Cheap Thanksgiving Menu (Under $50)

Host Thanksgiving on a budget. Make a feast for 8-10 people for under $50 with these recipes, tips, and tricks! You'll have plenty of food and savings, so you can spend less time anxiously planning the meal and more time actually eating it.

We estimate the Cheap Thanksgiving Menu below to cost about $48.37 (but we'll share tips to make it cheaper).

As the crisp fall air settles in and the golden hues of leaves blanket our streets, we start to feel that familiar anticipation of Thanksgiving. It's a time for gratitude, family, friends, and of course, a big, comforting meal.

But let's be honest, hosting a full Thanksgiving dinner can feel overwhelming, especially when you're on a budget. Between the turkey, sides, desserts, and the occasional splurge for ambiance, costs can add up fast.

But here's the good news: you don't have to spend a fortune to create a memorable holiday feast. With a little planning, some savvy shopping, and a few strategic tips, you can feed 8-10 people, with leftovers, for under $50 using this Cheap Thanksgiving Menu.

Why Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Matters

Thanksgiving is about more than food. It's about gathering with loved ones, creating memories, and taking a moment to pause and appreciate what we have. That doesn't mean you have to drain your bank account or sacrifice the joy of a traditional meal.

By planning ahead, shopping smart, and embracing frugal strategies, you can focus on what really matters: connection, laughter, and sharing a meal together. Thankfully, I took most of the planning and did it for you with this Cheap Thanksgiving Menu.

The Current Menu Plan (Feeds 8-10 with Leftovers)

• Dry Brined Turkey - $15.11
• Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes - $3.88
• Dairy Free Deviled Eggs - $3.37
• Cranberry Orange Sauce - $3.26
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Carrots - $4.39
• No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake - $5.52
• Applesauce Custard Pie - $3.83
• Easy Yeast Rolls - $1.06
• Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes - $2.42
• 5-Ingredient Mac & Cheese - $3.64
• Boxed Stuffing with Butter - $2.89

Total = $48.37 ✅

This Cheap Thanksgiving Menu has a plentiful spread that will not only satisfy your family and guests but also leave plenty of leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or next-day meals.

Strategic Planning: How to Maximize Your Savings

1. Shop Smart & Hunt for Deals
   • Compare stores for the best prices on meat, produce, and pantry staples. There are always tons of baking items (flour, sugar, baking mixes, etc) that go on sale this time of year. Plan to shop for the cheapest prices at different stores to maximize savings. I use this tip in my Extreme Couponing for Beginners guide.
   • Check the FlashFood app. Save $5 with my referral link! This is a great way to find cheap meat and produce. I use this app constantly. Literally checking daily for great local deals.
   • Look for manager markdowns, clearance items, or bulk packages that can be portioned out and frozen for later use. If you check the price sticker on the shelf, it usually breaks down the cost per unit, so even if you're spending $0.50 more for an item, it could be a better deal per ounce and therefore, you're getting more for your buck.
2. Plan for Leftovers Before You Cook
   • Buy a few extra carrots, celery, and onions; not only are they cheap, but they can be used to make a homemade broth from your turkey bones. You can then use that for some delicious homemade soups over the next few days or weeks to maximize savings.
   • Extra veggies, sweet potatoes, or rolls can be repurposed into casseroles, soups, or sandwiches.
3. Bulk Up the Meal Cheaply
   • You can fill in this Cheap Thanksgiving Menu with some simple sides like roasted baby carrots, celery sticks, or popcorn. They are cheap, easy, and filling while the main meal is cooking. Especially if you have an air popping popcorn machine because kernels are cheaper than microwavable bags. Almond Bark Popcorn can be prepped in advance and is always a crowd-pleaser.
   • Leftover mashed potatoes can become shepherd's pie or potato pancakes. We make our Easy Shepherd's Pie with instant mashed potatoes, but leftover potatoes work just as well. Or make Leftover Mashed Sweet Potato Muffins.
   • Homemade bread, dinner rolls, or biscuits add bulk without adding much to your budget. Really stretch your Cheap Thanksgiving Menu budget by learning to make sourdough. Low Hydration Sourdough Bread can be made more cheaply than white bread because you don't need the added store-bought yeast.
4. Potluck Style Dinners
   • Invite friends or family to bring a dish, dessert, or appetizer. Sharing the cost not only reduces financial stress but also adds variety to the table.
     • Have them bring a green bean casserole, ham, snacking plates (cheese, pickles, crackers and meats), fruit salad like my Orange Creamsicle Fluff or Strawberry Cottage Cheese Salad.
   • A potluck approach ensures you're not shouldering the entire meal alone while still enjoying a full, festive spread.
5. Cook Once, Eat Twice (or More!)
   • Plan meals with versatile ingredients. Leftover turkey can go into sandwiches, soups, or tacos. We love our Creamy Turkey Dumpling Soup, Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup, and Thanksgiving Tamales.
   • Cranberry sauce can be used in oatmeal, yogurt, or sandwiches. We use it in our Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake.
   • Pumpkin cheesecake leftovers? They make the perfect morning treat with coffee.

Stretch Your Cheap Thanksgiving Menu Without Stretching Your Budget

• Canned or frozen vegetables can replace pricier fresh options without sacrificing taste.
• Homemade gravy and sauces are cheap to make and elevate simple sides. You can make simple gravy using flour, meat drippings, and butter. Or try our Sourdough Gravy.
• Seasonal, in-season produce is cheaper, fresher, and more flavorful.
• Use pantry staples like flour, sugar, and spices you already have on hand.
• Check local deals or store apps for one-day specials on meat, dairy, or bread.

Boxed Stuffing

Grab two boxes of cheap $0.98 stuffing, (usually store-brand). Then follow the directions for making them. Adding in the cost of a stick of butter (each box usually requires ½ a stick), you're looking at $2.89 in total cost and only a few minutes of prep.

Optional Upgrade: Green Bean Casserole

If you have a little extra wiggle room in your Cheap Thanksgiving Menu budget, you can add a classic green bean casserole to your spread. Using 2 cans of green beans, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of French fried onions, and ½ cup of milk, this comforting side comes out to $5.32.

Not looking to spend a bit more? No problem! You can also make it free by asking a guest to bring it along for dinner, a perfect way to share the work and the cost while still enjoying a full, traditional Thanksgiving table.

The Takeaway

Thanksgiving doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. With smart planning, strategic shopping, and a few frugal hacks, you can serve a full, hearty meal for under $50 that feeds your family, guests, and still leaves plenty for delicious leftovers.

Remember: the holiday is about connection, gratitude, and memories, not how much money you spend.

By shopping wisely, planning for leftovers, inviting potluck-style contributions, and using inexpensive ways to bulk up the meal, you can enjoy a stress-free, budget-friendly Thanksgiving that will be remembered long after the last bite.

I hope this Cheap Thanksgiving Menu gave you some ideas so that you can enjoy a plentiful and flavorful holiday meal with your loved ones this year.