Thanksgiving for Two: 20 Small-Batch Recipes for a Cozy Feast Without a Week of Leftovers

Thanksgiving for two is having a big moment this year. Allrecipes’ video of easy holiday recipes for two passed half a million views in under a week, and it is easy to see why. More of us are hosting small: couples, empty nesters, new parents, nurses and anyone working the holiday. You still deserve turkey, stuffing, gravy and pie. You just do not need a 20 pound bird and a fridge full of leftovers until December. These small-batch recipes scale the whole feast down to two happy plates, with a few smart tricks like loaf pans, ramekins and a 6-inch pie tin. Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26, so start planning your cozy table now..

Thanksgiving for Two: The Whole Feast, Scaled Down

Not every Thanksgiving needs a 20 pound bird. If it is just the two of you this year, you can still have turkey, stuffing, gravy and pie, all scaled down so dinner feels special and the fridge is not overflowing for a week. Here is a simple game plan to make the day calm and cozy..

You will need: A small roasting pan, a loaf pan, 4 ramekins, a 6-inch pie tin or two mini pie tins, a small saucepan and a cutting board.

How to make it: 1. Two days before: make the cranberry sauce and the gravy base. 2. The day before: bake the pie, assemble the stuffing and green bean ramekins, and chill. 3. Thanksgiving morning: bring the turkey to room temperature for 30 minutes. 4. Roast the turkey, then bake the sides while it rests. 5. Warm the gravy and rolls. 6. Set a pretty table for two and enjoy.

Thanksgiving for Two Star: Herb Butter Roast Turkey Breast

A bone-in turkey breast is the perfect centerpiece for Thanksgiving for two. It cooks in about 2 hours instead of all day and still gives you golden skin and juicy slices, with enough left for a sandwich. Rub herb butter under the skin so the meat stays moist. NYT Cooking’s buttermilk-brined turkey breast has more than 4,000 ratings, proof that a breast can be the star. White meat or dark meat fan?

You will need: 1 bone-in turkey breast (3 to 4 lb), 4 tbsp soft butter, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 onion quartered, 1 cup chicken broth.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F. 2. Mix the butter, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. 3. Loosen the skin and rub the butter under and over it. 4. Set the breast on the onion in a small roasting pan and add the broth. 5. Roast 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until 160F in the thickest part. 6. Rest 20 minutes, then slice.

Two Cornish Hens With Lemon and Thyme

Cornish hens feel fancy for Thanksgiving for two, but they are one of the easiest holiday mains there is. Each person gets their own little golden bird, and they roast in about an hour. Stuff each hen with lemon and thyme, brush with butter and roast until the skin crackles. They look beautiful on the plate. Would you rather have your own whole bird or share a turkey breast?

You will need: 2 Cornish hens (about 1 1/2 lb each), 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 lemon cut in quarters, 6 sprigs fresh thyme, 4 cloves garlic, salt, pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Pat the hens dry and season inside and out. 3. Stuff each with lemon, thyme and garlic. 4. Tie the legs and brush with butter and paprika. 5. Roast 50 to 60 minutes, until 165F in the thigh. 6. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Turkey Tenderloin With Quick Pan Gravy

Short on time or oven space? A turkey tenderloin is the fastest way to get turkey on the table. It sears in a skillet, finishes in the oven in about 25 minutes, and leaves tasty drippings for a quick pan gravy. It is lean, tender and just the right size for two. Is a fast turkey dinner a yes for you?

You will need: 1 to 1 1/2 lb turkey breast tenderloins, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, 1 tbsp flour, 1 cup turkey or chicken broth.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Season the tenderloins with poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. 3. Sear in oil in an oven-safe skillet, 3 minutes per side. 4. Roast 18 to 25 minutes, until 165F, then rest. 5. Stir butter and flour into the pan, then whisk in the broth. 6. Simmer until thick and pour over the sliced turkey.

Small-Batch Stuffing in a Loaf Pan

A loaf pan is the secret to stuffing for two. It holds just enough for dinner plus a little for the next day, and the top gets wonderfully crisp. Use a few cups of cubed bread, onion, celery, sage and broth. Assemble it the night before and bake it while the turkey rests. Crispy top or soft middle?

You will need: 5 cups cubed day-old bread, 3 tbsp butter, 1 small onion diced, 1 celery stalk diced, 1 tsp dried sage, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 egg, 1 cup chicken broth, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and butter a loaf pan. 2. Cook the onion and celery in butter until soft. 3. Stir in the herbs. 4. Toss with the bread in a bowl. 5. Whisk the egg and broth and pour over, then pack into the pan. 6. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until golden on top.

Mashed Potatoes for a Thanksgiving for Two Table

Two big russet potatoes make the perfect amount of mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving for two. Boil them until soft, then mash with warm milk and plenty of butter. Keep them warm in a covered bowl over simmering water while you finish the rest of dinner. A pinch of nutmeg is an old-fashioned touch. Smooth or lumpy?

You will need: 2 large russet potatoes peeled and cubed, 3 tbsp butter, 1/3 cup warm milk, 2 tbsp sour cream, salt, pepper, chives to serve.

How to make it: 1. Put the potatoes in cold salted water and bring to a boil. 2. Cook 12 to 15 minutes until very soft. 3. Drain and return to the pot for 1 minute to dry. 4. Mash with butter. 5. Stir in the warm milk and sour cream. 6. Season and top with chives.

Thanksgiving for Two Side: Mini Green Bean Casseroles

Green bean casserole is a must for most families, but a full 9×13 dish is way too much for two. Bake it in two ramekins instead. Everyone gets their own little bubbling dish with crispy onions on top. You can assemble them the day before and keep them in the fridge. Is this the side you could never skip?

You will need: 2 cups green beans trimmed and cut, 1/2 can (5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, 2 tbsp milk, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp soy sauce, 2/3 cup crispy fried onions.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Blanch the green beans 3 minutes and drain. 3. Mix the soup, milk, pepper and soy sauce. 4. Stir in the beans and half the onions. 5. Divide between two ramekins. 6. Bake 20 minutes, top with the rest of the onions and bake 5 more.

Sweet Potato Halves With Pecan Crumble

For Thanksgiving for two, skip the big sweet potato casserole and roast two sweet potatoes instead. Split them, fluff the soft orange inside with butter and cinnamon, then top with a brown sugar pecan crumble and bake until crisp. Each person gets a whole half, and it looks like a restaurant side. Team marshmallow or team pecan?

You will need: 2 medium sweet potatoes, 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt. Crumble: 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 tbsp cold butter.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Bake the sweet potatoes 45 minutes until soft. 3. Cut in half and fluff the flesh with butter, cinnamon and salt. 4. Rub the crumble ingredients together with your fingers. 5. Pile the crumble on top. 6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

Small-Batch Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving for Two

Homemade cranberry sauce takes 10 minutes and tastes so much brighter than canned. A small batch uses half a bag of berries, a little sugar and orange juice. Make it up to five days ahead, since it gets even better in the fridge. It is also perfect on the leftover turkey sandwich. Whole berry or jellied at your house?

You will need: 6 oz fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp water, a strip of orange zest, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Add everything to a small saucepan. 2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. 3. Cook 8 to 10 minutes until most berries pop. 4. Stir and lightly mash a few berries. 5. Cool to room temperature. 6. Chill until ready to serve.

Baked Mac and Cheese for Two

In many homes, mac and cheese is as important as the turkey. This small baked version uses one cup of elbows and a quick cheese sauce, baked in a small dish until bubbly. Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. It is a side you will want seconds of, so do not be shy with the portion. Creamy or crispy top?

You will need: 1 cup elbow macaroni, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp flour, 1 cup milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1/4 tsp mustard powder, salt, pepper, 2 tbsp breadcrumbs.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F. 2. Cook the macaroni 2 minutes less than the box says and drain. 3. Melt butter, whisk in flour, then milk, and simmer until thick. 4. Stir in 1 cup cheese, mustard, salt and pepper. 5. Mix with the pasta, spoon into a small dish and top with the rest of the cheese and crumbs. 6. Bake 20 minutes.

Skillet Cornbread for Two

A 6-inch cast iron skillet makes a perfect little round of golden cornbread with crunchy edges. It is ready in about 20 minutes and pairs with everything on the Thanksgiving table. Serve it warm with honey butter. Leftover wedges are great crumbled into tomorrow’s stuffing too. Sweet cornbread or Southern style?

You will need: 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 egg, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp melted butter.

How to make it: 1. Put a 6-inch skillet with a little butter in the oven and heat to 400F. 2. Whisk the dry ingredients. 3. Whisk the egg, buttermilk and melted butter. 4. Stir together until just combined. 5. Pour into the hot skillet. 6. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts have won over a lot of people who used to hate them. A small sheet pan of halved sprouts and a couple of strips of chopped bacon turns crispy, salty and a little sweet. A drizzle of maple syrup at the end makes them taste like the holidays. Were you a Brussels sprouts hater as a kid?

You will need: 2 cups Brussels sprouts halved, 2 strips bacon chopped, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 tsp maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Toss the sprouts with oil, salt and pepper on a small sheet pan. 3. Scatter the bacon over the top. 4. Roast 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once. 5. Drizzle with maple syrup. 6. Toss and serve hot.

Make-Ahead Gravy for Thanksgiving for Two

Gravy is the most stressful part of the meal for many cooks, so make it ahead. A small saucepan of butter, flour and good broth turns into a smooth, rich gravy in 10 minutes. Store it in a jar for up to three days. On the big day, warm it up and whisk in any drippings from your turkey for extra flavor. Gravy on everything?

You will need: 3 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp flour, 2 cups turkey or chicken broth, 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning, 1 tsp soy sauce, salt, pepper, pan drippings if you have them.

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan. 2. Whisk in the flour and cook 2 minutes until golden. 3. Slowly whisk in the broth. 4. Add poultry seasoning and soy sauce. 5. Simmer 5 to 8 minutes until thick. 6. Cool and chill, then reheat with drippings.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots add a pop of bright color to a Thanksgiving for two plate, and they cook in one skillet in 15 minutes. Butter, honey and a little thyme turn them glossy and sweet. Use baby carrots to skip the peeling. Even picky eaters tend to love these. Do you like a sweet side with turkey?

You will need: 2 cups baby carrots, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water, 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Add the carrots, water and a pinch of salt to a skillet. 2. Cover and cook 8 minutes until almost tender. 3. Uncover and add the butter and honey. 4. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until glossy. 5. Add thyme and pepper. 6. Serve warm.

Quick Dinner Rolls for Two

Nothing beats warm rolls at Thanksgiving. This small batch makes six soft rolls with just one rise, so you can start them in the afternoon. Brush them with butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Any extras make perfect mini turkey sliders the next day. Feeding a bigger group next year? Try our soft, buttery Thanksgiving dinner rolls. How many rolls can you eat in one sitting?

You will need: 1 cup flour, 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/3 cup warm milk, 1 tbsp soft butter, 1 egg yolk, melted butter for brushing.

How to make it: 1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar and salt. 2. Add the warm milk, butter and egg yolk and knead 5 minutes. 3. Shape into 6 balls in a small greased pan. 4. Cover and rise 45 minutes. 5. Bake at 375F for 15 to 18 minutes. 6. Brush with melted butter.

Harvest Salad With Apples and Pecans

A fresh, crunchy salad balances all the rich food on a Thanksgiving for two table. Toss greens with sliced apple, toasted pecans, dried cranberries and a little cheese, then dress it with a quick maple vinaigrette. It takes five minutes and makes the plate feel complete. Do you always add a salad, or skip it?

You will need: 4 cups mixed greens, 1 apple thinly sliced, 1/4 cup toasted pecans, 2 tbsp dried cranberries, 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese. Dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp cider vinegar, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, salt.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the dressing in a small jar. 2. Put the greens in a bowl. 3. Add the apple slices. 4. Scatter the pecans, cranberries and cheese. 5. Drizzle with dressing. 6. Toss gently and serve.

Thanksgiving for Two Dessert: Mini Pumpkin Pie

A 6-inch pie tin is the best tool for Thanksgiving for two. It holds exactly half of a classic pumpkin pie recipe, so you get a real slice each, plus a little extra for breakfast. Use a store-bought crust to make it easy. Bake it the day before so the filling sets. Whipped cream on top, or plain?

You will need: 1 refrigerated pie crust, 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Fit the crust into a 6-inch pie tin and trim the edges. 3. Whisk the pumpkin, sugar, egg, milk, spice and salt. 4. Pour into the crust. 5. Bake 15 minutes, then lower to 350F and bake 25 to 30 more minutes. 6. Cool completely before slicing.

Apple Crisp in Two Ramekins

If pie feels like too much work, apple crisp is the cozy Thanksgiving for two shortcut. Two apples and a buttery oat topping fill two ramekins, and dessert is ready in 35 minutes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. It makes the whole house smell like fall. Ice cream or whipped cream?

You will need: 2 apples peeled and sliced, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp lemon juice. Topping: 1/4 cup oats, 3 tbsp flour, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp cold butter, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F. 2. Toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon and lemon. 3. Divide between two ramekins. 4. Rub the topping ingredients together until crumbly. 5. Sprinkle over the apples. 6. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Mini Pecan Pies

Pecan pie is rich, so for Thanksgiving for two, small is better. Bake the filling in a few mini tart shells or a muffin tin lined with crust, and each person gets a cute little pie of their own. They keep for days, so you can enjoy them all weekend. Pecan or pumpkin, if you could only pick one?

You will need: 1 refrigerated pie crust, 1 egg, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt, 1/2 cup chopped pecans.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Cut the crust into 6 rounds and press into a muffin tin. 3. Whisk the egg, corn syrup, sugar, butter, vanilla and salt. 4. Divide the pecans among the cups. 5. Pour the filling over the top. 6. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until set.

The Day-After Leftover Turkey Sandwich

The best part of a small Thanksgiving is that the leftovers are just right: one perfect sandwich each. Pile sliced turkey, a smear of cranberry sauce, a little stuffing and a spoon of warm gravy on a croissant or a soft roll. Toast it in a skillet if you like it warm. What goes on your leftover sandwich?

You will need: 2 croissants or soft rolls, 6 oz sliced leftover turkey, 2 tbsp cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup leftover stuffing, 2 slices Swiss or provolone, 2 tbsp mayo, warm gravy for dipping.

How to make it: 1. Split the croissants and spread with mayo. 2. Add cranberry sauce to the bottom halves. 3. Layer the turkey and stuffing. 4. Top with cheese. 5. Warm in a covered skillet 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts. 6. Serve with warm gravy for dipping.