Thanksgiving For One keeps the holiday spirit alive with tender turkey and sweet potato, even when you’re dining solo. Roasting the sweet potato until golden gives it a lovely caramelized edge, while a quick pan sauce made with cranberries and rosemary ties everything together. This satisfying plate helps you stay on track with your weight loss goals without sacrificing flavor or tradition.
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Ingredients for Thanksgiving For One
For the main
- Sweet Potato – Peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces for that perfect roasted texture.
- Turkey Breast Cutlet – A lean and quick-cooking option that’s perfect for one.
For seasoning and cooking
- Kosher Salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors in every bite.
- Black Pepper – Just a pinch adds the right amount of warmth.
- Olive Oil – A drizzle for roasting the sweet potatoes and cooking the turkey.
For the pan sauce
- Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the sauce and adds savory depth.
- Dried Cranberries – They plump up beautifully and add a festive touch.
- Maple Syrup – A hint of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cranberries.
- Fresh Rosemary – Chopped finely for a fragrant herbal note.
For serving
- Dinner Roll – Warm it up for the coziest finishing touch.
Cook Time for Thanksgiving meal for one
I love how quickly this Thanksgiving For One recipe comes together. It feels like such a gift when you can create something so special without spending hours in the kitchen. Unlike a full holiday spread, this solo Thanksgiving dinner keeps things simple and efficient.
The prep is just 10 minutes, giving you time to cube that sweet potato and season your turkey cutlet without rushing. The cooking time runs about 25 minutes, mostly hands-off while the oven works its magic. All together, you’ll be sitting down to enjoy your complete Thanksgiving meal for one in just 35 minutes.
While the sweet potatoes roast, why not browse my healthy Thanksgiving sides for future inspiration? They’re perfect for when you’re cooking for a crowd again.
How to Make roasted sweet potato with rosemary
Step 1: Roast Your Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place your peeled and cubed sweet potato on a small baking sheet. Drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then toss to coat evenly. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the cubes are fork-tender and the edges are lightly caramelized.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook Your Turkey
Pat the turkey breast cutlet dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey cutlet and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. Transfer the turkey to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Create Your Pan Sauce
In the same skillet over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon chopped rosemary. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften and the liquid thickens slightly into a glossy sauce.
Step 4: Warm Your Roll and Plate
During the last 2 minutes of the sweet potatoes’ roasting time, place the dinner roll in the oven to warm.
Slice the rested turkey cutlet against the grain. Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes and turkey on a plate, then drizzle the cranberry pan sauce over both. Serve immediately with the warmed dinner roll.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best solo Thanksgiving ideas come from making small adjustments that suit your taste and schedule. Here are my favorite ways to personalize this simple Thanksgiving For One recipe.
- Flavor Swap: If you’re craving something different, swap the rosemary for thyme or sage. Both herbs bring their own cozy, aromatic quality to this savory baked sweet potato dish.
- Diet Tweak: For a lower-carb version, simply omit the dinner roll. The meal remains completely satisfying with just the flavorful pan-seared turkey with cranberries and roasted vegetables.
- Texture Fix: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the turkey. A hot pan gives you that beautiful golden sear that locks in juices and creates wonderful flavor.
- Storage Tip: This small batch Thanksgiving meal is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover sweet potatoes, they make a wonderful addition to next day’s lunch. Try them in my roasted sweet potato kale quinoa salad for a delicious twist.
Thanksgiving For One
Ingredients
- 1 small sweet potato about 6 ounces, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 turkey breast cutlet 4 ounces
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp dried cranberries
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 small dinner roll
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the sweet potato cubes on a small baking sheet. Toss them with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly browned at the edges.
- Season the turkey cutlet on both sides with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat, then cook the turkey cutlet for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- In the same skillet, add 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon chopped rosemary. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and the cranberries plump up to form a simple pan sauce.
- Warm the dinner roll in the oven for the last 2 minutes of the sweet potatoes’ cooking time.
- Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes and rested turkey cutlet on a plate, drizzle the cranberry pan sauce over everything, and serve immediately with the warm dinner roll.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
I believe that a good Thanksgiving For One recipe should nourish both body and soul. This single serving Thanksgiving dinner gives you all the comfort of tradition while keeping your wellness goals in sight. The beautiful thing about preparing a Thanksgiving meal for one is that you control every ingredient that goes onto your plate.
Turkey breast provides lean protein to keep you satisfied, while sweet potatoes deliver Vitamin A and fiber. Using olive oil instead of butter and keeping the maple syrup minimal makes this dish both flavorful and balanced. If you’re looking for more nutritious holiday inspiration, browse my collection of healthy Thanksgiving desserts for when you want something sweet after your main course.
According to the History of Thanksgiving Dinner, traditional meals have evolved to include more health-conscious options while maintaining their celebratory spirit. This savory baked sweet potato dish honors that evolution beautifully.
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lean Turkey Protein | Supports muscle maintenance and keeps you full |
| Sweet Potato Fiber | Aids digestion and provides sustained energy |
| Cranberry Antioxidants | Offers anti-inflammatory properties |
| Rosemary Phytonutrients | Contains compounds that support immune health |
A Lighter Version of Your Solo Thanksgiving
Sometimes you want all the flavor of a traditional holiday meal but with a lighter touch. Fortunately, this Thanksgiving For One recipe adapts beautifully to various dietary preferences. Over the years, I’ve discovered several simple tweaks that maintain the festive spirit while lightening the load.
For a lower-fat version, you can roast your sweet potatoes with a light spray of avocado oil instead of drizzling olive oil. The turkey cutlet cooks beautifully without added fats when using a well-seasoned non-stick pan. If you love the concept of roasted vegetables with minimal oil, try my grilled sweet potato wedges for another healthy side option.
For those watching sodium intake, reduce the kosher salt by half and add extra rosemary and black pepper for flavor. The cranberries and maple syrup provide enough natural sweetness and tang that you won’t miss the salt. If you’re looking for more lean protein ideas beyond this maple glazed turkey cutlet, my easy grilled chicken breast offers another simple option for solo dinners.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve learned through years of cooking for friends and family with different dietary needs that small adjustments can make big differences. Whether you’re sugar conscious, managing dietary restrictions, or simply exploring new ways of eating, this Thanksgiving For One recipe welcomes thoughtful modifications.
For a diabetic-friendly version, consider replacing the maple syrup with a natural sweetener like stevia in the pan sauce. The dried cranberries already provide some sweetness, so you might find you don’t need additional sweeteners at all. Another approach is to increase the rosemary and broth for a more savory sauce that doesn’t rely on sugar for flavor.
If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, the sweet potato provides plenty of substance without needing the dinner roll. For even lower glycemic impact, you could substitute half the sweet potato with roasted carrots or parsnips. Remember that portion control is one of the simplest ways to enjoy traditional flavors while maintaining blood sugar friendly eating habits.
How to Serve Thanksgiving For One
I believe how we serve our food matters as much as how we prepare it, especially when dining alone. There’s something profoundly nurturing about taking the time to plate your meal beautifully, even when you’re the only one at the table. I learned this from my grandmother, who always said, “You’re worthy of a beautiful presentation, whether serving one or twenty.”
Start by placing your roasted sweet potato with rosemary as the foundation of your plate. Arrange the sliced pan-seared turkey with cranberries alongside, then drizzle everything with that glorious pan sauce. The warmed dinner roll belongs in its own small bowl or plate to the side, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. If you want to expand your solo Thanksgiving ideas, consider adding a simple green salad or some steamed green beans on the side.
For drinks, I love pairing this with sparkling apple cider for a festive touch, or a light white wine if that’s your preference. Herbal tea also makes a wonderful accompaniment, especially rosemary or sage tea that echoes the flavors in your meal. If you’re looking for more inspiration for single serving meals, my pan-seared mahi mahi offers another quick and elegant option for solo dining.
Remember that creating a lovely atmosphere enhances your solo Thanksgiving dinner experience. Light a candle, play some soft music, and take a moment to appreciate the effort you’ve put into nourishing yourself. After all, the holiday spirit lives in these small moments of gratitude and self-care as much as in larger gatherings.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made my share of kitchen blunders over the years, especially when scaling down big holiday recipes. Learning from these little mishaps is how we grow as cooks. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid so your Thanksgiving For One turns out perfectly the first time.
Overcooking the turkey cutlet is the most frequent mistake. Since it’s thin, it goes from juicy to dry in minutes. I use a simple trick: pull it from the heat a minute before it looks done, as it continues cooking while resting. For more guidance on cooking lean poultry, my easy grilled chicken breast recipe has great tips for avoiding dryness.
Another misstep is crowding the pan when roasting the sweet potato. If the pieces are too close together, they steam instead of roast and won’t get those lovely caramelized edges. Give them space on the baking sheet for the best texture. If you love perfectly roasted veggies, my maple pecan roasted sweet potatoes follow the same principle.
Finally, don’t rush the pan sauce. Letting the broth, cranberries, and maple syrup simmer for a full minute is crucial for the flavors to meld into a proper glaze. For another example of a perfectly balanced sauce, the NYT Cooking One-Pan Thanksgiving method shows how patience creates depth.
I remember one Thanksgiving where I was so eager to eat I skipped resting the turkey. The juices ran right out onto the cutting board, leaving me with a less-than-tender meal. Now I always let it rest—it makes all the difference.
How to Store Thanksgiving For One
My grandmother believed that good food deserved careful handling, even the leftovers from a solo meal. She’d wrap everything with such intention, a lesson in respecting the ingredients and your future self. While this Thanksgiving meal for one is designed to minimize leftovers, sometimes life happens and you can’t finish it all.
Let each component cool completely before storing. I separate the turkey, sweet potatoes, and any side dish into individual airtight containers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The turkey reheats best gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
For longer storage, you can freeze the components. The roasted sweet potato freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to restore its texture. If you find yourself with extra sweet potatoes, my sweet potato casserole is a fantastic way to use them up later.
The dinner roll is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must store it, wrap it tightly in foil and warm it in the oven to revive its fluffiness. For more ideas on making the most of your ingredients, check out my healthy Thanksgiving sides for inspiration on versatile dishes.
Try This Thanksgiving For One Yourself
I truly hope this guide inspires you to create a beautiful holiday meal for yourself. There’s a special kind of magic in honoring your own company with a thoughtful, home-cooked feast. This single serving Thanksgiving dinner is more than just food; it’s an act of self-care and celebration.
I think of my first solo Thanksgiving after moving to Provence. I felt a little lonely until I decided to cook this very meal. The aroma of rosemary and roasting sweet potato filled my small kitchen, and by the time I sat down to eat, my heart felt full. It reminded me that gratitude doesn’t depend on the number of chairs at the table.
So, I encourage you to light a candle, play your favorite music, and savor every bite. You deserve this moment of celebration. If you enjoy this approach to cooking, you might also love my pan-seared mahi mahi for another elegant solo dinner, or my one-pan herb roasted turkey if you’re cooking for a small group later. For a different twist on sweet potatoes, try my roasted sweet potato kale quinoa salad or even some homemade sweet potato chips. And if turkey burgers are more your weeknight speed, my spinach and feta turkey burgers are always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you eat for solo Thanksgiving?
You can enjoy a scaled-down version of traditional favorites! This Thanksgiving For One recipe includes a maple glazed turkey cutlet, a savory baked sweet potato dish, and a fluffy dinner roll. The key is choosing components that cook quickly and complement each other, so you get the full holiday experience without the workload.
How to celebrate Thanksgiving when you are alone?
Celebrating alone is a wonderful opportunity for self-care. Start by preparing a special meal for yourself, like this Thanksgiving meal for one. Create a cozy atmosphere with music or a favorite movie, and perhaps call a loved one to share what you’re grateful for. The day is about gratitude, which you can cultivate perfectly on your own terms.
Is it normal to want to spend Thanksgiving alone?
Absolutely, it’s completely normal. Sometimes a quiet, reflective holiday is exactly what we need. Choosing to spend Thanksgiving alone allows you to relax fully and honor the day in a way that feels genuine to you, free from social obligations. It’s a valid choice for recharging and practicing gratitude privately.
What percent of people are alone on Thanksgiving?
While numbers vary yearly, a significant number of people find themselves dining solo on the holiday due to travel constraints, work, or personal choice. This is exactly why having great solo Thanksgiving ideas is so valuable—you’re part of a quiet community that understands the beauty of a peaceful, personal celebration.
More Cozy Solo Dinners To Try
If you loved the comfort of cooking for one, here are a few more of my favorite simple, satisfying meals perfect for a quiet night in.
- Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi – A light, flaky fish dinner that feels elegant but comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Easy Grilled Chicken Breast – The juiciest, most flavorful chicken every time, perfect with a simple side salad.
- Cilantro Lime Chicken – Zesty and bright, this dish brings a burst of fresh flavor to your weeknight rotation.
- BBQ Chicken Breasts – All the smoky, sweet taste of a summer barbecue, made easily in your kitchen.
- Chicken Burgers – A healthier twist on a classic burger that never fails to satisfy a craving.
- Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers – Packed with Mediterranean flavor, these are a delicious way to switch up burger night.
