Inside: Top ideas for when you are having a small Thanksgiving dinner
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean a huge spread with a table full of distant relatives. Sometimes, a smaller, more intimate gathering brings out the warmth and joy of the holiday even more!
If you’re planning a cozy Thanksgiving dinner with just a few loved ones (or even a solo celebration for some relaxing me-time), I’ve got you covered. Here are some fantastic small Thanksgiving dinner ideas that keep all the comfort food vibes without the marathon cooking session.
Small Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas: Comfort Food for the Holiday
Planning a Cozy Thanksgiving Dinner
Let’s start by ditching the stress of big-scale cooking! Small Thanksgiving dinners are all about easy-to-make, comforting dishes that taste like pure love and gratitude. Instead of a massive turkey that’ll leave you eating leftovers until New Year’s, opt for more manageable dishes that are simple to prepare but packed with flavor. Here are a few recipe ideas that keep things relaxed and delicious.
Before we get into the cooking, check out my guide to creating a warm atmosphere in your home with cozy fall decor!
1. Personalized Roasted Turkey Breasts
One of the best parts of a smaller Thanksgiving is that you don’t need a massive bird. Instead, go for turkey breasts or thighs, which are just as delicious but much quicker to cook! Season them with a mixture of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a sprinkle of paprika for color. Roast in the oven until golden and juicy, and you’ve got yourself a perfect mini turkey feast.
If you want a more in-depth step-by-step, this is my favorite turkey recipe!
Tip: If you’re cooking for just one or two, you can even try a Cornish hen for that beautiful, festive feel without the leftovers pileup!
2. Stuffing Muffins: Because Everyone Loves the Crispy Bits
Okay, let’s talk stuffing—one of my absolute favorite parts of Thanksgiving. In a cozy dinner setup, try making stuffing muffins! Not only are they cute, but they also ensure that every single bite has that golden, crispy edge. Simply mix cubed bread with sautéed celery, onion, fresh herbs, and maybe even a bit of sausage for extra flavor. Then, spoon the mix into a muffin tin and bake until the tops are toasty.
These individual portions are perfect for keeping things tidy and oh-so-satisfying.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, Creamy, and So Comforting
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes! My go-to for a cozy holiday meal is garlic mashed potatoes. They’re rich, fluffy, and bring that perfect amount of savory goodness to the table. Boil Yukon Gold potatoes until they’re soft, then mash them up with butter, cream, and roasted garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and prepare to be in mashed potato heaven.
For extra flair, sprinkle a bit of parsley on top or add a dollop of sour cream. These are impossible to resist!
4. Mini Green Bean Casseroles in Ramekins
Another Thanksgiving classic, green bean casserole, gets a makeover for smaller gatherings by making them in individual ramekins! Toss green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, and top each ramekin with crispy fried onions before baking. The result is a beautiful, portion-perfect dish that’s as comforting as the original but with a fun twist.
Ramekins also mean you can get a little creative—why not add a bit of sharp cheddar for extra flavor or throw in some sautéed mushrooms?
5. Sweet Potato Rounds with Marshmallows
For a bit of sweetness, try these adorable sweet potato rounds topped with marshmallows. Slice sweet potatoes into thick rounds, roast until tender, then pop a marshmallow on top and broil for a few seconds until golden and gooey. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and they’re an absolute hit with kids (and adults with a sweet tooth!).
Not only are these rounds easy to make, but they look incredibly cute on the table too.
6. Pumpkin Pie Bars: A Twist on a Classic
If baking a whole pie feels a bit too much, why not try pumpkin pie bars? They have all the flavors of classic pumpkin pie—warm spices, creamy pumpkin filling, and a graham cracker crust—in an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve bar form. These are perfect for snacking or even enjoying as a quick breakfast treat the next day (no judgment here!).
Bonus: They freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time and just pull them out when you’re ready to serve.
Tips for the Perfect Small Thanksgiving Dinner
- Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Just because it’s a smaller Thanksgiving doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be festive. Light some candles, put on your favorite Thanksgiving playlist (I’m all about soft jazz or classic hits), and add a few seasonal touches to your table.
- Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: A small Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect time to splurge on quality ingredients. Try a fancy cheese for your stuffing, use fresh herbs, or pick up some artisanal bread to elevate your meal.
- Have Fun with Leftovers: One perk of a small Thanksgiving dinner is you won’t have too many leftovers, but you can still enjoy them creatively! Turn turkey slices into mini sandwiches, or try stuffing muffins for breakfast the next day with a poached egg on top. Yum!
Wrapping Up Your Cozy Thanksgiving
With these small Thanksgiving dinner ideas, you’ll be all set for a heartwarming, relaxed holiday meal. Remember, Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and connection. So, whether it’s a table for two, four, or a solo cozy feast, the most important part is enjoying every bite and savoring the cozy holiday vibes.
Here are some more cozy fall baking recipes to start your Thanksgiving day with!
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃✨
