GREENSBORO, N.C. — If you’ve been invited to a Thanksgiving party you might be wondering how to bring a dish without spending a fortune. Here are a few budget-friendly side dish ideas that are easy to prepare, sure to impress, and include ways to save even more!
Mashed Potatoes
A five-pound bag of potatoes costs around $3, and with a little butter and milk, you can whip up this classic side for under $5. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone at the table will love.
Recipe:
- 5 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 4 tbsp butter (or margarine)
- 1/2 cup milk (or use water from boiling potatoes for a dairy-free option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Peel and cube potatoes. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
- Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Money-Saving Swaps:
- Use margarine instead of butter.
- Skip the milk and use the starchy potato water for mashing.
- Add garlic powder or dried herbs from your pantry for extra flavor without extra cost.
Green Bean Casserole
This Thanksgiving staple is simple and affordable. Combine canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy onions to create a flavorful dish for about $7.
Recipe:
- 2 cans green beans (14.5 oz each)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix green beans and soup in a casserole dish.
- Top with crispy fried onions and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Money-Saving Swaps:
- Use frozen green beans instead of canned if they’re on sale.
- Substitute fried onions with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a cheaper topping.
- Make a simple white sauce with flour, butter, and broth instead of using cream of mushroom soup.
Cornbread
Cornbread mix is one of the cheapest and easiest options. For less than $1, you can make a delicious side, and if you want to get creative, add canned corn or cheese for a little extra flavor.
Recipe:
- 1 box cornbread mix
- 1 egg (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce as a substitute)
- 1/3 cup milk (or water)
- Preheat oven according to package instructions.
- Mix ingredients and pour into a greased baking pan.
- Bake as directed on the box.
Money-Saving Swaps:
- Use water instead of milk.
- Stir in a can of creamed corn or frozen corn kernels to stretch the batter.
- Shred leftover cheese to sprinkle on top before baking.
Veggie Tray or Salad
If you’re short on time, consider a no-cook option. A simple veggie tray with store-bought ranch dressing or a bagged salad can cost less than $10 and makes for a healthy, fresh addition to the table.
Veggie Tray Idea:
- Baby carrots
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Store-bought ranch dressing or hummus
Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving is complete without dessert. A frozen pumpkin pie costs less than $6 and requires minimal effort—just heat it in the oven and serve.
Recipe (if you want to make it yourself):
- 1 frozen pie crust
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Mix pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour into the crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for 40-50 minutes until set.
Money-Saving Swaps:
- Use a graham cracker crust or make your own with crushed crackers and butter.
- Substitute evaporated milk with regular milk if you have it on hand.
- Use a pre-made mix or sale items to save time and money.
Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Ideas
- Mashed Potatoes: $5 or less
- Green Bean Casserole: Around $7
- Cornbread: Under $5
- Veggie Tray: $10 or less
- Pumpkin Pie: $6
With these affordable options, you can contribute to a Thanksgiving gathering without breaking the bank.
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