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Making Thanksgiving dinner for eight doesn’t have to cost a fortune! I’ve put together a full menu with all the classics, from juicy turkey and creamy mashed potatoes to homemade pumpkin pie. With a few pantry staples and some smart shopping, you can make a delicious Thanksgiving feast on a budget!
All the Thanksgiving Favorites, for Less!
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to break the bank! With a few pantry staples, smart shopping, and this menu of eight family favorites, you can feed 8 people for around $60! Plus, you can mix and match your favorites or check out more affordable sides, appetizers, and desserts below. Just keep in mind that prices will vary depending on where you shop.
Favorite Ways to Save on Thanksgiving
- Watch for Turkey Sales: First, check your grocery store’s weekly ads and grab a turkey when the price drops.
- Choose Sides That Stretch: Potatoes, stuffing, and casseroles help fill everyone’s plates without spending a fortune.
- Keep It Simple: Recipes with fewer ingredients can help you save both time and money.
- Shop Your Pantry First: Before heading to the store, check for sugar, flour, honey, spices, and seasonings. After all, those little things add up!
Alyssa’s Money/Time Saving Tip
No Shame in Store-Bought! You don’t have to make everything from scratch! In fact, store-bought rolls, gravy, cranberry sauce, or even pumpkin pie can save you time. Just compare prices and focus on making the dishes you love most!
Turkey in a Bag
This is my secret to a stress-free turkey! It turns out tender and juicy, and I love that it makes plenty of drippings for easy gravy. It takes the pressure off and works every time.
5 Ingredient Corn Casserole
One of those simple sides that feels nostalgic and tastes like pure comfort! It uses just five ingredients, and everyone always comes back for seconds.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
My family looks forward to this every year! It’s sweet, salty, creamy, and such a fun little throwback. I love that I can make it ahead of time and have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day.
5 Ingredient Green Bean Casserole
When I want that classic green bean casserole flavor without a long ingredient list, this is the one I make! Just five simple ingredients, and it fits right in with everything else on the table.
Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots
Carrots are one of my favorite budget-friendly sides! A little browned butter, honey, and garlic make them taste extra special without a lot of work.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
I love making mashed potatoes in the slow cooker! It frees up precious oven space, and I can keep them warm until we’re ready to eat.
Easy Homemade Stuffing
Stuffing is a Thanksgiving must at our house! I love that this version comes together with simple ingredients and still tastes homemade. It’s classic, comforting, and always a favorite!
Grandma’s Famous Pumpkin Pie
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without Grandma’s pumpkin pie! It’s filled with warm spices, has that classic creamy filling, and tastes just like the holidays.
Share Your Thanksgiving Money-Saving Tips!
Do you mix homemade and store-bought dishes? Or have a favorite way to stretch your holiday budget? Leave a comment below! I’d love to hear your tips!
Thanksgiving Sides to Mix and Match
Want to switch things up? You can buy a few dishes to save time or make your favorites from scratch! Either way, here are a few more Thanksgiving recipes I love to add to our table. Just remember that swaps or extras will change your shopping total!
Don’t Forget the Leftovers!
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is enjoying the leftovers! If you have extras, here’s how to keep them fresh and ready for another meal.
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in shallow, airtight containers within 2 hours of serving. Most cooked leftovers will last 3–4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze leftover turkey and other freezer-friendly dishes for another meal.
- To Reheat: Heat leftovers to 165°F. Bring leftover gravy to a boil before serving.
Original Article on The Recipe Critic