Super Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

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Some easy Thanksgiving recipes for a special meal that will still save you time and money.

My own families Thanksgiving menu is rooted in tradition. And some of the recipes require ingredients that are a bit too pricey to qualify as "frugal".

So I thought this year I would mix it up and try to find some easy Thanksgiving dinner recipes, and easy Thanksgiving recipes for kids that are more wallet-friendly and simple enough for everyone who wants to help in the kitchen.

I scoured the net and found some really good ones. I look for them to be frugal, fast, fun and tasty. I've only listed recipes that I've tried on my victims....I mean family, or will be trying this holiday season. There are even some the kids can help with. I've linked straight to each recipe, but don't worry, this FFM page will stay open as you check each one.

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey: Great instructions if you're unfamiliar with cooking a turkey. Add different herbs or none at all depending on your tastes.

"Moms Roast Turkey": If you've ever wanted to try the "cook your bird upside down" thing, this recipe will show you how. There are good instructions for a tasty recipe, and lots of photos. The turkey comes out delicous and juicy, but since you don't brown the breast skin it's best to just carve before you bring it to the table.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes: I love homemade mashed potatoes, but they can be a little time consuming. This is a good recipe that you can make ahead of time. Do this the day before and save yourself a lot of work on Thanksgiving day.

Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes: There a gazillion ways to make sweet potatoes, but my preference is just a touch of brown sugar and butter. This recipe works for me.

Sweet Potato Casserole: If you like your sweet potatoes a little fancier with the mini marshmallow topping try this recipe. It has a long list of ingredients but if you look closely it's all simple stuff you probably already have in your pantry.

5 Ingredient Stuffing: Only 5 ingredients? You gotta love that. This is a good basic recipe. However, where they use chopped fruit, I use sliced mushrooms and onions -- My family prefers savory to sweet. I would also add a dash of garlic powder and parsley flakes.

Easy Cornbread Dressing: From my favorite food network star. Sandra Lee is about all things Semi-Homemade. This recipe uses store bought, already made cornbread. My local grocery makes kick booty good cornbread in their bakery. Here's a tip for this recipe: Canned water chestnuts can be found with the Asian foods in your grocery store.

Green Bean Casserole with a Twist: This version of the classic recipe has a nice twist that adds richness and color by adding pimientos and sour cream.

Asparagus in a Blanket: My kids actually like asparagus, but if yours don't, or if they've never tried them before this is a yummy way to have them try. If you let them help make it, they will be more wiling to at least try it.

Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for Kids

These next easy Thanksgiving recipes are all from the Disney Family Fun site. Each one is so clever and so easy to make that I put almost all of them here.

Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats: These are so cute, and so easy. And sooooo chocolatey. The kids can easily help with these.

Aut-Yum Leaves: These treats look elegant made with a large maple leaf cookie cutter, but if you don't have one, any large cookie cutter will do just fine. (More cookie cutters here)

Pumpkin Pie-sicles: I have no doubt these are delicious, but I'm not telling my kids what they're made of.....ever.

Sweet Turkey Treats: A great kids dessert that requires no baking. A little Oreo engineering does the trick.

Sweet T.O.M Turkeys: Very clever, and easy way to make a cupcake look like a turkey. Use your leftover candy corn for this one.

Here are some other resources for easy
Thanksgiving recipes for kids.

Pumpkin Pie Dip: Two ingredients. Very yummy. Serve this up on your kids table with apple wedges, ginger snaps, or even vanilla wafers.

Cornbread Recipe: Try FFM's very own cheesy cornbread recipe. Use mini muffin tins and serve a basketful for the kids.

More Thanksgiving Recipe Books