This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Table of Contents
A Budget-Friendly Feast You’ll Be Proud To Serve
Alright folks, check it out! The holidays are coming, and if you’ve been looking at those grocery prices lately, you already know—hosting Thanksgiving can hit your wallet hard. But what if I told you that you can put together a full Southern-style Thanksgiving meal for 6 to 8 people for around $100?
That’s exactly what I set out to do in this video. Me and my nephew hit up our local Smith’s Marketplace, each pushing a basket and hunting for the best deals. I went for that classic AB flavor—mac and cheese, yams, cornbread dressing, and all the fixings—while keeping things on budget.
Let’s roll!
The Thanksgiving Menu (Budget Edition)
Here’s what made it into the cart and onto the table:
The Main Dish: Turkey or Chicken
You can’t have Thanksgiving without a main course. A full turkey will get the job done, but if you’re watching your budget, grab two whole chickens instead. For about $10 each, you’ll still get plenty of juicy meat to go around.
Southern-Style Green Beans
Fresh green beans are the way to go! Get about 3 pounds—they’re cheaper and taste way better than canned. Cook them up Southern-style with onions, celery, and a touch of bacon grease or broth. Add a little garlic, salt, and black pepper and let those flavors simmer down low and slow.
Homemade Mac and Cheese
This is the heart of every holiday plate. Pick up large elbow noodles, sharp cheddar, and whole milk. Grate your own cheese (it melts better and tastes richer), mix it with butter, and bake until bubbly and golden on top.
AB Tip: Use a mix of sharp and extra-sharp cheddar for that perfect bite.
Candied Yams
Grab about $8 worth of sweet potatoes (roughly 4 lbs). Boil them, slice them up, and coat with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and a drizzle of vanilla. Let that syrup caramelize in the oven. These go fast, so make plenty!
Cornbread Dressing
You can’t skip the dressing. Mix cornmeal, flour, onion, celery, and broth with a few eggs and your favorite seasonings. Bake it golden brown, and you’ve got that Southern comfort on a plate.
Pro move: Bake your cornbread a day ahead—it makes better dressing.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instant or homemade, mashed potatoes bring the plate together. Add whole milk, butter, and garlic for a creamy, flavorful side that pairs perfectly with gravy or turkey drippings.
Dessert Time: Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Pies
AB’s rule: there’s no such thing as too much pie.
Grab one pumpkin pie and one sweet potato pie—each about $5. Heat them up, top with whipped cream, and you’ve got dessert that’ll have everyone smiling by the fireplace.
Drinks & Extras
- Arizona Sweet Tea for that Southern touch
- Whole cranberry sauce (because no Thanksgiving plate is complete without it)
- Butter, sugar, and flour for all your sides and baking needs
And if you’ve got a little left over, grab some Del Monte peaches for a quick homemade peach cobbler—you’ll thank me later.
The Final Tally
When we hit the checkout line, my total came to $101.86—just a hair over the goal, but I’ll call that a win! We got a full spread with all the fixings and even some ingredients left for Christmas cooking.
My nephew? He came in at $78.76—so depending on how creative you get, you can easily keep this feast under $100.
Hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. With a little planning, smart shopping, and a few tried-and-true recipes, you can serve a meal that feels luxurious, comforting, and full of love.
