Holiday Cooking Made Easier: How to Feed the Family for Less

Between cookie swaps, holiday parties and keeping up with holiday wish lists, it seems like every year this season that’s supposed to be about spending quality time with friends and family, gets more hectic. And if you’re preparing your menu for the upcoming holidays, don’t worry! Eating well on a budget is completely within reach.

In this article, we’ll share easy-to-follow tips to stretch your dollar this holiday season while making sure everyone’s bellies are full.

Tips For Stretching Your Dollar With Holiday Cooking

Serve something special this holiday season—and still have time for family and friends. These tips are easy to implement, giving you more time for what’s really important.

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1. Buy the Whole Bird

It’s hard to imagine holiday cooking without the iconic Thanksgiving turkey. Luckily for cooks everywhere, turkeys are usually sold whole. You do have some flexibility in terms of the size of bird you buy. On the upside, buying your bird in bulk generally means a lower price per pound.

Use the remaining carcass in holiday cooking recipes like flavorful broth and homemade gravy. Pound for pound, turkey is one of the best holiday deals out there.

2. Go Bone-In

Some regions of the US celebrate Christmas with ham instead of turkey. The downside is a relatively higher price per pound. Opt for bone-in ham for a major price reduction and tasty cooking bones to boot. As a final option, sidestep the whole ham in favor of custom cuts to cover your bases.

3. Rethink Brisket

Brisket is a traditional food on the Hannukah table, though price can be a bit tricky. Originally heralded as a cheaper cut, this meat has grown in popularity and unfortunately spiked in price. Similar cuts include beef chuck or clod or shoulder for a perfectly delicious holiday alternative.

4. Root Realness

Good news on the veggie front—these nutritious eats are high in fiber and low in cost. Root vegetables synonymous with the holiday season like sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions and carrots are always affordable options. Other holiday staples like green beans are just as easy on the wallet. The bottom line? Veggies are an affordable pick no matter which way you slice them.

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5. Cranberry Christmas

Most people associate cranberries with Thanksgiving, though Christmas menus around the U.S. sometimes feature similar ingredients. Whether you decide to serve cranberries this holiday season depends on your own family tradition.

One thing’s for sure: they are sure to fit the holiday food bill with a low price point that’s full of flavor.

6. Not Just Nuts

Like other celebratory recipes, holiday desserts run the gamut of ingredients. A few classics include apple, pecan and pumpkin pie. Gingerbread, seasonal cookies, Rugelach and Challah also top the list with common baking ingredients like flour, butter, sugar and nuts.

Low-cost baked goods are good news for the family budget. Go a step further and choose recipes with minimal nuts for even greater savings—holiday cooking with kids doesn’t need to be any nuttier!

Wrapping Up

Major holidays come but once a year, so it’s important to make a meal worth remembering. With the right tricks up your sleeve, food can be both delicious and affordable. Use these tips to create a delicious spread that won’t empty your wallet.

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