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 “holiday” vibes.
Sides
- 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 — ~$1)
- ½ cup canned/fresh cranberries (~$1)
- 1 tsp olive oil or butter (already in the pantry)
- Salt, pepper, rosemary or thyme (already in the pantry)
- 1 pound of potatoes (~$1)
- Water + pat of butter/milk (alread in the pantry)
Crispy Shallot Green Bean Casserole
Dessert
- 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 family’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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