Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate the people and things that we're grateful for. While we usually talk about the people, what about the food? That's where the real celebration is! Here are some easy Thanksgiving recipes that will allow you to focus on your guests and enjoy yourself instead of slaving over an oven all day:

Easy Thanksgiving Salad

This easy Thanksgiving recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to all the fried foods that will be on your menu. It's also great because it can sit out in the fridge without spoiling for several days, making it an excellent addition to any potluck or family gathering.

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. To make mashed potatoes, boil the potatoes until they are soft and ready to be mashed. Then, mash them with butter and milk (or cream). You can also add other ingredients like cheese or sour cream to the mashed potatoes.

Green bean casserole

If you're looking for a classic Thanksgiving side dish, look no further. Canned green beans have been a staple of holiday meals since the 1950s, and they're still going strong today. This recipe calls for mushrooms and cheese, two ingredients that were just too good not to add in. You can also use fresh green beans if you want to bump up the flavor even more!

Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert. The classic recipe calls for whipped cream, eggs, pumpkin puree, and a lot of spices. The crust can be made from scratch or bought in a package at your local grocery store. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes if you want an extra level of sweetness!

Air Fryer Thanksgiving Turkey

There are so many different ways to cook a turkey, but the most popular method is to use an oven or smoker. This recipe calls for an air fryer, which means you can cook your turkey while saving time and energy. You just need a few ingredients and some spices!

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a classic Thanksgiving dessert that everyone loves. The recipe uses fresh apples, sugar, and cinnamon to create a delicious topping for your crispy crust. You can make this dish with or without walnuts depending on your preference! If you have an air fryer, use it to save time and energy on cooking the apples.

Green Beans with Ginger and Garlic

Green beans are a staple dish on the Thanksgiving table. They’re healthy, and delicious and can be made in just a few minutes. This recipe calls for ginger and garlic to give your beans an extra boost of flavor! The type of green beans you use depends on the availability. You can either use fresh or frozen green beans.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry orange sauce is a Thanksgiving classic. This recipe calls for fresh cranberries and orange peel to create an easy, healthy sauce that pairs perfectly with your turkey or ham. It only takes a few minutes to make so there’s no excuse not to add this delicious side dish to your table!

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

This is a Thanksgiving classic: creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. Probably the best part is... This recipe can be made in 45 minutes! This recipe uses traditional elbow pasta because they hold up better during the cooking process and don’t become mushy. You can top this with breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese for added crunchiness if desired.

Thanksgiving Sangria

This is a delicious twist on traditional sangria. It’s made with red wine and other spices which gives it an aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving dinner. You can make this ahead of time so it’s ready to go when you need it!

Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Potatoes

These potatoes are so good! They’re simple to make, but have the perfect amount of flavor and crunch. The garlic and rosemary add a delicious aroma that will fill your kitchen while these are roasting in the oven. You can serve these with any meat dish or simply on their own as a side dish.

Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins

These muffins are a delicious combination of cranberry and pumpkin, making them perfect for fall. They’re easy to throw together, and the kids will love helping with this recipe! You can serve them warm with some butter or cream cheese on top for a quick breakfast treat.

Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is so comforting and delicious. It’s also easy to make, and the whole family will love it! It’s perfect for those chilly fall days when you want something warm and satisfying. You can serve this with some croutons or chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This is a great way to get your kids to eat brussels sprouts! This dish is delicious and can be served as an appetizer or side dish. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, so it makes a great addition to any dinner party or potluck.

Conclusion

As you're sitting down to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal, take a moment to think about all the different people who helped make it possible. From the person who grew the food to the person who cooked it, everyone has their own story and reason for being thankful.

Think of all the steps involved in bringing this meal together: harvesting vegetables from gardens, shopping at farmers' markets or grocery stores, and preparing ingredients in your kitchen before cooking them on your stovetop or in an oven. We don't often think about how many hands touch our food before we eat it!

We hope we've inspired you to try new and exciting recipes this Thanksgiving, or at least get a little more creative with the classics. If all else fails, remember that it's okay if you don't have time or energy to cook this holiday — don't let that stop you from enjoying some of life's greatest pleasures: family and friends!