This year, the holidays will look a little different no matter where you live. This 2020 Thanksgiving Menu has many of the usual dishes you would expect, plus some tips on how to downsize for your smaller gathering.
Whether you keeping your holidays to just a few people or going all out with extended family and more, this 2020 Thanksgiving Menu is all you need.
Main dishes
When it comes to main dishes for Thanksgiving, we may need to think a little bit outside the box this year. Try roasting just a turkey breast or legs if you’re only going to be feeding a handful of people.
Alternatively, Roasted chicken or cornish game hens are perfect for small gatherings. Even making this thanksgiving extra special with some duck breast would be a fun way to remember this weird year. When should you lay your turkey out?
Whether it’s a full bird or just a breast, allow at least 24 hours of thawing for every 5 pounds of turkey. For a 12-pound turkey, I’d transfer to the fridge at least three days before, but 4 days if you’re planning on doing a wet or dry brine.
Juicy Brined Chicken and Fall Vegetables
Citrus-Herb Turkey ** How long to cook a turkey breast? You can use the same method here for a turkey breast, but cook only about 2-2 1/2 hours until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers 160ºF.
Buttermilk Brined Cornish Game Hens
Middle Eastern Slow Roasted Chicken
Sides
Let’s be honest, we all come to Thanksgiving for the sides. The good news is that sides can easily be cut in half if you’re only serving a couple of people, but most of the recipes will be fine as is. Besides, who doesn’t love at least a little leftovers the next day?
Air Fryer Salt and Vinegar Brussels Sprouts
Sour Cream and Cheddar Deviled Eggs
Acorn Squash Stuffed with Chicken Apple Stuffing
Sweet Potato Salad with Spiced Pecans
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Beer Battered Onions
Appetizers
Just because you’re not serving 2o people doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an appetizer (or two). Whip them up early in the day so you can snack while you’re cooking the big meal!
Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Mushrooms
Autumn Salad with Honey Butter Breadcrumbs
French Onion & Mushroom Potato Skins
Three Cheese Macaroni Shooters
Pretzel Bread with Pimento Beer Cheese
Desserts
Listen. Now’s not the time to skimp on your dessert, okay? Maybe go for a festive batch of cookies, bars, or sweet bread instead of a giant cake, but you do you!
Pumpkin Marshmallow Toffee Cookies
Pumpkin Cheesecake Streusel Bread
Persimmon Pomegranate Tart with Maple Marscapone
Ultimate Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Butter Cups
Have leftovers? Try these Leftover Turkey Rolls with Cranberry Butter
