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I walked into the grocery store with an empty cart and a to-do plan a full Thanksgiving meal without spending a lot of money. I shopped well, used simple ingredients, and stuck to a plan that expands and feeds the crowd. I went out Spending only sixty dollars to feed eight people.
Budget Smart Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re feeding a crowd and watching a budget. This menu keeps things simple, classic, and customizable so you can enjoy the day without overspending. Use the entire line if you’re hosting, or just grab a side or dessert if you’re bringing something to share.
And if you want to mix things up, keep scrolling. I’ve added some super inexpensive sides, appetizers, and desserts so you can change things up and create a menu that fits your family, your plans, and your budget this year.
How to handle thanksgiving on a budget
- Buy a sold turkey: Watch the weekly ads and grab the turkey when it hits the sale price. Most stores dispose of them earlier than you think.
- Select the extended sides: Casseroles, potato, and veggie dishes fill the plates and get one turkey going.
- Stick to a low ingredient order when possible: Less stress, less money, still fun.
- Use what you already have: Spices, butter, flour, baking powder, and foil add to the top. Always check your pantry first!
Save time and money tip
You don’t have to do everything from scratch. Pick up a few items from the grocery store and focus on the dishes you like to cook the most.
Rolls, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are all perfectly fine to buy. It keeps things simple, inexpensive, and feels like a special Thanksgiving meal. Work smart, not hard. Everything is important!
Turkey in the bag
This is my secret to Unstuffed Turkey. It always comes out tender and juicy, and I love that it makes lots of drippings for a light gravy. It takes the pressure off and it just works every time.
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5 Ingredient Corn Casserole
This is one of those less expensive sides That feels good and tastes like instant comfort. It uses Simple ingredients And everyone goes back in seconds.
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Strawberry Pretzel Salad
My family looks forward to this every year. Sweet, salty, creamy, and honestly such a delicious little toss. How I love you It’s easy to make ahead and exit on the right side when ready.
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Enemy 5 ingredient green bean casserole
This is the version I make when I want a traditional taste without a long list of ingredients. Five simple ingredients, a classic taste, and it goes well with everything else on the table.
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Heavy brown garlic butter
Carrots are one of those Budget values That feels good when you give them a little love. The blooming butter made them taste like something special without additional efforts or ingredients.
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Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
I love making my mashed potatoes in the slow cooker because it frees up space in the oven and they stay warm until serving.
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A simple filling made at home
Anointing is a proper thanksgiving in our house. I love how this version comes together Quick and still tastes homemade. It feels classic and comforting without taking into account the food budget.
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The popular granny bag
This pie is everything Thanksgiving should be. Simple ingredients, warm spices, and feel homemade and nostalgic. Only complete.
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Inexpensive Thanksgiving recipes
I like to keep gratitude simple. I made the above recipes for less than sixty dollars to feed 8 people and buy rolls, cranberry sauce, grani, and if you want, you can pull the Pumpkin Pie in If you prefer to make everything homemade, here are my favorite versions to change.
Side dishes
Very easy cranberry sauce
15 minutes
Wrapping up
Rolls for 1 hour
1 hour 3 minutes
Dressings, sauces and dips
Easy turkey gravy
15 minutes
An appetizer
Cranberry pecan brie bites
20 minutes
Share your gratitude strategy
Do you mix homemade and fresh? Or have a way to budget your holidays? Comment below and let me know all your tips!
Arrangement of leftovers
You might even have extras on this Thanksgiving Day Meme menu plan because it’s a lot of food! But the rest is the best! If you have leftovers, store them well in an airline container in your fridge!
