Thanksgiving Side Dishes – For Small Gatherings

Introduction

Hosting a smaller Thanksgiving this year? You can still deliver all the seasonal flair and comforting flavors without going overboard. These Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Small Gatherings are streamlined for manageable portions and easy preparation—no need for leftovers that last till December! These recipes focus on maximum flavor and minimum fuss, so you can impress your guests and enjoy a memorable holiday meal together.

Why These Small-Batch Thanksgiving Sides Stand Out

Traditional Thanksgiving sides are often designed for large crowds, but these small-batch versions deliver all the richness, variety, and color of classic side dishes—crafted for small households or intimate get-togethers. They offer flexible servings and a delectable range of tastes, making your table feel bountiful without overwhelming you with leftovers.

Core Components: Three Perfect Small-Batch Sides

For a streamlined, satisfying menu, this trio offers everything: a fresh and vibrant Salad with Cranberries and Goat Cheese, creamy Scalloped Potatoes, and classic Roasted Green Beans with Almonds. Each dish is simple to prepare and portions beautifully for 2-4 people.

Assembling Your Small Gathering Thanksgiving Sides

With these dishes, timing is a breeze. While the potatoes bake, prepare your salad and quickly roast the green beans. Each recipe can be made in advance and reheated, ensuring less stress and a smoother Thanksgiving experience. Everything comes together for a comforting and colorful tablescape.

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Thanksgiving Table

Pair these sides with a roast turkey breast, stuffed squash, or even a simple rotisserie chicken for an unfussy, easy holiday meal. A crisp white wine and a slice of pumpkin pie complete the smaller celebration beautifully.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each side dish below yields 2-4 servings. Taken together, a plateful of these sides averages 350-400 calories per serving—satisfying and comforting, yet balanced for holiday enjoyment.

Small-Batch Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Recap)

These thoughtfully portioned Thanksgiving side dishes provide all the nostalgia and deliciousness of a classic feast. Designed for smaller crowds, they minimize waste while maximizing satisfaction and festive flavor.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Make the Salad with Cranberries and Goat Cheese:
   Add mixed greens to a salad bowl. Sprinkle with dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped nuts. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently.
2. Prepare the Scalloped Potatoes:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish with butter. Arrange potato slices in overlapping layers. In a small saucepan, heat cream with minced garlic, then pour over potatoes. Top with cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Dot with remaining butter. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more, until bubbly and golden.
3. Roast the Green Beans with Almonds:
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring once. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Weekly Meal Planning

These Thanksgiving side dishes are perfectly sized for batch cooking or midweek celebrations beyond the holiday. Save and schedule this recipe for any meal, and CookifyAI will generate a smart shopping list that combines overlapping ingredients—ideal for managing multiple dishes and reducing food waste.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient needs for all meals, adjusting for portion size
– Organizes your shopping list by grocery section for quick trips
– Eliminates duplicate purchases and ensures you never forget a key item
– Makes planning for busy weeks or special occasions easy and efficient

Pro tip: Schedule these sides alongside other dinner recipes to make your weekly shopping and meal prep seamless. If both this meal and another planned dish use goat cheese or heavy cream, CookifyAI will total the quantities needed—ensuring your small gathering runs smoothly.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes (simultaneous for sides)
Total Time: 1 hour