She Strengthens

Friendsgiving on a Budget: 8 Delicious and Affordable Side Dishes

As the holiday season approaches, I’m excited to attend multiple Friendsgivings with my close friends. While it’s a wonderful way to show gratitude and bond over good food, it can be challenging to decide what to bring, especially on a limited budget. After some careful consideration and grocery store explorations, I’ve come up with a list of affordable and mouth-watering side dishes that are sure to impress.

Classic Comfort Food: Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a timeless favorite at any Thanksgiving gathering. The best part? They’re easy to make and won’t break the bank. With just a few ingredients like potatoes, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and unsalted butter, you can create a delicious dish that serves 6-8 people for around $12.

Garlic Potatoes: A Simple yet Satisfying Option

If you’re short on time and ingredients, garlic potatoes are the way to go. Simply cut up some potatoes, add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika, and roast them in the oven. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be made for under $10.

Green Beans: A Healthy and Flavorful Choice

Green beans are a nutritious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for Friendsgiving. Saute onions, garlic, and green beans with some salt, pepper, and thyme, and you’re done! Depending on where you live, green beans might be a bit pricier, but this dish should still cost under $12.

Wine: A Classy and Affordable Addition

A nice bottle of wine is always appreciated at any gathering. You can find a great vintage for as little as $10-15. Check out this list of budget-friendly wines from the Washington Post for inspiration.

Banana Bread: A Sweet and Satisfying Treat

Who doesn’t love banana bread? It’s easy to make from scratch, and you can customize it with nuts or chocolate chips. If you already have the staple ingredients, this dish should cost no more than $10. If not, a mix can be a bit pricier, but still under $15.

Sweet Potatoes: A Delicious and Affordable Alternative

Sweet potatoes are a great alternative to regular mashed potatoes. Roast them with some honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and you’ll have a dish that’s both easy to make and ridiculously cheap. This should cost no more than $5-10.

Cranberry Sangria: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic

Cranberries are a Thanksgiving staple, and turning them into a sangria is a genius idea. Mix cranberries, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, red wine, brandy, orange juice, and cranberry juice, and let it sit for a few hours. This refreshing drink is a huge hit and should cost around $12-15.

Store-Bought Options: A Convenient Alternative

If you’re short on time or cooking skills, don’t worry! There are plenty of great store-bought options that won’t break the bank. Consider a pumpkin or apple pie, turkey-shaped cookies, or a charcuterie platter. You can also opt for a nice loaf of bread, some cheese, or whip up a salad.

With these 8 affordable and delicious side dishes, you’ll be the star of any Friendsgiving gathering. Happy cooking!