20 Tasty Thanksgiving Dinner Sides That Are Easy on Your Budget
These cheap Thanksgiving sides prove that you can serve up comfort, flavor, and a beautiful holiday spread even if you’re on a budget. From crowd-pleasing classics to easy, elevated dishes that look fancy (but aren’t), you’ll feast smart and stress less.
After all, Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be memorable. Plus, if you are attending multiple dinners or Friendsgivings, the costs add up quick. It’s helpful to know which sides deliver on taste without breaking the bank.
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Note: Make the dishes even cheaper by checking out grocery sales beforehand. It’s a popular time of year for butter, baking ingredients, and root vegetables to be marked down.
Potato & Root Veggie Dishes Everyone Will Love
What makes these cheaper: Potatoes and root vegetables are hardy, easy to find, and have a long shelf life. The dishes are also often favorites at the Thanksgiving table.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Just potatoes, garlic, and diary. This dish is rich, crowd-pleasing, and versatile for anyone who has food allergies. (I substitute broth for my hubby who has lactose issues.)
Here’s a recipe that’s sure to impress >>
2. Roasted Carrots with Honey & Thyme
Dress up inexpensive carrots with a drizzle of honey and herbs. Try this simple recipe.
3. Sweet Potato Mash with Brown Sugar & Cinnamon
This easy recipe from Joyous Apron makes the perfect holiday side.
4. Herb Roasted Potatoes
Herb roasted potatoes come out rustic and crispy. And all you need are potatoes, herbs, and oil. Start with this recipe.
5. Glazed Carrots with Butter & Brown Sugar
Take a package of baby carrots, and make them look gourmet with a sweet, glossy finish. Check out this easy recipe from Lil Luna. It’s also perfect for when you’re low on time.
Corn Thanksgiving Side Dishes
What makes these cheaper: Corn is one of the least expensive crops produced in the United States. And it’s delicious in more than your Taco Tuesday meals!
6. Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread has simple ingredients and is a crowd pleaser every time. Bonus points if you serve it in cast iron! Start with this popular recipe.
7. Corn Casserole
Next, corn casserole is easy and beloved. Here’s a popular recipe from Paula Deen via the Cozy Cook. All you need is:
- Creamed Corn
- Whole Kernel Sweet Corn– Don’t forget to drain it!
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- Sour Cream
- Butter
- Cheddar Cheese– Buy a block and shred it yourself. It’s creamier and has better flavor.
8. Creamed Corn
This homemade cream corn recipe needs just a few staple ingredients that you likely have on hand. It’s also a creamy, rich, and delicious one-pot side dish that is quick to make.
Related: Simple Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescapes
Bread Based Thanksgiving Side Dishes
What makes this cheaper: Bread ingredients are inexpensive and you can make items at scale. Double your recipe and enjoy it for multiple events.
9. Buttery Garlic Breadsticks
Breadsticks are surprisingly simple to make, with only a handful of affordable ingredients. Guests will gobble them up without realizing that you didn’t spend a fortune! Start with this recipe.
10. Stuffing with Apples & Onions
For this side, you can make a complex homemade option. OR you can pick up the boxed stuffing on sale. Then dress it up with sautéed extras like apple and onions.
11. Thanksgiving Rolls
The Thanksgiving table wouldn’t be complete without a fluffy side of rolls. And you only need 7 ingredients to make these crazy popular rolls from Sally’s Baking.
Cheap Thanksgiving Sides That Feel Fancy
What makes these cheaper: While these Thanksgiving sides look fancy, they’re simple to put together and easy on the budget.
12. Sauteed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
This cheap Thanksgiving side dish has minimal ingredients but is full of texture. Toast the almonds beforehand and you’ll have a side that guests gush over.
13. Balsamic Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These extra crispy roasted balsamic maple brussels sprouts from Healthful Blonde are the perfect healthy side dish to any meal. They’re insanely delicious and ready in 35 minutes!
14. Sautéed Cabbage
This 20-minute sauteed cabbage dish is love at first bite. It has four ingredients, along with salt and pepper. It’s a textbook case of simple ingredients that yield superior results.
15. Balsamic Glazed Roasted Vegetables
Just roast whatever’s on sale and drizzle with this delicious balsamic marinade. You won’t be disappointed. Find the exact recipe here at Jessica in the Kitchen.
16. Deviled Eggs
Eggs are inexpensive (compared to meat) and can be dressed up in endless ways. Here’s a super easy recipe to start.
Related:
Classic Comfort Casseroles
What makes them cheaper: The main ingredients in these Thanksgiving sides are cheap, while the more expensive ingredients are used as toppings or garnishes.
17. Green Bean Casserole
Canned green beans, cream of mushroom, and fried onions. This casserole is a classic for a reason. But did you also know that it’s crazy cheap to make? Here’s the full recipe.
18. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe is made from scratch with no condensed soup. Use fresh broccoli and cook it until tender crisp. Then add fluffy rice. It comes together to create a family favorite side dish!
19. Mac & Cheese Bake
Budget-friendly pasta + cheese sauce = comfort gold. The Gruyere cheese is the most expensive ingredient for this ultra delicious baked mac and cheese dish, but you could also substitute with a less expensive cheese.
20. Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
This Cauliflower Gratin dish is a big hit if you’re feeding a health conscious crowd, and it can be even cheaper than potatoes. Serve it as an easy, gluten free and vegetarian side dish.
Related: Easy & Affordable Fall Snack Mix
What’s Next?
Don’t miss the best ways to use your turkey leftovers.
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Don’t forget to pin these cheap Thanksgiving side dish ideas to Pinterest for later!
