If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd this year, these small-batch Thanksgiving side dishes are cozy, easy, and totally celebration-worthy. From make-ahead options to quick 20-minute sides, these recipes are perfect for intimate holiday meals, date-night Thanksgivings, or mini Friendsgiving feasts where you don’t want leftovers. Each dish is scaled for 2–4 servings but packs full holiday flavor; some are more classic, and most have a fun, festive twist!
Small Batch Buttery Mashed Potatoes
A classic side dish recipe for creamy, small batch mashed potatoes that is the perfect comfort food for any small holiday gathering! This recipe makes about 2 cups of mashed potatoes, and comes together in just 20 minutes. Servings: 2 | Time: 20 minutes
Small Batch Fresh Green Bean Cassrole
A fresh take on classic green bean casserole with fresh green beans, shallots, garlic, mushrooms, cream, and so much flavor. This recipe makes about 4 servings and comes together in about 45 minutes. Servings: 4 | Time: 45 minutes
Small Batch Loaded Mashed Potatoes
These small batch loaded mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and packed with all the good stuff like crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream, and fresh chives. They taste like your favorite steakhouse side, but in a perfectly portioned bowl for two. Servings: 2 | Time: 20 minutes
Small Batch Creamed Spinach
My WILDLY popular creamed spinach recipe with fresh spinach, shallot, garlic, half and half, and parmesan cheese. This is a small batch recipe that makes two servings, but can easily be doubled or tripled as needed! Servings: 2 | Time: 20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, baked garlic parmesan scalloped potatoes scaled down to a small(ish) batch recipe! An awesome recipe for a small holiday meal or date night in, they’re simple, elegant, and delicious. Servings: 4 | Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Creamy Chopped Brussels Sprouts
A perfect Brussels sprouts recipe for two people. These Creamy Spicy Brussels Sprouts for Two come together in under 30 minutes, and are an awesome side dish for so many dinners. Servings: 2 | Time: 25 minutes
Small Batch Mac and Cheese
A creamy, small batch macaroni and cheese recipe with cheddar and jack cheeses. This makes a stovetop version of macaroni and cheese, but directions are also available for a baked mac and cheese version. Servings: 4 | Time: 25 minutes
Creamy Chopped Brussels Sprouts
This recipe will convert any Brussels sprouts haters, I promise. Shredded Brussels sprouts are mixed with garlic, cream, crispy bacon, gruyere cheese, then topped with Parmesan and baked until golden brown. Amazing, seriously. Servings: 2-3 | Time: 40 minutes
Roasted Carrots with Maple Tahini Sauce
A gorgeous small batch side dish recipe with roasted carrots, a creamy maple tahini sauce, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy roasted pepitas. This is a stunning recipe that delivers big on flavor, too! Servings: 2 | Time: 25 minutes
The BEST Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin
If you can’t tell that I have a mild obsession with Brussels sprouts … well … I do. This recipe is like a restaurant-worthy dish with warm shredded Brussels sprouts, bacon, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, Parmesan cheese, and a warm maple bacon drizzle. Servings: 2 | Time: 25 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with garlic and parmesan cheese. easy to make and full of flavor, they’re a quick potato side dish for any dinner occasion. Servings: 2-3 | Time: 20 minutes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts + Onions
Yes, more Brussels sprouts. I get it, I’m sorry. This one is SUPER simple and to the point with Brussels sprouts and onions, and a little garlic all roasted on a small baking sheet. Simple and delicious. Servings: 2 | Time: 30 minutes
Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese
An easy mac and cheese recipe with spicy jalapeño peppers, salty bacon, and shell noodles tossed in a creamy Pepper Jack cheese sauce. This is a small batch recipe that makes 2-3 main course servings, or about four side dish servings. Servings: 2-4 | Time: 30 minutes
Whether you’re hosting a tiny Thanksgiving or just want a few extra sides for the table, I hope these small-batch recipes bring big holiday energy without the stress. If you make any of them, tag me @aflavorjournal! I LOVE seeing your cozy holiday plates!
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