Speedy Thanksgiving: Full Feast & Dessert Ready in No Time
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful affair. This Speedy Thanksgiving dinner recipe simplifies the traditional feast while still delivering all the flavors we love. The star of the show is the turkey tenderloin, which cooks quickly in the crockpot, ensuring it’s tender and juicy without the hassle of roasting a whole bird.
The cornbread dressing is a delightful side that brings a taste of home to the table. Using self-rising cornmeal makes it easy to whip up, and you can even prepare it the day before to save time. Pair it with sautéed green beans and a touch of bacon for a savory complement to the meal.
For dessert, the double layer pumpkin cheesecake is a showstopper. It combines creamy layers of pumpkin and cream cheese, making it a perfect ending to your Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, it can chill in the fridge while you enjoy the main course, allowing you to focus on spending time with loved ones.
This recipe is not just about the food; it’s about creating memories and enjoying the holiday without the stress. With a little planning, you can have a delicious Thanksgiving dinner that feels special without taking all day to prepare.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Grease a cast iron skillet with Crisco.
Combine 2.5 cups self-rising cornmeal, 0.5 cups shortening, and 2 eggs using a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.
Tip: Use self-rising cornmeal for a fluffier cornbread.
Pour in 2 cups of whole buttermilk and mix with a fork.
Pour the mixture into the skillet and bake for 25-35 minutes.
Soften 2 blocks of cream cheese in the microwave.
Combine softened cream cheese, 0.5 cups sugar, and 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract, then beat until creamy.
Tip: Let the cream cheese soften in the microwave for easier mixing.
Add 2 eggs one at a time, blending after each addition.
Pour 1 cup of the mixture into a graham cracker crust.
Mix in 0.5 cups of canned pumpkin and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
Tip: Stir in the pumpkin mixture by hand to avoid overmixing.
Layer the remaining batter on top and bake at 325°F for 35-40 minutes.
Tip: Let the cheesecake cool on a wire rack before refrigerating.
Let the cheesecake cool on a wire rack for about an hour.
Place turkey tenderloins in a crock pot.
Add a can of cream of chicken soup and 2 packs of turkey gravy mix.
Whisk together and add up to 0.5 cups of chicken broth for thinner gravy.
Pour gravy over turkey, cover, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Tip: Make cornbread and dessert a day ahead to simplify Thanksgiving Day.
Crumble 3 cups of cooled cornbread for dressing.
Dice half a cup of celery and onion.
Melt butter in a skillet and sauté celery and onions for about 5 minutes.
Crack and beat 2 eggs in a bowl.
Mix crumbled cornbread, sautéed veggies, 2 cups chicken stock, and beaten eggs.
Tip: Use a smaller baking dish for cornbread dressing to ensure even cooking.
Grease a smaller baking dish for cornbread dressing.
Pour the mixture into the dish and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
Chop 6 pieces of bacon and fry with diced onion.
Tip: Add brown sugar to green beans for a touch of sweetness.
Add drained Italian style green beans to the skillet.
Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and brown sugar to the green beans.
Bring to a simmer and let cook for the remaining time.
Tip: Simmer green beans for the remaining cooking time to enhance flavor.
Slice the cooked turkey for serving.
Tip: Use a slow cooker for turkey to keep it tender and juicy.
Serve the double layer pumpkin cheesecake with Cool Whip.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using self-rising cornmeal in cornbread helps achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- •Turkey tenderloins are a convenient and quick alternative to whole turkeys for Thanksgiving.
- •Cornbread dressing can be made ahead of time, making Thanksgiving preparation easier.
- •A double layer pumpkin cheesecake is a festive dessert that can be prepared in advance.
