We all know Thanksgiving is expensive
So here are budget-friendly recipes you (maybe!) haven't cooked yet.
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It’s That Time again. The food media Olympics, also known as Thanksgiving, is upon us. As the content that’s created by the food publications for you, the readers, must be done far in advance, I’ve already cooked a few turkeys. I’m tired! But I’d never leave you hanging without some ideas for budget-friendly recipes for your Turkey Day table. (PS: Next year I’ll be absolutely spamming you with Thanksgiving galette content, start stocking up on butter whenever you see it on sale.)
The Birds
Dry Buttermilk-Brined Turkey (or Chicken)
Buttermilk brining makes for the most tender meat, but doing that to a turkey requires lots of buttermilk and large containers for wet brining. Dry buttermilk will do the same thing—without the mess, and for less money. Plus, the container lasts in the fridge for years.
Visual learners should watch me make it below!
Braised Turkey Legs With Roasted Garlic Gravy
Whole turkeys can cost upwards of $25; a comparable amount of meat in turkey legs (or a mix of drumsticks and thighs) will run you $8-15.
Tender Chicken Legs With Schmaltzy Croutons
Capture bird and stuffing vibes in one dish, for about $16.
The Sides
Blistered Green Beans & Sweet Potatoes With Tahini
Greens and Beans Casserole
Also works nicely as a vegan and GF “main”!
Fall Salad With Lemony Brown Butter Vinaigrette
Make it cheaper by swapping the radicchio for green or red leaf lettuce.
Cozy Potato-Carrot Kugel
Dare I say skip the mashed?
Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese
Everyone gets a crispy piece.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Preserved Lemon Dressing
Tangy Romaine With Cucumber & Horseradish
Yes, this recipe and the kugel were developed for a Passover menu—good thing there isn’t a rule that says you can’t make them for Thanksgiving!
The Sweets
As mentioned, next year will be all about galettes. In the meantime, here are three apple-based treats to try. Or swap in pears if you want.
Apple-Cranberry Cornbread Biscuit Cobbler
Apple-Miso Cobbler
From the Big Night cookbook!!
Apple-Pecan Tart
