Thanksgiving doesn’t need to mean a packed house, a folding chair shortage, or juggling five side dishes in the oven. If you’re flying solo this year, that doesn’t mean skipping the good food or the good vibes.
Here’s how to make a memorable Thanksgiving meal for one — without the stress, the waste, or the mountain of dishes.
This is your meal, your rules. Love stuffing but not a fan of turkey? Go for it. Want to turn it into a brunch instead of dinner? Absolutely. Cooking for one gives you full creative control. Instead of forcing the usual lineup, pick 2–3 things you love, and make them shine.
Need a little inspiration? Try this lineup:
A turkey thigh or boneless turkey breast
Roasted sweet potatoes or a single-serving stuffing muffin
A veggie you actually like (green beans sautéed with garlic are hard to beat)
Roasting a whole turkey for one person? Unless you want leftovers for a week straight, go smaller. A turkey breast, thigh, or even a couple of thick turkey cutlets can give you all the flavor without the bulk.
Pro tip:
Roast at 375°F until internal temp reaches 165°F, usually 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on size.
No need to break out every pot and pan you own. A single sheet pan or casserole dish can handle your whole Thanksgiving meal. Meat, veggies, and all. It's efficient, cozy, and the cleanup is blissfully simple.
You’re not skipping dessert, you’re downsizing it. A single-serve mug pie, a couple of cookies, or even a slice from your favorite local bakery makes the perfect ending without the pressure to bake a full pie.
Want something homemade but easy?
Microwave a chopped apple with cinnamon, a little sugar, and oats for a five-minute apple crisp. Its especially delicious if you have whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to add on top.
Just because you're not setting a table for six doesn't mean you can't make it special. Light a candle. Put on music you love. Eat in your coziest clothes or dress up just because. Make your meal feel like something to enjoy, not just something to check off the list.
Even with a small meal, you might have a little extra. Use leftover turkey in a sandwich, toss roasted veggies into an omelet, or freeze anything you’re not ready to eat yet. Cooking for one can still mean meal prepping for tomorrow.
There’s something kind of amazing about making a Thanksgiving meal that’s just for you. No debates over cranberry sauce. No juggling dishes. No pressure. Just good food, your pace, your way.
Whether it’s your tradition, your first time solo, or just a quiet year, make it yours — and make it delicious.
And while you’re taking care of yourself this season, don’t forget your health deserves the same attention. Your OneShare Health Membership includes tools that make everyday care simple, from Virtual Urgent Care to prescription savings and more.
If you’re not sure your Program still fits your needs, get a quick quote or speak with a specialist today. We’re here to help you find the right fit.