35 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes Even First-Time Hosts Can Handle

1. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot cocoa who? Your guests can warm their bones and chat while you start bringing out appetizers.

There's no easier way to quench a crowd's thirst than by combining liquor, fruit juice and sparkling wine in a pretty bowl.

Apple cider, pumpkin butter, brandy and ginger beer? The autumn is strong with this one.

Sweet cider and fig preserves meet oaky bourbon and a dash of balsamic vinegar.

A seasonal twist on a classic.

If you have Guinness lovers in the family, this drink made with stout beer and crème de cassis will blow them away *and* grant you bragging rights.

7. Cranberry, Brussels Sprouts and Brie Skillet Nachos

All the season's best flavors on one crisp chip. Even picky kids won't be able to resist.

Sweet, salty, crunchy and downright adorable.

Making this classic bar snack from scratch is as simple as tossing nuts of your choice in oil, herbs and spices, then baking them for about 10 minutes. Ta-da.

Substitute spuds for the season's most beloved vegetable.

Using a chic cutting board instead of a serving bowl can turn any salad into a sophisticated masterpiece without a second of extra work.

Is there anything more comforting than a skillet of warm, melty cheese? Didn't think so.

OK, your mind is about to be blown. This seven-ingredient soul-warmer roasts inside the pumpkin; just scoop out the seeds, fill 'er up and pop the whole gourd in the oven.

Warning: These handhelds will disappear in minutes.

15. The Fastest Roast Turkey in the Universe

Thirty-three minutes is all it takes to roast this turkey—just remember to defrost it with time to spare.

Who says you need to cook the whole bird? Your guests who love dark meat definitely won't mind.

Not only can you set it and forget, but slow-cooker turkey breast is basically impossible to overcook. Bye-bye, dry meat.

Your fam doesn't do turkey? That's cool. This skillet chicken is loaded with fresh herbs and cranberries, plus it doesn't even need to be seared on the stove before roasting.

Your vegan relative will be overjoyed to see this cashew cream-drenched beauty loaded with butternut squash, cauliflower and pine nuts on the table.

This vegetarian-friendly Thanksgiving main dish will have even meat-lovers asking for seconds.

21. Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

The key to hosting Thanksgiving is prepping in stages. Prep these spuds a day or two ahead so you can quickly reheat them before dinnertime.

The secret to whipping up rich, flavorful gravy sans-turkey drippings? Umami-rich portobello mushrooms.

One cup of dry red vino in the pot, the rest for the chef.

This side dish starring pantry staples and fall flavors will only take you 25 minutes to pull together.

You can prep this holiday staple a day in advance and wrap it up on the sheet pan until you’re ready to bake it. Crisis averted.

It won't kill your guests (or you) to make some room on your plate for greens, right?

Because no one should have to miss out on the world's most beloved side dish.

Let’s talk about crostini for a sec. This party appetizer is super versatile, looks sophisticated and is incredibly simple to make.

29. Rosé Poached Pears with Ginger and Vanilla

Psst: We found the perfect use for that leftover bottle of summer wine in your fridge. Don't forget the whipped cream.

This British dessert of sweet bananas, crispy graham crackers, gooey caramel and vanilla whipped cream is well worth crossing the Atlantic for. Better yet, save yourself the trip and make it on your own.

So, pie feels like a tall order and gingersnaps seem too boring. Consider these cookies the best of both worlds.

A twist on a timeless classic that couldn't be easier to pull off. (Hint: It all starts with store-bought pie dough.)

Leave drip coffee behind this year. A blend of espresso, maple syrup, vanilla vodka and Kahlúa will pair with dessert like a charm.

Consider your dinner guests wined, dined and wowed.

Cozy up to the fireplace with one of these rum-spiked beauties before calling it a night. If you prefer your hot toddy fruity, try this cranberry version on for size, made with rum, brandy and honey.