I walked into the grocery store with an empty cart and a plan to make a full Thanksgiving meal without spending a fortune. I shopped smart, used simple ingredients, and stuck to recipes that stretch and feed a crowd. I walked out spending around only sixty dollars to feed eight people.
Budget Smart Thanksgiving Ideas
Thanksgiving can feel big, especially when you are feeding a crowd and watching the budget. This menu keeps things simple, classic, and doable so you can enjoy the day without overspending. Use the whole lineup if you are hosting, or just grab a side or dessert if you are bringing something to share.
And if you want to mix things up, keep scrolling. I added extra affordable sides, appetizers, and desserts so you can swap things in and build the menu that fits your family, your plans, and your budget this year.
How to Host Thanksgiving on a Budget
- Buy the turkey on sale: Watch weekly ads and grab the turkey when it hits the sale price. Most stores drop them earlier than you think.
- Choose sides that stretch: Casseroles, potatoes, and veggie dishes fill plates and make one turkey go further.
- Stick to lower ingredient recipes when possible: Less stress, less money, still delicious.
- Use what you already have: Spices, butter, flour, seasonings, and foil add up. Always check your pantry first!
Save Time and Money Tip
You do not have to make everything from scratch. Grab a few things at the store and focus on the dishes you love cooking most.
Rolls, gravy, cranberry sauce, and even pumpkin pie are all totally fine to buy. It keeps things simple, affordable, and still feels like a special Thanksgiving meal. Work smarter, not harder. It all counts!
Turkey in a Bag
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This is my secret to a stress-free turkey. It always turns out tender and juicy, and I love that it makes plenty of drippings for easy gravy. It takes the pressure off and just works every time.
5 Ingredient Corn Casserole
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This is one of those inexpensive sides that feels nostalgic and tastes like instant comfort. It uses simple ingredients and everyone always goes back for seconds.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
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My family looks forward to this every year. Sweet, salty, creamy, and honestly such a fun little throwback. I love how easy it is to make ahead and bring out right when you're ready.
5 Ingredient Green Bean Casserole
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This is the version I make when I want the traditional flavor without a long ingredient list. Five simple ingredients, classic taste, and it fits right in with everything else on the table.
Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots
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Carrots are one of those budget gems that feel fancy when you give them a little love. The browned butter makes them taste like something special without any extra effort or ingredients.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
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I love doing my mashed potatoes in the slow cooker because it frees up oven space and they stay warm until serving.
Easy Homemade Stuffing
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Stuffing is a Thanksgiving must at our house. I love that this version comes together quickly and still tastes homemade. It feels classic and comforting without taking over the grocery budget.
Grandma’s Famous Pumpkin Pie
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This pie is everything Thanksgiving should taste like. Simple ingredients, warm spices, and it feels so homemade and nostalgic. It is the perfect finish.
More Affordable Thanksgiving Recipes
I like to keep Thanksgiving simple. I made the recipes above for under sixty dollars to feed 8 people and then I bought the rolls, cranberry sauce, gravy, and if you want, you can snag a $5.99 pumpkin pie from Costco to save time. If you’d rather make everything homemade, here are my favorite versions to swap in.
Share Your Thanksgiving Strategy
Do you mix homemade and store-bought too? Or have a go-to way to stretch your holiday budget? Comment below and let me know all of your tips!
Meal Planning with Leftovers
You might have extras from this Thanksgiving Day menu plan because it’s a lot of food! But leftovers are the best! If you have leftovers, store them properly in an airtight container in your fridge!
This story originally appeared on TheRecipeCritic
