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29 March 2024

Feasting on a Budget: Affordable Meal Side Dishes That Will Surely Impress Your Guests

Nothing is better than enjoying a warm home-cooked meal surrounded by family and friends on those special holidays. However, it is no secret that a large holiday dinner can come with a hefty price tag, and while our stomachs may be full, our wallets could also very well be empty. Do not worry, because with a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can prepare a delicious meal without breaking the bank. Let’s explore a few budget-friendly recipes that will go easy on the wallet, while ensuring your guests will be impressed.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a yummy must-have. They are not only filling and delicious, but they are also extremely budget friendly and very easy to make. All you really need for this delightful dish are potatoes, butter, salt, and pepper.

Dice the potatoes and then add them to a pot of salted boiling water until soft.

Once they are soft, drain the water and add either milk, butter, or both!

Add salt, pepper, and any flavor enhancers your stomach desires; I personally like to add roasted garlic and rosemary.

Mash until smooth, or chunky if you like your mashed potatoes with an extra bit of bite.

Voila! In only 4 short steps you have created a wonderful side dish that will taste just as good the next day as it will during your holiday feast.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is the perfect side dish to accompany your other classics. While it's most often eaten on the cob, I personally like to remove it from the cob, and mix it with my mashed potatoes for an extra pop of sweetness. Corn is not only extremely tasty and affordable, it is also a great source of dietary fiber! All you need for this wonderful side dish is corn, butter, salt, pepper, and a little bit of sugar.

Either bake your corn on the cob in the oven, or boil it in a large pot. If you are short on time, canned corn is also a great alternative to corn on the cob.

Remove the kernels from the cob with a knife by slicing downwards. Make sure to watch your fingers, as those are surely not on the menu!

Put your kernels back in a pot on low heat and add butter, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to your bowl of corn and mix. Continue to add spices until you are happy with the flavor.

Behold! The perfect side dish to add a little sweetness to your meal.

Honey Glazed Carrots With Goat Cheese

This recipe is not as simple as the previous two, and I will admit– it is not as budget friendly. However, your taste buds will thank you for showing them one of the most amazing flavor combinations to exist on this planet. These honey glazed carrots are perfect for a potluck holiday dinner, as your guests will be begging you for the recipe after the night has finished. All you need for this special treat are carrots, rosemary, coriander, goat cheese, and honey.

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. While you wait, cut your carrots into any shape you desire. Keep in mind that the size of the individual pieces may affect the cooking time.

Coat your carrots in oil and add either fresh or dried rosemary, and coriander. Also add salt and pepper to taste.

Once the oven is ready, place your carrots on a baking tray and cook for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes give them a stir and put them back in for another 10 minutes or until the texture is to your liking.

Drizzle honey over the carrots and broil for a few extra moments.

Top it off with crumbled goat cheese and more rosemary for a unique addition to your dinner.

Behold, an absolute favorite side dish. While it is not a classic dish, it's a creative addition that will confidently enhance your dinner while still maintaining amazing flavor.

You don't need to splurge to create a memorable feast. By embracing these budget-friendly recipes, you can savor all the wonderful flavors without overspending.