Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner | Easy, Delicious & Stress-Free Feast

Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated meals of the year, but preparing a traditional feast can be overwhelming, especially when cooking for a small group or trying to avoid spending the entire day in the kitchen. That’s where a Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner comes in!

This easy, one-pan Thanksgiving meal includes juicy turkey, roasted vegetables, stuffing, and even sweet potatoes, all cooked together on a single sheet pan. It’s quick, simple, and requires minimal cleanup—perfect for a small gathering, weeknight holiday meal, or a Thanksgiving-for-two dinner.

If you love the flavors of Thanksgiving but don’t want to go all out with a full-sized turkey and endless side dishes, this recipe is for you. Let’s make a delicious, stress-free Thanksgiving meal on one sheet pan!

Ingredients

This one-pan meal brings together all the classic flavors of Thanksgiving in a perfectly portioned way.

For the Turkey:

• 2 turkey breast cutlets (or boneless turkey breast, about 1 lb)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Stuffing:

• 2 cups cubed bread (stale or lightly toasted)
• 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Roasted Vegetables:

• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Cranberry Sauce (Optional):

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

For Garnishing:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Dried cranberries

How to Make a Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, sage, thyme, and paprika.
2. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the turkey breast cutlets.
3. Drizzle with melted butter to keep the turkey juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing

1. In a bowl, mix cubed bread, celery, onion, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and melted butter.
2. Slowly pour in chicken or turkey broth, stirring until the bread is slightly moistened but not soggy.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables

1. In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
2. Spread the veggies onto one side of the sheet pan.

Step 5: Assemble the Sheet Pan

1. Place the seasoned turkey breasts on the center of the sheet pan.
2. Spoon the stuffing mixture onto the other side of the sheet pan.
3. Ensure everything is spread out evenly to allow proper roasting.

Step 6: Roast Everything

1. Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
2. If needed, stir the vegetables halfway through cooking for even roasting.

Step 7: Make the Cranberry Sauce (Optional)

1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and honey.
2. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the turkey rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
2. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and dried cranberries.
3. Serve warm with cranberry sauce on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ No Stress, No Mess – Everything cooks on one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
✔ Perfect for Small Gatherings – No need for a whole turkey, just the right amount.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour.
✔ Balanced and Flavorful – You get turkey, stuffing, and veggies in one meal.
✔ Customizable – Swap out ingredients to fit your preferences!

Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

✅ Use Boneless Turkey Breast – It cooks evenly and stays juicy.
✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Give ingredients room for even roasting.
✅ Check for Doneness – Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F (75°C) for turkey.
✅ Toast the Bread for Better Stuffing – Helps prevent sogginess.
✅ Add Gravy if Desired – Serve with store-bought or homemade turkey gravy.

Variations & Substitutions

🍗 Use Chicken Instead – Swap turkey for boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
🌱 Make It Vegetarian – Use plant-based protein and vegetable broth for stuffing.
🥔 Try Different Veggies – Add green beans, butternut squash, or mushrooms.
🧀 Add Cheese – Sprinkle Parmesan or feta cheese over the veggies.
🌶 Make It Spicy – Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the turkey seasoning.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep everything, store separately in the fridge, and bake when ready.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

3. Can I freeze this meal?

Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

4. How do I reheat leftovers?

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second increments until warm.

5. What if I don’t have turkey breast?

Use chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or turkey tenderloins instead.

6. Can I add mashed potatoes?

Yes! You can prepare mashed potatoes separately or use cubed potatoes on the sheet pan.

7. What can I serve with this meal?

• Dinner rolls or cornbread
• Gravy or cranberry sauce
• Pumpkin pie or apple crisp for dessert

8. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free bread for stuffing and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.

9. How can I make this meal more festive?

• Add pecans or walnuts to the stuffing.
• Serve with sparkling cider or a Thanksgiving cocktail.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use two sheet pans if making for more people.