this quick recipe perfect for a large group.
Using a muffin tin, crack one whole egg into each cup. Split the yolk with a quick snip of scissors. Season with pepper, salt, and cheese. Top with bacon, sausage, or any other desired toppings.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked. Everyone can grab an egg cup or two and stay satisfied till the big feast.
Crockpot Stuffing
No more stuffing the turkey: try this easy-as-can-be “leave it alone” stuffing. Over medium heat, cook down 2 cups chopped onion, 2 cups chopped celery, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, and ¼ cup fresh parsley with butter. Once they’re softened, remove and place in crockpot.
Add in 12 cups of dry bread cubes to the crockpot along with 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, dried sage, dried thyme, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper, and stir. Beat two eggs together and add to the crockpot along with 4 ½ cups of chicken broth.
Cook on high for 45 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for 4 to 8 hours – until the stuffing is the consistency you and your family prefer.
Caramelized Veggies
This recipe is great because it can be applied to any type of vegetable or root. Whatever your family prefers, or is on sale at the store, will work with this recipe. Some great options are Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, turnips, or a mixture of a bunch.
In a microwave safe bowl, or in a saucepan on the stove, melt together ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, and ¾ cup water.
Place your veggies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or another non-stick liner. Drizzle over sugar mixture and season with salt and pepper.
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-45 minutes, depending on the vegetable(s), until tender and golden brown.
Cheap-y Potatoes
One of the cheapest dishes for a large crowd, this side is sure to please.
Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together a whole package of frozen square hash browns, one can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 bag (2 cups) of shredded cheddar cheese, a pint of sour cream, and ¼ cup chopped onion. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
In a saucepan, melt together 2 tablespoons of butter and 1½ cups crushed corn flakes. Top casserole with cornflake mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until top is golden brown and potatoes are tender.
Sweet Potato Casserole
While this dish can be made with homemade mashed sweet potatoes, cut your time in half by starting with mashed yams from a can – just as good, and twice as easy.
Mix 40 ounces of mashed yams or sweet potatoes with ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup chopped walnuts, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 egg, beaten. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Remove the casserole and top with a layer of mini-marshmallows. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown.
Pumpkin Whip Dip
For an easy – and healthy – appetizer or dessert, try taking a can of pumpkin puree and mixing it with a container of whipped cream – fat free if desired. Place in a bowl surrounded with graham crackers for dipping, and serve.
Even if you’ve got hoards of people coming to your house, you don’t need to spend hours or days in the kitchen preparing and cooking. Pick dishes and sides that save time and can be done ahead of time. You know the turkey is going to take a while – and it should, it’s the star! Spend your day with family instead of over a stove with these quick and easy recipes for Thanksgiving.
