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Budget Thanksgiving Dinner Under $2 Per Serving

Thanksgiving dinner is a time for delicious food and cherished traditions, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how you can create a mouthwatering Thanksgiving meal for under $2 per serving.

Key Takeaway:
Learn how to prepare a complete Thanksgiving feast for less than $2 per serving without compromising on taste or quality.

Ingredients and Costs

Creating a budget-friendly Thanksgiving meal starts with smart ingredient choices. Here’s a breakdown of essential ingredients and their estimated costs:

Ingredient	Cost (approximate)
Turkey (per pound)	$0.99
Potatoes (per pound)	$0.79
Green Beans (per pound)	$0.99
Cranberries (12 oz)	$1.29
Onion	$0.50 (for 1 onion)
Carrot	$0.30 (for 1 carrot)
Celery	$0.50 (for 1 rib)
Bread	$1.00 (for 1 loaf)
Butter	$2.00 (for 1 stick)
Eggs	$0.50 (per egg)
Milk	$2.00 (per quart)
Flour	$0.50 (per cup)
Fresh Herbs	$1.50 (for various)
Spices (salt, pepper)	$0.50

Total estimated cost per serving: $1.75

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Roast Turkey

Preparation: Thaw and season the turkey with salt, pepper, and butter.
Roasting: Roast in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cost: Approximately $0.99 per pound.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Preparation: Peel, cube, and boil potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
Cost: About $0.79 per pound of potatoes.

3. Green Beans

Preparation: Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven until tender.
Cost: Around $0.99 per pound.

4. Cranberry Sauce

Preparation: Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, water, and orange zest until thickened.
Cost: Approximately $1.29 for a 12-ounce package.

5. Stuffing

Preparation: Cube bread, toast in the oven, and mix with sautéed vegetables, herbs, and broth.
Cost: Bread costs about $1.00 per loaf.

6. Gravy

Preparation: Make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in turkey or chicken stock until thickened.
Cost: Ingredients like butter, flour, and stock are budget-friendly.

Tips for Budget Thanksgiving

Plan Ahead: Look for sales on turkeys and buy ingredients in bulk.
DIY: Make items like cranberry sauce and stuffing from scratch to save money.
Shop Smart: Compare prices at different stores and consider store brands.
Portion Control: Serve appropriate portions to avoid food waste.

Conclusion

Enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving dinner on a budget is entirely possible with a little planning and creativity. By choosing economical ingredients and preparing them with care, you can create a memorable meal for under $2 per serving. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, these budget-friendly recipes will ensure that everyone leaves the table satisfied without breaking the bank.

Remember, Thanksgiving is about coming together and giving thanks, and you don’t need an extravagant budget to celebrate the spirit of the holiday. Happy cooking!