Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Dinner for Two: A Cozy & Delicious Celebration
Thanksgiving is a holiday typically associated with large gatherings and elaborate feasts. But what if you’re celebrating with just one other person, or perhaps prefer a more intimate and manageable meal? That’s where the Thanksgiving sheet pan dinner for two comes in! This recipe offers all the classic flavors of Thanksgiving, scaled down for a smaller crowd and cooked entirely on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving celebration with this easy and satisfying recipe.
Why a Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner is Perfect for Two
* **Portion Control:** Large Thanksgiving meals often lead to excessive leftovers. This recipe provides perfectly portioned servings for two, minimizing food waste.
* **Easy Cleanup:** One pan means minimal dishes! Spend less time washing up and more time enjoying the holiday.
* **Quick Cooking:** Sheet pan dinners cook faster than traditional Thanksgiving roasts, freeing up your time for other activities.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. Swap out vegetables, adjust seasoning, or add your favorite Thanksgiving flavors.
* **Cozy and Intimate:** A smaller Thanksgiving meal creates a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a cozy celebration.
Ingredients for Your Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Dinner
This recipe is designed to serve two people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your appetite.
* **Protein:**
* 2 Bone-in Turkey Breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) *or* 2 Boneless, Skinless Turkey Breast Cutlets
* *Alternative:* 2 Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 Small Sweet Potato, peeled and cubed
* 1 Cup Brussels Sprouts, halved
* 1/2 Red Onion, cut into wedges
* 1/2 Cup Baby Carrots
* 1/2 Apple, cored and cubed (optional, adds sweetness)
* **Seasoning:**
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
* 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary
* 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* **Optional:**
* 1/4 Cup Dried Cranberries (for added sweetness and texture)
* Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Turkey Gravy (store-bought or homemade)
* Cranberry Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large Sheet Pan
* Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil (optional, for easier cleanup)
* Mixing Bowl
* Cutting Board
* Sharp Knife
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Dinner
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving meal for two.
**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. While optional, it does make the entire process easier especially for cleanup.
2. Wash and dry all vegetables. Peel the sweet potato and cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes. Halve the Brussels sprouts. Cut the red onion into wedges. If using an apple, core it and cut it into cubes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, red onion, carrots, and apple (if using) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
**Step 2: Prepare the Turkey**
1. Pat the turkey breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the oven.
2. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
**Step 3: Assemble the Sheet Pan Dinner**
1. Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Try to spread them out evenly so they cook properly.
2. Place the turkey breasts on top of the vegetables. Make sure they are not overcrowded on the pan.
3. If using dried cranberries, sprinkle them over the vegetables and turkey.
**Step 4: Bake the Sheet Pan Dinner**
1. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast.
2. If the vegetables start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the sheet pan with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
**Step 5: Rest and Serve**
1. Once the turkey is cooked through, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
2. Slice the turkey breasts and serve them with the roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides, such as turkey gravy and cranberry sauce. Store-bought options work perfectly well to keep things simple!
Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Dinner
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the sheet pan will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. Make sure everything is arranged in a single layer.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the turkey is cooked through without being dry. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the turkey breasts. Keep an eye on the dinner and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables for those listed in the recipe. Root vegetables like parsnips and carrots, or cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, work well.
* **Add Flavor with Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. Sage, marjoram, and savory are all classic Thanksgiving herbs that pair well with turkey and vegetables.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the vegetables and the turkey up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the sheet pan dinner just before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the turkey with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms. Season them with the same herbs and spices as the turkey.
* **Vegan Option:** Use tofu or portobello mushrooms as a substitute for the turkey and ensure that any gravy or sauces you use are vegan-friendly.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of any store-bought gravy or sauces to ensure they are also gluten-free.
* **Different Protein:** As mentioned earlier, chicken thighs work great as a substitute for turkey breasts. You could also use pork tenderloin.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables for a touch of heat.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Drizzle a little maple syrup over the vegetables before roasting for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
Serving Suggestions
While the sheet pan dinner provides a complete meal, you can enhance your Thanksgiving celebration with a few simple sides:
* **Gravy:** Store-bought or homemade gravy adds richness and moisture to the turkey and vegetables.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** A classic Thanksgiving staple that complements the savory flavors of the meal.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** While not cooked on the sheet pan, mashed potatoes are a beloved side dish. You can make a small batch or use instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
* **Stuffing:** If you want to include stuffing, consider making a small batch in a separate dish.
* **Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are always a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the turkey and vegetables in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy. It’s best to add a bit of water or broth if reheating in the microwave to prevent dryness. Another great option is to use an air fryer for reheating, this will help regain some of the original crispiness of the meal.
Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Dinner: Recipe Card
Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:
**Recipe Name:** Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Dinner for Two
**Yields:** 2 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 Bone-in Turkey Breasts (6-8 ounces each) or 2 Boneless, Skinless Turkey Breast Cutlets
* 1 Small Sweet Potato, peeled and cubed
* 1 Cup Brussels Sprouts, halved
* 1/2 Red Onion, cut into wedges
* 1/2 Cup Baby Carrots
* 1/2 Apple, cored and cubed (optional)
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
* 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary
* 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* 1/4 Cup Dried Cranberries (optional)
* Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Turkey Gravy (store-bought or homemade)
* Cranberry Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, red onion, carrots, and apple (if using) with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat turkey breasts dry and rub with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables on the sheet pan in a single layer.
5. Place turkey breasts on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with dried cranberries (if using).
6. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through (165°F) and vegetables are tender.
7. Let turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Slice and serve with roasted vegetables. Garnish with parsley and serve with gravy and cranberry sauce.
**Notes:**
* Don’t overcrowd the pan.
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey is cooked through.
* Adjust cooking time as needed.
* Customize vegetables with your favorites.
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving sheet pan dinner for two is a perfect solution for a small and intimate celebration. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers all the classic Thanksgiving flavors. So, ditch the stress of a large Thanksgiving feast and enjoy a cozy and delicious meal with your loved one. Happy Thanksgiving!
Other Thanksgiving recipes
* **Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes:** A quick and easy way to make creamy mashed potatoes.
* **Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest:** A bright and flavorful cranberry sauce that complements the savory dishes.
* **Pumpkin Pie Parfaits:** A simple and elegant dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal!