Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Thanksgiving
  3. Thanksgiving Dinner Menus
  4. 16 Recipes Perfect For a Small Thanksgiving Gathering

16 Recipes Perfect For a Small Thanksgiving Gathering

Karla Walsh Headshot
By Karla Walsh Updated October 21, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Cinnamon Roll Sweet Potato Pie
Credit: Blaine Moats
A feast fit for just a few? Yes, it exists! Just because you're cooking for a smaller crowd doesn't mean you can't serve up a classic Thanksgiving meal to remember. These recipes will help make your small Thanksgiving dinner an intimate affair, but you'll still have some tasty leftovers to dig into the next day.
Start Slideshow

1 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gluten-Free Greek Turkey Breast

Gluten Free Greek Turkey Breast
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you don't want the friends at your small Thanksgiving dinner to miss out on the turkey experience, try serving a turkey breast instead of an entire bird. This Greek-inspired recipe will fit right on your classic Thanksgiving menu, but it only serves six so you won't be overwhelmed with leftovers if you're cooking for just a few. This turkey breast recipe is impressive for a crowd—but in a more reasonable portion size for a small Thanksgiving menu.

1 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stuffed Turkey Tenderloins with Cherries and Pancetta

Stuffed Turkey Tenderloins with Cherries and Pancetta
Credit: Karla Conrad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is the ultimate small Thanksgiving entree recipe, no bones about it. Literally! With the smaller size and boneless nature of turkey tenderloins, you can have your six-serving centerpiece on the table in a fraction of the time (just about an hour). The cherry-sage couscous stuffing and pancetta topping elevate this main dish to gourmet territory.

2 of 16

3 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Charcuterie Board

charcuterie board with vegan cheese, meats, fruits, and nuts
Credit: Katlyn Moncada

Hosting guests with different dietary needs doesn't have to be stressful. Assemble this vegan charcuterie board using fresh fruit, pickles, vegan cheeses, and plant-based meats. Everyone can pick what they want! Add crackers or crusty bread to round out this easy Thanksgiving appetizer.

Test Kitchen Tip: Use small ramekins ($2, Target) to separate things like olives, pickles, and jams.

3 of 16

Advertisement

4 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Wild Rice Casserole

Cheesy Wild Rice Casserole with Wood spoon
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

So creamy, tasty, and easy to make! This delicious side dish can be assembled and refrigerated up to two hours before baking, then just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. The vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe will make meat-lovers and vegetarians happy when it makes its debut at dinner. And leftovers the next day will be just as good!

4 of 16

5 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sticky Roasted Carrots with Citrus

Sticky Roasted Carrots with Citrus
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Every Thanksgiving dinner needs vegetable side-dishes, and this serves-four carrot recipe will make a great addition to your table. (Not to mention it calls for just 15 minutes of prep time!) With a sweet-spicy punch from honey and chiles de arbol, plus the refreshing kick of citrus, everyone will be asking for seconds.

5 of 16

6 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Buttered Stuffing with Mushrooms

Buttered Stuffing with Mushrooms
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this buttery, herb-scented small Thanksgiving recipe, reheat the next day and put an egg on it for brunch. It's the perfect addition to your small Thanksgiving gathering menu.

Test Kitchen Tip: Don’t have—or don’t prefer to use—white wine for this stuffing recipe? Simply trade in an equal amount of broth.

6 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Anything Green Chopped Salad

the anything green chopped salad in bowl
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a great idea for holiday potlucks: Prep cut-up vegetables separately in resealable bags, then unpack them on a platter just before serving. We're always looking for ways to make our holiday meal prep easier, so this salad is a surefire winner. It's also a tasty and pretty dish to bring if you're attending a Thanksgiving potluck this year!

7 of 16

8 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Parmesan Rosettes

Parmesan Rosettes rolls
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These rolls are so easy to make, you can bake them right before dinner. Or give yourself some extra time for last-minute preparation by baking and freezing them ahead of time. No matter which route you choose, these semi-homemade buttery, cheesy rolls are definitely deserving of a spot at your Thanksgiving table, even if you're making a small meal.

8 of 16

9 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pressure Cooker Mac and Four Cheeses

Pressure Cooker Mac and Four Cheeses
Credit: Jacob Fox
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Save precious oven real estate and time, and still savor a side of cheesy mac. This reasonably-portioned side dish is your solution! It calls for four kinds of cheese (cheddar, gouda, Parmesan, and Swiss) and zero oven room since it practically preps itself in the pressure cooker.

Buy It: 8qt Digital Multi-Cooker, ($40, Best Buy)

9 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mushroom Salad with Soy Vinaigrette

mushroom spinach salad with soy vinaigrette dressing
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you're looking for a pretty salad to round out your small Thanksgiving dinner menu, try this spinach combo with its Asian-inspired sesame-soy dressing. It'll also bring some unexpected umami to your classic Thanksgiving gathering, thanks a full pound of sliced mushrooms (AKA a quarter pound per person) in the mix of veggies. Toss together this salad just before your turkey comes out of the oven so it hits your table at the peak of freshness.

Buy It: Mercer Denim Round Platter, ($25, Crate & Barrel)

10 of 16

11 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkin Soup with Lentils

Pumpkin Soup with Lentils
Credit: Andy Lyons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You don't have to wait until dessert for pumpkin recipes to make an appearance at Thanksgiving. Savory golden-orange soup is a festive first course, especially when you warm things up with a complex mix of seasonings including curry powder, cumin, fresh ginger, and freshly-grated nutmeg. Chicken broth and olive oil add body to the soup's flavor, while canned pumpkin keeps it smooth and creamy.

11 of 16

12 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bulgur-Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash

Bulgur-Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This hearty vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe serves four and calls for just two acorn squashes. Fill the roasted halves with a seasonal blend of bulgur wheat, tart dried cherries, and toasted hazelnuts. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of orange juice.

12 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cinnamon Roll Sweet Potato Pie

Cinnamon Roll Sweet Potato Pie
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Put extra sweet potatoes to brilliant use in this eye-catching Thanksgiving pie recipe that feeds eight. (Or likely, a few less, if it’s at our house.) The cinnamon roll topping looks intricate and impressive but is actually a cinch to recreate. Brush one refrigerated pie crust with melted butter, dust with cinnamon-sugar, and roll into a spiral. Slice rounds and you have stunning “shingles” to layer atop your small Thanksgiving dessert.

13 of 16

14 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apple-Cranberry Pie

Apple-Cranberry Pie
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Don't choose just one fruit to be the star of your Thanksgiving pie—choose two! Apples and cranberries nestled in a flaky piecrust are an unbeatable pairing, and a great finish to any small Thanksgiving dinner. Opt for a sturdy, tart apple variety such as Granny Smith to play nicely with the sweet-tart cranberries.

14 of 16

15 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramelized Pear Skillet Cake

Caramelized Pear Skillet Cake
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you want to take a break from Thanksgiving pie, this skillet cake is the tastiest substitute you'll find. While it serves 10, we think the cast-iron recipe is the ideal dessert for a small Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving celebration. Everyone will be anxious to enjoy round two of the caramel-bourbon sauce-topped treat for brunch the next day!

15 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bourbon Stout Cocktail

Bourbon-Stout Cocktail
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Round out your small family Thanksgiving menu with a creamy bourbon-based cocktail. Finish the fall cocktail with sweet chocolate stout, vanilla, and milk. As one reviewer shared, the drink makes "a great dessert beverage".

16 of 16

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Karla Walsh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 16 Gluten-Free Greek Turkey Breast
    2 of 16 Stuffed Turkey Tenderloins with Cherries and Pancetta
    3 of 16 Vegan Charcuterie Board
    4 of 16 Cheesy Wild Rice Casserole
    5 of 16 Sticky Roasted Carrots with Citrus
    6 of 16 Buttered Stuffing with Mushrooms
    7 of 16 The Anything Green Chopped Salad
    8 of 16 Parmesan Rosettes
    9 of 16 Pressure Cooker Mac and Four Cheeses
    10 of 16 Mushroom Salad with Soy Vinaigrette
    11 of 16 Pumpkin Soup with Lentils
    12 of 16 Bulgur-Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash
    13 of 16 Cinnamon Roll Sweet Potato Pie
    14 of 16 Apple-Cranberry Pie
    15 of 16 Caramelized Pear Skillet Cake
    16 of 16 Bourbon Stout Cocktail

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    16 Recipes Perfect For a Small Thanksgiving Gathering
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.