Because most traditional Thanksgiving recipes are designed with large gatherings in mind, finding a suitable recipe for Thanksgiving meals for one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack (or a cinnamon stick in a pile of autumn leaves!).
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the volumes of roasted turkey, green bean casseroles, and pumpkin pies, all of which are generally portioned for a party of eight or more. But don't despair—you can whip up a Thanksgiving meal for one that’s fit for a festive celebration. It’s simpler than you might think and, with a few adjustments to traditional recipes and portion sizes, you can enjoy all the classic Thanksgiving favorites without the stress or waste of cooking for a crowd.
Thanksgiving Dinner for One: 3 Celebration-Worthy Recipes
Spending Thanksgiving alone isn't everyone's idea of a good time, but sometimes it's just the reality. Whether you're living on your own, studying abroad, or simply can't make it home for the holiday, there's no need to feel left out of the festivities. Whatever your situation, Thanksgiving can always be a vibrant and festive celebration.
In fact, preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for one person can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With a little creativity, you can make a delicious feast for yourself (and maybe even have leftovers for the next day)! Below, we'll share some easy Thanksgiving for one ideas that are fit for the celebration.
1. Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sandwich
Who says you need a whole turkey to have a Thanksgiving dinner? With just a few ingredients, you can create a memorable meal that will satisfy your cravings and bring the spirit of Thanksgiving to your table. This recipe uses just slices of oven-roasted turkey, making it perfect for one person. The cranberry sauce adds a festive touch, complementing the savory flavors of the turkey.
- Start by preheating a skillet over medium heat. Take the buns and slice them open, then spread a thin layer of butter on the inside of each bun.
- Place the buns, buttered side down, in the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- Take one toasted bun and spread about 1 tablespoon of mayo on the bottom half. Place a few lettuce leaves on top of the mayo, followed by the turkey slices. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey slices and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top. Enjoy immediately.
2. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Soup with Smoked Ham
The comforting warmth of this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy solo dinner on a chilly autumn evening. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is perfectly complemented by the earthy nuttiness of the chickpeas. The depth of flavor from the smoky ham, on the other hand, adds a savory twist, creating a satisfying meal.
- 2 big cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup of Buddig Premium Deli Smoked Ham, chopped
- ¼ onion, peeled and chopped
- 7.5g olive oil
- 350g cooked sweet potato, cubed
- 90g canned chickpeas, drained
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- a pinch of salt
- a pinch of cayenne pepper
- In a large saucepan, combine the garlic, onion, and olive oil with a splash of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Immediately, reduce the heat and cook for about 5 minutes until the water has evaporated and the garlic has become very soft.
- Add the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, thyme, turmeric, salt, and cayenne pepper, and about 200ml of water. Bring this to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sweet potato softens even more. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- After letting the mixture cool slightly, use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth. (Alternatively, you can transfer the soup mixture into a stand blender.) Return the pureed soup to the saucepan. If the consistency is too thick, you can adjust it by adding a little extra water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired thickness is reached. Add the chopped smoked ham, then heat the soup until it is boiling.
- Transfer the soup into a bowl. Add freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick.
3. Fall Harvest Salad with Black Forest Turkey
Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, this seasonal salad combines market greens, tangy pomegranate seeds, sweet persimmon wedges, and Black Forest Turkey for a delicious twist. Quick and easy to put together, it's the ideal accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner for one or any other occasion where you crave a refreshing and wholesome dish.
- 4 cups of market greens (kale, arugula, etc.)
- 2 tbsp candied walnuts
- 4 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- ½ persimmon, sliced into wedges
- 2 oz or ¼ pack of 8 oz Buddig Black Forest Turkey, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt and pepper
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, garlic, adding salt and pepper to taste. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the bowl while whisking constantly, until the mixture is well blended and emulsified. Set aside.
- In a large serving bowl, place the mixed greens. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
- Add the thinly sliced persimmons, pomegranate seeds, chopped nuts, and chopped Buddig Black Forest Turkey to the bowl.
- Toss all the ingredients together until well combined, making sure each component is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Party for One? Create a Memorable Solo Thanksgiving Experience with Buddig
Remember, you're never truly alone on this special day, because Buddig has got your back. With Buddig, you can easily create a Thanksgiving dinner for one that fits your needs, while still enjoying the traditional flavors and warmth of the holiday.
So, get creative and try out these Thanksgiving for one recipes from Buddig to make this Thanksgiving uniquely yours! With Buddig, every celebration is a feast of joy and flavor, and Thanksgiving is certainly no exception.
Ready to get cooking? Find the nearest Buddig retailer near you with our handy store locator.