Name: Citrus-Sage Roast Turkey Breast With Gravy for a Small Crowd
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 1/2 hours
Yield: Makes 4 servings, with leftovers
Ingredients: 1 (5- to 6- pound) turkey breast, at room temperature for 1 hour; 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, well softened; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh sage leaves; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; Salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 navel orange; 1/2 medium red onion, cut into wedges; 1 1/2 to 2 cups brown turkey stock or low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; Flameproof roasting pan (not glass) with a V-rack; instant-read thermometer; 1-quart glass measure

Sliced turkey breast with orange wedges and sage leaves on a platter

Photo by Lara Ferroni

If you're sharing the holiday with a smaller group, we highly recommend a Thanksgiving turkey breast. You'll still end up with plenty of leftovers for what many consider the best perk of the Thanksgiving holiday: the day-after turkey sandwiches.

Editor's Note: This recipe is part of our Gourmet Modern Menu for Thanksgiving for 2 or 20. Menu also includes: Roasted Butternut Squash Ribbons with Arugula, Pancetta, and Hazelnut Salad; Mashed Potato and Cauliflower Gratin; Cabernet-Cranberry Sauce with Figs; Challah, Sausage, and Dried Cherry Stuffing; and for dessert, Apple Crostata with Spiced Caramel Sauce .

Cooks' note:

•If using a kosher turkey, reduce the salt sprinkled on the turkey breast to 1/2 teaspoon.