Dinner for one Three menus
Thanksgiving Dinner for One: Three Menus, Your Choice
Pick a table. Tick off the shopping. Copy or print the list you actually need.
Read the full guide: Thanksgiving for One: A Feast Exactly as You Like It
Menu 1 of 3
The Little Classic
A traditional Thanksgiving plate for one generous dinner, plus planned turkey leftovers: roast turkey breast tenderloin, sage-and-celery stuffing, green beans, pan gravy, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
Dinner tonight, plus planned turkey leftovers
Shopping preview. Ingredient names only. Quantities, recipes and timings appear here once they have been kitchen-tested and reviewed.
The shopping list
Menu 2 of 3
The Pick-Up Feast
The holiday without the kitchen marathon. Start with a ready-made dinner, then make it feel like an occasion. Choose one source, rather than hunting down six unrelated holiday ingredients.
Shopping preview. Ingredient names only. Quantities, recipes and timings appear here once they have been kitchen-tested and reviewed.
Getting it
Prepared-food counter: look for a holiday dinner, a smaller prepared package, or individual portions. Order and pickup times vary by store and year; check the merchant directly.
Restaurant takeout: a restaurant serving Thanksgiving dinner may offer the most credible single serving. Verify holiday service, advance-order rules and pickup times.
Freezer aisle: a single-serving frozen turkey dinner is a straightforward option. Follow the package directions and add a fresh side or bakery dessert if desired.
The shopping list
Making it an occasion
Before purchase, check serving sizes, refrigeration requirements, use-by dates, allergens, cooking status, and heating directions.
Coordinate heating based on the actual selected packages rather than assuming a universal 15-minute timeline.
Serve on a proper plate and enjoy the meal as a celebration, not a collection of containers.
Menu 3 of 3
The Glorious Indulgence
A restaurant-worthy dinner for one, with no obligation to put turkey on the plate. Proposed menu: pan-seared steak, buttery mashed potato, garlicky green beans and one excellent bakery dessert.
Shopping preview. Ingredient names only. Quantities, recipes and timings appear here once they have been kitchen-tested and reviewed.