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A $15 Thanksgiving Spread with All the Flavor and None of the Financial Heartburn

Not today, inflation. Nothing comes between us and a plateful of carbs.

Food prices are doing anything but minding their manners this year. But that doesn’t mean your Thanksgiving feast has to cost a fortune. In fact, it could cost you just 15 bucks.

For this week’s special-edition ChopShop, we’re taking a chainsaw to our budget but still getting a Thanksgiving dinner for four on the table. From mashed potatoes to zhooshed-up boxed stuffing, our spread definitely stretches the contents of your pantry, but it still proves that, yes, you can feast like a king on a pauper’s budget.


Menu + Shopping List

Main

Herb Butter Chicken Drumsticks

  • 4-6 chicken drumsticks (~$3)
  • Butter or oil (already in the pantry)
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder (already in the pantry)
  • Optional: Pour canned turkey gravy ($1) over chicken for โ€œholidayโ€ vibes.
Sides

Semi-Homade Boxed Stuffing

  • 1 box stuffing mix (~$1)
  • 1 small onion (borrow from a neighbor if you don’t have one)
  • Butter or oil (pantry)
  • Optional: pinch of thyme or poultry seasoning

Warm Cranberry & Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 cup chopped root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips โ€” ~$1)
  • ยฝ cup canned/fresh cranberries (~$1)
  • 1 tsp olive oil or butter (already in the pantry)
  • Salt, pepper, rosemary or thyme (already in the pantry)

Mashed Potatoes

  • 1 pound of potatoes (~$1)
  • Water + pat of butter/milk (alread in the pantry)

Crispy Shallot Green Bean Casserole

  • 1 bag green beans (~$2)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (~$1)
Dessert

Classic Apple Crisp

  • 1 bag of apples (~$2)
  • Old-fashioned oats (~$2)
  • Flour, butter, and brown sugar (already in the pantry)
  • Pinch of cinnamon or sugar (alread in the pantry)

Estimated Total Cost: $15

Notes for the Cook
  • Prices may vary depending on location and availability.
  • Meal plan presumes common kitchen staples are already stocked.
  • This list prioritizes Amazon Fresh for more affordable produce and pantry staples.
  • Buying generic brands can often save money.
  • This menu utilizes leftovers to minimize waste and cooking time.
  • Seasoning is assumed to be already in the pantry.
  • You might need to adjust quantities based on your familyโ€™s appetites.



Chopped is powered by people alongside Cookie, our AI sous-chef. Every cook and kitchen is unique, so be sure to check seasoning, temperature, and cook time as you go. Consult packaging for dietary information and always follow food safety guidelines.



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