In a world that’s constantly on the go, more women are embracing the soft life—a lifestyle focused on ease, enjoyment, and the things that truly bring joy. The soft life isn’t about laziness; it’s about intentionally stepping away from unnecessary stress to create space for meaningful moments, self-care, and connection.
What better way to embody this trend than through a Thanksgiving feast filled with love, flavor, and simplicity? Hosting a large holiday meal doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your peace of mind. At Brushed Studios, we’re bringing the joy back into holiday cooking with recipes that are big on flavor and easy on effort, ensuring you can enjoy both the preparation and the celebration.
This year, ditch the stress and try these soft life-approved Thanksgiving recipes. We’ve even included tips to prep in advance so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time making memories.
The Recipes: Thanksgiving Made Delicious and Simple
1. Honey BBQ Teriyaki Pulled Pork
A sweet and smoky centerpiece that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for sliders or as a hearty side.
Ingredients:
10 lbs pork butt
2 cups BBQ sauce
1 cup teriyaki sauce
½ cup honey
3 tbsp garlic powder
3 tbsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
Rub the pork butt with garlic powder and smoked paprika.
Slow-cook for 10 hours at 225°F, or until tender.
Shred and mix with BBQ, teriyaki sauce, and honey. Serve warm.
2. Savory Baked Beans
A hearty, flavorful side packed with ground turkey, bell peppers, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients:
6 cans baked beans
1 lb ground turkey, cooked
2 bell peppers, diced
2 onions, diced
1 cup BBQ sauce
½ cup brown sugar
Instructions:
Sauté onions and bell peppers, then mix with ground turkey.
Combine with beans, BBQ sauce, and sugar in a baking dish.
Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
3. Southern Herb-Roasted Turkey with Homemade Gravy
Slow-roasted overnight for maximum tenderness, served with a rich gravy made from turkey drippings.
Ingredients for Turkey:
20 lb turkey
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 tbsp dried rosemary
2 tbsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Rub turkey with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Place in a roasting bag with mushroom soup and cook at 200°F overnight (8–10 hours).
Let rest, then slice to serve.
For the Gravy:
Turkey drippings
4 tbsp flour
2 cups chicken broth
Whisk flour into turkey drippings over medium heat.
Gradually add chicken broth until thickened.
4. Candied Yams with Creamy Sauce
Sweet, decadent yams made with a stovetop sauce of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Ingredients:
10 cups frozen yam patties
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Cook sauce ingredients on the stovetop until thickened.
Thaw, slice and layer yam patties in a baking dish, pour sauce over, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
5. Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Paprika Topping
A creamy, crowd-pleasing mac and cheese finished with a hint of smoky paprika.
Ingredients:
5 lbs penne pasta, cooked
5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 tbsp paprika
Instructions:
Cook pasta and set aside.
Make a cheese sauce by melting cheddar and mozzarella into milk and cream over low heat.
Mix sauce with pasta, transfer to a baking dish, and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
6. Fluffy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Perfectly creamy potatoes with just a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
10 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp garlic powder
Kosher Salt
Pepper
Instructions:
Boil potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, cream, and garlic powder (and other seasonings) until smooth.
7. Tangy Fruit Sangria
A refreshing, sweet cocktail perfect for the holiday table.
Ingredients:
2 bottles cabernet sauvignon
1 cup brandy
½ cup sugar
2 apples, diced
2 oranges, diced
1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients and chill for at least 4 hours. Serve cold.
Your Turn! Join the Conversation
Ready to create your soft life-inspired Thanksgiving? Watch the full recipe video for tips and techniques that’ll make your holiday meal stress-free.
Visit brushedstudios.com/blog for complete recipes and additional tips! Don’t forget to share your own Thanksgiving preparation hacks in the comments or on social media. Tag us and show off your creations—we’d love to feature your tips in future posts.
Let’s redefine holiday cooking together—one delicious, joy-filled recipe at a time. 🎨🍂
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