Top 20 Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Side Dishes Under $10!

Preparing a Thanksgiving feast is a massive and expensive feat. It’s no surprise that many people are turning to potluck-style celebrations, allowing each guest to bring a dish. This not only eases the financial burden but also adds variety to the table. Contributing a side dish, especially during times of rising grocery prices, is a cost-effective way to enhance the meal, whether it’s your own celebration or you’re attending someone else’s.

Demonstrate your culinary skills with dishes that are both delicious and economical. Sides are often the highlight of Thanksgiving meals, and your dish might just steal the show, outshining even the traditional football game highlights.

Below is a list of tasty, affordable side dishes you can prepare for Thanksgiving, each costing less than $10.

1. Mashed Rutabaga with Sour Cream and Dill

Elise Bauer explains, “Although rutabagas might look like purple turnips, they are a distinct root vegetable. Rutabagas are sweeter and become creamier when cooked, unlike their turnip relatives.”

2. Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Rachel Knecht advises, “The most challenging part of this recipe is chopping the sweet potatoes into cubes. Aim for bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch cubes, for the best results.”

3. Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is as essential as mashed potatoes at many Thanksgiving tables. Using frozen corn and blending some into a puree makes this dish creamy and affordable, feeding four people for less than $10.

4. Chipotle Pumpkin Soup

If you’re bored with traditional pumpkin spices, spice it up with chipotle peppers and cumin! This adds a warm twist to the classic pumpkin soup, making it an exciting start to the meal. For a budget-friendly option, use sour cream instead of more costly alternatives like crema or crème fraîche.

5. Candied Yams

Candied yams, sweet and spiced with ginger and cinnamon, are a Thanksgiving staple. This simple dish is made with economical ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

6. Melting Onions

Alexandra Shytsman notes, “The most difficult step in this recipe is flipping the onions without breaking them. Use a small offset spatula to gently lift the onions while stabilizing them with a butter knife on the other side.”

7. Baked Acorn Squash with Butter and Brown Sugar

Nothing says fall like a dish combining sweet butternut squash, salty bacon, and nutty brown butter. Opt for a whole butternut squash instead of pre-cut cubes to cut costs.

8. Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Alexandra suggests, “Choose Brussels sprouts with compact heads and no yellow or slimy leaves. If possible, buy them on the stalk at a farmers market for freshness.”

9. Carrot Soufflé

This dish features a short ingredient list including cheese, eggs, saltines, and plenty of carrots, and it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

10. Cider Vinaigrette Roasted Root Vegetables

Celebrate the essence of the season with an array of colorful, budget-friendly root vegetables. Choose a variety of colors to represent the fall palette.

11. Apple and Sweet Potato Matzo Bake

Matzo isn’t just for Passover; use it in this autumn-inspired casserole that’s both dramatic and economical. It takes just 15 minutes to assemble, and Fuji apples are best for baking.

12. Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Devan Grimsrud suggests, “Instead of shredding, roast Brussels sprouts whole or halved until crispy, then cool and toss with Caesar dressing and breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.”

13. Rustic Onion Tart

This tart showcases onions and offers a rustic charm that forgives imperfections. Use a store-bought pie crust to save on ingredients like flour and butter, and since they often come in pairs, doubling the recipe is easy.

14. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are quintessential at Thanksgiving. Prepare them in a slow cooker to keep them warm throughout the meal. This method is not only practical but also cost-effective.

15. Colcannon Cakes

You can never have too many potato dishes at Thanksgiving, especially when they include healthy greens like in this traditional Irish recipe. Plus, using cabbage keeps the cost down.

16. Turnip Gratin

For a twist on the ordinary, try a gratin made with turnips, a peppery, affordable root vegetable. Double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd, and consider adding parsnips for a touch of sweetness.

17. Cheesy Baked Cauliflower

A combination of two cheeses, one sharp and one that melts well, creates an irresistible cheesy sauce for this baked cauliflower dish.

18. Air Fryer Green Beans

Nick Evans reveals, “For the best results, lightly coat the green beans in breadcrumbs before air frying. This adds just the right amount of crunch.”

19. Popovers

Sally Vargas states, “Many recipes suggest preheating the pan before adding the batter, but I found this step unnecessary for achieving excellent popovers.”

20. Cranberry Sauce

Elise recommends, “For optimal texture, chill the cranberry sauce thoroughly before serving. Preparing it a day ahead not only ensures it sets properly but also simplifies your Thanksgiving preparations.”