Small batch recipes for small households

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Cooking for a small household doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice variety or taste for the sake of convenience. Our collection of small batch recipes is designed with smaller households in mind, offering the perfect solution for those looking to enjoy home-cooked meals without the worry of excessive leftovers. From savory Oven Fried Chicken to sweet Donut Bread Pudding, and from hearty Meatball Subs to delicate Bisquick Biscuits for Two, these recipes are tailored to fit your lifestyle while still delivering big on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a few, these dishes ensure that you can enjoy the process of making and eating your meals, with just the right amount of food for your table.

Bbq ribs and potato wedges on a tray.
Oven Baked BBQ Ribs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Oven Fried Chicken

Oven fried chicken with cherry tomatoes.
Oven Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

For those smaller households craving the comfort of fried chicken without the excess, this Oven Fried Chicken recipe is just the ticket. It offers the crispy, golden satisfaction of traditional fried chicken with a fraction of the fuss and oil. Perfectly portioned for two, it’s a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish, ensuring no leftovers but plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

Donut Bread Pudding

Donut bread pudding on a plate and in a baking dish.
Donut Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Transform a couple of leftover donuts into a decadent Donut Bread Pudding, an ingenious recipe tailored for small households. This small batch dessert offers a creative and delicious way to repurpose those extra donuts into something utterly comforting. It’s easy, quick, and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Donut Bread Pudding

Denver Omelets

A omelette on a paper.
Denver Omelet. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Start your day with a perfectly sized Denver Omelet, ideal for small households looking for a hearty breakfast without the waste. This recipe keeps it simple and savory, combining eggs, ham, bell peppers, and onions. It’s a fuss-free meal that cooks up quickly, offering a nutritious and satisfying start to your day.
Get the Recipe: Denver Omelets

Meatball Subs

A sandwich and broccoli on a plate.
Meatball Subs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Enjoy the classic comfort of Meatball Subs at home with this small batch recipe, designed with small households in mind. It’s the perfect solution for when you’re craving something hearty and delicious but don’t want leftovers cluttering your fridge. These subs pack all the flavor of your favorite Italian eatery in a size that’s just right for two.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Subs

Blackened Chicken Thighs

Chicken coated in seasoning on a plate with tomatoes.
Blackened Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Spice up your dinner routine with Blackened Chicken Thighs, a recipe scaled down for those cooking for one or two. This dish brings bold flavors and a delightful kick, all while keeping portions in check. Serve alongside your favorite veggies or a simple salad for a complete, no-fuss meal that’s big on taste and perfect for smaller households.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Oven BBQ Ribs

Ribs and a potato on a plate.
Oven BBQ Ribs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

This Oven BBQ Ribs recipe is a dream come true for small households wanting to enjoy the full flavor of barbecue without a mountain of leftovers. Slow-cooked and slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce, these ribs are tender, flavorful, and just the right amount for a special meal for two.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

Air Fryer French Toast

French toast with powdered sugar on a plate is a delicious breakfast option for small households.
Air Fryer French Toast. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Whip up a quick and delightful breakfast with this Air Fryer French Toast recipe, perfectly portioned for small households. It’s a clever way to get that classic French toast taste without having to make a huge batch. Quick, easy, and delicious, it’s ideal for a luxurious breakfast or brunch without any waste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken in a wrap with lettuce and tomatoes.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Lemon Garlic Chicken, in a small batch recipe, offers a bright and savory option for those cooking for one or two. This dish combines the zesty punch of lemon with the warmth of garlic, creating a flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfectly sized for small households, ensuring you enjoy a delicious dinner without an overwhelming amount of leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Ranch baked chicken next to a rocket salad.
Oven Baked Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Oven Baked Ranch Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that’s been scaled down for those smaller households. This recipe brings together the tangy taste of ranch with tender, juicy chicken, all with minimal prep and cleanup. It’s a weeknight lifesaver that delivers big flavor in portions that won’t leave you overwhelmed.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Perfect for small households, these two chicken breasts can be easily cooked in an air fryer for a quick and delicious meal.
Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

For a dinner that feels special without the surplus, these Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts are perfectly portioned for small households. Filled with delicious ingredients and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this recipe ensures a mouthwatering meal that’s just the right size, offering a gourmet dining experience at home with no waste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce

Cheese sauce over cauliflower in a casserole.
Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Elevate your vegetable game with this Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce recipe, designed for small households. It’s a simple, comforting side dish that brings a classic combination of creamy cheese and tender cauliflower to your table, all in a quantity that’s just right for one or two people. It’s an easy way to add some veggie delight to your meal without leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce

Bisquick Biscuits for Two

Butter biscuits on a plate for small households.
Bisquick Biscuits for Two. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Bake up a batch of Bisquick Biscuits for Two, the perfect small batch recipe for those mornings when you’re craving homemade biscuits without the commitment of a full batch. These biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and ready in minutes, making them a fantastic addition to any meal or a delightful treat on their own. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers comfort food exactly in the quantity you need.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Biscuits for Two

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