Whether your kitchen is equipped with a teeny 18-inch range or magnificent double ovens (can we come over???), somehow it always seems to be operating at capacity come the holidays. While some things are non-negotiable when it comes to getting a bit of heat, dessert doesn't have to be one of them. This collection of 20 easy Thanksgiving desserts will save the day, allowing you to serve up something sweet without breaking a sweat. That way, you can focus on what really matters: spending time with the people you love. From tasty cakes to pretty pies, you'll love all the no-bake options available to choose from.
Half Baked Harvest
Chocolate lovers won't be able to get enough of this delicious ice cream cake. It balances salty and sweet *perfectly* and on top of the fact that it tastes great, it looks just as amazing. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
This is a great easy Thanksgiving dessert to get your guests involved in. Simply set up an activity station to kick off the festivities, and by the end of the night, their Oreo turkeys will be ready to shake their tail feathers. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
We totally recommend that you keep a few of these tarts in your freezer at all times. Simply pop them out of their molds and top with a spoonful of whipped cream and sprinkle of pecans as needed. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Ease your day-of Thanksgiving dessert prep with this delish prepared-ahead mousse. (via Brit + Co)
Spicy Southern Kitchen
The contrasting textures offered by a chewy coconut crust, silky pumpkin filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping make for one decadent pie. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Diethood
It’s almost hard to believe that this gorgeous layered creation requires no baking at all. (via Diethood)
The Real Food Dietitians
The only thing you'll need to fire up for this easy Thanksgiving dessert is your stovetop, to make the melty chocolate topping. Otherwise, this recipe is super painless and oh-so tasty. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Shared Appetite
You'll need to pull out your skillet for this (mostly no-bake) easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe. Trust that the sautéed cinnamon-sugar apples that result will be totally worth it. (via Shared Appetite)
Slim Pickin's Kitchen
With only five ingredients, these spiked custard cups can be thrown together in a jiffy. (via Slim Pickin's Kitchen)
White on Rice Couple
The pretty pink hue of this pie is bound to elicit a few oohs and aahs from Thanksgiving party-goers. Thankfully, the flavor lives up to the hype! (via White on Rice Couple)
The Edgy Veg
Packed with oats, nut butter, shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds, these no-bake cookies are a great healthy option for your easy Thanksgiving desserts. (via The Edgy Veg)
Life With the Crust Cut Off
Five minutes of prep, four flavor-packed ingredients. We're sold. (via Life With the Crust Cut Off)
Life, Love and Sugar
Fans of cinnamon and caramel — and let’s face it, everyone else for that matter — will swoon over these eight-layer trifles. This is already one beautiful dish, but the fact it's a no-bake Thanksgiving dessert makes us love it even more. (via Life, Love and Sugar)
Forks Over Knives
An abundance of fruit and nuts goes into making this beautiful, just-sweet-enough fall tart. (via Forks Over Knives)
Belle Vie
Cookie dough fanatics will go wild for these bars flecked with fresh apple chunks and cinnamon chips. (via Belle Vie)
Earthly Provisions
With a total of 7 ingredients and 10 minutes to make 'em, these bite-sized cookie dough balls make the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert that everyone will be reaching for over and over again. (via Earthly Provisions)
The Recipe Rebel
What’s not to love about cream-filled cookies, cheesecake, and caramel apple goodness coming together in one easy make-ahead dessert? (via The Recipe Rebel)
Dessert for Two
For something that sounds and looks so fancy, tiramisu is actually a snap to prepare. We’re talking only fifteen minutes of prep (plus a few hours to chill). (via Dessert for Two)
Sweet + Savory
Not only are these chai-spiced treats no-bake, but lining your muffin tin makes them also practically cleanup-free. (via Sweet + Savory)
Vanilla and Bean
This easy Thanksgiving dessert looks so stunning, it'll fool everyone into thinking you spent way more time on it than you actually did. (via Vanilla and Bean)
We hope these easy Thanksgiving desserts have saved you some time in your holiday plans this year! Make sure to join our newsletter for more recipe inspiration and check out the B+C Baking Bundle of online courses for more ideas!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.
If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.
The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.
"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."
In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.
"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.
Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.
While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.
"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.
Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.
Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?
"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."
The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.
Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.
"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."
Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.
"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."
If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!
This post has been updated.
Sure, turkey is all well and good. But, let's be honest… Thanksgiving side dishes are where it's at. Whether you're going with a traditional indulgent menu, trying to keep it semi-healthy, or throwing a totally paleo Thanksgiving dinner, the sides are what make the meal. That kind of pressure could be a stressor for some, but you have 54 Thanksgiving side dishes right here that are perfect for any type of Thanksgiving gathering. Keep reading and get your Pinterest board ready, because this supporting cast of sides is going to win you an award for best Thanksgiving hostess!
Brit + Co
These mashed potatoes can be made pre-Turkey Day and simply reheated before meal time. Just add salt, pepper and a dash of nutmeg, and you’ve got amazing potato heaven. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
It doesn’t matter what holiday it is, deviled eggs are always a requirement. Flavor with bacon and ranch to ensure that kids and adults will both devour them. (via Brit + Co)
Ron Lach / PEXELS
Traditional Thanksgiving side dishes can take some serious time and effort, but this one doesn't call for much. Just wrap a brie wheel in store-bought pastry dough, and watch the magic happen. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
This DIY crescent roll cornucopia will eliminate the need for most Thanksgiving side dishes. Just make sure your feast has bottles of wine at the ready for the all-day snackers. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Why choose between baked, mashed, or fried potatoes when you can have all three in one? Technically, these potatoes could be an app or a side – either way, you need them in your life. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
The great thing about this tart (aside from its deliciousness, of course) is that it can be made completely ahead of time. Not to mention it has all of your sides in one dish. (via Brit + Co)
Meredith Holser
Swap out your OG dinner rolls for something a bit more flavorful and less laborious. These garlic knots come together in about 20 minutes, plus are great Thanksgiving side dishes for scooping up gravy and mashed potatoes. (via Brit + Co)
The Girl on Bloor
This versatile dish could serve as a light main or a hearty side. It’s filled with homemade turkey sausage, woodsy herbs, and mushrooms for an all-in-one earthy Thanksgiving treat. (via The Girl on Bloor)
Just a Little Bit of Bacon
Fuss-free side dishes are an absolute *must* when you’re serving a big crowd. This easy gratin is made with seasonal turnips and just a handful of other complementary ingredients. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)
The Roasted Root
If you’re looking for a healthy-but-sweet version of bruschetta, using sweet potatoes is your answer. They’re jam-packed with nutrients, flavor and all-around goodness that your guests will go nuts over. (via The Roasted Root)
Minimalist Baker
Roasted garlic cloves and tandoori chickpeas are the stars of this dish, but it all comes together with the help of a bed of kale. The dish packs an unexpected hint of spice that goes perfectly with turkey and potatoes. (via Minimalist Baker)
Eat the Love
Lose the added preservatives (and calories!) that are found in canned mushroom soup, and serve up this green bean casserole instead. The fresh veggies and herbs are way more flavorful and healthier than anything you’ll find in a can. (via Eat the Love)
Crowded Kitchen
Casseroles are the king of Thanksgiving side dishes. This one is made with corn, is totally creamy, and is 100% vegan! (via Crowded Kitchen)
Kitchen Treaty
This flavorful stuffing substitute is packed with fresh herbs, apples, cranberries, and pecans, making it a dish you’ll want to enjoy all throughout fall. And why not? It’s rich in protein and caters to almost any dietary restriction, so feel free to dig in! (via Kitchen Treaty)
Back to Her Roots
Balsamic glaze perfectly highlights the earthiness of roasted beets. Even the beet naysayers will find themselves attracted to this dish. (via Back to Her Roots)
The Awesome Green
Looking for a healthy Thanksgiving dinner side dish that isn’t a potato? This cumin roasted cauliflower with black lentils is just what you need! (via The Awesome Green)
Snixy Kitchen
This Thanksgiving side stands on its own among all the traditional staples. It has a sweet and salty contrast that stuffing just doesn’t deliver. (via Snixy Kitchen)
Eat Within Your Means
Buried inside these mashed potatoes are sneaky swirls of hidden cauliflower and silken tofu. But don’t be scared, you won’t taste anything other than garlicky, cheesy vegan goodness. (via Eat Within Your Means)
A Beautiful Plate
Crispy, caramelized and slightly bitter Brussels sprouts pair amazingly with sweet and creamy butternut squash, dried cranberries and Dijon vinaigrette. This dish is epic. (via A Beautiful Plate)
The Mighty Mrs.
If you’re not gorging on butternut squash this holiday season, what are you doing with your life? This massive casserole is enough to feed a small army so you can skip out on making anything else. (via The Mighty Mrs.)
Noshing With the Nolands
These roasted baby potatoes are not your average spud. They’re crispy, sweet and perfectly seasoned, so you’ll probably want to make extra. (via Noshing With the Nolands)
Gimme Some Oven
This salad could basically be a meal in itself. It’s got hearty grains and loads of veggies, but it’s also huge on flavor. It’s festive enough for your Thanksgiving table, but you’ll want to put it on repeat for weeknight dinners all winter long. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Lands & Flavors
These pumpkin buns are pretty enough to be centerpieces. Smear with butter and maple syrup to enhance their sweetness. (via Lands & Flavors)
The Colorful Kitchen
The best part of Thanksgiving is mixing all of the foods on your plate together. Yes, this just makes the process all the faster. (via The Colorful Kitchen)
Dinner at the Zoo
If you’ve never had Delicata squash, you’re missing out on so much sweet deliciousness. Let their flavor shine by intensifying them slightly with a sprinkling of brown sugar. (via Dinner at the Zoo)
Damn Delicious
This no-fuss make-ahead stuffing has just the right amount of kick. And if you’re serving this as a dressing rather than a stuffing, you can even make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven 20 minutes before serving. (via Damn Delicious)
The Vintage Mixer
Sturdy collard greens provide a base for a creamy sauce, breadcrumbs and crispy prosciutto. If this dish gets mixed up with the mashed potatoes on your plate, you won’t be sorry! (via The Vintage Mixer)
Today’s Creative Life
The added tomato and jalapeño really give this comfort food an added kick. And who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese leftovers? (via Today’s Creative Life)
Le Creme de la Crumb
Keep the vegetarians at the table happy with this hearty make-ahead quinoa dish. Add whatever veggies you like but mushrooms are a *must.* (via Le Creme de la Crumb)
Jacquelynne Steves
Any recipe that involves a microwave on Thanksgiving is a blessing. Seriously. Simply make these ahead of time and pop them in the microwave for a few minutes before dinnertime and you’re set. (via Jacquelynne Steves)
Nerds With Knives
These tart onions serve as a great side for any meat, and you can also use them for breakfast the next morning. Omelets with onions and goat cheese, anyone? (via Nerds With Knives)
Certified Pastry Aficionado
You can’t go wrong with classic mac and cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy and the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any holiday. (via Certified Pastry Aficionado)
Julie’s Eats & Treats
It’s not a true Thanksgiving spread without grandma’s green beans on the table. And bacon makes everything better, doesn’t it? (via Julie’s Eats & Treats)
How Sweet Eats
Oatmeal. Cookie. Crumble. If that topper doesn’t tempt you to give these sweet potatoes a try, we’re not sure what will. (via How Sweet Eats)
Pinch of Yum
With so many great alternatives to green bean casserole, you may find yourself with an extra can of fried onions on your hands. Show them off in whole new way atop this slightly sweet (but mostly savory) casserole. (via Pinch of Yum)
Half Baked Harvest
Kale, mushrooms and onions mingle together ever-so-nicely in this Thanksgiving side dish. Assemble it days ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven about an hour before you sit down for dinner. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Food52
Tuck into this mashed-sweet-potato-topped pie to reveal layers of chunky roasted root veggies and sautéed mushrooms hiding underneath. It’ll be hard hold back from having seconds (or thirds). (via Food52)
The Hungry Hounds
Crispy, creamy, cheesy and carby — what’s not to love about that? Switch up your standard potato preparation with this chic gratin. (via The Hungry Hounds)
Pinch of Yum
For a vegetarian-friendly side, simply simmer up this creamy mushroom and spinach risotto with vegetable broth. Whatever you do, don’t forget the cheese! (via Pinch of Yum)
Love and Garnish
This hot and cold salad features a tantalizing array of both sweet and savory elements. Plus, parmesan crisps are amazing on just about everything. (via Love and Garnish)
Give Recipe
When you're short on time to let bread proof, opt for making these super simple and easy rolls for one of your Thanksgiving side dishes. What else would you sop up that gravy on your plate with?! (via Give Recipe)
Martha Stewart
Just a small piece of this rich blue cheese bechamel tart will satisfy your taste buds while leaving plenty of room in your belly for more important things… like dessert. But don’t worry, we won’t tell the pumpkin pie if you’d rather have more of this tart. (via Martha Stewart)
Carlsbad Cravings
When you think of green beans on Thanksgiving, you probably imagine overcooked casserole. These fresh and crispy beans are far from that with a luxurious bite, thanks to bacon and feta. (via Carlsbad Cravings)
Bitter Sweet
We couldn’t pass up this side based on its adorable name alone. Just squeeze seasoned potato and butternut squash puree through a large, star-topped piping bag and bake until golden brown all over. (via Bitter Sweet)
The Edgy Veg
This cauli dish is all-the-way juicy and zesty, making the perfect Thanksgiving side dish for a lil' dose of veggies. (via The Edgy Veg)
Kristeena Michelle
So… you need a last minute addition to your Thanksgiving spread, but everything’s already taken. These sautéed red wine mushrooms are quick and easy and you can be sure no one else will bring them. (via Kristeena Michelle)
SheKnows
This recipe definitely gets how we roll. It’s a perfect side dish to share with your wine-loving squad at Friendsgiving. (via SheKnows)
Spoon Fork Bacon
We imagine the whole “don’t play with your food” rule was set before these awesome potato rings were made. Though, maybe reserve the potato ring toss for after dinner. (via Spoon Fork Bacon)
Adventures in Cooking
Why leave applesauce all by its lonesome when you can have it buddy up with mac and cheese? While it may sound strange, apples and cheese totally go together. Pro tip: try mixing in some chicken-apple sausage to amp up the apple flavor even more. (via Adventures in Cooking)
Recipe Runner
You’ve made mashed potatoes over and over again. Switch things up this year with this sweet and savory butternut squash mash with goat cheese and rosemary. (via Recipe Runner)
Pinch of Yum
Wild rice is chewy and nutty, and packs a punch with good-for-you fiber. Prep this salad ahead of time and mix in the arugula and dressing at the last minute. (via Pinch of Yum)
Feasting at Home
Potatoes are a serious Thanksgiving Day side. No pressure, but a lot of people are depending on you. These rosemary garlic potatoes only call for a few ingredients and can serve as the perfect low-calorie sub for french fries any day of the year. It’s a win-win. (via Feasting at Home)
Carlsbad Cravings
Pumpkin and butternut squash get all of the orange vegetable glory on Thanksgiving. It's time that carrots stood up and took their place at the head of the sides table once and for all. (via Carlsbad Cravings)
The Real Food Dietitians
This hearty salad has all the color and all the flavor you need to feel satisfied on Thanksgiving. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Which of these Thanksgiving side dishes tops your list for this year's table? Join our newsletter for more inspiration!
This post has been updated.
Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."
He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."
To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."
Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"
The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"
Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"
The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."
Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.
Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."
After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."
Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."
Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.
And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:
After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again
Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.
I figured it was about time I released it.
Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.
Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.
High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"
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