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Enjoy a complete Thanksgiving dinner for one with these easy small batch recipes. Find perfectly portioned turkey, classic sides like stuffing and mashed potatoes, and single serving desserts such as pumpkin pie and pecan pie, all without the stress or waste of cooking for a crowd.
If you’re cooking for two, check out our Thanksgiving for Two Guide. It includes small batch recipes made just for two, a printable grocery list, and a step-by-step video to help you prepare a stress-free holiday meal together.
Table of Contents
- Small Thanksgiving Dinner For One
- Why You’ll Love These Small Thanksgiving Recipes
- Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for a Small Thanksgiving Meal
- Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for One
- Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes For One
- Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes For One
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips For A Simple, Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner For One
Small Thanksgiving Dinner For One
Celebrating Thanksgiving on your own or with a smaller table this year? A small Thanksgiving dinner for one or two can be just as joyful, without the stress or excess. With these single serving and small batch Thanksgiving recipes, you can enjoy all the classic flavors in perfectly portioned dishes that are easy to prepare and full of comfort.
If you’re used to larger gatherings, cooking a smaller meal may feel different at first, but it’s a wonderful chance to start new traditions. Choose a few favorite dishes or make a full menu, it’s all about creating a Thanksgiving meal that fits you. And if you have a few leftovers, try our small batch Thanksgiving sliders for a delicious next-day treat!
Why You’ll Love These Small Thanksgiving Recipes
- Minimal Leftovers: Each single serving or small batch recipe is perfectly portioned, so you can enjoy your holiday meal without too much left over.
- Perfect Portions: Designed for one or two people, these dishes let you enjoy all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors in just the right amount.
- Simple and Stress-Free: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, these recipes make preparing a small Thanksgiving dinner simple, practical, and enjoyable.
Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for a Small Thanksgiving Meal
Turkey Without the Fuss
You don’t need to roast a whole turkey for a Thanksgiving dinner for one. Try a juicy roast split turkey breast, tender turkey cutlets, or a small turkey roast – each perfectly sized for one. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and great for leftovers. You can even substitute chicken for turkey in recipes like chicken soup for one, chicken salad for one, or chicken spaghetti for one.
Sides That Shine
Thanksgiving sides are often the highlight of the meal. With our single serving and small batch recipes, you can enjoy a complete Thanksgiving meal for one without any waste. From creamy mashed potatoes for one and savory small batch cornbread dressing to a mini sweet potato casserole, these dishes bring all the flavor and comfort of a classic Thanksgiving feast.
A Sweet Ending
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert. Treat yourself to perfectly portioned favorites like mini pecan pie, apple pie for one, or classic pumpkin pie for one scaled down for the just the right size.
Build Your Perfect Menu
Whether you’re planning a small Thanksgiving for one or a simple meal for two, this collection makes it easy to enjoy a full holiday feast your way. From turkey to sides to desserts, you’ll find everything you need for a delicious, memorable, and perfectly portioned Thanksgiving dinner.
Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for One
Roast Split Turkey Breast
Herb Crusted Turkey Roast
Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
Turkey Cutlet With Gravy
Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes For One
Mini Carrot Soufflé
Mashed Potatoes For One
Small Batch 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 Green Bean Casserole
Small Batch Creamed Spinach
Mini Carrot Soufflé
Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes For One
Pumpkin Pie For One
Mini Dutch Apple Pie
Mini Pecan Pie
Mini Sweet Potato Pie
Mini Cherry Pie
Apple Pie For One
Crustless Pecan Pie For One
Mini Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup
RELATED: Recipes For Empty Nesters
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! While turkey is the traditional centerpiece, it doesn’t have to be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner for one. If you’d like something different, try one of these flavorful alternatives:
* Chicken Caprese For One: A lighter, flavorful option that still feels festive.
* Baked Stuffed Fish: Perfect for a smaller, elegant main dish.
* Pumpkin Soup For One : A cozy, seasonal option that pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving sides.
A Thanksgiving meal for one can be just as satisfying without meat. Many classic side dishes are already vegetarian – like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce. For a meatless main dish, try one of these:
* Vegetarian Chili For One
* Chickpea Curry For One
* Mini Eggplant Parmesan
Keep it simple and perfectly portioned. Choose:
* One protein, such as a turkey breast or turkey cutlet.
* Two or three favorite sides, like stuffing, mashed potatoes, or roasted carrots.
* One small dessert, such as mini pumpkin pie or apple crisp for one.
Even a small Thanksgiving can feel meaningful with a few thoughtful touches. Set the table, light a candle, play your favorite music, and cook a meal you truly enjoy. The goal is to celebrate gratitude and comfort, whether it’s a simple plate of turkey and sides or a full small batch Thanksgiving feast.
Yes! Many small batch Thanksgiving recipes can be prepared in advance. Make your stuffing, cranberry sauce, or desserts a day or two early, then roast your turkey or main dish on Thanksgiving Day. This helps keep the day stress-free and enjoyable.
Tips For A Simple, Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner For One
- Plan Your Menu Ahead: Choose your dishes a few days in advance. Planning early gives you time to shop, stay organized, and ensure you have everything you need for your small Thanksgiving meal.
- Choose Make-Ahead Recipes: Prep what you can the day before. Simple make-ahead sides, desserts, or even part of your turkey will save time and help your day feel calm and enjoyable.
- Set a Special Table: Even if it’s just for you, setting the table with your favorite dishes, a candle, or a bit of fall décor makes the meal feel festive and meaningful. You deserve to celebrate in style!
With a little planning and these easy Thanksgiving recipes for one, you can enjoy a relaxed, delicious holiday that feels just right.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried any of these single serving and small batch 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.
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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.