Thanksgiving in a Toaster: 10 Festive Recipes You Can Make in the Smallest Kitchen

When you’re living in an RV, staying in a hotel, or simply trying to keep holiday cooking low-key, one appliance becomes the unexpected hero of Thanksgiving: the toaster.

Yes… The humble toaster.

Whether you're parked at a campsite, traveling between states, or navigating a mid-remodel-limbo (hi, that’s us right now), these tiny, festive recipes bring BIG Thanksgiving flavors without needing an oven, stovetop, or even much counter space.

Each one is fast, cozy, creative, and family-travel friendly — perfect for mornings-after-Thanksgiving, snack boards, or holiday traditions you can take anywhere.

Let’s toast (literally) to making holiday magic in the simplest way possible.

First... The appliance. I LOVE our super skinny toaster. It doesn't have a very big footprint at all, but it works perfectly!

Meet our bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster! Find it HERE on our RV Essentials!

🦃 10 THANKSGIVING-THEMED FOODS YOU CAN MAKE IN A TOASTER

🍠 1. Sweet Potato “Toasts”

Your toaster becomes the holiday MVP with this one. They’re warm, sweet, filling, and basically taste like Thanksgiving for breakfast.

How to Make It:

• Slice sweet potatoes lengthwise into ¼–½ inch slices.

• Toast on high for 2–3 cycles until soft and slightly caramelized.

• Top with your favorite holiday combo:

  • Marshmallow fluff + cinnamon (mini sweet potato casserole!)

  • Almond butter + pecans

  • Pumpkin pie spice + butter

RV Tip: Make extra — your kids will steal these OFF THE PLATE!

🦃 2. Turkey Melt Stuffing Toast

The best parts of Thanksgiving dinner… on bread.

How to Make It:

• Toast brioche or sourdough.

• Add thin sliced deli turkey + leftover stuffing.

• Pop back in the toaster oven (NOT in a Toaster! That would be MESSY!) But try OUR Multi-function Microwave (bagel mode helps!) to warm the center.

• Finish with a dollop of cranberry sauce.

Why It Works: It’s warm, savory, a little tart — and tastes like a holiday sandwich from a gourmet café.

🧀 3. Toaster “Thanksgiving Stuffing Waffle”

Pure genius. Pure chaos. Pure holiday comfort.

How to Make It:

• Use frozen stuffing waffles OR freeze leftover stuffing in a waffle-maker shape.

• Pop into the toaster like an Eggo.

• Top with gravy, turkey, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside — basically the perfect way to give stuffing new life.

🍞 4. Cranberry Cream Cheese Toast

A festive, fast breakfast or snack that feels like it came from a holiday brunch menu.

How to Make It:

• Toast bread or English muffins. ( I LOVE the cranberry orange ones from Ozery)

• Spread on cream cheese.

• Add leftover cranberry sauce.

• Finish with fresh orange zest.

It’s bright, tangy, creamy, and so beautiful on a plate.

🥧 5. Mini Pumpkin Pie Toast

Tiny dessert vibes. But, not tons of sugar, which is a WIN if you have wildlings like me... Zero baking required.

How to Make It:

• Toast cinnamon raisin bread.

• Mix pumpkin pie filling + cream cheese + pumpkin spice.

• Spread on toast.

• Top with whipped cream.

RV Trick: Stick the toast back in the warm toaster slot for 20 seconds to warm the pumpkin mixture — DELICIOUS. Don't leave it too long or it will MELT and make quite the mess.

🍏 6. Apple Pie Toaster Tart

This feels shockingly nostalgic — like elevated Pop-Tarts.

How to Make It:

• Take plain store-bought toaster pastries.

• Open the seam slightly and add applesauce or warm apple pie filling.

• Toast as normal.

• Dust with cinnamon sugar.

Perfect for: A quick Thanksgiving morning breakfast or apple-pie craving without turning on an oven.

🧇 7. Buttered Herb Stuffing Toast

Like stuffing… but toasted.

How to Make It:

• Toast your bread of choice.

• Butter generously.

• Sprinkle with garlic salt, parsley, thyme, and sage.

Flavor Profile:Warm, herby, nostalgic — all the stuffing vibes without turning on a single appliance beyond the toaster.

🥓 8. Toasted Marshmallow + Cranberry “S’mores”

The holiday dessert you didn’t expect… but will absolutely make on repeat.

How to Make It:

• Lightly toast graham crackers.

• Spread marshmallow fluff + cranberry sauce.

• Add white chocolate.

• Sandwich and let melt slightly.

Kids LOVE these. Adults do too. BUT be warned... sugar count on these guys are HIGH so enjoy sparingly.

🧡 9. Pumpkin Spice English Muffins

Simple, cozy, and perfect with a cup of campfire coffee.

How to Make It:

• Toast English muffins.

• Butter while hot.

• Add brown sugar + pumpkin spice.

• Top with maple syrup if you're feeling fancy.

This is fall in every bite.

🥨 10. Thanksgiving Leftover Grilled Cheese (Toaster Hack)

You will never eat leftovers the same way again.

How to Make It:

• Toast two slices of bread.

• Build sandwich with:

  • Turkey slices

  • Cranberry sauce

  • Cheddar

• Wrap in foil.

• Use the toaster’s radiant heat or a skillet to warm and melt.

Why Foil Works: Toasters don’t melt cheese well — but foil creates a little heat cocoon that does the job perfectly.

🍁 Final Thoughts: Holiday Flavor Can Happen Anywhere

Whether you're in a sticks-and-bricks home, traveling full-time, camping for Thanksgiving, or just trying to keep things easy this year, these toaster-friendly recipes prove that holiday magic doesn't require a full kitchen.

Just a toaster. A few ingredients. And a little creativity.