Thanksgiving gets expensive fast. The turkey takes a big bite of the budget, and then the sides pile on top. Here’s the good news. Some of the best dishes on the table cost the least, because they’re built on potatoes, carrots, beans, and bread.
These 12 easy Thanksgiving sides on a budget use simple grocery store ingredients. Most cost a few dollars to make, and a lot of them can be made a day ahead. Pick four or five and you’ll have a full table without stress.
1. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Boil potatoes, mash them with butter and warm milk, then keep them warm in the slow cooker. It frees up your stove for the other dishes. A bag of potatoes feeds a big crowd for just a few dollars.
2. Green Bean Casserole
Mix canned green beans with cream of mushroom soup and a splash of milk. Top with crispy fried onions and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F. It’s the classic for a reason, and it costs very little.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Toss halved sprouts in oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F for about 20 minutes. The edges turn crispy and sweet. A little bacon on top makes even sprout skeptics go back for more.
4. Honey Glazed Carrots
Carrots are one of the cheapest vegetables you can buy. Roast them with a spoonful of honey and butter until they’re tender and a bit sticky. Sprinkle with parsley right before serving.
5. Cornbread Stuffing
Crumble a pan of cornbread, mix it with sauteed onion, celery, and broth, then bake until golden on top. Day-old bread works great here, so use up what you have.
6. Candied Sweet Potatoes
Slice sweet potatoes, layer them in a dish with brown sugar and butter, and bake until soft. Add marshmallows for the last five minutes. It’s sweet, simple, and always a hit with kids.
7. Baked Mac and Cheese
Boil macaroni, stir it into a quick cheese sauce, and top with breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 minutes until the top is crisp. Buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself, since it melts better and costs less.
8. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Simmer a bag of fresh cranberries with sugar, water, and a bit of orange zest for 10 minutes. It thickens as it cools. It tastes way better than the canned kind and takes almost no work.
9. Easy Dinner Rolls
Frozen dough rolls are cheap and bake in about 20 minutes. Brush them with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Soft, warm rolls make the whole table feel special.
10. Roasted Butternut Squash
Cut the squash into cubes, toss with oil and a few sage leaves, and roast for 25 minutes. It gets sweet and a little caramelized. Pre-cut squash saves time if the budget allows.
11. Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
Roast broccoli florets with garlic and oil, then finish with grated parmesan. It adds a fresh green dish next to all the heavy ones. Frozen broccoli works fine in a pinch.
12. Sweet Corn Casserole
Mix canned corn, cornbread mix, sour cream, and butter in a dish. Bake until the center is set and the top is golden. It takes ten minutes to prep and feeds a crowd.
Tips to Save Money and Time
Shop early, since potatoes, carrots, and canned goods are cheaper before the last week of November. Use store brands for basics like broth, flour, and butter, because nobody can tell the difference. Make cranberry sauce, casseroles, and rolls dough a day ahead and reheat on the day.
Plan your oven too. Dishes that bake at 350°F can share space, and the slow cooker can hold mashed potatoes while the oven handles everything else. A little planning means a calmer morning and hotter food at the table.