If there’s one truth about Thanksgiving, it’s this: no matter how much you prep, there is always one dish you realize you forgot. Or one more guest who shows up. Or one recipe you swore you saved… but didn’t.

That’s why these quick, 30-minute Thanksgiving sides are my go-to lifesavers. Fast, flavorful, and completely doable even when the kitchen feels like a whirlwind. Whether you need one more veggie, a last-minute appetizer, or a little something to round out the table — these are the recipes you’ll want in your back pocket.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Crispy, salty, and perfectly tender, these bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles feel fancy but take almost no time at all. They’re the ultimate easy holiday side dish when you want something impressive without the stress. Quick to prepare and always devoured fast, they fit beautifully alongside turkey, ham, or any holiday meal. A simple, delicious 30-minute dish you’ll make every season.

8-10 servings

10 minute prep time

15 minute bake time

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus

• 1 lb bacon

• 1 stick melted butter

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce

• 3 Tbsp brown sugar

• Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. Mix butter, soy sauce, and brown sugar.

3. Bunch asparagus in singles or 4-5 pieces and wrap in bacon.

4. Using a basting brush, coat bacon and asparagus in butter sauce mixture.

5. Bake for up to 20 minutes or until bacon is cooked to your liking.

6. Add pepper if you’d like and serve.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pecan Ball

This cranberry cream cheese pecan ball is the easiest make-ahead holiday appetizer — creamy, tangy, sweet, and rolled in crunchy nuts for the perfect holiday bite. It comes together in minutes and chills beautifully, making it ideal for busy holiday hosts. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, or apple slices for a festive flavor everyone loves. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering.

10-12 servings

10 minute prep time

*refrigerate before serving

Ingredients:

• 2 (3.4 oz) packages French Vanilla Instant Pudding mix, dry

• 3 cups milk

• 12 oz. cool whip or homemade whipped cream

• 1 box of original graham crackers

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients.

2. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. For best results, refrigerate overnight.

3. Serve on a decorative serving platter with sweet crackers- like sweet honey cinnamon, wheat thins, or graham crackers.

   
   

Greek Pasta Salad

This fresh and colorful Greek pasta salad is the perfect side dish when you need something refreshing and make-ahead friendly. Packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta, it brings balance to your rich Thanksgiving table. It takes just minutes to toss together and tastes even better after chilling. A versatile holiday recipe that works for potlucks, gatherings, and meal prep.

8-10 servings

15 min cook and prep

*refrigerate before serving

Ingredients:

• 1 Box Tri-color Rotini Pasta, cooked according to instructions on box and then cooled

• 1/2 Chopped Red Onion

• 1/2 Cup Chopped Mild Banana Pepper Rings

• 1 8oz Pack of Feta Crumble

• 1 Bottle Greek Dressing

• *Optional: 1 small can of chopped black olives, 1/2 cup cucumber, 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package.

• Meanwhile, chop red onion and banana peppers.

• Drain Pasta, rinse, and cool.

• Add onion, peppers, feta, (and vegetables if desired), and 2/3 bottle of dressing.

• Toss and cover with lid or plastic wrap. Let sit in refrigerator overnight.

• Toss in additional dressing just before serving.

These recipes are everything I love about cooking at home — simple, nourishing, and made to gather around. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, juggling dinner time, or just craving something warm and homemade, these are for you.

💛 If you loved these recipes, be sure to check out more cozy favorites in my Living Cookbook — filled with family-approved meals for every season!

📦 Shop my favorite kitchen tools and pantry staples on my Amazon page — where you’ll find everything I use to make these quick weeknight dinners happen.

And... in case you missed it... I launched my first ever virtual cookbook.

The Living Cookbook

A Virtual Recipe Collection

From my table to yours — recipes for gathering, comfort, and joy.

What if mealtime wasn’t just another box to check?

What if it became the anchor of your day — a moment to slow down, gather close, and savor something that warms your heart as much as your home?

That’s exactly why I created The Living Cookbook — a growing digital collection of tried-and-true, family-loved recipes for every season of life.

🥄 What Makes It “Living”?

Unlike a printed cookbook that sits on a shelf gathering dust, this one grows with you.

👩‍🍳 New recipes added seasonally — so you’re never stuck in a dinner rut

📝 Virtual format — view it anywhere, anytime

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family-tested favorites — approved by real moms and hungry kid

s📅 Seasonal dishes — perfect for holidays, Sunday suppers, and every night in between

Whether you’re meal planning for a busy week, prepping for a family get-together, or just trying to get dinner on the table without a meltdown — this cookbook has you covered.

💡 Perfect For:

Moms who want less stress and more joy in the kitchen

Families who value gathering around the table

Anyone craving comfort food with purpose

People who love simple, southern-inspired meals made from pantry staples

📚 What’s Inside:

✔️ Instant Pot Staples

✔️ Holiday Traditions

✔️ Crowd-Pleasing Dishes

✔️ Homemade Breads + Treats

✔️ Family Favorites

✔️ And so much more...

And since this is a living collection, you’ll always have something fresh and seasonal to look forward to.

----

I created this to inspire you, equip you, and empower you to create moments of connection and comfort — no matter the season.

Peek Inside:

Here are some of the recipes you'll find inside-

Berry Compote

Rum Peach French Toast

Sausage Breakfast Gravy

Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Berry French Toast Bake

Apple Walnut Bread

Apple Fritter Donuts

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Creamy Tuna Casserole

Crack Chicken Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi

Chicken Parm

Homemade Marinara

Nashville Hot Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Simply Seasoned Roasted Chicken

Roasted Chicken Ciabatta Melt

Thyme Lemon Roasted Chicken

Mexican Salsa

Pineapple Mango Salsa

Cranberry Cream Cheese Ball

Sloppy Joes

Fall off the Bone Pork Ribs

Perfect Tempura

Panko Crusted Chicken Bites

Chicken Tostadas

Bang Bang Chicken

Chicken and Biscuit Pot Pie

Cajun Shrimp Carbonara

Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Greek Pasta SaladBaked Beans

Chili Dogs

Whipped Cream

Lemon Blueberry Bars

No Bake Eclair

Chocolate Ganache

Pecan Pie

Peach Cobbler

Banana Walnut Cake

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sugar Cookies

Molasses Cookies

Oatmeal Crème Pies

Love Bugs

Please note: Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final. This is a pre-launch offer, and the price reflects the ongoing additions and updates.

Ready to Make Meal Planning Easier?

Grab your copy here of my virtual cookbook today and start enjoying simple, southern recipes that your whole family will love.

Thank you for spending a few moments of your day here in my kitchen.

I hope you leave inspired to try something new — a recipe that brings your family together, fills your home with comfort, and reminds you that joy is found in the little things (and sometimes, in the perfect bite).

If today’s recipe made your table a little sweeter, here are a few ways we can keep cooking together:

📬 Subscribe for Recipe Updates — never miss a new meal idea, holiday bake, or cozy kitchen favorite.

🥣 Grab my Living Cookbook — filled with family-approved, tried-and-true recipes that grow with you through every season.

🛒 Shop my Amazon Pantry & Kitchen Gadgets — from my go-to spices to the cookware I use daily, you’ll find everything I love in one place.

🌿 Join the Joyful Life Community — a free space for connection, encouragement, and practical tips for every season.

📸 Follow along on Instagram or Facebook for behind-the-scenes life, daily inspiration, and my latest projects.

📌 Find me on Pinterest for endless homemaking, seasonal, and family activity ideas.

🎙 Listen to the Podcast or

🎥 watch on YouTube for deeper conversations and stories we can share together.

💛 Shop my favorite finds & discounts — from home essentials to seasonal must-haves, I’ve gathered them in one place for you (some are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — thank you for supporting my family and this space!).

Your support means the world — it allows me to create, share, and raise my little ones from home, which is truly our family’s dream. Thank you for being here and for making this space such a joy to pour into.

With Joy and gratitude,