Cooking dinner can get expensive quickly, so we’ve put together a “splurge or save” menu to help you create the perfect meal without stressing about your budget. There are high and low versions in each category, and both taste great.
You can easily mix and match recipes depending on your budget, number of attendees, and how much time you want to spend in the kitchen (or your grocery bill)!
Create a menu that fits your budget.
This post was written to create. your The menu came together without stress or price shock. Everything is organized by course, so you know exactly where you want to spend and where you want to save.
Start with a main dish, add a few sides, then choose an appetizer and dessert. You’ll discover recipes that will taste amazing without blowing your grocery budget. Or, if it’s a special occasion, find out which recipes are worth splurging on! The easiest way to plan a dinner that’s both special and meaningful to your life.
Tips for using this menu
- Mix and Match:Combine high and low options to create the perfect dinner.
- Spend wisely:Spend big on the main dish and save on the sides when you want a special centerpiece without breaking the bank on groceries.
- Keep it simple:If you want a quick win, stick to the easy side and splurge only on desserts.
If you spent a lot of money on meat, don’t waste it.
If you’re splurging on a large cut of meat like prime rib, don’t ruin it by guessing the temperature. There’s nothing worse than spending all that money and ending up with overcooked food. A good thermometer is the difference between “Wow, this is amazing” and “Well… that was a costly mistake.”
I tested all of the best meat thermometers on the market, and you know what surprised me? A very affordable product was the winner. It was literally the cheapest option in the entire lineup I tried, and it outperformed all the fancy thermometers I’ve tried. Yes. You can spend a lot of money on meat and save on tools to protect it. Total victory.
main course
Let’s start with the star of the show. If you want to splurge, go fancy, but if today isn’t the day, keep it simple.
higher price
dinner
Incredibly Delicious Prime Rib Recipe
1 hour 5 minutes
dinner
The best lobster tail recipe!
20 minutes
dinner
Merry Me Salmon
30 minutes
dinner
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
9 hours 20 minutes
dinner
Grilled stuffed pork ribs
35 minutes
budget friendly
dinner
3 pack roast
8 hours 5 minutes
dinner
Best Swedish Meatballs
30 minutes
dinner
Crock Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
6 hours 20 minutes
dinner
air fryer ham
50 minutes
dinner
Simple Spaghetti Margherita
35 minutes
side dish
Pick your sides as you would your dream board. Vegetables, potatoes, all the good things. Whether high or low, they all belong here.
higher price
salad
Appetizer Salad Recipe
20 minutes
side dish
Roasted Lemon Parmesan Garlic Asparagus
13 minutes
salad
Best Winter Fruit Salad
15 minutes
salad
BLT Avocado Pasta Salad
15 minutes
budget friendly
salad
Imitation Olive Garden Salad
15 minutes
side dish
Best Air Fryer “Baked” Potatoes
25 minutes
side dish
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
40 minutes
side dish
5 Ingredient Corn Casserole
50 minutes
war debt
Something small to snack on while dinner is over. Some are gorgeous. Some are fast. Everything is delicious.
higher price
easy
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
20 minutes
dinner
Best Grilled Shrimp
1 hour 20 minutes
easy
mushrooms in sausage
20 minutes
war debt
Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites
20 minutes
budget friendly
war debt
bacon crackers
25 minutes
war debt
Kielbasa Bites
22 minutes
war debt
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
25 minutes
war debt
Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs
2 hours 5 minutes
dessert
You know you want to end your meal with something sweet. Choose something fancy and classic, or a simple snack that everyone always loves.
higher price
dessert
The best New York cheesecake!
8 hours 40 minutes
dessert
Easy tiramisu recipe
45 minutes
Recipe skill level
macaroon
1 hour 48 minutes per day
Recipe skill level
crack pie
6 hours 8 minutes
budget friendly
dessert
lemon can
3 hours 15 minutes
dessert
wacky cake
50 minutes
dessert
Easy Crème Brûlée
40 minutes
dessert
cherry pie bars
55 minutes
Store purchase shortcuts that always work
Sometimes the smartest way to make dinner is to grab a few pre-made items. Store-bought items taste great, save time, and go well with home-cooked meals.
- Festive drinks:It’s easy, fun, and requires no cleanup.
- Frozen or bakery rolls: Serve straight from the oven with melted butter and a pinch of salt. It tastes fresh and smooth every time.
- Packaged Salad Kit:A crunchy salad balances out a heavy meal. Pick up a simple kit and put it in a nice bowl.
- Dessert Cheat: Take a store-bought pie and add some whipped cream to instantly feel upgraded.
More recipes to complete your menu
If you’re looking to add more to your menu, here are some tried-and-true favorites that you’ll love all year long.
side dish
Very Easy Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
5 hours 15 minutes
salad
Broccoli Apple Salad
20 minutes
Recipe skill level
1 hour roll
1 hour 3 minutes
side dish
Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
15 minutes
