Look, I get it. The holidays are stressful, but making a budget turkey breast for two shouldn’t be. The idea of cooking a 20-pound bird is enough to make anyone want to just order a pizza and call it a day. When I was in my first tiny apartment, I wanted that “Pinterest-perfect” Thanksgiving, but I had a $40 grocery budget for the whole week and a sink the size of a shoebox.

That’s when I discovered the bone-in turkey breast. It’s the ultimate budget hack. If you’re craving a classic herb-roasted turkey but don’t have the space, this bone-in breast is cheaper per pound than the fancy boneless rolls, it fits on a standard sheet pan, and it tastes way better because the bone keeps the meat juicy. This is a cheap turkey recipe that actually hits different when you’re hungry and broke, but want to feel like a fancy adult.

A Beginner Roasted Turkey Without Fancy Equipment

You don’t need a roasting pan. You don’t need one of those wire racks that are impossible to clean. We’re using the “Vegetable Trivet” technique. By hacking up some carrots and onions into thick chunks, we create a platform for the bird to sit on. This lets the hot air circulate underneath so the bottom doesn’t get soggy, and meanwhile, those vegetables are braising in turkey fat. Trust me, those onions will be the best thing you eat all week.

Small Thanksgiving Recipe: The Secret to Crispy Skin

The biggest mistake people make is roasting a “wet” bird. If there is water on that skin, it’s going to steam, not crisp. Use the “Paper Towel Trick”: pat that turkey until it feels like parchment paper. If you have time, let it sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour before you start. It sounds extra, but it’s the difference between rubbery skin and that golden, crackly goodness we all want.

The Butter-Under-Skin Maneuver

If you just rub butter on top, half of it melts off into the pan before the meat even gets warm. Here’s the hack: shove that seasoned butter under the skin. It seasons the meat directly and acts like a shield against the heat so the breast doesn’t dry out.

Store brand poultry seasoning is your best friend here. It’s got all the sage and thyme you need in one bottle for about two bucks. No need to buy five different jars of fresh herbs that will just rot in your fridge.

Cheap Turkey Recipe: Make it a Meal

If you want to turn this into a one-pan wonder, toss some cubed potatoes in oil and salt and throw them on the edges of the sheet pan. Everything cooks at once, and it’s definitely one of our best roasted turkey hacks for tiny kitchens. You’ve got a full-blown feast with exactly one dish to wash.

This is the perfect turkey for college students because broke doesn’t mean boring, and “for two” doesn’t mean you can’t have a celebration. If you have extra dark meat lovers in your life, you might also like these smothered turkey wings. If I can make this in a kitchen with one counter and a temperamental oven, anyone can. Proceed with confidence—you’ve got this.