A Pandemic Thanksgiving: Cooking for Fewer People Amidst Social Distancing

As we continue learning new habits and changing old habits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is one tradition that is approaching that will be different for most households. Gathering for Thanksgiving is something that will not be happening for many families as we try to follow social distancing guidelines to protect our loved ones and slow the spread of the disease. If this is the first year you will be cooking yourself a Thanksgiving dinner, or the first year cooking for two to four people instead of 10+ then here is an idea on how to cook Thanksgiving dinner for fewer people.

This Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner recipe feeds up to four people and can be prepared in under two hours. Just add cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and a pie for dessert and you’ve got an entire dinner for two (with leftovers!)

“DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare the stuffing: Preheat the oven to 375° and line a baking sheet with foil. In a large bowl, mix all the stuffing ingredients until well incorporated. Let soak for 15 minutes, then spread in an even layer over the left half of the baking sheet, making a well in the center for the turkey.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the turkey: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the sage, thyme and minced garlic. Season the turkey breast well with salt and pepper, then place in the center of the stuffing. Rub the turkey with the butter mixture.
3. Prepare the sweet potatoes: In a medium bowl, toss all the sweet potato ingredients together to coat. Spread the sweet potatoes over the top half of the empty right side of the baking sheet. The slices will overlap like a gratin. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the green beans: In a medium bowl, toss together all the green beans ingredients. After 30 minutes, add the green beans to the remaining quarter of the baking sheet, spreading in an even layer to fill the space. Continue to cook until the green beans are tender and the turkey reads 155° on an instant-read thermometer when inserted, another 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Remove the tray from the oven and tent with foil, then let rest for 15 minutes. Carve the turkey and serve.”

Preparing most of your courses on one pan makes cleanup a breeze so you can spend time with the few loved ones in your household, have a Zoom call with your family and friends that you’re missing and look forward to next year!

Happy Thanksgiving!