21 Stress-Free Thanksgiving Recipes For Just Two People (2024)

First thing first: booze. You'll only need three ingredients (bourbon, cranberry juice, and ginger beer) to make this festive co*cktail.

Get the recipe: 3-Ingredient Cranberry Bourbon Fizz

If you don't want to make a whole casserole, these loaded sweet potatoes are a great alternative.

Get the recipe: Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Your whole menu in two sheet pans. How easy is that? For easier cleanup, line the sheet pans with foil or parchment first.

Get the recipe: Thanksgiving Dinner on Two Sheet Pans

Cooking for two on Thanksgiving doesn't mean you need to ditch turkey entirely. Instead of roasting a whole one, why not toss turkey thighs in a skillet? Faster, cheaper, and honestly — better.

Get the recipe: Skillet Turkey With Bacon and White Wine

The recipe makes for six tartlets but you can either save some for the next day or even freeze them for later.

Get the recipe: Walnut Tartlets

A great side that only requires a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time.

Get the recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots With Goat Cheese and Pistachios

You can easily halve the portions of this recipe — which requires only three ingredients (white chocolate, heavy cream, and cranberry sauce). Pro tip: make this a day ahead so the pudding has time to chill in the fridge and so you have fewer things do to on T-day.

Get the recipe: Cranberry White Chocolate Pudding

All you need to make this delicious side is 20 minutes and five ingredients – green beans, garlic, red pepper flakes, capers, and olive oil.

Get the recipe: Blistered Green Beans

If you prefer homemade cranberry sauce to the canned variety but also don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen, this is a great option. The recipe makes a ton of sauce though, so make sure to halve the quantities when you make it.

Get the recipe: 15-Minute Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce

You can still roast a whole bird even if you're not feeding a crowd – you might just need to reconsider its size. This roasted chicken with garlic and bread will make for an impressive centerpiece to your meal and it might be even more delicious than your traditional turkey.

Get the recipe: Roasted Chicken With Garlic and Bread

This rich and creamy potato dish is the perfect indulgent side.

Get the recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Served with Parmesan and a balsamic reduction, this stuffed acorn squash is the perfect Thanksgiving vegetarian main.

Get the recipe: Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Trust Ina to turn Brussels sprouts into the most delicious side.

Get the recipe: Ina Garten's Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a side, you can't go wrong with these toasts.

Get the recipe: Squash Toasts With Ricotta and Cider Vinegar

The good thing about cooking for fewer people is that you can fancy things up a bit. Instead of turkey, why not make this amazing French duck specialty?

Get the recipe: Duck Leg Confit

Between the crust and the filling, this recipe is a bit of an undertaking. But if you don't go all in for Thanksgiving dinner, when will you?

Get the recipe: Roasted Autumn Vegetable Pot Pies

This French galette is a great alternative to the traditional apple pie. The portions will be smaller but the taste just as satisfying – especially with the addition of frangipane to the recipe.

Get the recipe: Apple Frangipane Galette

Yummy AND photogenic? Sign me up!

Get the recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Roast

Did you know you could make cake by mixing ice cream with flour? Well, you can! And this recipe shows you how.

Get the recipe: Marshmallow Pumpkin Cake