14 Thanksgiving dishes that don't require an oven

Gabbi ShawNov 22, 2020, 15:03 IST

Stuffing doesn't need an oven.Getty Images

Whether your oven is stuffed with turkey, or you don't have access to an oven for any number of reasons, there are still plenty of dishes you can make without one.
Salads, slow-cooker casseroles, and pasta are all beloved side dishes that don't require an oven.
We've found 14 of the best Thanksgiving recipes that are completely oven-free.

Whether your oven is crammed full of turkey or it's woefully small, sometimes baking and roasting isn't an option on Thanksgiving. This year, people all over the country will no doubt still be making multiple dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, even if the group is decidedly smaller.

Thankfully, there are plenty of Thanksgiving staples or updated versions of the classics that don't require any oven space at all. Even the precious turkey can stay out of that fateful appliance on November 26.

Keep scrolling to see the easiest foods you can whip up this Thanksgiving — no oven required.

While your oven is full, you can leave soup simmering on the stove.

Leek soup. HandmadePictures/Shutterstock

If you want to use your oven for something other than the turkey, you could use a deep-fryer.

Fried turkey. Eric Thayer/Reuters

You could also use a slow cooker for your bird, freeing up oven space.

Yes, a turkey can be cooked in a slow cooker. Amanda Hoychuk/ Shutterstock

Cranberry sauce is a classic Thanksgiving side dish, and all you need to do is open a can.

Cranberry sauce. Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving essential that doesn't need to spend time in the oven.

Stuffing. Sarah Schmalbruch/INSIDER

Just add water and stir instant mashed potatoes on the stove.

Mashed potatoes. AP Photo/Larry Crowe

Sweet potatoes are extremely versatile, and all you need to do is stick them in the microwave.

Sweet potatoes. Robynmac/Getty Images

There are plenty of ways to make cheesecake festive without turning on the oven.

Cheesecake. Shutterstock

Cauliflower, or any vegetable really, tastes great pan-fried.

Crispy cauliflower. Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Creamed corn turns corn on the cob into an autumnal side dish.

Creamed corn. Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post/Getty Images

Salad is a tried and true side that involves no cooking at all.

Salad. bitt24/Shutterstock

Spinach casserole is another dish you can make in your slow cooker.

Spinach casserole. Shutterstock

Green bean casserole is another staple at the Thanksgiving table.

Green bean casserole. Shutterstock

Everyone's favorite pasta dish, macaroni and cheese, only requires a pot and a stove.

Macaroni and cheese. Igor Dutina/Shutterstock

I downsized my Thanksgiving dinner to make a full holiday feast for 2, and it was surprisingly easy

Cookies on the Business Insider India website