Easy Thanksgiving Dinner for Small Family 🍽️ – Simplified Turkey Breast with Sides
Are you tired of the hassle and stress that comes with cooking a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for a small family? Look no further! This easy Thanksgiving dinner recipe is perfect for intimate gatherings, featuring a simplified turkey breast with delicious sides that can be ready in just 90 minutes. It's the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy a homemade Thanksgiving dinner without the fuss.
This recipe is designed to serve a small family of 4-6 people, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying Thanksgiving meal without the need for a large, elaborate spread. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time, so you can focus on enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
The star of the show is, of course, the turkey breast. This recipe uses a simple yet flavorful method to cook the turkey to perfection, with a delicious glaze that adds a sweet and tangy flavor. The sides are just as delicious, with a range of options to choose from, including mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. Each dish is carefully portioned to ensure that everyone gets a satisfying serving without any waste.
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize the sides to suit your family's tastes and preferences, and the turkey breast can be cooked to your desired level of doneness. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced pro, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
So why not give this easy Thanksgiving dinner recipe a try this year? With its simplified approach and delicious results, it's the perfect way to enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner with your small family. And don't forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #ThanksgivingForSmall – we can't wait to see what you're cooking up!
Ingredients
- 1 (2-3 pound) turkey breast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Step 2: Glaze the Turkey In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Brush the glaze all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Step 3: Roast the Turkey Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and put it in the oven. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with pan juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist.
- Step 4: Prepare the Sides While the turkey is roasting, prepare the sides. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they're tender. Steam the green beans in a steamer basket until they're tender but still crisp. Warm the cranberry sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Once the turkey is done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it thinly. Serve with the roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, and warm cranberry sauce. Enjoy your delicious and easy Thanksgiving dinner!
Why This Recipe Works
👨🍳 Easy to Make
This recipe is designed to be easy to make, with a simple and straightforward approach that's perfect for beginners or experienced cooks alike.
🕒 Quick to Prepare
With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, this recipe is quick to prepare and can be ready in no time.
👍 Delicious Results
The end result is a delicious and satisfying Thanksgiving dinner that's sure to impress your family and friends.
💡 Flexible
This recipe is flexible and can be customized to suit your family's tastes and preferences, making it perfect for intimate gatherings.
Recipe Card
Easy Thanksgiving Dinner for Small Family Recipe
Simplified turkey breast with sides, ready in 90 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 (2-3 pound) turkey breast
- - 1/4 cup olive oil
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 tablespoon honey
- - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- - 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
- - 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- - 1 cup cranberry sauce
- - 1/4 cup chicken broth
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Step 2: Glaze the Turkey In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Brush the glaze all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 3: Roast the Turkey Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and put it in the oven. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with pan juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist.
Step 4: Prepare the Sides While the turkey is roasting, prepare the sides. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they're tender. Steam the green beans in a steamer basket until they're tender but still crisp. Warm the cranberry sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Once the turkey is done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it thinly. Serve with the roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, and warm cranberry sauce. Enjoy your delicious and easy Thanksgiving dinner!
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes
Turkey Breast
The star of the show is the turkey breast. This recipe uses a simple yet flavorful method to cook the turkey to perfection, with a delicious glaze that adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
Substitutions: You can substitute the turkey breast with a boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs if you prefer.
Potatoes
The potatoes are a great side dish that pairs perfectly with the turkey breast. You can use any type of potatoes you like, but we recommend using medium-sized potatoes for the best results.
Substitutions: You can substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes or yams if you prefer.
Green Beans
The green beans are a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with the turkey breast. You can use fresh or frozen green beans, depending on what's available.
Substitutions: You can substitute the green beans with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts if you prefer.
Cranberry Sauce
The cranberry sauce is a delicious and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with the turkey breast. You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce, depending on your preference.
Substitutions: You can substitute the cranberry sauce with other condiments like gravy or applesauce if you prefer.
Pro Tips
👨🍳 Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor and quality of your dish. Try to use fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits whenever possible.
📝 Plan Ahead
Planning ahead will help you stay organized and ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. Make a timeline and stick to it to avoid last-minute stress.
👍 Be Flexible
Being flexible will help you adapt to any unexpected situations that may arise during cooking. Don't be afraid to make changes or substitutions if needed.
👌 Have Fun
Cooking should be enjoyable, so don't forget to have fun! Experiment with new ingredients, try new techniques, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious meal.
Variations
Vegetarian Option
You can substitute the turkey breast with a vegetarian option like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Simply marinate and cook the protein as you would the turkey breast.
Vegan Option
You can substitute the turkey breast with a vegan option like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Simply marinate and cook the protein as you would the turkey breast. Also, be sure to use vegan-friendly condiments and sauces.
Gluten-Free Option
You can substitute the traditional gravy with a gluten-free option like cornstarch or gluten-free flour. Simply mix the gluten-free thickener with water or broth and cook until thickened.
Low-Carb Option
You can substitute the potatoes with a low-carb option like cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles. Simply cook the low-carb vegetable as you would the potatoes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Pumpkin pie for dessert
- Warm apple cider as a beverage
- Roasted Brussels sprouts as a side dish
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Try pairing your Thanksgiving dinner with a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling cider or a flavored seltzer water.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the cranberry sauce and prep the vegetables up to a day in advance. Simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Refrigerator Storage
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed.
Freezer Storage
You can freeze the cooked turkey breast and sides for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat as needed.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply place the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: What if my turkey breast is too dry?
A: If your turkey breast is too dry, try brining it in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
Q: Can I cook the turkey breast in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook the turkey breast in a slow cooker. Simply place the turkey breast in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: What if I don't have fresh herbs?
A: If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs. Simply use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.
Final Thoughts
This easy Thanksgiving dinner recipe is perfect for small families who want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying holiday meal without the fuss. With its simple and flavorful approach, you'll be able to create a memorable and enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner that your family will love.
So why not give this recipe a try this year? With its easy-to-follow instructions and delicious results, it's the perfect way to enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner with your small family.
