Drowning in Thanksgiving recipes for big feasts? They look great, but maybe you’re stuck working, can’t make it home, or it’s just you and a couple of friends this year. A massive dinner feels like too much—your tiny kitchen agrees! Plus, who needs a mountain of leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. These hand-picked, easy-to-make recipes pack all the classic Thanksgiving flavors into stress-free, delicious dishes. Who knows? This might just become your new favorite way to celebrate!

Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry Nibbles

Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry Nibbles
Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry Nibbles: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

I love little finger food that does not require a fork, spoon, or knife to enjoy it. Not being that ambidextrous, sooner or later, something will fly off my plate, or a drink will spell. These cute pastry nibbles are the perfect candidate for the job. May they sit pretty on a small plate or in the palm of your hand. I guarantee you will not have a mess, everyone. Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Nibbles

Cheese Rosemary Breadsticks

cheese and rosemary breadsticks
Cheese Rosemary Breadsticks: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

This is one of my favorite and “go-to” appetizers. It can be prepared a few days prior and stored in a dry container. If you wish, you can warm the breadsticks up before serving. It’s perfect with champagne or any cocktails. Get The Recipe: Cheese, Rosemary Breadsticks

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Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

sausage stuffed butternut squash
Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Sausage stuffed butternut Squash is a comforting, hearty dish that combines roasted butternut squash’s natural sweetness with the savory flavors of sausage, spinach, apple, and nuts. This perfect blend of textures and tastes creates a satisfying and wholesome meal for fall or winter. Whether served as a main course for weeknight dinners or a side dish on your holiday menu alongside other delicious side dishes, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

Chicken Spatchcocked – A Quick Way To Roast Your Chicken

Chicken Spatchcocked
Chicken Spatchcocked – A Quick Way To Roast Your Chicken: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Rubbing salt under the skin of the chicken added tons of flavor to the meat, and the butter intensified that flavor. Using the wire rack truly kept the chicken moist and added the bold lemon, garlic, and onion flavor, yet not overpowering it at all. The chicken cooking was quicker and even quicker this way. Get the Recipe: Chicken Spatchcocked – A Quick Way To Roast Your Chicken

Gratin Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, and Orzo Pasta

gratin baked with golden crust
Gratin Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, and Orzo Pasta: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

This perfect, cozy fall dinner brings forth the season’s best vegetables. It combines the best of both worlds: vegetables with pasta and lots of cheese. It is savory and decadent all in one glorious dish. The best part of this dish is that heavy cream or unsalted butter are unnecessary. The cheese sauce is created by using mascarpone and fresh parmesan cheese. How great is that? Get the Recipe: Gratin Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, and Orzo Pasta

Shiitake Mushrooms Gravy

shiitake mushrooms gravy
Shiitake Mushrooms Gravy: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Gravy is as essential at Thanksgiving as turkey. No matter how much you make, it never seems enough. Shiitake Mushroom Gravy has been our favorite and constant dinner companion for the past few years. I also love that you can prepare it partly the night before and finish it just before serving. How great is that? Get the Recipe: Shiitake Mushrooms Gravy

Cranberry Chutney with Red Wine

cranberry chutney with pinot noir
Cranberry Chutney with Red Wine: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Cranberry chutney is one of the most essential dishes of the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Those excellent delicate cranberries give way to a velvety flavor, with a hint of spicy accentuated by the ginger and red wine.The richness of the red wine and I have selected a deep Pinot Noir, deepens the flavor of the dried figs and raisins. Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chutney with Red Wine

Rainbow Carrots and Broccolini

Rainbow Carrots with Broccolini
Rainbow Carrots and Broccolini: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Rainbow carrots and broccolini is a super delicious side dish that takes no time to prepare and is fail-proof. Imagine perfectly roasted baby carrots rich in flavor, married with steamed broccolini and just the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness—all in one savory dish. Are your taste buds wanting some now? Get the Recipe: Rainbow Carrots and Broccolini

Easy Green Beans Gremolata

green beans gemolata
Easy Green Beans Gremolata: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Savory side dishes are the best part of any menu assembly, and this green bean gremolata is one of my favorites. Often, side dishes are as important as the main meal itself. They must balance the flavor and, of course, add a bit of color. Get the Recipe: Easy Green Beans Gremolata

Braised Cabbage With Bacon

Braised Cabbage with Bacon
Braised Cabbage With Bacon: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Bacon, onion, and garlic combined with cabbage bring the flavor to a new level of deliciousness. Hear me out before you turn the page. I know this may not be the best photo to look at. Let’s face it: cabbage may be charmingly pretty when raw, but cooked, it is not. However, I guarantee this will be the best-braised cabbage recipe you will ever need in your culinary repertoire.. Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage With Bacon

Pumpkin Tiramisu – Easy No-Bake Dessert For You

pumpkin tiramisu
Pumpkin Tiramisu – Easy No-Bake Dessert For You: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Easy No-Bake Dessert For You. This super easy dessert recipe is perfect during the Autumn months.The beautiful colors and fall flavors are all showcased in a gorgeous glass, giving your Thanksgiving and any other occasion an invitation to enjoy. Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu – Easy No-Bake Dessert For You

Miniature Pumpkin-Spice Bundt Cakes

Miniature Pumpkin-Spice Bundt Cakes
Miniature Pumpkin-Spice Bundt Cakes: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

I love this time of year. These Miniature Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cakes, one of my favorites, are basically fall in dessert form! The flavor of these cakes is divine! Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg mixed with the pumpkin perfectly harmonize with the hint of vanilla. Each bite is bursting with fall flavor — and it’s not overpowering. Get the Recipe: Miniature Pumpkin-Spice Bundt Cakes

Sweet Potatoes Muffins

Sweet Potatoes Muffins
Sweet Potatoes Muffins: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Sweet potato muffins? Yes, please. Any day of the week, I welcome these to my table! With warm spices, sweet potatoes, and tons of fall flavor, these muffins are my go-to when I am ready to embrace autumn and its goodness in my kitchen. This recipe has been in my arsenal and on this website for over a decade. It was first published in 2014. I know this does not make us any younger, but I could not resist giving it a fresh new look and re-introducing it to you.. Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes Muffins

Pomegranate Martini – Refreshing & So Delicious!

Pomegranate Martini.
Pomegranate Martini – Refreshing & So Delicious!: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

Pomegranate Martini. Stir or Shaken? Once in a while, we all feel like James Bond and enjoy a perfect martini drink. We love and want classic cocktails, but not today. I played outside the box and created something fun and a bit festive. Get the Recipe: Link Pomegranate Martini – Refreshing & So Delicious!

Champagne Cocktail

Champagne Cocktail
Champagne Cocktail: Phtoto Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend.

The holidays are just around the corner, and I could not pass up the opportunity to share one of my favorite drinks: a Champagne Cocktail. A simple and elegant classic drink that has seen so many versions since its conception. However, it has satisfied many with the effervescent bubbly of the Champagne. Get the Recipe: Champagne Cocktail