Thanksgiving for Two (or a Few!)

I have a small family of two, so I totally get how preparing a full-on Thanksgiving feast can feel like a lot. When it’s just Chris and me, the last thing we want is to spend all day in the kitchen, only to end up with a mountain of leftovers (and more dishes than anyone wants to wash!).

But over the years, I’ve learned that you don’t need a crowd to make Thanksgiving feel special!

Whether you’re cooking for two, hosting a few close friends, or treating yourself to something cozy, these recipes make it easy to enjoy your Thanksgiving favorites on a smaller scale, no roasted turkey required.

Small Thanksgiving Meal Ideas You’ll Love

A whole Thanksgiving chicken and potatoes are served atop of a large white platter that sits atop a muted red table cloth. A carving fork & knife rest atop the platter and the platter is surrounded by purple florals, a purple linen napkin, two amber colored drinking glasses, and a white gravy boat filled with chicken gravy.

Thanksgiving Chicken & Gravy

Thanksgiving Chicken and Gravy is the perfect alternative to Thanksgiving turkey! Season a whole chicken with herb butter, baste it with savory oil, then roast it over potatoes until juicy, beautifully golden brown, and seriously crispy. Make a creamy chicken gravy with the roasted drippings and serve alongside all of your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes – no one will even miss the turkey!

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An overhead shot of three thanksgiving meatballs served atop mashed potatoes with gravy on a speckled ceramic plate that sits atop a creamy white textured surface. One of the turkey meatballs have been cut in half to reveal an inside core of stovetop stuffing inside. The meatballs have been drizzled with gravy and garnished with fresh chopped herbs.

Thanksgiving Meatballs (Turkey Stuffing Meatballs & Gravy)

These Thanksgiving Meatballs taste just like a classic turkey dinner, but in meatball form! Season ground turkey with festive sage, thyme, rosemary, and garlic, then shape into balls around classic Stovetop stuffing. Bake the turkey stuffing meatballs, finish them in rich turkey gravy, and serve on creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal!

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A side shot of a baked crispy stuffing muffin sitting atop a muffin tin full of other stuffing muffins on a cooling rack.

Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins aka, Stuffins!

The hit of your next holiday dinner – Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins, aka stuffins! 🥰 Made in just 45 minutes with hearty sourdough bread, fresh herbs, garlic, and parmesan cheese, these cuties pack all the classic flavors of Thanksgiving stuffing but are baked in a muffin pan for perfect, individual portions. Each is deliciously crispy on the outside with a soft, tender center. All that’s missing is a big spoonful of gravy!

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Prosciutto-wrapped green bean bundles arranged on a white serving platter and topped with creamy mushroom sauce and french fried onions. The serving platter sits atop a creamy white plaster surface and light gray linen napkin is tucked underneath the platter.

Prosciutto Wrapped Green Bean Casserole Bundles with Crispy Onions

The traditional Thanksgiving side dish reimagined – Individual Green Bean Casserole Bundles! Fresh green beans wrapped with prosciutto, roasted to tender-crisp perfection, and smothered in a scratch-made creamy mushroom sauce. Topped off with a sprinkling of crispy fried onions for a casserole-inspired finishing touch, these bundles have all of the flavors and textures you expect out of Thanksgiving green beans…but they’re even more delicious!

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A close up shot of five twice baked sweet potatoes with streusel topping are arranged atop a white oval serving platter. The platter sits atop a white and gray marble surface surrounded a small white scalloped pinch bowl filled with chopped pecans and walnuts, loose sprigs of fresh herbs, and a light cream colored linen napkin.

Twice Baked Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel Topping

A classic reinvented! These Streuseled Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are an individually portioned take on classic Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole. Stuff crispy baked sweet potato peels with an extra-creamy sweet potato casserole-inspired filling, top with nutty brown sugar streusel, and bake until golden. Each twice baked sweet potato is subtly sweet & beautifully creamy with an irresistible crunch – total texture heaven!

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An overhead shot of roasted caramelized carrots topped with thyme leaves on a white plate atop a white marbled surface.

Seriously Caramelized Roasted Carrots (Never Mushy!)

These Seriously Caramelized Roasted Carrots are the best oven-roasted carrots you’ll ever eat! The secret is a roll cut (aka oblique cut) that creates irresistibly golden edges and tender bites – never mushy. Top it all off with a honey-thyme brown butter drizzle, and you’ve got a side dish that’s as simple as it is impressive. With just 6 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, this easy recipe is perfect for any special occasion!

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Parmesan Crusted Roasted Delicata Squash arranged on a creamy white serving platter with a dark brown rim. Two forks rest on one side of the platter and the platter sits atop a gray and white striped linen napkin.

Parmesan Crusted Roasted Delicata Squash

Roasted delicata squash is one of my favorite flavors of fall – it’s tender, sweet, and pairs perfectly with savory flavors! This easy Parmesan Crusted Roasted Delicata Squash tops sliced delicata squash with a flavorful and crispy coating of parmesan, fresh herbs, garlic, and panko breadcrumbs. Roasted until the squash is tender and the topping is crispy and fragrant, this is the perfect savory roasted delicata recipe.

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A side shot of five glazed oatmeal cookies stacked on a drying rack on a tan surface. Two of the cookies have a piece broken off, showing the interior texture.

Thick and Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Chai Glaze

Kick off baking season with Thick and Chewy Chai Oatmeal Cookies! Old fashioned oatmeal cookies infused with rich, nutty brown butter and warm masala chai-inspired spices for extra-cozy flavor. Bake them into thick cookies with crisp edges and a perfectly chewy center, then ice with a sweet chai maple glaze.

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