Chances are if you’re not the most skilled in the kitchen, your family and friends didn’t leave you responsible for cooking the turkey on Thanksgiving. That’s OK. We can’t all be Martha Stewart or Ree Drummond when it comes to making lavish feasts.
Nevertheless, the holiday season has begun. We are only just starting the prep work for holiday parties, “friendsgiving” potlucks and family dinners. If it weren’t for cookbooks, food blogs and Pinterest recipes, who knows where most of us would be?
Whether you’re in need of a last-minute recipe to whip up before a potluck or a dish with few ingredients and little to no cooking knowledge required, try some of these recipes before your next holiday event.
|
|
|
Appetizers
Spinach and artichoke dip: You can never go wrong with spinach and artichoke dip. For this easy recipe, grab your crock pot, throw in some greens and cheeses, let them cook for two hours, and you have yourself a stress-free potluck dish.
Goat cheese-stuffed peppers: Short on time? This three-ingredient recipe is simple yet delicious. Put together some mini bell peppers, garlic and herb-seasoned goat cheese and a tablespoon of honey for a fresh and light appetizer that only takes 20 minutes to make.
Barbecue meatballs: If you’re not big on cooking, crock pots are the way to go. For this simple recipe, you can throw together pre-made meatballs, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce and spices to achieve a slow-cooked bowl of deliciousness. But start early: The recipe recommends four hours to cook.
Side dishes
Parmesan roasted carrots: It’s not always easy to eat your veggies. However, if they’re covered in butter and cheese, that’s a great place to start. This tasty recipe is easy to follow and only requires carrots, butter, cheese and seasoning.
Vegan stuffing: Need a vegan-friendly dish? No problem. This vegan stuffing can be prepped a day in advance and takes less than an hour to bake. Your vegan and gluten-free friends will thank you.
Loaded sweet potatoes: What’s a Southern Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes? This recipe is quick, easy and to the point. All you need are large sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, marshmallows and chopped pecans. Pop the potatoes in the oven for or an hour or until soft, top them with marshmallows and pecans, and you’ve got a sweet holiday staple perfect for the dinner table.
Desserts
Turkey Oreo truffles: Get creative and impress your family with this adorable Oreo truffle recipe. For those less experienced in the kitchen, you’re in luck. The only kitchen appliances this dessert requires are a microwave and a refrigerator.
Cranberry sauce: Sure, you could always buy it in a can. But this homemade cranberry sauce recipe only takes about 12 minutes to make. This dish allows you to keep up the holiday traditions while also being quick and affordable.
Oven baked s’mores: Since the temperatures have finally dropped in Baton Rouge, it’s the perfect time to whip up this quick and easy s’mores recipe. Make your friends and family feel like they’re sitting fireside toasting marshmallows every time they take a bite into your dessert.
Feel like cheating?
In the rare occasion that you are stuck providing the turkey, check out these local spots to get smoked, fried and baked turkeys around town.
From the ‘225’ archives
Cornish hens: Looking to try something less intimidating than turkey? We’ve got a recipe for Beer-Brined Cornish Hens Roasted with Garlic and Herbs, as well as a Waldorf Salad, Brown Rice Pilaf with Sherried Raisins and a Buttermilk Pie to round it out.
|
|
|
Sweet potato soufflé in orange cups: try this recipe for a fun take on the sweet potato side, thanks to our food writer Maggie Heyn Richardson.
Spinach Madeleine: Get the backstory on this classic Southern dish before you attempt it.
Ideas for Thanksgiving leftovers: When all is said and done, here’s how extend the life of everything you cooked with a Homemade Turkey Stock, Turkey Pot Pie and Warm Curried Fruit.