You all loved the affordable Thanksgiving Menu so much that I turned it into a challenge for Christmas. Could I really feed 8, stay under $60 and keep it a traditional dinner? Yes, yes I can! This entire Christmas dinner came in at $55 and every single dish feels holiday worthy without the holiday price tag.
Tis the Season Not to Spend a Fortune
Let’s be honest, Christmas dinner can go from “a few ingredients” to “how did I spend this much” faster than kids ripping wrapping paper at 6 AM. I wanted this menu to taste like Christmas without requiring a second mortgage or a cart full of specialty items you will never use again.
How to Keep It Under $55
- Skip the “holiday add-ons.” Cinnamon star butter, imported cranberry chutney and the cute cheese shaped like a snowman are not required for joy.
- Buy the store brand. No one will taste the label. They will taste the butter.
- Stick to the list. If it isn’t written down, it isn’t coming home.
- Keep one main dish, not three. Ham wins for flavor, leftovers, and price.
- Use ingredients that multitask. Butter, broth, and spices stretch across dishes without extra spending.
- Don’t chase “specialty.” If you’ll never use it again after December 25, it does not get to come to the party.
Store-Bought Wins
You do not earn bonus Christmas points for hand-rolling dough at 5 AM. A few store-bought items keep the day calm, the oven free, and well, you can spend your hard earn money on a gift to yourself instead.
Grab the rolls, pick up cranberry sauce, snag an already-made dessert if you want, and move on with the other recipes! It still tastes like Christmas and you still get credit.
Classic Honey Glazed Ham
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
1 Hour Dinner Rolls
Glazed Carrots
Christmas Ribbon Salad
Share Your Christmas Dinner Traditions
More Christmas Dinner Recipes
These are my go-to Christmas dishes, but I know every family has their own favorites that make the holiday feel complete. Add what your table loves, swap a side, and make it yours. Here are a few more options to mix and match.
Easy
Christmas Salad
10 minutes
Side Dishes
The Best Sweet Potato Casserole
55 minutes
Side Dishes
Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff
4 hours 10 minutes
Dinner
Roasted Cranberry Orange Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans
1 hour 10 minutes
Meal Planning with Leftovers
Christmas dinner almost always leaves leftovers, which is a gift in itself. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge and enjoy easy meals for days.
