Thanksgiving Dinner for Two: 8 Easy Recipes (No Whole Turkey Needed)

Small Thanksgiving Dinner for Two: Turkey Thighs, Stuffing, Gravy and All the Sides An easy Thanksgiving dinner for two, with a full holiday table sized for a couple. No whole turkey and no week of leftovers: herb roasted turkey thighs, sausage and apple stuffing, make-ahead gravy, Brussels sprouts with bacon, sweet potato casserole with pecan topping, corn casserole, one-hour dinner rolls and crescent roll apple dumplings. Simple, old-fashioned Thanksgiving recipes for seniors, retirees and empty nesters celebrating at home. CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 0:17 Herb Roasted Turkey Thighs 1:48 Sausage and Apple Stuffing 2:48 Make-Ahead Gravy 3:50 Brussels Sprouts with Bacon 5:10 Sweet Potato Casserole 6:22 Corn Casserole 7:09 One-Hour Dinner Rolls 8:21 Apple Dumplings 9:24 Our Thanksgiving Table THE 8 RECIPES Herb Roasted Turkey Thighs (2 plates + a little for sandwiches) 2 bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs (about 2.5 lb together) 2 tbsp soft butter, 1 tsp dried thyme or sage, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper 1/2 onion in thick wedges + 1/2 cup chicken broth 375°F, 1 hr 15 min to 1 hr 30 min. Rest 10 min. Save the pan juices for the gravy. Sausage and Apple Stuffing (small dish) 1/2 lb pork breakfast sausage 1 small apple, 1/2 onion, 1 celery stalk, chopped 4 cups dried bread cubes + 1 cup chicken broth + 1/2 tsp sage Brown sausage, add vegetables and apple 5 min, toss with bread and broth. 375°F, 20 min covered, 20 min uncovered. Make-Ahead Gravy (about 2 cups, make the day before) 3 tbsp butter + 3 tbsp flour 2 cups chicken broth + 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning, pepper Cook butter and flour about 3 min until light golden, whisk in broth slowly, simmer 5 min. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat and whisk in the turkey pan juices. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon 3/4 lb Brussels sprouts, halved 3 slices raw bacon, chopped + 1 tbsp oil, salt, pepper 1 tsp maple syrup (optional) 375°F about 30 min on a small sheet pan, stir halfway. Maple syrup at the end. Sweet Potato Casserole (small dish) 2 medium sweet potatoes (microwave 8–10 min until soft) 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla, pinch of cinnamon and salt Topping: 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/4 cup chopped pecans 350°F about 25 min. Marshmallow family? Add them for the last 10 min instead. Corn Casserole (8x8 dish, leftovers for tomorrow) 1 small box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix 1 can creamed corn + 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg 350°F, 45–50 min until golden and set. One-Hour Dinner Rolls (6 rolls) 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F, warm on your wrist) 1 packet instant yeast + 1 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp salt, about 2 1/4 cups flour Knead 3–4 min, rest 10 min, shape 6 balls, rise 25 min. 375°F, 12–15 min. Brush with butter. Apple Dumplings (8 dumplings) 1 tart apple (like Granny Smith), cut in 8 wedges 1 can (8 oz) crescent rolls 1/4 cup butter + 1/3 cup sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda, poured around the edges 350°F, 35–40 min. Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream if you like. On the table: cranberry sauce from the can and a bottle of sparkling apple cider. Nothing to cook. FOOD SAFETY (USDA) Turkey: safe at 165°F in the thickest part. Thighs are most tender at 170–175°F. Sausage: cook until no pink remains (160°F). Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Eat within 3–4 days. WATCH NEXT 10 Cheap One-Pot Dinners for Two (Under $2 a Plate):    • 10 Cheap One-Pot Dinners for Two (Under $2...   10 Quick Skillet Dinners for Two (Ready in About 20 Minutes):    • 10 Quick Skillet Dinners for Two (Ready in...   Tell us in the comments: what dish was always on your family's Thanksgiving table? #thanksgiving #thanksgivingdinner #cookingfortwo #thanksgivingfortwo #holidayrecipes #easyrecipes #gusandjune