Without careful planning, playing host during the holidays can be expensive and stressful.
Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of holiday menu ideas on a budget to show you that it’s possible to impress your guests without putting a dent in your bank account.
Take a look at 11 affordable dishes that won’t break the bank. Better yet, all of these menu options are $50 or less!
11 Holiday Menu Ideas on a Budget for 6
Note: All pricing is mainly based on shopping at my local stores in New Jersey. We are also assuming that you already have all the basics in your pantry including: flour, white sugar, popular spices, olive oil and so on.
1. Ham Steak Menu
Get the traditional feel of the holidays without investing in a whole ham. My store has ham steaks for as low as $0.36/oz and you’ll need around 3oz per guest.
- Honey Glazed Ham Steak Recipe (tripled) $13.95
- Grilled Asparagus (doubled) $3.98
- Corn Souffle $4.27
- Ice cream & fresh fruit $5.50
Total Cost: $27.70
2. Christmas Shepherd’s Pie Menu
If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes on hand or veggies that need to be used up, then your total out-of-pocket cost will be even lower with this classic menu option.
- Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe $14.58 (using 85% lean ground beef)
- Arugula Salad $4.99
- Buttermilk Biscuits (Bake at Home) $3.32
- Fruit crumble $5 (You can save even more on this recipe by purchasing discount, overripe fruit at your grocery store)
Total cost: $27.89
3. Turkey Dinner Menu
If you’re not tired of turkey yet, then you might consider serving it again around Christmastime! My local Aldi is currently running a deal on frozen bone-in turkey breast for $1.99 per pound.
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe $15.92 (8lb turkey breast)
- Red Skin Potato Mash $2.75
- Gravy $2.99
- Roasted Whole (Rainbow) Carrots – $2.69
- Store-bought Apple Pie $4.99
Total cost: $29.34
4. Pork Loin Roast Menu
At the time of writing, my local grocery store has a 10lb fresh whole boneless pork loin on sale for $12.90, making this one of the most affordable menu options for the holidays.
- Cranberry-Glazed Pork Loin Roast Recipe $16.90
- Red Skin Potato Mash $2.75
- Arugula Salad $4.99 (if you skip the avocado and sub the persimmons with pears)
- Store-bought Apple Pie $4.99
Total Cost: $29.63
5. Holiday Brisket Menu
This hearty meal doesn’t require too much time slaving away in the kitchen.
- Texas Oven-Roasted Beef Brisket Recipe $22.96
- Red Skin Potato Mash $2.75
- Buttermilk Biscuits (Bake at Home) $3.32
- Fresh fruit platter: $6
Total Cost: $35.03
6. Lamb Chop Menu
Lamb chops offer an excellent alternative to a leg of lamb recipe.
- Lamb Chop Recipe (doubled) $24.96
- Red Skin Potato Mash $2.75
- Roasted Whole (Rainbow) Carrots $2.69
- Store-bought Apple Pie $4.99
Total Cost: $35.39
7. Beef Bourguignon Menu
This budget option to roast beef is sure to be hit this holiday season.
- Beef Bourguignon Recipe $24.53
- Grilled Asparagus (doubled) $3.98
- Red Skin Potato Mash $2.75
- Ice cream & fresh fruit $5.50
Total cost: $36.76
8. Cornish Hens Menu
This meal sounds and tastes fancy but without the price tag!
- Cornish Hens with Sage Butter Recipe (doubled) $28.30
- Roasted Whole (Rainbow) Carrots $2.69
- Buttermilk Biscuits (Bake at Home) $3.32
- Store-Bought Carrot Cake $4.29
Total Cost: $38.60
9. Seafood Mac and Cheese Menu
This non-traditional menu idea is sure to please if you’ve got seafood lovers on the guest list. I love this option because it only requires 1lb of your favorite seafood. I would also suggest skipping the lobster! Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to put together.
- Emeril’s Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe $25.36
- Roasted Veggies with Bacon $11.16
- Corn on the cob: $4.50
- Fresh fruit platter: $6
Total Cost:$47.02
10. Salmon Menu
This is a pricer menu option ($11.99/lb of salmon), but it’s still under $50! You’ll need to budget for around half a pound of salmon per guest.
- Baked Salmon in foil $35.97
- Grilled Asparagus (doubled) $3.98
- Lemony Herb Couscous (doubled) $3.99
- Store-Bought Carrot Cake: $4.29
Total Cost: $48.23
11. Bonus: Holiday Brunch Menu
The holiday brunch is a wonderful alternative to hosting a dinner because the ingredients are so affordable, allowing you to offer several menu options. Plus, you get to wrap up your hosting duties by the afternoon, leaving plenty of time to watch your favorite holiday movies before it gets too late!
- Make-ahead vegetarian holiday frittata recipe $7.33
- Eggnog French Toast With Orange Butter $14.07 (you can double this recipe at the same cost)
- Fresh fruit platter $10
- Store-bought coffee cake $3.99
- Orange juice, tea and coffee $6.50
Total cost: $41.89
5 Pro Tips for Holiday Menu Ideas on a Budget
- Start Early: Whether you’re buying groceries for yourself or planning a holiday menu, creating a plan at least several days in advance will keep your costs (and stress levels) low.
- Choose One or Two Main Dishes: You can either do one dish or a half and half menu. Whatever you do, maintain the same total number of pounds of meat in order to stick to your budget.
- Make Your Affairs BYOB: Liquor costs can add up fast, so ask your guests to contribute their favorite bottle of booze.
- DIY Tablescapes: Try to see what items you have on hand to create a welcoming tablescape that only looks expensive. Pinterest has loads of ideas for this one but the nature tablescape – using gathered pinecones, leaves and sticks – happens to be my favorite!
- Make Apps Using Pantry Items: Just be sure to check the expiration dates on packaged goods before you put them on a platter. Here are a few examples of easy appetizers using items from your pantry:
We hope these holiday menu ideas on a budget will encourage you to keep saving money the next time you’re asked to play host for your friends or family. Happy holidays from all of us at Chime!
