Thanksgiving for Two: A Complete Menu Guide for a Cozy Celebration

Planning a smaller Thanksgiving dinner this year? This comprehensive menu guide is designed to help you curate the perfect Thanksgiving Dinner for Two, featuring scaled-down, small-batch recipes of all your beloved holiday classics. Say goodbye to overwhelming leftovers and hello to a perfectly portioned, delicious feast.

As November rolls in, thoughts naturally turn to the warmth and traditions of Thanksgiving. While many articles focus on grand feasts for large gatherings, complete with giant 20-pound turkeys and enough pumpkin pie to feed a small army, your celebration this year might look a little different. Perhaps it’s just you and your significant other, or maybe a cherished roommate. You might not have a huge family to host, but that doesn’t mean you should ever skip the joy of a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

The idea of cooking an entire holiday spread for just two people can seem daunting. Where do you even begin with all that food preparation? It’s not fair to miss out on the comforting flavors of stuffed turkey breast, aromatic cranberry stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich homemade gravy, just because you’re not hosting a crowd. Everyone deserves a delicious plate brimming with these holiday favorites.

That’s where I come in! For years, I’ve honed the art of scaling down beloved recipes, and it’s high time I compiled them into a definitive, stress-free menu for cooking Thanksgiving dinner for two. I assure you, these aren’t your typical “scaled-down” recipes that still yield enough for a week of leftovers. Instead, these are genuinely portioned for two people, typically providing 2-4 servings, ensuring you get to enjoy your feast without feeling overwhelmed by excess food.

Unlike other guides that promise small-batch recipes but then suggest you “just refrigerate the leftovers” from massive portions, my approach is different. For example, my mashed potatoes for two will never call for an exorbitant five pounds of potatoes (yes, I’ve seen it happen!). This guide is about true small-batch cooking, designed for your intimate celebration.

Consider this a customizable guide, not a rigid set menu. It’s like a “build-your-own-adventure” book, but with delectable Thanksgiving dishes! You can pick and choose your favorite elements to craft a Thanksgiving meal that perfectly suits your tastes and minimizes waste.

Below, you’ll find a curated list of recipes, organized by course, along with a breakdown of what to include in your special Thanksgiving dinner for two:

Thanksgiving Drinks for Two

Amidst all the culinary preparations, your Thanksgiving drinks don’t have to add extra complexity. Sometimes, the simplest choice is the best – a good bottle of wine, perfectly poured, can set the mood beautifully. However, if you’re inclined to add a touch of festive elegance, consider making a small batch of my Cranberry Orange Sangria or a vibrant Pomegranate Punch. The punch is particularly versatile as it can easily be made non-alcoholic, catering to all preferences.

Worried about opening a full bottle of wine for just two people? Many wineries now offer convenient 4-packs of mini wine bottles, providing just 1-2 glasses each, perfect for avoiding waste. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling grape juice or a festive cider can be delightful alternatives, adding sparkle and cheer to your cozy Thanksgiving table.

Thanksgiving Main Dishes for Two

Thanksgiving dinner is almost synonymous with a grand turkey centerpiece, but for a party of two, roasting a whole turkey is simply too much. Even the smallest turkeys typically weigh around 10 pounds, leading to an overwhelming amount of food. Thankfully, you can still enjoy that quintessential turkey experience with smaller, more manageable portions.

Consider succulent turkey tenderloin, flavorful turkey legs, or even tender turkey wings. These cuts provide all the deliciousness of turkey without the enormous scale. If you love the traditional presentation of a roasted bird complete with stuffing, a stuffed Cornish hen is an excellent choice. These hens are significantly smaller, with one hen being ample for two people. If you secretly wish for some leftover chicken salad, you could always roast two!

For those looking beyond turkey, a honey-glazed ham steak dinner or an elegant lamb chop dinner for two can be wonderful alternatives. And for a truly inclusive celebration, meatless options are readily available. My Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash paired with a rich Mushroom Gravy offers a hearty and satisfying main course for a plant-based Thanksgiving for two.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Two

For many, the side dishes are the true stars of the Thanksgiving meal! While it’s tempting to make every single side, the most effective way to minimize leftovers for a Thanksgiving for two is to thoughtfully limit your selection. I know, this might sound like blasphemy to some, but don’t despair!

The excellent news is that most of these scaled-down side dish recipes yield approximately 4 servings (enough for two generous helpings each), so if there are any favorites you can’t squeeze into your main Thanksgiving meal, you can easily prepare them throughout the holiday weekend. They also make perfect additions to a Christmas dinner for two!

Creamy mashed potatoes for two are a traditional must-have, but you could also opt for savory stove-top scalloped potatoes or elegant au gratin potatoes for two. Casseroles are wonderfully convenient as they can often be prepared in advance, such as my comforting sweet potato casserole for two or a classic green bean casserole made from scratch without canned soup.

Another delightful make-ahead option is small-batch dinner rolls. There’s truly nothing like warm, homemade bread to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner for two! And, of course, no Thanksgiving plate is complete without gravy. Choose between a flavorful homemade gravy without drippings, a rich pan gravy made from drippings, or a savory mushroom gravy.

Finally, to beautifully balance the richness of your meal, a side of fresh, tart homemade cranberry sauce (small batch, of course!) is an absolute essential. Its bright flavor provides a perfect counterpoint to the heavier dishes.

Thanksgiving Desserts for Two

No Thanksgiving dinner, regardless of size, is truly complete without a delightful dessert! If pumpkin pie is your quintessential holiday treat, you absolutely don’t have to forgo it. Instead, bake a perfectly sized Small Pumpkin Pie, complete with a homemade small pie crust, or opt for charming mini pumpkin pies. For those who love the creamy filling more than the crust (my personal preference!), my Eggless Pumpkin Pie offers all the flavor without the fuss.

If pie isn’t quite what you’re craving, explore other pumpkin-infused delights like my festive Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes or a charming Small Pumpkin Cake. Cheesecake is also a popular choice for Thanksgiving dessert. Indulge in a 6-inch mini pumpkin cheesecake or a classic 6-inch cheesecake recipe for a rich and creamy finish.

Not a fan of pumpkin? Apples make an excellent alternative. Consider a delicious mini apple pie or a comforting apple crisp for two. And of course, for many, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a traditional Small Pecan Pie. With these scaled-down options, you can enjoy a perfect sweet ending without a mountain of dessert leftovers.

What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers (Even Small Ones!)

Even with carefully scaled-down recipes, you might find yourself with a few delightful leftovers from your mini feast. The good news is that these small amounts are perfect for creating exciting new dishes without the feeling of repetitive meals.

• Transform any leftover chicken or turkey into a comforting chicken pot pie for two. It’s a wonderfully cozy meal for the day after.
• Got some cranberry sauce left? Use it to whip up a super easy and impressive cranberry baked brie, perfect for a post-Thanksgiving snack or appetizer.
• If you have fresh cranberries remaining in the bag, don’t let them go to waste! Incorporate them into a delightful Cranberry Apple Crisp for another tasty dessert.

Originally published on November 16, 2017