Keep things festive and simple this year with little bites you can make on the fly
Celebrating the holidays with little ones brings its own set of challenges—like managing energy levels, non-existent bedtimes, and finding ways to keep them busy while you get ready for family—but having kid friendly appetizers can go a long way in making the season a success. Whether you want your offering to be creative and colorful or just plain delicious, we’ve got the best quick (like 30 minutes or less!) and easy finger foods to make this year. For more ideas, check out our favorite 3-ingredient appetizers.
Warm cheese, crispy egg roll shell, sweet chili dip, what’s not to love? This kid friendly appetizer is so easy, you can whip up a batch right before your guests arrive. Get the recipe from Instru Pix.
If there’s a food that’s not made better with bacon, we’re not sure we want to know about it. These savory chicken bites have just enough spice for adults but are still a kid’s favorite. You’ll find the recipe in the IG post above.
Mini Grilled Cheese Bites
Celebrate NYE with a kid favorite: grilled cheese! These bite-sized morsels are easy to put together and guaranteed to please a crowd. Don’t forget the tomato soup shooters! To get the recipe, visit The View from Great Island.
We love that this pull-apart pizza ring can be made with any type of toppings: cheese, veggies, sausage, or just about anything you desire! And, only requiring 20 minutes in the oven, it's an appetizer that can be made quickly.
This seven-layer bean dip recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron is a cinch to make, can be paired with chips or veggies, and can be made in advance. What's not to love?
Mini Stacks
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There's nothing like a stack of pancakes to suggest you've made it through 'til morning! These mini stacks skewered with party picks and topped with a slice of fresh fruit are sure to go down well. Dust with confectioners sugar for a sweet touch and a hint of snowfall. Kraft Canada has the how-to.
These might be one of our favorite finger food ideas! The hardest part might be shaping your mini tortilla in a muffin tin because the filling comes together quickly and is ready to be served in 30 minutes. Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
This ham and cheese pie uses pre-rolled pastry, making it an easy addition to any party platter. It calls for just four ingredients sandwiched between flaky puff pastry. After 20 minutes in the oven, you'll have a pie that can be sliced into bite-sized squares and tastes so good you'll be making it again and again.
A cheese board is an obvious snack table centerpiece—and crackers are always a big hit with kids! Layer up a tray with the help of Take Two Tapas where you'll find a tutorial to answer all your questions. You can create an appetizing feast of cooked and cured meats, fresh and dried fruit, sliced veggies, and dips that kids and adults can both enjoy.
Popcorn is one of the easiest snacks, and this recipe just adds melted chocolate and crushed candy canes to make the perfect celebratory treat. Use half regular popcorn and half kettle corn for sweet, minty popcorn with all the delicious flavors of peppermint bark. Head to Endlessly Inspired for the how-to.
Harness the magic of New Year's Eve with these colorful rainbow wands! Get the recipe from Mom On Time Out and see how versatile they are. They can be easily made in batches and are a great combo of sweet and savory that adds pizzazz to any party platter.
Nothing revives a flagging toddler like a fist full of fries, and these cinnamon sweet potato sticks are no exception. The best part? They take just five minutes to prep! Relish their sweet and savory flavors as you celebrate the season. Head to Weelicious for the recipe.
We’re pretty sure this appetizer idea qualifies as pure genius. Just take your family’s fave tortellini, stick ‘em on skewers, and set them on a pretty tray. You’ll get major presentation points with zero fuss. To learn more, visit My Fussy Eater.
Make your NYE party extra magical with an appetizer that only uses two (count ‘em, two!) ingredients. These pigs in a blanket are the definition of simple—and you can even add a touch of sesame seeds to up the wow factor. Get the recipe over at Culinary Hill.
Serve these delish meatballs as an NYE app or a heartier dinner—either way, we’re sure kids and grownups alike will love them. The best part is that you can use whichever cheese is a household fave! Get The Weary Chef’s recipe by clicking here.
Homemade tater tots? Yes, please! These muffin tin tots are filled with cheese, chives, and bacon, and taste just like mini-loaded baked potatoes. ‘Nuff said, right? Get the recipe over at Well Plated.
Cheesy, crispy warm pasta bites? Yes, please! This super simple finger food recipe uses store-bought ravioli (choose any flavor you like!), parmesan cheese, and panko bread crumbs to create a kid-friendly appetizer that's sure to be snatched up at your next holiday gathering. Get the recipe over at Food Fanatic.
Need a good laugh? These Thanksgiving jokes will keep the whole family entertained for hours on turkey day
Add a little levity to the Thanksgiving table this year with some kid-approved Thanksgiving jokes. We gathered our favorite jokes about pie and funny jokes about turkeys for this list that will have your whole family laughing before dessert is even served! If you’re looking for more ways to keep the kids entertained during the holiday, check out our fun free Thanksgiving printables and Thanksgiving games for kids.
Turkey Thanksgiving Jokes
1. Why was the turkey late for Thanksgiving?
He ran out of thyme.
2. What are turkeys most thankful for on Thanksgiving?
Vegetarians
3. What instrument does the turkey play in the band?
The drums because he already has the drumsticks.
4. Who comes to Thanksgiving dinner but is not hungry?
The turkey because he’s already stuffed!
5. What side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside.
6. Why did the turkey cross the road?
The chicken was on vacation.
7. What kind of weather does a turkey like?
Fowl weather!
8. What kind of key can’t open doors?
A tur-key!
9. Why did the turkey get arrested?
He was suspected of fowl play.
10. What do you call a turkey running in a sprint?
Fast food.
Jokes about Dessert
11. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin pie?
With a pumpkin patch.
12. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake? A pie-thon.
13. What’s the best thing to put in pumpkin pie?
Your teeth.
14. What’s a pumpkin’s favorite game?
Squash
15. Why did the pumpkin pie cross the road?
It saw a fork up ahead.
16. Why did the pie go to the dentist?
It needed a filling.
17. Why did the apple pie cry?
Its peelings were hurt.
18. What did the pie say to the fork?
You want a piece of me?
Thanksgiving Dinner Jokes
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19. What did one plate say to the other plate? Dinner is on me!
20. How many cranberries grow on a bush?
All of them.
21. What smells the best at Thanksgiving dinner?
Your nose.
22. Knock, Knock
Who’s there? Harry!
Harry who? Harry up, I’m hungry!
23. What is the role of green beans at Thanksgiving dinner?
The casserole
24. What’s a potato’s favorite game to play during Thanksgiving dinner?
MASH
25. What kind of music do pilgrims listen to?
Plymouth Rock
From dinner in a pumpkin to creepy hot dog fingers, we’ve got tasty Halloween dinners that’ll satisfy your trick-or-treaters before they hit the candy trail
Before the inevitable sugar rush of trick-or-treating, we try (note: try) to fill our kids up with a somewhat nutritious dinner. These healthy Halloween dinner ideas combine our favorite things about the holiday (think charming jack-o’-lanterns, friendly ghosts, and spooky Halloween decorations) with ingredients that kids will actually eat. (Okay, yes, we also sometimes rely on these go-to pumpkin recipes and CrockPot recipes, too.)
If everyone is too excited to sit down to eat, whip up a Halloween charcuterie board instead! We’ve even got a fun Halloween treat board for any upcoming parties.
Our friends over at Weelicious know what kids want to eat and it's definitely deviled egg spiders. A tiny bit creepy and super tasty, these are an easy addition to your Halloween festivities.
Another fun option from HelloFresh for when you’ve carved all the pumpkins and apples in sight. Get started on the citrus and scoop out the insides, but don’t throw them away! You could always blend them into a juice or smoothie. Then, carve eerie faces and overload the insides with berries, apples, kiwis, and whatever else you have on hand.
Take the kid-favorite pizzas and mummify them for a fun Halloween dinner idea like these from Weelicious. Bonus: it's perfect for group gatherings when you want some single-serving options.
Pumpkin isn’t just for pie! Halloween is the perfect time to try out a savory pumpkin dish, and this one from Tara’s Multicultural Table is bound to be a hit. The pumpkin adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, and the whole Halloween dinner idea will take less than half an hour to make.
Combine your two favorites—hot dogs and pizza dough—and you've got these too-cute-to-eat mummy dogs from Weelicious that make a perfect Halloween meal. You could even put the kids to work making these.
Ewwwwww spiders. But also, YUM. These creepy toasts are the creation of our friends over at HelloFresh and are made by slathering a layer of either goat cheese or cream cheese on thick slices of toasted French baguette. Then, one half a black olive is placed in the center of the body while four smaller slices are placed on either side as legs. Sprinkle with finely chopped basil, and you’re done!
How cute is this pair? All you need to get your monsters started are olives and toothpicks. These would be super adorable as sliders as well! We are definitely adding this Halloween dinner idea to our October recipe rotation.
This brilliant Halloween dinner idea for a spooky pasta dinner has you carving little skeleton faces into your mushroom slices. Added to squid ink pasta, this Halloween dinner is scary good.
We love this idea for a ghoulish shepherd’s pie from @rachplusfive—check out this YouTube video for more tips. This is a hearty meal to serve before the candy onslaught begins.
If this doesn’t get your kids to eat some fruit and veggies, we don’t know what will! This super cute veggie tray from @foodbites will have everyone snacking in no time.
Do you think the kids will be creeped out by this spooky take on hot dogs? Head on over to Holley Grainger’s website for the full scoop. (Spoiler alert: You just need to cut thin strips of hot dogs and they will curl up when cooked).
Up your avocado toast game with toasted seaweed, olives, and tomatoes for a creepy meal. This fun recipe from @veganchowdown is perfect to bust out for a Halloween dinner.
You’ll want to eat all of your soups out of a pumpkin after you give this recipe from thePioneer Woman a try. Serve it in a large pie pumpkin when you’ve got a group coming, or use mini ones so each kid gets one of their own.
How cute are these stuffed peppers from Pinch of Parsley?! Filled with a Mexican-inspired mixture of ground beef, rice, salsa, and cheese, they’re a perfect healthy Halloween dinner to keep your kiddos going through a long night of trick-or-treating.
Transform sandwiches into edible art with this fun idea from Feel Good Foodie. Topped off with a cute pair of candy eyes, these kabobs (along with three other suggested Halloween-y snacks!) are sure to make your kids smile.
We’ve never seen chicken fingers quite like this before! These super crispy bites from Create Eat Happy are called karaage, aka Japanese fried chicken. With a bit of strategically placed ketchup, you’ve got a fun twist on (literal) chicken fingers that’ll be gobbled up in no time.
For a tasty meal that comes together in no time, spice up a frozen pizza with this fun idea from Chewable Structures. A few carefully placed veggies become spooky witches’ fingers—easy peasy!
What’s the best way to get kids to eat their greens? Add cheese to it and bake it in puff pastry! This spinach-feta pie from .@in_anastasias_kitchen is sure to be a hit with your whole crew, and it doesn’t hurt to get some veggies in before everybody pigs out on candy.
Looking for the easiest Halloween dinner ever? Make these cute grilled cheese sandwiches from Rachel Cooks. With pretzel legs and dried cranberry eyes, they only take a couple of minutes longer to make than normal grilled cheese, and that’s a win in our book.
This soba-centric idea from Bento Monsters is equal parts creativity, adorable details, and tastiness. Despite looking like a work of art, these Halloween dinner ideas are easy to make for your little monsters.
Candy for dinner? Well, not quite—but these quesadillas from Boulder Locavore do channel classic Halloween candy corn in a big way. The best part? There’s triple the cheesy goodness.
Boo! We’re digging the ghostly genius of this pizza idea from Tastes Better From Scratch. It’s got gourmet impressiveness, and kid-friendly flavors, and can be made with a team effort from the whole family.
We want to award extra Halloween points to The Foodie and the Fix for coming up with a Halloween-themed dinner that has tons of fall flavor and a simple spider decoration (Hint: for your awesome webbing, it’s all about the coconut yogurt!).
We guarantee giggles when you serve up this Halloween dinner idea from Boulder Locavore. The kids will get a kick out of “eyeballs” in their pasta—and you’ll love that it’s got a healthy twist.
We’ve got to hand it to Party Tipz for coming up with a truly creative way to serve up hot dogs on Halloween. Add ketchup for an extra “bloody” Halloween-themed dinner that little ghouls will love.
Your kid crew will go gaga for these homemade pizza pockets from Dinner at the Zoo. They’re inspired by jack-o’-lanterns and are the perfect pepperoni addition to your Halloween-themed dinners.
Need a magical way to get the kids to eat their veggies? How about this idea from Boulder Locavore, which involves arranging crudité edibles to look like a screaming witch? Now that’s what we call fun with food!
Take your Halloween-themed dinners to a new level with this spooky lasagna from Brick Star. Your pint-sized chefs will love getting creative with the toppings—but they’ll love eating the cheesy result even more.
Looking for an easy way to make Halloween a little healthier? Smile Sandwich has you covered with this festive and oh-so-cute pasta salad. The flavors are light and refreshing but the star of the show is the jack-o-lantern cucumber slices (Psst! Don’t like cucumber? Sub in zucchini instead!).
These u-pick farms are the perfect way to welcome the fall season
Fall is around the corner, and aside from the beautiful colors and autumn hikes around San Francisco, it’s also apple season! Apple picking is one of our favorite fall activities, as the fruit is mostly within a kid’s reach and there are no thorns to deal with (looking at you, blackberries). Bring home a basket or two and make yourself a pie or homemade applesauce (snag yourself this apple peeler—you’ll thank us later).
Pro Tip: Check the orchard’s website before you head to these U-pick apple orchards in the Bay Area to confirm availability. Since most of them are a drive, you want to make sure they are open when you get there!
EARTHseed Farm (formerly Gabriel Farm): If eating organic is important to your family, head to EARTHseed Farm located in Sebastopol, a town practically synonymous with the fruit. In addition to picking your own apples, you can schedule a tour of the certified organic orchard. Varieties include McIntosh, Gravenstein, Gala, Braeburn, Gilbert Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Rome. A $35 entrance fee covers your U-pick time slot for up to 4 people, and children under 3 are free. Since it gets pretty hot there, the farm has u-pick slots earlier in the day, and even installed cooling stations to make the visit even better. You can always head over to the store for juice, jams, and pears for sale.
Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch: With a name like that, you know Ratzlaff Ranch is focused on apples! U-pick Rome Beauties and Golden Delicious are here for the picking. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Thursdays and Saturdays when they are closed) and there is no parking fee. No reservations are needed and you can stay as long as you want. Pack a lunch and sit at one of the picnic tables taking in the beautiful ranch. While you are there, don’t forget to pick up some of their award-winning apple cider, best chilled or warm? You decide. U-Pick is typically September through early December, depending on the availability of ripe apples, but exact dates may vary.
Chileno Valley Ranch: Chileno Valley Ranch starts its U-pick season on Sept. 3, available Sun. only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. Time slots are available every hour and admission is $10 per family if pre-booked online. Check the website and Facebook as spots fill up quickly. Apples are $2 per pound and you can expect to find varieties such as Orin, Pinova, Candy Crisp, and Jonagold. Beyond apple picking, you can also shop for free-range eggs, honey, and baked goods.
Gizdich Ranch: The U-pick apple season at Gizdich starts mid-Sept. (check their website for exact dates) and lasts about a month. Their pie and deli shop offers a boxed picnic meal, so stop by for lunch and then take one of their out-of-this-world pies, apple dumplings, or puff pastries home (is your mouth watering yet?). On hot days, the kids can enjoy a homemade apple slush. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during picking season. Bring your own containers.
Live Earth Farm: This spot in Watsonville grows a small variety of apples including Gala and Fuji. Their U-pick apples (as well as strawberries and tomatoes) are available on the weekends only, with schedules posted on their website. The picking is a bargain at $1.50 per pound. Bring buckets, boxes, or other containers to harvest into, or purchase containers from them for a small fee.
Clearview Orchards: Located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Basin, Clearview Orchards offers a huge variety of certified organic apples, specializing in Gala, Fuji, Honey Crisp, and Mitsu. Pick some apples and enjoy their beautiful terraced grounds with a view of the Watsonville Valley. They also sell delicious local honey, and fresh-pressed apple cider, and the kiddos can even pick out their own pumpkins, just in time for fall. This year they will open Saturdays and Sundays starting Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required with a $7 entry fee for each vehicle. Leave the pets at home, and no food or drinks (aside from water bottles) are allowed, so eat before you arrive and save some room for that delicious apple cider!
Luz del Valle Ranch: Starting right after Labor Day, Galas are the first to be picked, followed by Fujis in October. With two-hour time slots that families can book online, families can take their time picking apples on this beautiful farm. Pack a lunch and have a day at the farm. Luz del Valle is also a horse ranch, breeding beautiful Arabian horses that you’ll be able to see.
Apple Hill Region: For a bit of a longer trek, you’ll get no better apple selection than in the Apple Hill Region, about fifty miles east of Sacramento. With more than 50 ranches offering different apple varieties and activities, you are bound to find the perfect experience for the kids. The Apple Hill Growers Association lists orchard details including U-pick hours, picnic areas, local attractions, and more. The U-pick ranches tend to be very small and very popular, so it is a good idea to call the ranches themselves to make sure they have the apple variety you want and that the fruit is available.
Cloverfield Organic Farm: The USDA-certified organic farm in the East Bay has a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. U-pick is open Friday-Sunday from 12-5 p.m., and no reservations are needed, making this a great impromptu weekend trip. Parking is free, and there is no entrance fee. While you’re there, you can book a private tour or guided horse activity that the kids will definitely love.
What was the first animal in space? The cow that jumped over the moon
Ready for a mood elevator? These animal jokes for kids are the key to a good belly laugh, we guarantee it! Kids will love memorizing these jokes about dogs, cats, bees, bunnies, and even squirrels. Which one is your favorite? Need more giggles? Be sure to check out our silly spring jokes, dad jokes, and the ultimate list of jokes for kids.
1. Why aren’t dogs good dancers? They have two left feet.
2. What did the Dalmatian say after lunch? That hit the spot!
3. What do you call a duck that gets all A’s? A wise quacker.
4. Why does a seagull fly over the sea? Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a baygull.
5.What is worse than raining cats and dogs? Hailing taxis!
6.Where would you find an elephant? The same place you lost her!
7.What animal is always at a baseball game? A bat.
8. How do you get a squirrel to like you? Act like a nut!
9. What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts!
10. What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple? Finding half a worm.
11. Why don’t elephants chew gum? They do, just not in public.
12. What was the first animal in space? The cow that jumped over the moon
13. What did the banana say to the dog? Nothing. Bananas can’t talk.
14. Why did the dinosaur cross the road? Because the chicken wasn’t born yet.
15. How do you make an octopus laugh? With ten-tickles!
16.What do you call a dog magician? A labracadabrador.
17. Why couldn’t the pony sing a lullaby? She was a little horse.
18. Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use a honeycomb.
19. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a fish? Swimming trunks.
You can totally still find everything you need, even a last-minute gift card for that niece you left off your list, at these stores
Picture this: it’s Christmas Day and just realized you forgot to get apples for the pie. Or, maybe you don’t celebrate Christmas and you just need to buy some milk. So, what do you do? Luckily there are a decent amount of grocery stores open on Christmas that can save your day. So where should you head when your entire family is just minutes away and you need something ASAP? We’ve compiled a list of convenience and grocery stores open on Christmas Day.
But first—the bad news. While there are several convenience and grocery stores open on Christmas, some of your go-to grocers will be closed for the holiday. Grocery stores giving their employees the day off include Aldi, Costco, Hy-Vee, Giant, Kroger (hours vary by location so check your local store to confirm), Publix, Stop & Shop, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Wegman’s and Whole Foods.
Convenience and Grocery stores open on Christmas Day
7-Eleven: Most locations are open 24 hours
Acme: most stores open at 7 a.m.
Albertsons: Most locations are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bravo Supermarkets: Most locations will be operating with special hours
Cumberland Farms: Open from 7 a.m. to midnight
Circle K: Most locations are open 24 hours
CVS: Most locations are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pavilions: Most are open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Safeway: Some Safeway locations will be open on Christmas, so check your local store for hours
Sheetz: Open 24 hours
Starbucks: Not a grocery store, but if you need more caffeine to survive the day you can make a pit stop as most locations will maintain regular hours
Walgreens: Stores that are regularly open 24/7 will stay open on Christmas, and most other locations should stay open with reduced hours
Wawa: Most locations are open 24 hours
QuickChek
QuickTrip: Most are open on Christmas Day
Your local stores’ actual holiday hours may vary depending on where you live, so be sure to check before you head out.
We can’t wait to try the rosemary pom spritzer holiday mocktail
This season, ward off the winter chill with festive, flavorful mocktails that the whole family can enjoy. These recipes are just the thing for a holiday gathering (or a fun after-school treat), and they’re a delicious way to get cozy on the quick. From slow cooker mulled cider to Harry Potter’s butterbeer, here are our favorite holiday mocktails. Which one will you try?
Grapefruit is in season, and what better way to get your dose of vitamin C than in one of these yummy concoctions? We love the bow for a little extra pizzazz.
Your little ones will feel super fancy sipping this pretty drink from Sugar & Soul—just look at that sprig of rosemary! It's got a bit of everything: bubbles, tart cranberries, and a hint of peppermint.
It's an apple pie meets festive drink! This holiday mocktail recipe from Frugal Momeh combines apple cider, pear nectar, and ginger ale to create a drink that Johnny Appleseed himself would be happy to sip on through fall, winter, and beyond.
Pomegranate is a wonderful winter fruit to use in your holiday mocktail. We love this spritzer from Pinch of Yum, it's got a good mix of sweetness and zing.
This traditional English drink is often used to help soothe cold symptoms. But skip the whiskey for your little dukes and duchesses, and load this hot tea with cinnamon and ginger for a body-toasting effect. Check out this crockpot recipe from Elana’s Pantry.
A steamer is a frothy cup of milk that’s lightly sweetened. It’s a great kid-friendly alternative to hot chocolate and this version has a nice vanilla flavor and an added pink treat: rose-flavored marshmallows! Try it for yourself with the recipe from Boulder Locavore.
As soon as their fingertips have thawed out, put this seasonal frothy eggnog directly in their hands. This rich blended concoction from food blogger A Sweet Pea Chef is a rich drink that's not for the faint of heart as it’s full of sweet milk and thick cream.
You can’t get more classic than a Shirley Temple! It’s pure nostalgia meets cherry flavor—especially if you use mason jars as glasses—and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your kiddos. For an extra kick, add lime! Get the recipe from Kitchen Happiness.
Warm up with a mug of mulled cider! This slow cooker recipe from Boulder Locavore is the perfect comfort drink, full of apple-y goodness and spices. Be sure to strain it for the kiddos, then watch as your whole batch disappears!
Mimosas for everyone! This genius idea takes your fave brunch treat and gives it a non-alcoholic twist (think sparkling apple cider instead of champagne). With no added sugar and a healthy dose of fresh orange juice, it’s a fun treat for the whole family. For the recipe, head on over to Watch What U Eat.
Chock full of antioxidants and vitamin C, this ginger-lime holiday mocktail by paleo-friendly food blog Elana’s Pantry is a must-add drink for dinner or a holiday party.
It doesn't matter if fall is technically over—pumpkin flavor is always in season. We’ve spotted these pumpkin pie shooters A Night Owl. The creamy shots can be made with alcohol for the grown-ups and without for the kids.
This Frost Bite mocktail would definitely be a feature at Elsa's coronation. Made from fruit juices, fresh basil and Sierra Mist, this refreshingly sweet drink is great for families who don’t get a white winter. Get the recipe from The Little Kitchen.
In the books, this drink is described as “a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch” that characters get on a chilly day. Sounds like the perfect winter drink for us! While there are many versions of this drink, our favorite way to make it comes from pastry chef Kristin Rosenau’s blog Pastry Affair.
A Roy Rogers is a close cousin to the Shirley Temple drink, and this Coca-Cola concoction is a fun addition to any holiday party. And with only two ingredients, it’s a snap to mix up. For a simple how-to, pay a visit to Sugar and Soul.
10 lbs. of turkey look a lot more appetizing when you’ve got Thanksgiving leftover recipes to try
If you’re looking at a mountain of leftovers without any idea of what to do, we’ve got you covered. Transform all that food with our Thanksgiving leftover recipes. We’re talking Thanksgiving leftover casseroles, recipes with mashed potato leftovers, and everything in between. And if you are just totally over it, check out our favorite frozen foods from Trader Joe’s that take almost no time to prepare.
Transform your leftover turkey into the ultimate comfort food inspired by Greens & Chocolate. Egg noodles, turkey, and mushrooms are bathed in a deliciously cheesy sauce, then it’s all topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Turkey Day leftovers aren’t just for meat-eaters! Take inspiration from Connoisseurs Veg to whip up this vegetarian-friendly dish with your leftover mashed potatoes. We’re drooling over that perfectly crispy crust.
When in doubt, add buffalo sauce! This simple idea from Whitney Bond is a great way to refresh those leftovers. Plus, you can sneak some veggies in for crunch.
These nachos from Bless Her Heart Y’all are the perfect accompaniment for those post-Thanksgiving football games or movie nights. With plenty of melty cheese and veggies, they’re also a nice change of pace from typical holiday food.
These drool-worthy sliders from Simple Seasonal can knock out three types of leftovers at once: dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, and turkey. If you’ve got guests sticking around on Black Friday and beyond, this is the perfect way to feed a crowd.
When you’re so sick of turkey you can’t look at it anymore, that’s when you should prep this genius casserole from Make-Ahead Meal Mom. Once it’s assembled, just throw it in the freezer, and it’s ready to go once you’re ready for a mini Thanksgiving feast in a month or two.
This pull-apart bread from Whitney Bond is the stuff of snacking dreams. Sourdough bread is filled with mozzarella cheese, turkey, and cranberry sauce, then baked until it’s melty and delicious. Drooling yet?
For a hearty breakfast or lunch, pair your leftover turkey with pesto and cranberries to make this drool-worthy bagel sandwich from Glitter and Bubbles. Topped off with cream cheese and butter lettuce, it’s sure to be a winning combination.
Warm up with a big bowl of turkey and wild rice soup. This recipe from The Skinny Fork is hearty but healthy, not to mention the perfect weeknight dinner for picky kids.
Try out a twist on your classic chili with this recipe from Juanita's Cocina. It's easy to adjust to your family's tastes, making it spicier or milder as needed.
We're always left with half a bag of fresh cranberries after Thanksgiving, and now we've finally found the perfect use for them: these tasty muffins from Girl in the Little Red Kitchen.
These turnovers look pretty impressive (read: hard to make), but they'll actually come together quickly with the help of frozen puff pastry sheets. Fill the pastry with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy, and you'll have a mini feast ready in no time. Check out the recipe at A Family Feast.
When in doubt, make a pie! A pot pie, that is. Cathleen over at A Taste of Madness came up with a delicious solution to those turkey leftovers. All it takes is some prepared pie crusts, and butter, and you'll have a completely different meal in 60 minutes.
Take your leftover sandwiches to the next level with Toni from Boulder Locavore. You'll love her combo of turkey, cranberry sauce, and her secret weapon: bacon!
When you still don't know how to use up the extra turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, Sara from Bitz N Giggles has a great idea to transform those leftovers into something totally new. Her recipe for turkey tetrazzini is just the ticket, and it couldn't be simpler.
From easy-to-make-sides to Instant Pot turkey breast, here are our favorite Thanksgiving recipes that’ll have everyone at your table asking for seconds
We know everyone has tried and true family favorites when it comes to Thanksgiving Day recipes, but we also know that variety is the spice of life! Whether you’re looking to mix it up with a new dish that’ll surprise everyone or if you want some delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, we’ve got a little bit of everything in our list perfect for sharing with loved ones. Catch your kids’ attention with these delicious additions to the dinner table and impress the grownup foodies in your life.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast. Are you ready to revolutionize your Thanksgiving turkey? Because this Thanksgiving recipe is an absolute game-changer. Crunchy Creamy Sweet has the hookup: bone-in skin-on turkey breast that’s ready in 35 minutes. It’s a winner-winner turkey dinner.
Instant Pot Deviled Eggs. Need a holiday appetizer ASAP? Lexi’s Clean Kitchen has you covered with no-fuss Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs and a deviled egg recipe that’ll wow your party guests.
Slow Cooker Carrot and Apple Soup. This hearty and flavorful soup from Foxes Love Lemons features ingredients like apples, carrots, and fresh garlic. It’s a guaranteed fall classic and a great way to warm up on a chilly day! Plus the mouthwatering smell coming from this Thanksgiving recipe will fill your home as it cooks.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. Do you crave cranberry sauce when Thanksgiving rolls around? Then you’ve got to check out this version from Zen & Spice. It calls for fresh cranberries instead of the artificial canned stuff, and it’s done in no time at all.
Stuffing in a Bundt Pan. With this stuffing recipe from A Spicy Perspective, the magic word is “bundt.” That’s right, with your handy bundt pan, you can make a stuffing sculpture that’s fit for any Thanksgiving dinner table!
Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins. Think outside the turkey! Not only are these stuffing muffins from The Colorful Kitchen kid-size, but they’re also vegan and gluten-free. Add a scoop of mashed potatoes on top and you’re all set for a can’t-miss combo.
Classic Vegan Stuffing. Plant-based eaters don’t have to miss out on the feast thanks to this tasty stuffing recipe from Raepublic. It’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a win for your shopping list.
Marilyn Monroe’s Stuffing. Ready for Hollywood-worthy stuffing? This yummy dish is adapted from Marilyn Monroe’s recipe. This New York Times article has the low-down on the recipe and where it was found.
Au Gratin Potatoes. Pretty as pie! This healthy potato gratin with herbs from Food and Wine is creamy without having to add cream—and great flavor results from thyme and rosemary. This is a go-to Thanksgiving recipe if you’re going to a potluck-style turkey dinner.
Perfect Potato Pancakes. These simple potato pancakes, made from pre-shredded frozen potatoes, can be fun for more than just one holiday this season. Switch out the flour for matzo meal and enjoy them at Passover too.
Pretty Purple Potatoes. Finding perfectly hued purple potatoes is the most challenging part of this simple recipe, but if you do, you’ve got yourself a side dish recipe from Smitten Kitchen that will be the belle of the ball (our apologies to the turkey). So, you don't HAVE TO use purple potatoes (Purple Majesty Potatoes, to be exact) for this Thanksgiving dish, but it will certainly make the food more fun.
Not Quite Mashed Potatoes. Let’s call it a mockmash! This savory cauliflower puree from The Iron You makes a healthy stand-in for mashed potatoes. It gets its fabulous flavor from the cheese, milk (or almond milk), and a touch of butter, has about one-quarter of the calories of typical mashed potatoes, and best of all, little eaters may not even realize they’re getting their daily dose of vegetables.
Mozzarella and Tomato Salad. You can’t go wrong with a caprese salad! This kid-friendly version is made with fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes and a few other ingredients.
Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots. These ain’t your average carrots! Covered in a honey butter glaze, these veggies from Salt & Lavender are positively addictive. The whole fam (kids included!) will be asking for seconds.
The Best Cornbread. Instead of plain rolls, why not cornbread? This recipe from Bless This Mess is super kid-friendly, and they will love helping make the batter. An added bonus: cornbread is a great tool to soak up the leftover juices on your plate!
Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Packed with kid-friendly flavors like bacon and apples, this recipe from How Sweet Eats is a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat in the oven just before serving. These flavorful spuds are perfect if you’re planning to be a guest at someone’s house for Thanksgiving. We’re pretty sure this dish will earn you a repeat invitation next year.
Maple Cranberry Sauce. This easy cranberry sauce from The View from Great Island takes just 15 minutes to make, is made with just two ingredients, and has the perfect amount of tartness. Pair it with zucchini latkes and you'll not only have a great Thanksgiving recipe but also a fun twist on tradition for Passover and Hanukkah.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce. Chef Ryan Rendano offers up a wonderfully spiced version of cranberry sauce that only takes 20 minutes to make. We love that the recipe includes lemon and orange, some of the best winter produce around.
Simple Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce. Keep it simple with this easy recipe from Eat Within Your Means. It’s sweetened with apple cider and maple syrup instead of sugar and makes a perfect alternative to the canned stuff.
Cranberry Relish. This refreshing take on cranberries from Kevin Is Cooking turns the traditional sauce on its head. Instead of cooking the cranberries, they’re blitzed up with orange and mixed with cherry jello to make a yummy relish. Cross your fingers for leftovers—this will taste fantastic on those day-after-Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches.
Portobello Mushroom “Steaks.” Impress your guests by serving up this beautiful dish from Lindsey Eats LA. The mushrooms are marinated in a savory sauce, then quickly fried to create a hearty main dish that just might steal the show.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts, Parsley, and Garlic. These sweet potatoes from Irena Macri are a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The key is the super flavorful topping, made with a delicious mix of walnuts, herbs, and garlic. This Thanksgiving recipe will impress your friends, whether are vegan, vegetarian or not!
Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash. Put fall produce to good use with this fabulous recipe from Veggies Save the Day. Stuffed with quinoa, chickpeas, and tomatoes, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’ll go great with the rest of your Thanksgiving meal.
Sweet Potato Souffle. Sweet potatoes aren’t just for side dishes—they can take center stage with this fabulous recipe from From Scratch Fast. Laced with Comté cheese, brown sugar, and butter, it’s a great pick for vegetarians and omnivores alike.
Pumpkin Pie with Salted Caramel Whipped Cream. If your family prefers the classic pumpkin pie, try this Thanksgiving recipe from Little Sweet Baker. The pie crust is perfectly flaky, but the real star here is the salted caramel whipped cream—you just might not go back to the normal kind!
Turkey Crust Pumpkin Pie. Wow your family and friends by making this adorable pie from Kudos Kitchen. It’s easier than you might think to pull off the intricate pattern, thanks to pre-made pie crusts and helpful step-by-step photos.
Mini Pumpkin Tarts. These cute pumpkin tarts from What Great Grandma Ate are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Since it’s a no-bake recipe, it’s a great way to free up space in the oven for all your baked Thanksgiving sides.
Chai Spiced Pumpkin Pie. Classic pumpkin pie gets a little bit fancy with this fab Thanksgiving recipe from Flavor the Moments. Warm chai spices make the perfect complement to pumpkin. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream, there’s no way this one won’t be a hit with your whole crew.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese. How cute are these pumpkin bars from Oh My Goodness Chocolate Desserts? We love the criss-cross pattern of cream cheese on top, and we’re happy to report that they taste as good as they look.
Turkey Cookies. Maybe you have so much on your plate cooking the big meal that the idea of adding dessert to your to-do list is a tad too much. That’s where Chelsea from Chelsea’s Messy Apron comes in. These treats are not only no-bake, but they’re also really creative. Recruit the kids to do them, and you have dessert and activities crossed off with one “recipe.”
No-Bake Pumpkin Parfait. The oven is already going to be working overtime on Thanksgiving Day, so why not take advantage of these creamy, no-bake parfaits from The Cozy Apron? If you’re worried about your fancy stemware, serve it up the kids’ desserts in plastic cups. Either way, your guests will be impressed by your creative Thanksgiving dessert that isn’t pie.
Caramel-Chocolate Dipped Pears. Talk about a statement dessert: these caramel-chocolate-dipped pears are downright beautiful and incorporate a fall fruit favorite. Insider tip: use mini pears, as they’re the perfect size for your little one’s hands.
Take the stress out of the holiday this year at a local restaurant serving the best Thanksgiving dinner in Portland
Thanksgiving. It’s a holiday filled with food, family, drink, and pleasure. With a side of complete kitchen destruction and a sink full of dishes. Don’t get us wrong, that can be a fun piece of the party too. But if this year, all that clean up feels like a little much, don’t fret—these Portland restaurants are making it easy for families (but a few extra tips always help). They’re serving up the best Thanksgiving dinner in Portland so you and the kids can focus on what matters most during this time of year—each other.
These Portland restaurants are open on Thanksgiving (and they’re family-friendly too)
Situated in downtown Portland inside the Woodlark Hotel, the Bullard Tavern prides itself on its ability to bring Texas hospitality to Oregon’s wide variety of dining options. Perhaps you’d like to visit the restaurant in person on Thanksgiving this year? It's as easy as making a reservation through Tock, and then sitting down to all your favorite Thanksgiving staples (the restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.) served a la carte. Hint: The Thanksgiving Plate is stacked with traditional faves. Or perhaps you’d like to swing by and grab a meal to-go so you can eat in the comfort of your own home? You can do that at Bullard Tavern too. Be sure to place your order for the family dinner box (serves 3-4) soon and schedule your pick-up for November 23. Our tip? Don't forget to add a dessert to your order when you do.
Sophisticated and contemporary, you can expect a thoughtfully curated Thanksgiving buffet at this Portland restaurant. While there will definitely be turkey (butter and herb roasted free-range, organic) on the table, families will also find some Spanish-Mediterranean influenced dishes there too. Maple Glazed Garnet Yams and Sautéed French Beans are a sampling of the sides. And mini tarts and yogurt strudel finish up the meal. Make reservations to enjoy this no-work dinner (for you anyway) between 1 and 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Urban Farmer is a modern steakhouse located in the heart of downtown Portland. Inside the Nines Hotel, this class A restaurant offers high quality meals made from locally sourced produce and fresh butcher cuts. Did we mention that the restaurant is situated in the 8th floor atrium? But the view is not the only thing you and the kids can enjoy at this restaurant that will be open on Thanksgiving from noon to 9 p.m. Salad and flatbread start things off before the first course. Then choose from salmon, ham, NY strip, or honey and thyme roasted turkey breast for the main course. They have a veg option too. Sides and desserts mirror traditional favorites with a few unexpected twists. You'll need reservations to dine here.
Round up all your dinner companions and shuttle them down to Portland’s SE waterfront for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in Portland at Clarklewis. Clarklewis is an Italian-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant that has been serving Portland locals for 2004. Sit down to enjoy your meal anytime between 1 and 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Ham, salmon, and (of course) free-range organic turkey will be the centerpieces of this scrumptious meal. Other notable noshes include Apple Butter Spaetzle, Potato & Oregon Wild Mushroom Gratin, and Cider Braised Collard Greens. Mini tarts finish off the feast. Be sure to claim a spot on their reservation list soon so you can enjoy locally sourced dishes in their upscale converted warehouse.
It's hard to go wrong at a McMenamin's property. Whether you're staying for the weekend, stopping into one of their restaurants, or just wandering around trying to take it all in. This year, bring the kids to a casual Thanksgiving dinner at the Courtyard Restaurant at the Kennedy School. In addition to their regular pub menu, families can order Thanksgiving specials cooked to perfection. They have vegan options available too. Be sure to call for reservations soon.
Make a family date and head to the Grand Thanksgiving Buffet at Hudson's Bar & Grill for the easiest Thanksgiving meal ever. The kids will enjoy finding all their favorite fixings at the buffet table like sweet potatoes and yams, cornbread stuffing, and lots of fresh fruits and veggies too. The Chef Carving Station will include Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Relish and Smoked Prime Rib. Of course they'll be serving some sweet treats like pumpkin pie and the restaurant's croissant bread pudding for dessert. Get a reservation while you still can.
Cost: $60/adult; $25/kids, 6-12 (+ tax and 20% gratuity)