If you are dreaming of a stress-free, delicious, and crowd-pleasing feast this year, this Easy Thanksgiving Menu: Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, Cranberry Sauce, Cheesy Potato Bake, Wild Rice Salad, Brussel Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts, Creamy Corn Casserole, Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls, and Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your golden ticket. Each dish has been thoughtfully created to bring forth warm, comforting flavors perfect for gathering loved ones around the table without the overwhelm of complicated preparations. With juicy turkey slow-cooked to perfection, vibrant sides bursting with textures and tastes, and a luscious pumpkin cake to finish, this menu promises to make Thanksgiving truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these dishes shines through the simplicity and quality of their ingredients. Each element adds vibrant flavor, texture, and color that will delight your guests and tie the entire meal together beautifully. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this perfect feast.
- Turkey Breast: Choose a fresh or thawed boneless breast for the slow cooker to ensure juicy, tender meat.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, the base for lively and tangy cranberry sauce.
- Potatoes: Russets or Yukon golds, perfect for creamy, cheesy baking or quick mashing.
- Wild Rice: Adds a nutty texture and earthy flavor to the salad.
- Brussels Sprouts: Crisp and caramelized when cooked just right, great with hazelnuts and apple for a fresh twist.
- Hazelnuts: Toasted for crunch and a lovely nutty aroma in the salad.
- Corn: Creamy canned or fresh corn delivers sweetness and comfort to the casserole.
- Flour, Yeast, and Warm Water: Essential ingredients for the soft no-knead dinner rolls that everyone will rave about.
- Pumpkin Puree: Canned or homemade, it’s the star of the luscious pumpkin cake.
- Cream Cheese: For that perfectly tangy and luscious frosting that crowns the pumpkin cake.
How to Make Easy Thanksgiving Menu: Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, Cranberry Sauce, Cheesy Potato Bake, Wild Rice Salad, Brussel Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts, Creamy Corn Casserole, Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls, and Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker
Begin by seasoning your turkey breast generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Place it in the slow cooker along with aromatics like garlic, onion, and a splash of broth or white wine. Set it on low and let it cook slowly for about 10 hours. This hands-off cooking method ensures the turkey remains unbelievably juicy and tender, releasing rich flavors into the drippings—perfect for making an easy homemade gravy afterwards.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Sauce
While the turkey slowly works its magic, gather your cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and a bit of water. Simmer the cranberries until they burst and the sauce thickens to a glossy finish. The bright tartness of this sauce cuts beautifully through the richness of the turkey and cheesy potatoes, adding a fresh burst of flavor and color to your plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesy Potato Bake or Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Slice your potatoes thinly and layer them in a baking dish with shredded cheese, cream, garlic, and herbs for the potato bake. Bake until bubbling and golden on top. If you prefer a shortcut, creamy mashed potatoes can be prepared ahead and warmed without losing their luscious texture, ensuring you spend more time with guests.
Step 4: Cook the Wild Rice Salad
Cook wild rice until tender but with a chewy bite. Toss it with diced bell peppers, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, and a simple vinaigrette. This salad adds a nutty, fresh counterbalance that keeps your palate delighted throughout the meal.
Step 5: Make Brussel Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts
Shred fresh Brussels sprouts thinly and toss with toasted hazelnuts, crisp bacon bits if you like, and chopped apples. Dress with a tangy vinaigrette to brighten the dish. The crunch and fresh flavors refresh the heaviness of the meal, making every bite exciting.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Corn Casserole
Mix creamed corn with eggs, sour cream, and a touch of cheese before baking it until golden brown and bubbly. This indulgent side will have guests asking for seconds and adds warmth and sweetness to the menu.
Step 7: Make Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls
Whisk yeast, warm water, flour, salt, and a bit of sugar. Let the dough rise slowly without needing kneading. Bake the rolls until soft and golden, producing fluffy, pillowy bread that’s perfect for mopping up gravy and sauces.
Step 8: Bake the Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Combine pumpkin puree with spices, flour, sugar, and eggs for a moist, tender cake. After baking and cooling, slather on rich cream cheese frosting with just the right balance of sweet and tangy. This dessert wraps up your feast with a cozy, nostalgic finish.
How to Serve Easy Thanksgiving Menu: Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, Cranberry Sauce, Cheesy Potato Bake, Wild Rice Salad, Brussel Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts, Creamy Corn Casserole, Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls, and Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this menu beautifully. Fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or thyme on the turkey and potatoes bring bright aroma and a pop of green. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on the Brussels sprout salad last minute for extra crunch and nutty fragrance. Dust the pumpkin cake lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg to invite a cozy autumn vibe to the table.
Side Dishes
If you want to add variety, consider complementing this menu with a warm butternut squash soup or an herby green bean almondine. These choices keep the meal flexible while maintaining balance—fresh, creamy, crunchy, and hearty all on one plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Use rustic wooden platters or large white ceramic platters to showcase the rich colors of the dishes. Bowls of cranberry sauce nestled next to the turkey create inviting pops of red. Arrange the rolls in baskets lined with cozy linens to invite guests to help themselves. Serve the pumpkin cake on a cake stand with a few autumn leaves scattered around for seasonal charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover turkey, sides, and cake separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Most dishes will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days, making delicious next-day meals a breeze.
Freezing
You can freeze most components like the turkey breast (without gravy), cranberry sauce, potato bake, and even the rolls. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn, and enjoy these homemade comforting dishes even weeks after the big day.
Reheating
Gently reheat turkey slices with a splash of broth covered with foil to keep moist. Warm sides in the oven or microwave, taking care not to overcook to maintain texture. For the pumpkin cake, serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the turkey breast in advance?
Absolutely! The slow cooker turkey breast is perfect for making ahead. Just reheat gently to keep it juicy, and save the drippings for fresh gravy on serving day.
Is the no-knead dinner rolls recipe difficult?
Not at all! It’s designed for simplicity — mix, rise, and bake. No need for extra hands-on time, making it perfect for busy holidays.
Can I substitute ingredients in the salads?
Yes, the salads are very flexible. Leave out bacon or hazelnuts if preferred, and swap in your favorite nuts or fruits to suit your taste.
How long does the cranberry sauce keep?
Stored in the fridge, cranberry sauce lasts for about a week and often tastes even better after the flavors meld.
What’s the best way to serve the pumpkin cake?
Serve at room temperature with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or spiced tea to wrap up your feast.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Thanksgiving Menu: Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, Cranberry Sauce, Cheesy Potato Bake, Wild Rice Salad, Brussel Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts, Creamy Corn Casserole, Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls, and Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe embraces simplicity without sacrificing flavor or festivity. It’s designed for joyful moments around the table, with dishes that warm the heart and satisfy every craving. I can’t wait for you to try it and make your Thanksgiving as deliciously memorable as it deserves to be.
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Easy Thanksgiving Menu: Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, Cranberry Sauce, Cheesy Potato Bake, Wild Rice Salad, Brussel Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts, Creamy Corn Casserole, Soft No-Knead Dinner Rolls, and Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 600 minutes
- Total Time: 690 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Holiday Meal
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Thanksgiving Menu is a complete, crowd-pleasing feast designed to serve 8 to 10 people. Featuring a juicy slow cooker turkey breast with savory gravy, classic sides like cranberry sauce, cheesy potato bake or mashed potatoes, fresh wild rice and brussel sprout salads, creamy corn casserole, soft no-knead dinner rolls, and a decadent pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting for dessert, this menu simplifies holiday preparations without compromising flavor.
Ingredients
Turkey and Gravy
- 1 Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (approximately 4–5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water (for gravy)
Cranberry Sauce
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
Potato Side
- For Easy Cheesy Potato Bake: 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- OR for Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes: 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salads
- Wild Rice Salad: 2 cups cooked wild rice
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Brussel Sprout Salad: 1 lb brussel sprouts, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- OR Salad Dressings: vinaigrette or herb dressing options for simple garden or leafy salads
Corn Side
- Creamy Corn Casserole: 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup cornmeal or 1 box cornbread mix (if making skillet cornbread)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dinner Rolls
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Dessert
- Pumpkin Cake: 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and herbs. Place it in the slow cooker with chicken broth or water. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, remove the turkey and make gravy by using the cooking juices, thickening with flour or cornstarch if desired.
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: Combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest and juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Cool before serving.
- Prepare the Potato Side: For the cheesy potato bake, layer sliced potatoes with garlic, cheese, and cream, season, and bake until tender and golden on top. For mashed potatoes, boil peeled potato cubes until soft, mash with butter and milk, and season to taste.
- Prepare the Salads: For the wild rice salad, toss cooked rice with celery, cranberries, nuts, green onions, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. For the brussel sprout salad, combine thinly sliced brussel sprouts with hazelnuts, bacon, apple, and dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Make the Corn Side: Mix corn kernels with sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar, melted butter, and cornmeal or cornbread mix. Season and bake until bubbly and golden on top.
- Bake the Dinner Rolls: Combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, warm water, and oil. Knead the dough lightly, let it rise until doubled, shape into rolls, and bake until golden brown.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Cake and Frosting: In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients. Pour into a greased baking pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting made by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Notes
- Slow cooker turkey breast is a convenient alternative to roasting a whole turkey and yields juicy results.
- The potato side can be adapted to either cheesy baked potatoes or classic mashed potatoes based on preference.
- Salad dressings can be customized or substituted to suit dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Make dinner rolls the day before and warm before serving for freshness.
- Leftover cranberry sauce and pumpkin cake make excellent next-day treats.
- Ensure turkey reaches safe internal temperature using a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
