This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Thanksgiving for one can be just as festive and enjoyable with the right recipes. This collection of single serving and small batch dishes includes tender turkey, flavorful sides, and indulgent desserts, giving you everything you need to create a memorable holiday meal, no matter the size of your celebration.
If you’re cooking for two, check out our Thanksgiving For Two guide. It’s filled with more small batch recipes, a printable grocery list, and a helpful video to walk you through preparing your holiday meal.
Table of Contents
- Single Serving And Small Batch Thanksgiving Recipes
- Why These Thanksgiving Recipes Are Perfect For You
- Your Guide To A Smaller Thanksgiving Feast
- Thanksgiving Dinner For One Recipes
- Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes For One
- Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes For One
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Expert Tips For A Stress-Free Thanksgiving For One
Single Serving And Small Batch Thanksgiving Recipes
Having fewer seats at the Thanksgiving table can be a refreshing change, free from the stress of coordinating a large meal. It’s a chance to enjoy a peaceful, delicious feast without the complications of a big gathering.
If you’re used to larger Thanksgiving celebrations, scaling down might feel different, but it’s also an opportunity to start new traditions. With these single serving and small batch recipes, you can customize your menu to fit your needs. Pick a few favorites or make them all—because who doesn’t love Thanksgiving leftovers? And when you have those leftovers, don’t forget to try making Thanksgiving Sliders!
Why These Thanksgiving Recipes Are Perfect For You
- Minimal Leftovers: These single serving and small batch recipes are designed to give you just what you need, without overwhelming you with leftovers.
- Perfect Portions: Ideal for a small Thanksgiving celebration, these recipes are perfectly scaled to match your gathering size.
- Simple and Convenient: The recipes are easy to make and use ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, keeping your holiday stress-free.
Your Guide To A Smaller Thanksgiving Feast
The Turkey
The star of any Thanksgiving meal is the turkey, but cooking a whole bird for one or two people can be too much. Instead, consider turkey breast or turkey cutlets—perfectly portioned options for a more intimate gathering.
A turkey roast is another great choice. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and the leftovers are versatile. Use them for sandwiches, turkey sliders, or as a substitute for chicken in soups, salads, spaghetti, or pot pies.
The Sides
Side dishes often steal the show at Thanksgiving, and we’ve got you covered with single serving and small batch recipes. From sweet potato casserole and mashed potatoes to stuffing, these classic sides deliver all the comfort and flavor you expect from a holiday meal.
The Desserts
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert! Treat yourself to single serving favorites like pecan pie, apple pie, or the classic pumpkin pie. These scaled-down treats are just the right size for a sweet finale.
Browse through this collection of perfectly portioned recipes, from turkey to tempting desserts, to create a memorable Thanksgiving feast tailored just for you.
Thanksgiving Dinner For One Recipes
Roast Turkey Breast
Herb Crusted Turkey Roast
Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
Turkey Cutlet With Gravy For One
Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes For One
Mini Carrot Soufflé
Mashed Potatoes For One
Cranberry Sauce For One
Small Batch Sausage Stuffing
Small Batch Cornbread Dressing
Sautéed Green Beans For One
Mini Sweet Potato Casserole
Cauliflower Casserole For One
Small Batch Corn Casserole
Roasted Carrots For One
Rice Pilaf For One
Small Batch Green Bean Casserole
Small Batch Creamed Spinach
Mini Carrot Soufflé
RELATED: 20 Single Serving Dessert Recipes Worth Waking Up For
Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes For One
Pumpkin Pie For One
Mini Dutch Apple Pie
Mini Pecan Pie
Mini Sweet Potato Pie
Mini Cherry Pie
Mini Apple Pie
Crustless Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup For One
Mini Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup
RELATED: Recipes For Empty Nesters
Frequently Asked Questions
While turkey is the classic centerpiece for a Thanksgiving meal, it’s not set in stone. If turkey’s not your thing or you’re looking to shake up the menu, consider these mouthwatering alternatives:
* Chicken Caprese
* Baked Stuffed Fish
* Pumpkin Soup
We offer plenty of vegetarian-friendly side dishes. If you’re looking for a meatless main course, here are some recipes that won’t disappoint:
* Vegetarian Chili
* Chickpea Curry
* Mini Eggplant Parmesan
Expert Tips For A Stress-Free Thanksgiving For One
- Plan Your Menu Early: Finalize your menu as soon as possible. Early planning ensures you’ll have plenty of time to shop for ingredients and avoid the disappointment of finding items out of stock.
- Focus on Make-Ahead Recipes: Check your chosen dishes to see what can be prepped ahead of time. Preparing a few items in advance will save you time and help the big day feel more manageable.
- Set a Beautiful Table: Even if it’s a small gathering, treat yourself to a special table setting. Use your favorite linens and dinnerware to make the meal feel festive and memorable—because you deserve it!
If you would like information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried any of these Thanksgiving recipes or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
I stumbled on your blog only now in 2021 when planning my Thanksgiving meal (I still want to celebrate holidays even though I’m on my own!) and I can’t be happier. You’re solving a major problem I have – cooking for one isn’t as simple as just cutting recipes down. I’ve made your delicious blueberry muffin (which actually made 4 servings for me instead of 1 but was super easy). My entire Thanksgiving meal will be from this page and I can’t wait!
How about a recipe for honey glaze with pineapple for a small ham or ham steak?
Thank you! This makes me feel better about being home alone on Thanksgiving. I will cook, bake and decorate!
Thanks for these recipes! They are very good.