17 Small-Batch Thanksgiving Recipes for Small Gatherings

Not cooking for a big group? Here’s how to enjoy your favorite flavors without eating leftovers for weeks.

Published November 20, 2020

During the holiday season, every household celebrates in different ways from huge, over-the-top gatherings to smaller, more intimate get-togethers, and everything in between. Yet so many recipes are geared toward serving twelve, sixteen, or even more.

If you're hosting a smaller gathering this year—and want to avoid endless leftovers taking up precious space in the fridge—we have a solution! These small-batch Thanksgiving recipes make between four and eight portions each, meaning they’ll serve just enough for you and your guests and might even leave you with some Thanksgiving leftovers to get you through the long weekend.

Thanksgiving Turkey for a Small Crowd

Boneless skinless turkey breasts are perfect for 8 people or less. They’re super quick to prep and cook much faster than a whole bird.

Lemon-Sage Roast Turkey Breast

Poached turkey breast with cranberry gremolata by Chef Eric Greenspan

Turkey breast roulade with apple, corn bread and sausage

Thanksgiving Sides That Are Easy to Halve

These favorites will hit the spot without overdoing the servings.

Caramelized pear and pomegranate chutney

Chopped spinach & pear salad with sherry vinaigrette

Air fryer sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts

Green bean casserole with almonds

Herby Popcorn & Sourdough Stuffing

Mashed Butternut Squash with Apples

Easiest Ever Sweet Potato Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower gratin with crispy panko topping

Thanksgiving Desserts

It’s not a holiday without dessert—no matter how many people you’re serving. If you don’t want a leftover pie hanging around your home for days, try a small-scale, portion-controlled sweet that serves as few as one. You can double, triple, or halve as needed.

Pumpkin spice cheesecake-stuffed baked apples

Baked pumpkin spice doughnuts

Baked Oat & Walnut-Stuffed Apple

Mini Apple Pie Tarts

Individual Apple-Cinnamon Pies

Mini pumpkin pie cheesecakes

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Leslie Fink, MS, RD, has worked on the WW editorial team for more than 21 years. She plays a key role in food, recipe, and program content, as well as product partnerships and experiences.

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