Thanksgiving For Two might sound like a downgrade from the big family chaos, but honestly? It’s the dream. No screaming cousins, no mystery casserole from Aunt Linda, and best of all—you don’t have to share the good stuffing with anyone but your favorite person.
When I first tried making a Thanksgiving Dinner For Two, I thought I’d miss the whole spread. Turns out, a perfectly juicy turkey breast recipe, stuffing for 2 people, and a couple of sides are all you really need. Spoiler alert: it’s way more relaxing when your oven isn’t doing a 10-hour marathon.
This small Thanksgiving dinner for two is simple, cozy, and still leaves you with leftovers (the real holiday tradition). So whether you call it a two person Thanksgiving dinner or just an easy Thanksgiving dinner for two, you’re covered. Think of it as a mini Thanksgiving dinner without the mini satisfaction.
Small Thanksgiving Dinner for Two
EQUIPMENT (PAID LINKS)
- Large sheet pan (18 x 13 x 2 inches, or close)
- Aluminum foil
- Medium saucepan
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients Â
- 2 small to medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup unsalted butter ½ stick
- 2 garlic cloves minced (for stuffing)
- 1 small onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup chicken broth 8 ounces
- 6 ounces cubed stuffing mix about half a 12-ounce package
- 1 cup cubed cornbread optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 boneless skin-on turkey breast (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (for turkey)
- 2 garlic cloves minced (for turkey)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 6 ounces green beans about 2 cups
- 1 garlic clove thinly sliced (for green beans)
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds for topping
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil, covering bottom and sides.
- Start the Sweet Potatoes: Scrub sweet potatoes, pat dry, and cut each in half widthwise. Rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place cut-side up on one side of the pan.2 small to medium sweet potatoes, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Make the Stuffing: Melt ¼ cup butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and celery; cook until softened. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in stuffing mix, cornbread (if using), sage, parsley, and salt and pepper. Spread stuffing on the opposite side of the sheet pan, leaving a space in the middle for the turkey.¼ cup unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves, 1 small onion, 1 cup diced celery, 1 cup chicken broth, 6 ounces cubed stuffing mix, 1 cup cubed cornbread, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Season the Turkey: Pat turkey breast dry and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, sage, and thyme. Rub all over the turkey breast. Place turkey in the center of the stuffing, directly on the foil (not on top of stuffing).Salt and pepper to taste, 1 boneless, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- Roast Round One: Place sheet pan in oven and roast for 40 minutes.
- Prep the Green Beans: Toss green beans in a bowl with olive oil, sliced garlic, salt, and pepper.6 ounces green beans, 1 garlic clove
- Roast Round Two: After 40 minutes, add green beans to the center of the sheet pan. Roast for another 15–20 minutes, until potatoes and beans are tender and stuffing is golden brown.
- Check the Turkey: Make sure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (it can be removed at 160°F and rest up to 165°F). If not done, move turkey to another pan and keep roasting while covering the sides with foil to stay warm.
- Rest and Slice: Transfer turkey to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Slice as desired.
- Serve the Feast: Arrange everything on a platter for a formal look, or plate it directly. Sprinkle green beans with slivered almonds before serving.2 tablespoons slivered almonds
Turkey, Stuffing, and Zero Regrets: The Lazy Guide to Thanksgiving for 2
Don’t Fear the Boxed Stuffing
Look, I love a good from-scratch stuffing as much as the next food snob, but when it’s just a small Thanksgiving dinner for two, the boxed stuff gets the job done. Toss in some extra sautéed onion, celery, and herbs and suddenly it tastes like you spent hours slaving over it. Honestly, no one’s judging you unless they’re the kind of person who irons their napkins.
Sweet Potato Glow-Up
Sure, roasted sweet potatoes are great, but don’t be afraid to play dress-up. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or even a rogue handful of mini marshmallows if you’re feeling extra nostalgic. Half the fun of a Thanksgiving meal for two is that you don’t need to argue with ten relatives about toppings.
Turkey Breast Magic
A turkey breast recipe is already the MVP here—juicy, faster to cook, and way less stress than a whole bird. If sage and thyme aren’t your vibe, swap them for rosemary or even a little smoked paprika. Your oven doesn’t care what herbs you use, and neither will your taste buds after the second glass of wine.
Green Beans That Don’t Suck
Skip the heavy casserole and just roast those green beans with garlic and olive oil. Want to feel fancy? Toss some slivered almonds on top or sneak in a squeeze of lemon juice. This is the moment your two person Thanksgiving dinner gets its Instagram moment.
Leftovers = Tomorrow’s Brunch
Yes, even a Thanksgiving dinner for 2 people will leave you with leftovers, and that’s where the magic happens. Shred the turkey into omelets, turn stuffing into a waffle (yes, that’s a thing), or just eat sweet potatoes cold straight from the fridge. The secret joy of Thanksgiving for 2 is that you don’t have to share your leftovers with anyone.
