Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, gratitude, and, of course, bountiful feasts.
This year, we’re taking a frugal approach to the holiday without sacrificing the essence of Thanksgiving. Our carefully curated Thanksgiving Feast recipes will guide you through preparing a spread that’s both economical and extravagant in taste.
From a succulent Herb Roasted Turkey Breast to rich, Classic Mashed Potatoes and a vibrant array of side dishes, we’ll show you how to create a spread that feels traditional, tastes incredible, and keeps your wallet happy.
We’ll also delve into the cost of each dish, providing you with a detailed breakdown and tips on where to shop for the best deals.
Our goal is to help you easily navigate this holiday season, ensuring you can enjoy the festivities without financial stress.
So gather your loved ones, give thanks, and get ready to indulge in a Thanksgiving feast that’s as kind to your budget as it is to your palate.
14 Tasty Tips for a Budget Friendly Thanksgiving
Why a Frugal Thanksgiving Feast?
Thanksgiving is synonymous with abundance—a table laden with dishes, a home filled with loved ones, and hearts brimming with gratitude.
But it’s easy to overlook the mounting costs in all this abundance. Every dish adds up from the turkey to the trimmings, and before you know it, you’re spending far more than you anticipated.
However, a memorable Thanksgiving doesn’t necessarily mean an expensive one. A frugal approach to this beloved holiday means something other than skimping on quality or flavor. Instead, it’s about making smart choices, planning ahead, and being resourceful.
By:
- selecting cost-effective ingredients
- leveraging seasonal produce
- and employing a few culinary tricks
…you can create a spread that’s as delightful to your palate as it is to your pocketbook.
Moreover, there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing that you’ve crafted a economical and elegant feast. It’s a testament to the fact that you can celebrate the holiday in style with a little creativity and effort without straining your budget.
After all, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have, and what better way to express that gratitude than by making the most of every dollar?
Note: Our cost estimation is based on average prices in the US, but prices will vary depending on your location. Our goal is to help you find ingredients that are generally more affordable!
Recipe 1: Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving dinner is undoubtedly the turkey. This Herb Roasted Turkey Breast recipe offers a succulent, flavorful alternative to cooking a whole bird, saving you time and money without skimping on tradition or taste. Perfect for smaller gatherings, it allows you to enjoy the holiday classic on a smaller scale.
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (about 6 to 7 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
- Total Cost: Around $25 – $35. Serves: 6-7 people
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a paste.
- Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast and rub half of the herb paste directly on the meat. Spread the remaining paste evenly on the skin.
- Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Why Herb Roasted Turkey Breast?
Opting for a turkey breast rather than a whole turkey is a smart move for a frugal Thanksgiving.
It’s more affordable, cooks faster, and there’s less waste, making it ideal for smaller gatherings. The fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and aroma that’s simply irresistible, and they can often be found in your garden or bought cheaply at the market.
Recipe 2: Classic Mashed Potatoes
A staple at any Thanksgiving Feast, Classic Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food.
Creamy, buttery, and delightfully fluffy, they’re the perfect side dish to complement your Herb Roasted Turkey Breast and Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding. This recipe is straightforward, cost-effective, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Total Cost: Around $6. Serves: 6-8
Instructions:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the butter and mash the potatoes until the butter is melted and incorporated.
- Gradually add the milk, continuing to mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, with an extra pat of butter on top if desired.
Why Classic Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are a beloved classic for a reason. They’re simple to make, and require very few ingredients, and their creamy texture and warm, comforting taste make them a favorite for all ages. Plus, potatoes and milk are typically inexpensive ingredients, especially when bought in bulk, making this dish a smart choice for feeding a crowd on a budget.
Recipe 3: Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine is a classic side dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal.
With its fresh green beans and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds, it’s a delightful contrast to the creamy textures on a traditional Thanksgiving plate. This dish is not only delicious, but also incredibly easy on the wallet.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds (Buy in a small bag or in bulk)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon) for garnish
- Total Cost: Around $6. Serves: 6-8
Instructions:
- Blanch the green beans in a pot of boiling salted water for about 3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat with the butter and almonds. Cook until the beans are heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with lemon zest just before serving.
Why Green Bean Almondine?
This dish is a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your Thanksgiving Feast without resorting to heavier, cream-laden casseroles. Green beans are typically inexpensive, especially when in season, and almonds add a luxurious feel without a high cost, especially if you buy them in bulk.
Recipe 4: Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding
Cap off your Thanksgiving Feast with a dessert that embodies the essence of fall—Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser and a budget-friendly option that uses simple ingredients and day-old bread, ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s a warm, comforting end to your meal that’s easy on the pocket.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, torn into small pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (15oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts
Total Cost: Around $12. Serves: 8-10
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the torn bread pieces into the baking dish in an even layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined.
- If using, fold in the raisins or nuts into the mixture.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Why Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding?
Pumpkin spice and everything nice—that’s what this dessert is made of.
Utilizing seasonal flavors not only ties in with the Thanksgiving Feast theme, but also allows you to take advantage of the lower prices on pumpkin puree and spices that are often on sale this time of year. Plus, using day-old bread helps you save money and reduce food waste, making this dessert a smart choice for a frugal feast.
Additional Savings & Hot Tips:
- Seasonal Shopping: Purchase green beans for the best flavor and price when they’re in season. Farmers’ markets can offer competitive prices on fresh, local produce.
- Buy Almonds in Bulk: Almonds can be more economical when bought in larger quantities. Store excess in the freezer to keep them fresh for future use.
- Generic Brands: Opt for store-brand butter and almonds for quality at a lower price point.
- Alternative Nuts: If almonds are out of your budget, consider using less expensive nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for a similar crunch.
- Lemon Zest Substitute: If fresh lemons are expensive, use a small amount of bottled lemon juice or dried lemon zest for flavor.
- Garlic Powder Option: Instead of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder that you may already have in your spice cabinet.
- Butter Alternatives: For a vegan option or to save on cost, you can use olive oil instead of butter. It’s healthier and you may already have it on hand.
- Toast Nuts in Bulk: If you’re using the oven for other dishes, toast a larger batch of almonds at once to save on energy costs and time for future recipes.
- Keep it Simple: Sometimes less is more. If you’re tight on budget, skip the lemon zest and focus on the primary flavors of the green beans and almonds.
- Leftovers Strategy: If you have leftover green beans, they can be repurposed into salads, stir-fries, or added to pasta dishes, giving you more bang for your buck.
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A Thanksgiving Feast – For Less
Our journey through a frugal Thanksgiving Feast has shown us that a memorable feast doesn’t have to strain your finances.
We’ve explored how to craft a spread that’s rich in tradition and flavor, while being mindful of the budget. From the main dish to the sides, we’ve provided cost-effective recipes and savvy shopping tips to help you celebrate without compromise.
As you gather around the table this year, take a moment to appreciate the abundance that comes not from extravagance, but from the love and care put into each dish.
This Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks for the simple pleasures—a home-cooked meal, the company of loved ones, and the joy of creating new traditions that don’t break the bank.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published Nov 7, 2023 and has been updated to improve reader experience.
