Rising tariffs may make grocery bills steep, but these budget-friendly dishes keep Thanksgiving full of flavor and tradition.
Thanksgiving is shaping up to be pricier than usual this year. Thanks to tariffs on produce, meat, dairy, and other staples, plus ongoing supply‐chain issues, the cost of many ingredients has been rising. That means families who once planned generously are now cutting costs wherever they can. But even on a tighter budget, you can still pull together a festive, delicious spread. Here are seven cheap and festive recipe ideas to keep your Thanksgiving dinner festive and filling without breaking the bank.
1. Herb-Roasted Whole Chicken
Why it’s cost-effective & festive: Whole chickens are much cheaper per pound than turkey (especially smaller turkeys or turkey breasts). You still get a centerpiece roast, golden skin, the aromatics, drippings for gravy, and leftovers.
What to do: Rub with olive oil or butter, season with basic herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage), garlic, salt & pepper. Stuff the cavity with onions, carrots, maybe some lemon or citrus if affordable. Roast until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches ~165°F. Let rest so juices redistribute.
2. Creamy & Garlic-Herb Mashed Potatoes
Why it’s a budget win: Potatoes (especially russets or Yukon golds) are inexpensive, filling, and versatile. A few sticks of butter, some milk (or even a mix of milk + broth), garlic or garlic powder, herbs, and you get comfort, flavor, and plenty of portions.
What to do: Peel (or leave skins if you like texture), cube and boil until just fork tender. Warm milk/butter, then mash gently (don’t overmix to avoid gummy texture). Season well with salt & pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or a little extra butter.
3. Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole
Why it’s festive but not expensive: Green beans (fresh, frozen, or even canned), mushrooms (button or cremini), cream or milk, basic seasonings, and a crunchy topping are all ingredients that are relatively affordable (especially when done early, with sales). The casserole is comforting, familiar, and colors up your table.
What to do: Sauté mushrooms with onions & garlic; blanch or precook green beans; make or use cream of mushroom soup (or a homemade cream sauce) to bind things; top with fried onions or breadcrumbs for crunch. Bake until bubbly and the top is golden.
4. Sweet Potatoes with Maple & Bacon Bits
Why it works: Sweet potatoes are in season in many places in the fall and often less pricey per pound than other “premium” vegetables. Adding a little sweetness from maple (or syrup), citrus, and a crunch from nuts or a few bacon bits gives flavor without expensive ingredients.
What to do: Slice or cube sweet potatoes; roast with olive oil, salt, pepper, maybe cinnamon. Drizzle with maple syrup or mix in a little brown sugar. If you have bacon, crisp it and crumble; otherwise chopped walnuts or pecans work. Optional finishing with a little melted butter or a sprinkle of herbs.
5. Simple Stuffing or Cornbread Stuffing
Why it’s frugal: Bread (especially day-old, or baked yourself) is cheap, herbs are often already on hand, and moisture from broth plus vegetables makes the dish hearty and filling. Cornbread stuffing gives a sweet-savory twist.
What to do: Cube bread; toast lightly; sauté onions & celery (and any other inexpensive veggies you like, e.g. carrot, mushrooms); add herbs (sage, thyme), salt/pepper; moisten with chicken or veggie broth; bake in a pan until top is crisp. For cornbread stuffing: bake or buy a simple cornbread, crumble it, then treat similarly, mixing in veggies and herbs.
6. Cranberry Sauce from Scratch
Why it’s cheap & brightens the meal: Canned gelatinous cranberry sauce is convenient, but homemade sauce (fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, water or juice, citrus zest) is easy, fast, and tastes much fresher. Plus you can make it ahead, so less stress.
What to do: Combine sugar & liquid (water or part fruit juice or orange juice); bring to boil, add cranberries; simmer until berries burst (some whole, some broken); optionally add orange zest, spices like a cinnamon stick; cool so it thickens. Make ahead and chill.
7. Rustic Apple Crisp
Why it’s affordable & festive: Apples are frequently on sale in the fall, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) are pantry staples, and a crisp topping (oats, flour, butter) is inexpensive. Sheet pan versions reduce crust costs and labor. Rustic free-form styles are forgiving & charming.
What to do: Slice apples and toss with sugar, a little lemon juice if you have it, and spices. For crisp: mix oats (or rolled oats), flour, sugar, and butter (or margarine) into crumbs; spread over fruit; bake until bubbling and topping is golden. For a sheet-pan apple cake: mix a simple batter, spread apples on top, bake, maybe add crumb or streusel topping.
