Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and indulging in a delicious feast. However, preparing a Thanksgiving meal can quickly become costly, especially when you consider the myriad of side dishes that accompany the turkey. The good news is that you can create a memorable and satisfying spread without breaking the bank. Here are some cheap and affordable side dishes that will complement your Thanksgiving meal beautifully.
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1. Classic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple that everyone loves. They are easy to make and require simple, inexpensive ingredients. All you need are potatoes, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. For a creamy texture, opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. You can also add garlic or herbs like parsley or rosemary for a relatively inexpensive extra flavor boost. If you baked a turkey or chicken use the broth to make gravy. You can also find jarred and powdered gravy at the store. The powered gravy will be the cheapest alternative and only requires water.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is a cost-effective way to add color and flavor to your Thanksgiving table. Use seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, squash, and parsnips. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until they are tender and caramelized. rosemary and onions are optional, but can add a bit more flavor. Roasted vegetables not only taste delicious but also add a healthy element to your meal.
3. Homemade Stuffing
Stuffing doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you make it from scratch. Use day-old bread as your base, which you can often find at a discount. Add sautéed onions, celery, herbs, and chicken broth to the bread cubes for a flavorful stuffing that pairs perfectly with turkey. Consider mixing in ground sausage for a flavor boost. If you don’t want to make if from scratch boxed stuffing is still a cheap alternative that only requires melted butter and water to be added.
4. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that is both affordable and easy to prepare. Use canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions for this dish. Mix the ingredients, bake until bubbly, and top with the fried onions for a crunchy finish. This dish can also be made ahead of time, saving you stress on the big day.
5. Cranberry Sauce
Making cranberry sauce at home is cheaper than buying it pre-made, and it tastes fresher too. All you need are fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Simmer the cranberries with sugar and water until they burst and create a thick sauce. You can add orange zest or cinnamon for additional flavor if desired.
6. Cornbread
Cornbread is a hearty and inexpensive side that complements many Thanksgiving dishes. Using basic pantry ingredients like cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, and eggs, you can whip up a batch in no time. Cornbread is versatile and can be served plain or with honey butter for a sweet touch.
7. Sweet Potato
Sweet potato casserole is another affordable and sweet addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Use fresh sweet potatoes, mash them with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. Top with mini marshmallows or a pecan streusel before baking for a dish that’s both comforting and delightful.
8. Dinner Rolls
Making dinner rolls from scratch for a side can be a huge money saver if you have the ingredients to make it already. If you don’t already have the ingredients to make them purchasing the premade dinner rolls could be a more wallet friendly option. Check your local grocery store for either frozen dinner rolls in the freezer section or fresh ones from the bakery section. Want to jazz them up a bit? How about a spiced honey butter! Combine salted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and honey. When the rolls come out of the oven paint each one with a little bit of the honey butter before they cool down.
9. Salad
Salad doesn’t have to be a boring option. There are plenty of ways to spruce up a salad without breaking the bank. Nuts add a nice crunch to a salad and are relatively inexpensive depending on the ones you get. Smoked or candied nuts can attribute to the flavor of the salad. Thankfully there are a lot of budget friendly cheese options out there, especially shredded cheese. Pick the cheese that best fits the flavor profile you’re going for. As for fruits you should research what fruits are available in your area and use them since they will typically be cheaper than the shipped in alternatives. For example, apples are in season for the New England area in fall. After either going apple picking or grabbing some apples from your local grocery store, slice them however you want for your salad and don’t forget to squeeze a little lemon on them after cutting to prevent browning. As for proteins you could sneak a little meat from your turkey and dice it up in the salad. You could also grab some cheap cuts of meats like chicken thighs. It’s important to note that your side salad does not need meat. Please check with your guests’s allergies before adding nuts to the side salad for everyone.
10. Mac and Cheese
Now although there are plenty of mac and cheese recipes with a lot of ingredients, but a basic mac and cheese boils down to milk, cheese, butter, elbow macaroni noodles, and seasonings of your choice. If you don’t get too fancy with it and stick to basic cheeses like sharp cheddar. You could make a delicious pan of mac and cheese that fits in your budget. Get the elbow macaroni noodles in advance they normally fly off the shelves during the holiday season.
Conclusion
Creating a delicious Thanksgiving meal doesn’t require a lavish budget. By incorporating these affordable side dishes, you can enjoy a lovely feast with loved ones without financial stress. These dishes are not only budget-friendly but also easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your guests. Remember, Thanksgiving is about celebrating gratitude and togetherness, and a thoughtful meal, no matter how simple, is the perfect way to express that spirit. Enjoy the holiday and the cherished moments it brings with loved ones.
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