Inexpensive, seasonal, real-food based dishes to feed a crowd, bring a side dish to share, or use up leftovers. Many of them are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, egg-free, and paleo.
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We don’t ever plan on being broke for the holidays. We don’t plan on emergency medical bills, cars breaking down, or bankruptcy. But for some reason, those things love to happen in mid-autumn. You’re just gearing up for the holidays, and then life punches you in the face.
We were broke for a number of years, and while we never had to host family – 20 people unanimously voted to NOT cram into our 750 square-foot space – we did take on multiple family meals.
Maybe you’re hosting friends and family this holiday season. If you’re on a tight budget, you know how stressful that can be. Feeding everyone is expensive, especially if you want to feed them somewhat healthy.
So I compiled a list of Frugal Holiday Dishes. They’re all real-food based and some are allergy-friendly. I split them into 3 categories – Dinner for a Crowd (for when the family arrives but it’s not THE holiday meal), Frugal Side Dishes, and Rescue the Leftovers (because you know how I feel about food waste).
This season, may we be filled with gratitude and able to recognize our abundance even when we’re on a tight budget. And may we share that abundance with everyone around us.
Dinner for a Crowd
For when the family arrives but it’s not THE holiday meal.
Vegetarian, (Gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta)
Kelly says: Only 5 ingredients for this much-loved casserole. My go-to recipe for feeding lots of people or for comfort food!
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
This looks fancy, but the instructions are so easy. If you find beef on sale, I recommend giving it a shot!
Gabriel says: A very easy to make and delicious, slow cooker beef bourguignon recipe made with the healthiest ingredients. This recipe is both gluten-free and Paleo. It is essentially made with Beef cubes, potatoes, white mushroom, and carrots, which are all inexpensive ingredients. As for the red wine, any cheap red wine will do the trick.
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free
This 5-minute, slow cooker, meatless recipe is the foundation for Burritos, Tacos, Nachos, Dip, Burritos, Taquitos, Chimichangas, and more. You can add meat if you like – see recipe for more.
Picadillo (Mexican Beef & Potato Stew)
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free
An authentic, hearty, ground beef staple that uses a few ingredients and costs pennies per serving. Picadillo is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Kushi says: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is a super easy and flavorful pasta dish that will be your favorite recipe for dinner this holiday season.
10-Minute Homemade Tomato Soup
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Simple, inexpensive tomato soup ready in 10 minutes and full of real food ingredients you can find at any store. Dairy-free version too!
The Cheapest One-Pot Macaroni & Cheese
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta, Egg-free
Creamy, Homemade Macaroni & Cheese only 33 cents a serving, made in 20 minutes, and full of ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Egg-free
A cheesy, tomato-y vegetarian main dish. Simple to make, extremely frugal (thank you, lentils), and completely delicious.
Frugal Side Dishes
Inexpensive, seasonal dishes for the holiday meal (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.)
Browned Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sage
Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Egg-free
If you’re not one for marshmallows and crushed pecans, this is the perfect alternative. Easy to make and full of real ingredients!
Kathy says: Just 4 ingredients is all it takes to make this amazing cranberry sauce. Making your own is so much cheaper than buying a can of prepared sauce.
Easy Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Gluten-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Loaded cauliflower is an easy, delicious side dish that everyone will love. It’s made with easy-to-find, affordable ingredients!
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Elaina says: Fresh green beans quick-roasted in the oven until tender, slightly caramelized and crispy around the edges. This inexpensive side dish is elegant enough to serve at a holiday gathering and easy enough for a weeknight supper.
Vegan Potato Dauphinoise Gratin
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free
Rhian says: This gratin is super comforting, easy to make, and uses inexpensive ingredients. It’s also great for anyone following a special diet!
Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Egg-free, (Dairy-free if you use oil instead of butter)
Tiffany says: These delicious and crispy Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are a perfect easy side dish. Just 3 ingredients. Yummy!
Rainbow Vegetables Recipe – Easy Healthy Oven Roasted Veggies!
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Melanie says: Feast your eyes and your stomach on these amazing rainbow-roasted vegetables! So colorful, easy, healthy, and delicious!
Apple & Oat Mix-in-the-Pan Bars
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free
Apple Crisp grew up and got classy. Still quick to make, full of real food, and makes the perfect Fall dessert. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.
Rescue the Leftovers
Because you know how I feel about food waste.
Pumpkin Sage White Bean Hummus
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free
Rhian says: This pumpkin sage and white bean hummus is super easy to make, uses cheap ingredients, and makes a great appetizer for sharing!
Easy, One-Bowl Sweet Potato Bread
Vegetarian, Vegan (options), Dairy-free (options), Egg-free (options)
Or how to use leftover sweet potato, pumpkin, or squash. An easy quick bread that takes 5-10 minutes to get into the oven.
Turkey Quinoa Pumpkin Soup (With a Bone Broth Base)
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, (Paleo if you omit quinoa)
Stretch your leftover turkey into a delicious soup! This turkey pumpkin soup uses bone broth made from the turkey carcass (no waste!). It’s loaded with simple, real food.
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Vegan, Naturally-Sweetened
Simple, nourishing apple crisp that is healthy enough for breakfast! Made with fresh apples, whole grains, healthy fats, and just a touch of sweetener. No weird ingredients, with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan variations!
What You Can Do Now:
What are your go-to meals to serve over the Holidays?
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A great collection! I love hosting a holiday party on a budget!
Loving the lentil dishes, they are such a great ingredient to keep in the cupboard, cheap as chips and really versatile.
Thanks, Brian! You’re absolutely right.
I love that you started with recipes that you’d serve before the meal- because seriously that is always an consideration, and too often an after-thought! Thanks!
Right?!? Thanks for noticing, Katie. I honestly feel like the meals AROUND the main meals are harder to manage – we usually eat the same things for the main meal, it’s the other ones that take creativity.
Wow- lots of great ideas and all would be welcome additions to any holiday table. It just shows that a meal can be put together without spending a lot.
Thanks, Christine! That’s the goal.
What a great article, saving this for my daughter, a new cook! Thanks for sharing:)