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Cooking a full Thanksgiving for two dinner menu doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This complete meal plan walks you through everything step by step, from choosing the right turkey and small-batch side dishes to prepping ahead and timing your cooking on the big day. With simple recipes, a printable grocery list, a practical prep guide, and a cooking video that shows you exactly how it all comes together, you’ll have everything you need for a stress-free holiday meal that’s perfectly portioned for two.
In this guide, you’ll get:
- Easy turkey recipes scaled for two people
- Classic side dishes in small-batch portions
- A printable grocery list to make shopping simple
- A prep-ahead and day-of cooking timeline
- Dessert ideas sized just right for two
- A step-by-step video showing the full meal prepared from start to finish
👉 Click here to download full grocery list!
Looking for more small batch and single serving Thanksgiving recipes? Try our recipes for Turkey Cutlets, Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, and Pumpkin Pie Bars!
And don’t let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste—make our delicious Thanksgiving Sliders for a fun and tasty way to enjoy them again!
Table of Contents
- VIDEO: How to Make Thanksgiving Dinner for Two
- Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Prep (Day Before)
- Thanksgiving Day Cooking Timeline (Step-by-Step)
- Small-Batch Recipes (Turkey Tenderloin, Cornbread Dressing, etc.)
- Grocery List for a Small Thanksgiving Dinner
- Expert Tips for Cooking a Small Thanksgiving Meal
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Small Batch Holiday Recipes
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
VIDEO: How to Make Thanksgiving Dinner for Two
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Prep (Day Before)
Save time and reduce stress by prepping a few dishes ahead of Thanksgiving. These tasks are simple, quick and will make your holiday meal smoother and more enjoyable.
Tip: To make cooking even easier, print the recipe cards for each dish and keep them handy in the kitchen. Simply click the Jump to Recipe button at the top of each recipe page, then select Print Recipe.
- Make the Pecan Pie Crust – Prepare the buttery shortbread crust.
- Mix the Pecan Pie Filling – Combine the ingredients so it’s ready to bake.
- Bake the Pecan Pie – Pop the pie in the oven and let it bake to perfection.
- Mix The Cornbread Batter – While the pie bakes, stir together your cornbread batter.
- Cool the Pecan Pie – Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Preheat Your Skillet – Heat a cast-iron skillet in the oven for cornbread, or skip this if using a baking dish.
- Prepare the Skillet – Carefully remove the hot skillet, add butter, and get it ready for the batter.
- Bake the Cornbread – Pour the batter into the skillet or dish and bake until golden.
- Store Your Dishes for Tomorrow – Once cooled, wrap and refrigerate the pecan pie and cornbread.
By tackling these simple tasks the day before, you’ll walk into Thanksgiving Day relaxed and ready to enjoy a homemade holiday meal for two.
Note: For a pecan pie recipe without corn syrup, check out our mini Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup recipe.
Thanksgiving Day Cooking Timeline (Step-by-Step)
A well-planned timeline is key to enjoying a seamless Thanksgiving dinner for two. With this guide, you’ll know exactly when to tackle each dish so everything is ready at the same time.
- Prepare the Cornbread Dressing – Use the mini cornbread you baked yesterday to prepare your dressing mixture.
- Bake the Cornbread Dressing – Place it in the oven until golden.
- Season the Turkey Tenderloin – While the dressing bakes, season the turkey.
- Remove the Dressing – Take it out of the oven and let it cool.
- Adjust the Oven Temperature – Reset the oven as needed. If using a cast-iron skillet for the turkey, place it inside to preheat.
- Start the Green Beans – Sauté them on the stovetop.
- Begin Cranberry Sauce – Simmer cranberries in a small pot.
- Simmer the Green Beans – Lower the heat to a simmer.
- Retrieve Preheated Skillet – Carefully remove it from the oven.
- Cook the Turkey – Add olive oil and the turkey to the skillet, then bake.
- Thicken the Cranberries – Reduce the heat until the sauce thickens.
- Cool the Green Beans – Rinse under cool water to stop cooking.
- Flip the Turkey – Turn it over for even cooking and return it to the oven.
- Finish the Cranberries – Once thickened, remove from heat.
- Rest the Turkey – Check the internal temperature and let it rest before slicing.
- Final Sauté for Green Beans – Give them a quick finish on the stovetop.
- Slice the Turkey – Once rested, slice for serving.
- Plate and Serve – Arrange your dishes and enjoy your perfectly portioned feast.
By following this timeline, you’ll have a stress-free holiday meal that’s flavorful, beautifully timed, and just the right size!
Small-Batch Recipes (Turkey Tenderloin, Cornbread Dressing, etc.)
Here’s the complete list of recipes included in this meal plan. You’ll find a mix of small batch and single serving recipes, all working together to create a perfectly portioned Thanksgiving dinner for two. Looking for some other recipe options, check out our Thanksgiving Dinner for One Recipes.
Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
Small Batch Cornbread Dressing
Sautéed Green Beans For One
Small Batch Cranberry Sauce For One
Mini Pecan Pie
Grocery List for a Small Thanksgiving Dinner
Holiday grocery shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. This detailed list includes everything you’ll need for the recipes in our Thanksgiving Dinner for Two Meal Plan—no guessing, no overbuying, and no forgotten ingredients.
👉 Click here to download full grocery list!
This list is organized by recipe so you can easily shop dish by dish. You’ll also find a downloadable PDF version (link above) if you’d like to print or save it to your phone.
Pecan Pie
Shortbread Crust
- 2 ½ tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Pecan Pie Filling
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon salted butter , melted
Cornbread
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cornbread Dressing
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- ¼ cup chopped carrots
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 slice white or wheat sandwich bread
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Sautéed Green Beans
- 1 cup fresh green beans
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
Cranberry Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Turkey Tenderloin
- 1 (12-ounce) turkey tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
Pro Tip: Print this list or take screenshots of each section to check off items as you shop.
Expert Tips for Cooking a Small Thanksgiving Meal
A little planning goes a long way when you’re preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for two. These simple tips will help you stay organized, save time, and make the day feel special:
- Plan Your Menu Early: Decide what you’ll serve a few days in advance. Early planning makes shopping easier and ensures you won’t be caught searching for sold-out ingredients at the last minute.
- Prep Before Cooking: Read through all your recipes and measure out ingredients ahead of time. Having everything ready will save you stress once you start cooking.
- Make Dessert and Cornbread Ahead: Prepare your dessert and a small batch of cornbread the day before. With those done, you can focus on the main meal and have everything ready in under 90 minutes on Thanksgiving Day.
- Set a Beautiful Table: Even for two, a thoughtful table setting makes the meal feel festive. Use your favorite linens, plates, and seasonal décor to create an elegant, memorable atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! While a classic turkey dinner is a popular choice, your Thanksgiving dinner for two doesn’t have to be limited to tradition. If turkey isn’t your favorite, there are plenty of other festive options you can serve as the main course, such as:
* Chicken Caprese – light and flavorful
* Pork Tenderloin – juicy and elegant without being overwhelming
* Baked Stuffed Fish – perfect for a smaller holiday table
* Pumpkin Soup – pairs beautifully with classic sides
There are plenty of vegetarian-friendly recipes that make a small Thanksgiving meal just as satisfying. Many classic sides are already vegetarian like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables—but you can also try:
* Vegetarian Chili – hearty and comforting
* Chickpea Curry – full of flavor and protein
* Mini Eggplant Parmesan – scaled down for two but still indulgent
* Sweet Potato Casserole – a holiday favorite in smaller portions
* Carrot Souffle – light, fluffy, and festive
No special equipment is required! Most of these easy Thanksgiving recipes can be made with everyday kitchen tools. A good skillet, a few small baking dishes, and basic cookware are all you need to prepare a complete Thanksgiving dinner for two.
Cooking for two usually means fewer leftovers, but you may still have some extra ingredients on hand. Instead of letting them go to waste, use our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder to discover creative ways to repurpose them into soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and more. It’s a great way to stretch your groceries and keep the holiday flavors going.
Many parts of this Thanksgiving dinner for two can be made ahead to save time on the holiday itself. Desserts like pecan pie and sides like cornbread can be baked the day before and stored properly. Cranberry sauce also keeps well in the fridge for several days. Preparing a few dishes ahead means less stress and more time to enjoy your meal.
More Small Batch Holiday Recipes
Want to expand your menu or swap in a few different dishes? These small batch Thanksgiving recipes are great add-ons for your holiday table. Each one is scaled down so you can enjoy the flavors of the season without being buried in leftovers.
- Mini Corn Casserole – A creamy, perfectly portioned side dish that fits right into any holiday spread.
- Mini Sweet Potato Pie – A holiday classic, baked in a smaller size that’s perfect for two.
- Crustless Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup For One – A lighter twist on tradition with all the flavor, none of the excess.
- Cauliflower Casserole For One – A rich, cheesy, low-carb alternative to heavier side dishes.
- Pumpkin Pie For One – The Thanksgiving favorite, scaled down so you can enjoy every bite without waste.
Click on any recipe title for full instructions and tips to bring these dishes to your Thanksgiving table
With this complete meal plan, you’ll have everything you need to create a festive, stress-free Thanksgiving dinner for two. From make-ahead tips to a day of cooking timeline, grocery list, and perfectly portioned recipes, this guide ensures your holiday is simple, delicious, and memorable.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
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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