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Home » Recipes » Thanksgiving

Last Updated: Oct 13, 2022 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas For 2

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Thanksgiving menu ideas for serving 2 pin with text title and collage image of four recipes.

These Thanksgiving menu ideas for 2 are just what you need to serve an epic yet intimate holiday dinner between you and your loved one. Appetizers, entrees, side dishes, and dessert, this list has it all! Plus, these recipes are simple so you can spend your time with each other instead of in the kitchen!

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes For 2

If it's just you and a loved one this holiday season, that doesn't mean you shouldn't indulge! These incredible recipes are perfect for serving you and another an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner.

Appetizers, side dishes, entrees, and desserts, this list has them all. You can have an epic Thanksgiving meal even though it's just the two of you!

Best Thanksgiving menu ideas for 2 with an assortment of recipes to serve a small meal.
Jump to:
  • Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes For 2
  • Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes For Serving 2 People
  • 1. Air Fryer Turkey Breast
  • 2. Air Fryer Cornish Hens
  • 3. Roasted Quail
  • 4. Classic Turkey Gravy
  • 5. Microwave Acorn Squash
  • 6. Sour Cream Cornbread
  • 7. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • 8. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • 9. Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes
  • 10. Sauteed Green Beans
  • 11. Microwave Carrots
  • 12. Easy Stuffing
  • 13. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
  • 14. Creamy Yellow Squash Soup
  • 15. Pumpkin Dump Cake
  • 16. Baked Apples
  • 17. Pumpkin Flan
  • 🦃 More Thanksgiving Menus
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • Thanksgiving Menu Ideas For 2: Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (+ More Great Recipes!)
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

Whether you're a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you're sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don't forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early, too!

Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes For Serving 2 People

If you don't have big plans for the holidays this year, that is perfectly fine. You can still celebrate at home with these amazing Thanksgiving recipes!

1. Air Fryer Turkey Breast

An air fryer turkey breast is a great alternative to a full turkey. This recipe is so much quicker and takes half the effort!

The air fryer still gives it crispy skin while keeping the inside moist and juicy.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air fryer turkey breast is an easy, meaty main dish that's equally suited for a fabulous family meal as it is a holiday gathering. Perfectly tender and superbly moist turkey is practically effortless whether you're using bone-in turkey breast or boneless turkey breast. This recipe is quick, delicious, and ridiculously simple!
Check out this recipe
Closeup on the air fryer turkey breast sliced and served on wooden cutting board.

2. Air Fryer Cornish Hens

You can also ditch turkey all together and try these air fryer Cornish hens! In fact, one Cornish hen is plenty for 2 people to share.

You only need 4 ingredients and about 30 minutes to throw these together. That means you can enjoy your time with each other!

Air Fryer Cornish Hen
This air fryer Cornish hen is not only supremely easy to make with delightfully crisp results but also a fun dinner for two! Serve it up 'just because' on any occasion - the size of the bird means that all of that juicy, tasty meat has superb portions of crispy skin with it in each bite! It's perfect for an easy everyday meal or a special occasion!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of the air fryer Cornish hen on baking sheet.

3. Roasted Quail

Another great main course idea is roasted quail! They are special and elegant, and each person can get their own quail.

Other than the birds, you only need oil and poultry seasoning. It's so much better than slaving over a turkey.

Roasted Quail
Roasted quail is an incredibly easy and utterly delicious dinner! If you're a hunter or meat aficionado, this is definitely a recipe you'll love to make! This small bird is juicy, flavorful, and so easy to prepare! If you've never tried roasted quail, now is the time!
Check out this recipe
Square image of roasted quail in a cast iron pan with parsley.

4. Classic Turkey Gravy

Turkey gravy is incredibly easy to make. It is delicious with any poultry, so no need to worry if you aren't serving turkey. You can buy the giblets on their own at most grocers.

Classic Turkey Gravy
Classic turkey gravy is made using roasted turkey drippings and slowly simmered turkey neck and giblets for a flavorful gravy! It is rich, creamy, and amazingly smooth. This super easy gravy takes just minutes to prepare and you'll be so thankful you skipped the store-bought version!
Check out this recipe
Turkey gravy being ladled out of a white dish.

5. Microwave Acorn Squash

This acorn squash is a quick and easy side dish that is full of fall flavor! Top them with brown sugar and butter and you'll be in heaven.

Though it sounds super sweet, the squash itself is somewhat savory. It's the perfect balance!

Microwave Acorn Squash
This easy Microwave Acorn Squash cooking method yields perfectly tender acorn squash in no time at all! Load up your favorite fillings like the comfort food classic combination of butter and brown sugar for a super quick vegetable side that everyone loves!
Check out this recipe
Perfectly cooked microwave acorn squash filled with butter and brown sugar.

6. Sour Cream Cornbread

This simple cornbread recipe is made even better by the addition of sour cream! The edges get a lovely golden brown, while inside each muffin is crumbly and moist.

It's the perfect cornbread recipe for sharing with someone you love.

Sour Cream Cornbread
Sour cream cornbread is a delicious and super moist side dish perfect for sharing with the family on any occasion! Once you make this homemade cornbread with sour cream, you will never want to use a cornbread mix again! The crispy golden edges and soft buttery center in this cornbread will have everyone wanting seconds!
Check out this recipe
Square image of sour cream cornbread on a blue plate with a pat of butter.

7. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Your Instant Pot can make creamy mashed potatoes in half the time! This recipe only calls for 5 ingredients, and the potatoes are incredible.

It takes less than 30 minutes to make decadent potatoes that are just waiting for some turkey and gravy!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot mashed potatoes only use 5 ingredients to make some rich and creamy potatoes with minimal effort. They’ll be your easiest side dish yet, making them perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. Using your pressure cooker also means that your stove top is free to whip up any other dish you like!
Check out this recipe
Easy Instant Pot mashed potatoes served in a bowl and topped with melting butter.

8. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are another easy side dish. They don't require much in the way of seasoning to dress them up.

A little butter, or some cinnamon, whichever you prefer!

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect sweet side dish to accompany all of your favorite holiday meals! They are creamy, rich, and have just the right amount of added sweetness to make them completely irresistible! This is going to become your new favorite sweet potato side dish!
Check out this recipe
Square image of mashed sweet potatoes in a white bowl.

9. Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes

Even quicker than mashing sweet potatoes is baking them in the microwave! You can make them sweet with brown sugar and cinnamon, or keep them simple with butter and salt & pepper.

They are easily customizable! You can even build your own sweet potatoes so they are just how you like it.

Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes
Microwave baked sweet potatoes are a fast and easy way to make a healthy and delicious vegetable side dish for any main course! Sweet potatoes are extremely versatile, you can serve them sweet, savory, or plain with a slice of butter! By microwaving sweet potatoes, you will save so much time in the kitchen and won't have to turn the oven on!
Check out this recipe
Square image microwave baked sweet potatoes.

10. Sauteed Green Beans

Opt for sauteed green beans in place of green bean casserole. They are quick, easy, and flavorful.

Not to mention, this side dish is healthy! It's nice to add some lighter options to a heavy Thanksgiving dinner.

Sauteed Green Beans
These sauteed green beans are simple, easy, and delicious and make a flavorful, healthy side dish in a snap! This simple recipe requires fresh green beans, but no blanching is required, and you will have perfectly tender-crisp green beans every time! They are perfect for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
Square image of sauteed green beans in a serving dish with Parmesan cheese sprinkled over.

11. Microwave Carrots

You can make perfectly fork-tender carrots in the microwave taste just as good as those made in the oven. If you don't tell them they were made in the microwave, no one but you would know!

All it takes is 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to make!

Microwave Carrots
These microwave carrots are so quick and simple, and they are also some of the tastiest steamed carrots you'll ever enjoy. With only a splash of water and a few minutes of cooking time, this has to be the best way to get a veggie side dish on the table in no time at all. Serve up some microwave carrots at the holiday dinner table and everyone will be none the wiser.
Check out this recipe
Large square overhead of microwave carrots with parsley garnish.

12. Easy Stuffing

Use your favorite pre-made stuffing cubes to whip up a quick and flavorful thanksgiving side dish! This classic stuffing only requires a handful of simple ingredients.

You will definitely have leftovers, but that's one of the best parts of Thanksgiving!

Easy Stuffing Recipe
My easy stuffing recipe is a cornerstone for Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and tasty family dinners all year. Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes are combined with tasty herbs to complement all your favorite dishes. It only takes minutes to prep this classic Thanksgiving side dish staple that the whole family loves.
A single serving of this recipe is baked in an 8x8 dish and yields 10 side servings, or 6-8 heartier portions. It's also easy to 2x or 3x this recipe for larger gatherings.
Check out this recipe
Easy stuffing with tasty herbs served in glass dish with serving spoon.

13. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is elegant and delicious! The hardest part is delicately wrapping strips of bacon around the stalks (and it is not very difficult).

Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Everything tastes better with crispy, salty bacon, and this baked bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe proves it! These bacon-wrapped spears of asparagus make a wonderful gourmet appetizer or side dish with very little fuss!
Check out this recipe
Delicious baked bacon wrapped asparagus spears on metal tray.

14. Creamy Yellow Squash Soup

Creamy summer squash soup makes a tasty fall appetizer! It only takes about 30 minutes to make, and you can have it ready in advance. Just reheat it when you need it!

It's also fairly light, so you will still have plenty of room for dinner.

Creamy Yellow Squash Soup
Creamy yellow squash soup is an incredible side dish or appetizer that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes! It can be gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly. This soup is perfect for fall and makes a fun and festive addition to any Thanksgiving menu!
Check out this recipe
Square image of creamy yellow squash soup in a white bowl.

15. Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin pie filling and spiced cake mix from a box make for one tasty dessert! In fact, you may even prefer this recipe to pumpkin pie.

You will definitely have leftovers, but it's so easy to make that you won't mind.

Pumpkin Dump Cake
This pumpkin dump cake uses spice cake mix for an extra effortless yet extraordinarily delicious fall dessert! It features both pumpkin puree and homemade pumpkin pie spice for a truly warming flavor! As an added bonus, it is completely beginner-friendly, so anyone can make it!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of a slice of pumpkin dump cake on a white plate.

16. Baked Apples

Baked apples are a fabulous fall dessert. Plus, you can make exactly the number you need!

These apples are soft and tender with plenty of flavor from cinnamon and brown sugar. Top them off with ice cream for a heavenly treat!

Baked Apples
Baked apples are a classic and easy comforting dessert that only requires a couple of minutes of prep time! They are packed with a combination of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a truly delicious treat. Eat them by themselves or top them with a scoop of ice cream for some extra sweetness!
Check out this recipe
Square image of baked apples.

17. Pumpkin Flan

This smooth and creamy custard dessert is loaded with pumpkin pie filling! It's a great alternative to pie that will serve a smaller number of people.

Did I mention it is coated in a homemade caramel sauce? Yum!

Pumpkin Flan
This pumpkin flan is rich, creamy, silky, and loaded with all of your favorite warm and cozy autumn flavors! It is a wonderful seasonal twist on this classic custard dessert. Coated in a decadent homemade caramel sauce, what more could you want?
Check out this recipe
Square overhead image of pumpkin flan.

I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving dinner with your loved one. Let me know in the comments below if you tried any of these Thanksgiving menu ideas for 2!

🦃 More Thanksgiving Menus

  • Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for 4 - The perfect holiday dinner menu for small families and intimate get-togethers.
  • Elegant Thanksgiving Menu Ideas - If you want to impress this year, try these gourmet Thanksgiving recipes!
  • Midwestern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas - Classic holiday recipes from the Midwestern states that are perfect for sharing!
  • Buffet Thanksgiving Menu Ideas - Let your guests serve themselves with these fabulous crowd-pleasing recipes!
  • Budget Thanksgiving Menu Ideas - These recipes have all the flavor for half the price!
  • Last Minute Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes - If you don't want to come empty handed last minute, try bringing one of these quick dishes!

See more Thanksgiving →

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5 from 3 reviews

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas For 2: Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (+ More Great Recipes!)

These Thanksgiving menu ideas for 2 are just what you need to serve an epic yet intimate holiday dinner between you and your loved one. Appetizers, entrees, side dishes, and dessert, this list has it all! Plus, these recipes are simple so you can spend your time with each other instead of in the kitchen!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 196kcal
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cooking 18 minutes minutes
Total Time 28 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 12 slices bacon (use normal bacon, not thick-cut slices)
  • 24 stalks asparagus (approximately 1 bundle or 10 ounces - washed and ends trimmed)
  • ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spray a wire cooling rack with non-stick cooking spray and place it on your prepared baking sheet.
  • Cut each of your bacon strips in half lengthwise so that you have nice, thin strips to wind around the asparagus spears.
  • Hold the end of your asparagus and wrap with bacon, winding down toward the tip of the spear. Place with the ends facing downward on your wire cooling rack. Repeat until all of the asparagus has been wrapped in bacon.
  • Season with salt and pepper then bake at 400°F (205°C) for 10-12 minutes. Turn each piece of asparagus using tongs, then continue cooking for 5-6 minutes.
  • Set the oven to broil on high to finish the bacon wrapped asparagus spears. Heat for 1-2 minutes then remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Wrap strategically. Slightly overlap the bacon as you wrap it down each spear. When cooked, the bacon will shrink and make an attractive pattern.
  • Prep asparagus. Remember to rinse your asparagus to eliminate sand or dirt before you get started. Trim off the bottom end of each stalk where the green begins to fade. You can also use a peeler to remove any tough, woody outer skin as needed.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal (10%) | Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) | Protein: 7g (14%) | Fat: 18g (28%) | Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg (10%) | Sodium: 389mg (17%) | Potassium: 216mg (6%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 500IU (10%) | Vitamin C: 4mg (5%) | Calcium: 18mg (2%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Side Dish, vegetable side dish
Cuisine American
« Mexican Torta
What Are Capers »

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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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