28 Christmas Recipes Perfect For Two

These small-serving recipes will make your Christmas dinner hassle-free.

By

Updated on July 17, 2024

Chicken Scallopini — Photo: Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

The holidays are associated with family, and this can take on a variety of meanings for different people. For some, a family gathering means a full house with a large feast set in the dining room, and for others, it means sharing a cozy meal with just one or two loved ones. If your Christmas gathering is on the smaller side this year, you don't need to use recipes that will stick you with too many leftovers. Whether you're looking for a main course, side dish, or dessert, this list will provide you with smaller-portioned recipes that are perfect for spending the holidays with your loved one.

01 of 28

Spiced-Rubbed Turkey Tenderloin With Gravy

spice-rubbed turkey tenderloin - Southern Living — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Turkey tenderloins are a great option for a smaller gathering, and this recipe incorporates delicious notes of wintery spices and Dijon mustard to make for a simple yet flavorful main course.

02 of 28

Pan-Seared Strip Steaks

Southern Living Pan Seared Strip Steaks — Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

We're letting you in on a little secret to the best pan-seared steaks ever: mayonnaise. Trust us, this recipe is impressive enough to serve for Christmas dinner.

03 of 28

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Southern Living Roasted Brussels Sprouts on a platter to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

While Brussels sprouts are somewhat controversial, this recipe will be loved by any skeptics. All you need are five ingredients and 35 minutes to make a simple and delicious side dish.

04 of 28

Butterscotch-Bourbon Lava Cakes

Butterscotch-Bourbon Lava Cakes — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell

These butterscotch-bourbon lava cakes are quite literally bursting with flavor. The sweetness of the butterscotch mixed with the boldness of the bourbon creates a match made in heaven this holiday.

05 of 28

Mamau's Cheese Straws

Mamauâs Cheese Straws — Robbie Caponetto; Prop Styling: Mary Beth Wetzel; Food Styling: Pam Lolley

Just because you have a smaller crowd doesn't mean you shouldn't have a suitable appetizer! Classic cheese straws make a great option because you can store the leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy leftovers for days to come.

06 of 28

One-Pan Garlic-Butter Shrimp With Orzo

one-pan garlic-butter shrimp with orzo — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

This shrimp and orzo dinner comes together in one pan and in just 30 minutes, a no-brainer for an easy Christmas meal for two.

07 of 28

Vanilla Mug Cake

Southern Living Vanilla Mug Cake ready to serve out of the mug — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Craving a sweet treat after dinner but don't want to make a huge portion? These vanilla mug cakes are perfect for one and require just a few household ingredients and a mug for the quickest, easiest dessert you'll make all year.

08 of 28

Marry Me Chicken

Southern Living Marry Me Chicken garnished with fresh basil and ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This dish had been said to be impressive enough to inspire marriage proposals, so you know it's special enough to serve for Christmas dinner.

09 of 28

Braised Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Lemons

Braised Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Lemons — Hector Manuel Sanchez

A beautifully braised chicken is a perfect meal to indulge in this holiday, and this recipe includes sweet carrots and zesty lemons to make for a deliciously balanced main course.

10 of 28

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans — Caitlin Bensel

Green beans are a classic holiday side dish, and these cheesy, garlicky beans are a perfect rich and savory bite. With just 10 minutes of active time, this recipe is easy to throw in the oven and enjoy.

11 of 28

Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered pork chops served in a pot — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Christmastime is about staying comfy and cozy, and smothered pork chops are a meal that brings all the comfort. This recipe features a rich mushroom gravy to add a delicious umami flavor that'll keep you satisfied this holiday.

12 of 28

Triple Chocolate Brownie-Mousse Stacks

Triple Chocolate Brownie-Mousse Stacks — Linda Pugliese, Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas, Buffy Hargett Miller

Instead of a whole cake or pie, opt for these adorable stacks that deliver plenty of chocolaty goodness.

13 of 28

Ham and Noodle Casserole

Ham and Noodle Casserole — Jen Causey

Get your Christmas ham fix on a smaller scale with this ham and noodle casserole. This recipe is the perfect creamy, rich dish this holiday.

14 of 28

Instant Pot Potato Soup

Instant Pot Potato Soup — Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

If you need a creamy, savory side dish or first course this Christmas, this potato soup made in an Instant Pot will surely do the trick. With only 15 minutes of active time, you can let the Instant Pot do the work for you to make a rich, flavorful soup this season.

15 of 28

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie With Puff Pastry

Southern Living Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry in the dish with a serving out beside it — Brittany Conerly; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This delicious pot pie is an irresistibly warm and crisp dish; packed with vegetables and hearty flavor that will warm you up inside and out.

16 of 28

Ravioli Lasagna

Southern Living Ravioli Lasagna in the pan with a serving on a plate — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you're looking for a simple main dish with easy cleanup, this cheesy pasta recipe is one to consider. It's hearty and pretty enough for Christmas dinner, but comes together in just 30 minutes.

17 of 28

Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken

Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Get those gorgeous wintery flavors of orange and rosemary with this simple sheet pan chicken roast.

18 of 28

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Filets

Southern Living Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin "Filets" on a plate to serve — Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Pork tenderloins are a great option for a smaller meal, and this recipe wraps them in bacon for a hearty, meaty main meal that will leave you perfectly satisfied.

19 of 28

Skillet-Roasted Carrots

skillet-roasted carrots in a white skillet — Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This might be the easiest side dish you make all year. With just 10 minutes of active time, these caramelized carrots offer a sweet bite to your holiday dinner.

20 of 28

Aperol-Bourbon Fizz

Aperol Bourbon Fizz — Becky Luigart Stayner

If you're in the mood for a festive cocktail, this Aperol-Bourbon fizz is a fresh and citrusy delight with just 5 ingredients (including club soda!).

21 of 28

Ham-and-Vegetable Cobbler

Ham-and-Vegetable Cobbler — Iain Bagwell

This cobbler with ham and vegetables is simple but impactful. Get the traditional ham element at your dinner table this year without having to buy a whole one with this delicious recipe.

22 of 28

Roasted Turkey Breast

roasted turkey breast - southern living — Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Small but mighty, the typical oven-roasted turkey breast feeds a downsized crowd and can be flavored any way you prefer.

23 of 28

Molten Red Velvet Cakes Recipe

Molten Red Velvet Cakes, red velvet cake recipe — HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ

These gorgeous red molten red velvet cakes are the perfect festive end to Christmas dinner. All the classic flavors of a red velvet cake come together in these single-serve treats that take less than 20 minutes to bake.

24 of 28

Shepherd's Pie With Sweet Potato Mash

Shepherdâs Pie with Sweet Potato Mash — Southern Living

Shepherd's pies are an ultimate comfort food on a cold night, and this recipe uses a sweet potato mash on top to add a Christmassy feel.

25 of 28

Turkey Pot Pie

Southern Living Turkey Pot Pie in the baking dish ready to serve — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

If it doesn't make sense to buy a whole turkey, this delicious turkey pot pie uses just 3 cups of cooked turkey for a filling meal that will store wonderfully in the fridge for tomorrow.

26 of 28

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Chocolate Lava Cake — Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

Calling all chocolate lovers — this one's for you! These chocolate lava cakes are a warm, fudgy dessert that will be the perfect ending to a holiday meal.

27 of 28

Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak

Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak — Hector Sanchez

A steak dinner is truly the perfect meal for two, and this cast-iron cowboy steak will leave you satisfied without leaving too many leftovers. With just six ingredients needed, this delicious recipe is simple and packed with flavor.

28 of 28

Chicken Scallopini

Chicken Scallopini — Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

This one-skillet chicken scallopini recipe will go beautifully with any sides you have on your holiday lineup. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a simple, decadent dish ready to serve this holiday.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Related Articles

Overhead shot of a chocolate orange inside the wrapper with oranges around it

What Is The Christmas Tradition Of A Terry's Chocolate Orange?

Stove-Top Bacon Popcorn

30+ Christmas Movie Night Snacks For Your Holiday Marathon

Southern Living Red Velvet Mug Cakes in the mug ready to serve

Red Velvet Mug Cakes

Saltine Peppermint Bark

Saltine Peppermint Bark

Southern Living Cranberry Upside Down Cake sliced on plates to serve

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

Southern Living Cranberry Fluff Salad in a bowl to serve

25 Christmas Treats You'd Only Find On Grandma's Dessert Table

Sugar Cookies

Frosted Sugar Cookies

Bourbon-Sweet Potato Bread Pudding in a well seasoned orange dish

Bourbon-Sweet Potato Bread Pudding

Mississippi Mud Medallions

37 Gift-Worthy Christmas Candy Recipes For Everyone On Your List

Chewy Molasses Cookies

Chewy Molasses Cookies

Cherry Winks

Grandma's Favorite Christmas Cookies

Persimmon Pie with Pecan Streusel - Southern Living

Persimmon Pie With Pecan Streusel

Mini Pimiento Cheese Balls

Mini Pimiento Cheese Balls

Apple Chess Pie in a brown pie dish

Apple Chess Pie

Sprinkle Stocking Cookies

Sprinkle Stocking Cookies

Pecan Tassies - Southern Living