22 Thanksgiving recipes that keep costs low and flavor high

Stop overspending on the annual dinner. Find the most amazing value for an incredible holiday spread. These 22 Thanksgiving recipes guarantee costs stay low, making flavor the real showstopper!

Spiced Cranberry Chutney

A white bowl filled with cranberry sauce, garnished with a small amount of orange zest, sits on a wooden surface with a spoon on the side. — Spiced Cranberry Chutney. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Every Thanksgiving needs a bright side, and Spiced Cranberry Chutney brings that pop without stretching the grocery bill. The balance of flavors adds interest to any plate. It’s a reliable upgrade from canned versions when staying mindful of cost.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Cranberry Chutney

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives, with a wooden spoon and a cloth napkin on a wooden surface. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Comfort foods are always welcome, and Cheesy Mashed Potatoes keep that comfort high while keeping spending low. The texture and mild flavor work with everything on the table. It’s a smart choice when you want something crowd-friendly and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Long cook times are easier during the holidays when the slow cooker handles it, and Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe keeps things simple and cheap. The flavor turns out smooth and balanced. It’s a straight upgrade from store-bought options while staying affordable.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Creamy Vegan Sesame Ramen

A bowl of ramen with mushrooms, tofu slices, broccoli, and green onions in a creamy broth. Chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge. — Creamy Vegan Sesame Ramen. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Budget-friendly sides don’t have to be boring, and Creamy Vegan Sesame Ramen adds a cozy noodle option that doesn’t break the bank. It meshes nicely with the fall atmosphere. It’s a fun pick when you want to mix things up a bit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Sesame Ramen

Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with two butter slices, pepper, and gravy, with a wooden spoon on the side. — Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A little depth goes a long way, and Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes add that depth while still being budget-conscious. The mellow flavor works well with classic Thanksgiving dishes. It’s a solid option for anyone wanting variety without extra expense.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

A bowl of black bean soup topped with avocado slices, tortilla chips, jalapeño slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. — Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Affordable protein goes far during the holidays, and Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup brings that in an easy format. The long cook time smooths the flavors together. It’s dependable when feeding people who want a heartier side.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Vegan Potato Casserole

Close-up of a wooden spoon lifting a portion of creamy potato casserole garnished with chopped herbs. — Vegan Potato Casserole. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Big holiday crowds appreciate dishes that stretch the budget, and that’s where Vegan Potato Casserole fits right in. It brings a hearty feel without leaning on pricey ingredients. It’s a dependable side for anyone building an affordable Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Potato Casserole

Best Vegetarian Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with tomato-based sauce, lentils, chopped parsley, and grated cheese, with a fork resting on the dish. — Best Vegetarian Bolognese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Pasta dishes often help stretch the budget, and Best Vegetarian Bolognese does that with comfort and depth. It rounds out the table with something warm and familiar. It’s a strong choice when serving guests with different tastes.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegetarian Bolognese

Creamy Vegetable Korma

A hand holds a bowl of white rice and curry garnished with fresh cilantro, with a spoon resting inside the bowl on a pink surface. — Creamy Vegetable Korma. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Rich sides don’t need to drain the budget, and Creamy Vegetable Korma proves that with steady flavor at a low cost. The sauce keeps everything cohesive and approachable. It fits well into a Thanksgiving spread that leans plant-forward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegetable Korma

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

The image shows a bowl of mashed potatoes topped with pepper and chopped chives, resting on a plaid cloth. — Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Little details can shift a dish from basic to holiday-ready, and Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes make that shift without raising the budget. The flavor stays mellow and comforting. It’s an easy pick when you want a side that feels special but still practical.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup)

Bowl of lentil soup with vegetables, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges. A spoon rests in the bowl. — Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Simple ingredients go a long way in Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup), making it perfect for cost-conscious holiday menus. The texture is smooth and comforting without being heavy. It works well for guests who prefer lighter dishes.
Get the Recipe: Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup)

Spring Onion Potato Salad

Holiday menus always benefit from one cool, refreshing side, and Spring Onion Potato Salad fills that spot without costing much. It breaks up the heavier dishes in a good way. It’s an easy win when feeding guests on a tight budget.
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad

Winter Vegetable Curry

Seasonal produce often keeps costs down, and Winter Vegetable Curry takes full advantage of that. It adds color and interest to a Thanksgiving plate. It’s a practical way to offer something flavorful without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Winter Vegetable Curry

Best Roasted Potato Salad

Roasting adds dimension without extra cost, making Best Roasted Potato Salad a smart Thanksgiving choice. It brings a bit more texture than traditional versions. It’s a great addition when you want variety in your potato lineup.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Potato Salad

Vegan White Chickpea Chili

A pot of Vegan White Chickpea Chili brings steady flavor and plenty of volume for little cost. It fits naturally into a cold-weather holiday meal. It’s a reliable pick for anyone wanting a plant-based addition.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Color can make a table feel special, and Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes do that without adding cost. The natural sweetness fits right in with fall flavors. It’s an easy way to add something memorable to a low-cost menu.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin keeps things budget-friendly, and Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup turns it into something smooth and comforting for the holiday table. The seasonings add personality without raising the price. It’s a great way to serve a fall-inspired side.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Big gatherings appreciate something warm and simple, and Slow Cooker Potato Soup keeps costs low while feeding many. The slow cooker frees up space on a busy cooking day. It’s handy for serving before or alongside the main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Quick vegetable sides help with big menus, and Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans offer that speed without a high price tag. The texture comes out nicely crisp without much work. It’s ideal for filling vegetable gaps on a tight budget.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash

Creamy pumpkin cauliflower mash topped with savory granola and sage leaves in a white baking dish. — Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Light but flavorful dishes help balance heavier plates, and Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash handles that job affordably. The smooth texture fits neatly beside other Thanksgiving staples. It’s a helpful swap when you want a potato alternative.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash

Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter

Holiday tables need small sweet touches, and Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter brings that at a low cost. It spreads easily on rolls or desserts. It’s an effortless way to add variety without buying extra items.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter

Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes

Busy cooks appreciate shortcuts, and Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes deliver great flavor fast while staying budget-friendly. The crisp finish adds personality without extra work. It’s a fun potato option to round out a Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes