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Home » Recipes » Thanksgiving

Last Updated: Oct 9, 2022 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

Budget Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

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Budget Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas pin featuring easy, affordable recipes to make.

These budget Thanksgiving menu ideas are totally tasty and they will feed the whole family without hurting your wallet! This list has it all: turkey, side dishes, desserts, you name it. Feed the whole family without breaking the bank by trying out this easy and affordable Thanksgiving dinner menu!

Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

Nowadays, finding anything for a reasonable price is a feat in and of itself. Particularly around the holidays when the prices of anything even remotely holiday-related skyrocket.

Well, there's no need to panic because we have gathered some fabulous holiday-worthy dishes that won't cost an arm and a leg. Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can get pricey, but with these affordable recipes, you won't have to stress!

Budget Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas 4 image collage featuring easy, affordable recipes to make.
Jump to:
  • Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Budget Friendly Thanksgiving Menu Ideas For An Affordable Holiday Meal
  • 1. Baked Sweet Potatoes
  • 2. Easy Stuffing
  • 3. Honey Glazed Carrots
  • 4. Bisquick Biscuits
  • 5. Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash
  • 6. Candied Yams
  • 7. Roasted Butternut Squash
  • 8. Jiffy Cornbread
  • 9. Baked Apples
  • 10. Pumpkin Pie
  • 11. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
  • 12. Roasted Turkey Breast
  • 13. Sauteed Green Beans
  • 14. Apple Crisp
  • 15. Pumpkin Dump Cake
  • 16. Creamed Corn
  • 🦃 More Thanksgiving Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • Best Budget Thanksgiving Menu Ideas: Roasted Butternut Squash (+More Great Recipes!)
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

Whether you're a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you're sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don't forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early, too!

Budget Friendly Thanksgiving Menu Ideas For An Affordable Holiday Meal

If you're trying to whip up Thanksgiving dinner on a budget, you can't go wrong with any of these recipes. No one will know you cut any corners!

1. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes are filling and inexpensive! You can top them off with a pat of butter or dress them up with things like cinnamon and brown sugar.

You can always splurge a little and mix in some cooked sausage for a more savory stuffing.

Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that bakes to fluffy perfection in your oven! Serve them sweet or savory—it’s up to you! However you decide to make them, they’re certain to be amazing!
Check out this recipe
Baked sweet potatoes on a metal tray opened with a pat of butter inside.

2. Easy Stuffing

Just like the name suggests, this stuffing is easy to make! Simply take your favorite boxed stuffing cubes and add some common and inexpensive veggies.

It has that classic flavor we all expect from Thanksgiving stuffing, but for just a few bucks! You can always add in some cooked sausage for extra flavor!

Easy Stuffing Recipe
My easy stuffing recipe is a cornerstone for Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and tasty family dinners all year. Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes are combined with tasty herbs to complement all your favorite dishes. It only takes minutes to prep this classic Thanksgiving side dish staple that the whole family loves.
A single serving of this recipe is baked in an 8x8 dish and yields 10 side servings, or 6-8 heartier portions. It's also easy to 2x or 3x this recipe for larger gatherings.
Check out this recipe
Easy stuffing with tasty herbs served in glass dish with serving spoon.

3. Honey Glazed Carrots

Carrots are quite inexpensive, as are the few other ingredients in this recipe. Though combined they make a sweet and herbaceous vegetable side dish worthy of any restaurant!

Cook your carrots until they are as tender as you like, then enjoy!

Honey Glazed Carrots
These oven roasted honey glazed carrots are the perfect easy vegetable side dish for any time of the year. They are sweet and fragrant and pair wonderfully with ham or turkey around the holidays. The winning combination of honey, brown sugar, and fresh herbs is what takes these tender honey glazed roasted carrots over the top.
Check out this recipe
Square image of roasted honey glazed carrots in a white baking dish.

4. Bisquick Biscuits

A box of Bisquick is just a few bucks and the biscuits are heavenly! In fact, these biscuits only require 2 ingredients: Bisquick and milk!

These biscuits are perfect for soaking up sauce or gravy, and they bake in just 15 minutes!

Bisquick Biscuits
Perfectly fluffy Bisquick biscuits are super easy to make with the well-loved original recipe from the box. Whip-up drop biscuits or rolled and cut biscuits in no time with the basic 2-ingredient recipe. Just a few minutes is all it takes to understand why Bisquick baking mix is a baker's best friend!
1x recipe yields 8 drop biscuits or cut-out rolled biscuits. This is an exceptionally easy recipe to 2x or 3x as needed. See all of my recipes using Bisquick too.
Check out this recipe
Square image of Bisquick biscuits.

5. Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash

Fresh veggies are always a good buy. Try making some simple, yet delicious, sauteed zucchini and summer squash!

This 10-minute recipe couldn't be more simple. All you need is the squash, olive oil, and a sprinkle of garlic and parmesan!

Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Sautéed zucchini and yellow squash with garlic and Parmesan cheese is one of the absolute easiest ways ever to enjoy your abundant crop of summer squash. These are two of my favorite veggies, and they are absolutely delicious when pan-fried with garlic and then tossed in Parmesan. Your entire family will enjoy this healthy, easy side dish.
Check out this recipe
Square image of sauteed zucchini and yellow squash.

6. Candied Yams

This easy and delicious recipe is a favorite from my childhood! Canned yams are the key ingredient, and you can find them for a more than reasonable price.

Add some butter, brown sugar, and mini marshmallows, and you have an incredible Thanksgiving classic for just a few bucks.

Candied Yams With Marshmallows
These easy candied yams with marshmallows combine canned or fresh yams that are baked with butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows. They're exactly how my family and I have been making this classic holiday favorite for decades! This easy vegetable side dish is sure to be a winning holiday side dish your family loves too!
Check out this recipe
Wide closelup on the candied yams with marshmallows in serving spoon.

7. Roasted Butternut Squash

1 butternut squash goes a long way and they are only a few bucks! It gets perfectly tender and slightly caramelized in the oven with almost no effort at all.

You only need 3 ingredients. Butternut squash, olive oil, and salt & pepper!

Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is a delicious and versatile vegetable side dish suitable for any weeknight meal or holiday dinner. Olive oil, salt, and pepper are the only ingredients needed for this squash dish to enhance its sweet and nutty flavor. This easy and nutritious butternut squash recipe will become a new fall family favorite!
Check out this recipe
Square image of roasted butternut squash on a baking sheet.

8. Jiffy Cornbread

Jiffy baking mix is the secret to affordable and delicious homemade cornbread! It usually requires sour cream, though I have provided a list of alternatives if sour cream isn't an option.

I love adding jalapeno and red bell pepper for a Tex-Mex twist, though you can totally make this cornbread without and it's still just as tasty!

Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread
This easy Jiffy jalapeno cornbread is a tasty Mexican-inspired cornbread combining the convenience of Jiffy corn muffin mix with jalapenos and more! Mix everything up in one bowl and transfer it into a baking dish or cast-iron skillet for perfect cornbread in no time at all!
Check out this recipe
Closeup on the cut Jiffy jalapeno cornbread.

9. Baked Apples

Baked apples are an affordable dessert that is full of fall flavor! They are full of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.

A scoop of ice cream really elevates them as a dessert. However, they are still an incredibly satisfying sweet treat!

Baked Apples
Baked apples are a classic and easy comforting dessert that only requires a couple of minutes of prep time! They are packed with a combination of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a truly delicious treat. Eat them by themselves or top them with a scoop of ice cream for some extra sweetness!
Check out this recipe
Square image of baked apples.

10. Pumpkin Pie

When you are using canned pumpkin pie filling, pumpkin pies are not particularly pricy. A storebought pie crust, the filling, 1 egg, and some evaporated milk are really all you need (other than some common seasonings).

I even have a recipe for pumpkin pie without evaporated milk if you prefer!

Homemade Pumpkin Pie
My homemade pumpkin pie is an easy holiday tradition combining the best pumpkin pie filling with tender pastry! The delicious, warm baking spices make this pie a must-have at my family's Thanksgiving table! Plus, it's a super pie for baking in advance of the holidays!
Check out this recipe
Pumpkin pie closeup image from the edge.

11. Roasted Brussel Sprouts

You can get a huge bag of brussel sprouts for cheap and they don't take much to make them delicious! Just some salt, pepper, and olive oil!

You can always add things like sliced almonds, crispy bacon bits, or sauteed garlic and onion. Though they are still delicious without any additions!

Roasted Brussel Sprouts
These tasty Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts are super easy to make! They’re also equally suitable for an anytime weeknight dinner, holiday meals, and special occasions! Fresh or frozen brussels sprouts are baked to crispy, caramelized perfection that retains their wonderfully nutty flavor too!
Check out this recipe
Roasted brussel sprouts showing golden caramelized color in a white serving bowl on white background

12. Roasted Turkey Breast

Rather than cooking a whole 10-20 pound turkey, try making just a turkey breast! It's perfect if you are only serving 2-5 people and significantly less than a heavy turkey purchased by the pound.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
Oven-roasted turkey breast is so tasty that it could certainly be the star of your holiday feast! The turkey breast meat is juicy and flavorful and the smaller breast-only roast is ideal for enjoying turkey dinners year-round! Slice and serve with my easy turkey gravy for rave reviews!
Check out this recipe
Easy oven roasted turkey breast sliced and served on platter.

13. Sauteed Green Beans

Some tender-crisp sauteed green beans are a great vegetable to serve on Thanksgiving. They are readily available and inexpensive, too!

Not to mention, sauteed green beans are incredibly healthy. It's a great way to balance all the after-dinner desserts!

Sauteed Green Beans
These sauteed green beans are simple, easy, and delicious and make a flavorful, healthy side dish in a snap! This simple recipe requires fresh green beans, but no blanching is required, and you will have perfectly tender-crisp green beans every time! They are perfect for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
Square image of sauteed green beans in a serving dish with Parmesan cheese sprinkled over.

14. Apple Crisp

If you like to bake, you likely have all of these ingredients and will just need to pick up some fresh apples! Apple crisps are full of fall flavor and super easy to make!

The crumbly oatmeal streusel topping is what makes this dessert so irresistible!

Apple Crisp
This apple crisp recipe is chock full of fresh apples with just enough sweetness and an irresistible crumbly oatmeal streusel topping. It's an easy dessert that features all your favorite fall flavors, but it's worth making any time of the year. Top your apple oatmeal crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you'll be in pure dessert heaven!
Check out this recipe
Square image of apple crisp in a cast iron pan.

15. Pumpkin Dump Cake

It's called a 'dump' cake because you just dump all the ingredients in a dish and bake! It's a great alternative to traditional pumpkin pie that is inexpensive and can feed a crowd.

A box of spiced cake mix is the secret to this fabulous fall dessert. The other ingredients are just baking staples and canned pumpkin pie filling!

Pumpkin Dump Cake
This pumpkin dump cake uses spice cake mix for an extra effortless yet extraordinarily delicious fall dessert! It features both pumpkin puree and homemade pumpkin pie spice for a truly warming flavor! As an added bonus, it is completely beginner-friendly, so anyone can make it!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of a slice of pumpkin dump cake on a white plate.

16. Creamed Corn

This recipe is 1000x more delicious than anything you can get in a can! Using a bag of frozen corn is cheap and cuts back on prep time.

Otherwise, you just need butter, flour, milk, sugar, and salt & pepper to taste!

Check out this recipe

I hope these budget Thanksgiving menu ideas helped ease some of your holiday stress. Be sure to let me know which recipes you tried in the comments below!

🦃 More Thanksgiving Recipes

  • Apple Cider - Nothing screams 'fall' like a warm glass of homemade apple cider.
  • Creamed Corn Cornbread - A can of creamed corn is the secret to this delightfully moist cornbread!
  • Creamy Yellow Squash Soup - It's called 'summer squash' but it makes a wonderful warm soup for cooler weather!
  • Traeger Smoked Turkey - Add a rich smokey flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey by smoking it instead of roasting or frying it!
  • Dauphinoise Potatoes - These creamy, cheesy, thinly sliced potatoes look beautiful as a part of any Thanksgiving spread!
  • Microwave Carrots - This recipe is a handy shortcut to making perfectly tender and buttery carrots!

See more Thanksgiving →

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📖 Recipe Card

Budget Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas 4 image collage featuring easy, affordable recipes to make.
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5 from 1 review

Best Budget Thanksgiving Menu Ideas: Roasted Butternut Squash (+More Great Recipes!)

These budget Thanksgiving menu ideas are totally tasty and they will feed the whole family without hurting your wallet! This list has it all: turkey, side dishes, desserts, you name it. Feed the whole family without breaking the bank by trying out this easy and affordable Thanksgiving dinner menu!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 148kcal
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cooking 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 medium butternut squash
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • To get started, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  • Using a sharp knife, carefully slice your squash lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
  • Fill a large bowl or rimmed plate with water and place the squash halves into it. Steam it in the microwave for about 3-5 minutes to soften the squash.
  • Afterward, pat your squash dry. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin and then dice the butternut squash into 1-inch chunks.
  • In a large bowl, add your cubed butternut squash, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss until the squash is well-coated.
  • Place the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the squash is easily pierced with a fork.
  • Then, if desired, you can broil your squash on high to toast them for about a minute. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Your butternut squash will need different times in the microwave to soften the skin for easy peeling. Smaller squash will soften quicker, and obviously larger squash may take longer.
  • This recipe is perfectly seasoned with just salt, pepper, and garlic! However, you can always add some more seasonings like rosemary, thyme, sage, or cumin!
  • To store: Place any leftover squash into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze: Lay your butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and place into the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe storage bag and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight before reheating.
  • To reheat: Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or on the stovetop over low heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcal (7%) | Carbohydrates: 22g (7%) | Protein: 2g (4%) | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 299mg (13%) | Potassium: 666mg (19%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 4g (4%) | Vitamin A: 19931IU (399%) | Vitamin C: 40mg (48%) | Calcium: 93mg (9%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Cuisine American
« Fall Baking Recipes
Buffet Thanksgiving Menu Ideas »

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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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