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Celebrating Thanksgiving for one or just keeping it intimate this year? Look no further than this curated list of single serving and small batch Thanksgiving dinner recipes. From succulent turkey options to scrumptious sides and divine desserts, this roundup has got you covered whether you’re dining alone or sharing a cozy meal for two. Consider it your complete guide to a smaller yet equally festive Thanksgiving feast!
Cooking for two? Take a look at our Thanksgiving For Two guide featuring more small batch recipes, a printable grocery list, and a video to guide you through the cooking process for your holiday feast.
Table of Contents
- Small Batch And Single Serving Thanksgiving Recipes For An Intimate Feast
- Why Choose These Thanksgiving Recipes
- Your Complete Guide To A Smaller Scale 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 Flawless Feast
Small Batch And Single Serving Thanksgiving Recipes For An Intimate Feast
Finding yourself with fewer seats at the Thanksgiving table can be a unique blessing, free from the complexities that large gatherings often bring. No extensive menus to coordinate, and zero chances of dinner table debates. Just pure, uninterrupted peace as you enjoy a delicious meal.
If you’re accustomed to grand Thanksgiving events, scaling down can feel unusual but it’s also an opportunity to craft new traditions. With this collection of single serving and small batch Thanksgiving recipes, you have the freedom to customize your feast. Mix and match from the list below or go ahead and make them all. After all, who can say no to delicious Thanksgiving leftovers? With those leftovers, consider making Thanksgiving Sliders!
Why Choose These Thanksgiving Recipes
- Minimal Leftovers: These single serving and small batch recipes are designed so you won’t have a mountain of leftovers.
- Perfectly Portioned: If a small Thanksgiving gathering is on the agenda, these recipes offer just the right amount of servings.
- Easy and Accessible: All recipes are uncomplicated to make and use ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Your Complete Guide To A Smaller Scale Thanksgiving Feast
The Turkey
The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast is, of course, the turkey. But cooking an entire bird for one or two people might feel excessive. Instead, think turkey breast or turkey cutlets. These options are perfectly portioned for a more intimate gathering.
Another smart option is a turkey roast. Not only is it delicious on Thanksgiving day, but the leftovers also make great additions to sandwiches, or as a substitute for chicken in recipes like soups, salads, spaghetti, and pot pies.
All About The Sides
Let’s not forget the side dishes, often the unsung heroes of a Thanksgiving meal. You’re in good hands here—whether you’re a fan of classic sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, or stuffing, we offer a variety of single serving and small batch recipes that hit the mark.
Sweet Finale: Desserts
Saving the best for last, we delve into the realm of Thanksgiving desserts. From single serving options like pecan pie and apple pie to the ever-popular pumpkin pie, we’ve got your dessert table set.
So go ahead and browse through this comprehensive menu of Thanksgiving recipes sized just for you. From turkey to tempting desserts, we’ve thought of everything to make your scaled-down feast just as memorable.
Thanksgiving Dinner For One Recipes
Roast Turkey Breast
Herb Crusted Turkey Roast
Turkey Tenderloin
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
Small Pumpkin Pie
Mini Dutch Apple Pie
Mini Pecan Pie
Mini Sweet Potato Pie
Mini Cherry 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 Flawless Feast
- Start Planning Early: The sooner you finalize your menu, the better. Early planning allows you to snag all the ingredients you need before they potentially sell out.
- Prioritize Make-Ahead Dishes: Look through your chosen recipes to identify which can be prepped in advance. This will help you manage your time better and keep you from getting overwhelmed with cooking tasks on the big day.
- Treat Yourself: If it’s a solo or small-scale celebration, go all out with the table setting. Use your best linens and dinnerware because, let’s be honest, you deserve to celebrate in style.
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.
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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.