Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Dinner: 17 Delicious and Affordable Recipes
Welcome to a feast of flavor that won’t strain your wallet! In this collection, I’ve gathered my favorite 17 mouthwatering Thanksgiving recipes designed to add a touch of culinary delight without breaking the budget.
From savory mains to delectable sides and sweet treats, these affordable dishes are a testament that a delicious Thanksgiving spread doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad
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A salad full of roasted seasonal vegetables and a homemade dressing that is practically a meal in itself.
Easy Pumpkin Pie Twists
Not only are these cheap — they’re quick and easy. Pumpkin pie twists can be made with phyllo dough, crescent dough, or pie dough. These are a tasty and fast dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
Easy Cheesy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
A hearty and filling side that can be made ahead and reheats beautifully. It’s also a great budget dish for potlucks and parties that everyone loves.
Cream Cheese Board {Jalapeño Popper Style}
This is so cheap to put together! A jalapeno-popper cream cheese board is perfect for grazing before the main meal.
Subtly Smoked Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Smoked — or not — this is my favorite homemade cranberry sauce recipe to make.
Braised Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)
A traditional German side dish, we eat this every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Braised red cabbage is sweet and sour and a perfect complement to meats and gravies. It’s also very affordable to make.
Butter Board
This elegant sweet and savory butter board with whipped butter, assorted breads, roasted grapes, and whatever else you can add is a cheaper alternative to a cheese or meat platter. It’s quite beautiful too and very easy to put together.
Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
My pumpkin sheet cake recipe is made completely from scratch. It’s very simple and will easily feed a large crowd to satisfaction.
Garlicky Potatoes & Swiss Chard (Blitva)
Blitva is a traditional and popular side dish in my home country, Croatia. It’s a simple and cheap combination of potatoes with Swiss chard and garlic that can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature. Kinda like a potato salad. It pairs very well with traditional Thanksgiving foods, and there is no reason you shouldn’t make it this year.
Old-Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake Recipe
So simple and so budget-friendly. This homemade fresh apple cake is loaded with mostly apples. Make it in a bundt pan or a baking dish — both ways work and are delicious. Skip the nuts to make it even more affordable. My family asks for this cake all the time.
Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Simple yet satisfying, these baked sweet potato slices are a delightful blend of sweet and savory. Seasoned to perfection and oven-baked to golden perfection, they make for a wholesome side that effortlessly elevates any meal.
One Pan Roasted Turkey Breast With Fall Veggies
A stress-free Thanksgiving main course, this one-pan roasted turkey breast with fall veggies is a symphony of autumn flavors. Juicy turkey, perfectly roasted alongside a medley of seasonal vegetables, promises a hassle-free and delicious centerpiece for your holiday table.
Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
Elevate your side dish game with these balsamic roasted vegetables. A harmonious blend of colors and flavors, the vegetables are roasted to perfection, and the balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy kick. A versatile and vibrant addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Maple Butter Roasted Turkey Legs
Indulge in the rich, savory goodness of maple butter roasted turkey legs. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the richness of butter, resulting in succulent turkey legs that are both flavorful and memorable.
Sautéed Rapini (Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Oil)
Add a touch of freshness and simplicity to your Thanksgiving table with sautéed rapini. This dish, featuring broccoli rabe with garlic and oil, offers a delightful balance of earthy greens, aromatic garlic, and a hint of olive oil for a side that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Classic American Potato Salad
A timeless favorite, the classic American potato salad is a crowd-pleaser that complements any Thanksgiving menu. Creamy mayo, tangy mustard, and a medley of seasonings coat tender potatoes for a comforting and familiar side dish that never goes out of style.
Cranberry Salsa
Shake up your traditional Thanksgiving spread with a zesty cranberry salsa. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of cranberries, jalapeños, and cilantro, this salsa is a refreshing and tangy accompaniment that adds a lively kick to your holiday festivities.
