Life happens, and it can be difficult to celebrate Thanksgiving alone. But honestly, if you’re alone on Thanksgiving and about to make the festivity happen anyway, then you are #goals. Martha Stewart, who? Here are some recommendations for food to buy for a Thanksgiving dinner for one that could reduce your food waste and stress level.
- Boars Head Oven Turkey No Salt Added Turkey from the Deli
-
Managing editor Gwynedd Stuart said her dad buys thick slabs of this turkey from the deli counter and then heats them in the oven for himself and his wife at home. If it didn’t feel like Thanksgiving before, eating some turkey can help this holiday feel like a holiday. Plus, with this option, you don’t have to worry about a bird’s large carcass in your single-pringle fridge. #Space is an upside of a Thanksgiving for one.
Related: Best Deli Turkey to Buy
Credit: Liv Averett / Ralphs
- Idahoan Monterey Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes
-
You can’t have a Thanksgiving dinner without mashed potatoes—even a solo Thanksgiving dinner. This is the comfort food that we all need. If you do have time to peel potatoes, then congratulations. However, if you want something a bit more instant but still cheesy and filling, then these instant mashed potatoes are a great option. All you have to do is mix a pouch with some boiling water. Yes, we are living in the future.
Related: Best Instant Mashed Potatoes
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart
- Annie’s Rich & Creamy Classic Cheddar Mac and Cheese
-
This is another good Thanksgiving dinner for one option. It probably won’t have you worrying about leftovers since it comes in individual cups. While we’ve found Annie’s products to be hit or miss, this Annie’s Mac and Cheese product slaps in the best way possible. This is creamy yumminess and comparable to stovetop mac and cheese. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Related: Best Microwave Mac and Cheese
Credit: Liv Averett / Target
- Amazon Fresh Apple Cider
-
Admittedly, this plastic Amazon Fresh Apple Cider bottle is pretty drab in appearance. However, this is our favorite apple cider pick because it has an outdoorsy, authentic, and refreshing taste. Pour some into a wine glass and toast yourself.
Related: Best Apple Cider
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- Rhodes Thaw, Rise & Bake Dinner Rolls
-
Rhodes Thaw, Rise & Bake Dinner Rolls take a while to rise in the oven, but they are worth the wait and allow you to make as many or as few as you want. This helps prevent stale dinner rolls. These come out of the oven perfectly soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Related: Best Dinner Rolls
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart
- Gelson’s Spinach Pesto Salad
-
Pasta salad is an underrated Thanksgiving side dish, but this is my favorite premade pasta salad option. You’ll end up ordering this more than once if you try it. It’s a little on the pricey side (which isn’t unusual at Gelson’s), but this is a fantastic treat that feels worth it. The little grape tomatoes in this pesto salad are consistently fresh, and you’ll feel like you made a “healthy” decision.
Credit: Liv Averett / Gelson’s
- Signature Select Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
-
Before you succumb entirely to the wants of your drooping eyelids and slip into a Thanksgiving food coma, bust out a tub of Signature Select Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream. The best part about this pumpkin-flavored ice cream is that it contains little buttery chunks of pie crust—something to be thankful for. Go ahead and eat it right from the tub. It’s just you, after all.
Related: Best Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Credit: Merc / Vons
THE MAIN
THE SIDE
THE SIDE
THE DRINK
THE BREAD
THE SALAD
THE DESSERT
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!