Holidays are a reason to celebrate, so it’s no surprise that holiday meals tend to be a bit more indulgent. But indulgent meals don’t necessarily have to be expensive, and we love finding affordable recipes that don’t skimp on flavor or flair.
If you’re looking to plan a festive meal within a reasonable budget, we’ve rounded up some rustic, simple dishes that don’t require a ton of complicated ingredients. These recipes let the simplicity of seasonal ingredients or pantry staples speak for themselves, and they’re a great way to impress your guests without overspending. From easy appetizers to punch and desserts, these holiday dishes are festive and flavorful.
Pineapple Brown Sugar-Glazed Boneless Ham
Boneless smoked ham makes a holiday centerpiece that’s as easy to serve as it is to prepare. Dressed in pineapple rings and studded with cloves and maraschino cherries, it is a nostalgic dish that is classic and timeless. Finished with brown sugar glaze, it comes out of the oven glossy and golden.
Caramelized Butternut Squash
This sweet and savory side dish requires only five ingredients, so you know it doesn’t cost too much to make. Better yet, you probably have most of them (like salt, pepper and light brown sugar in your pantry already). Simply roast the butternut squash in the oven for about 45 minutes and you’ll have a crispy, caramelized vegetable side that’s totally versatile.
Sheet Pan Crispy Mashed Potatoes
These easy mashed potatoes are a result of a happy accident in our test kitchen. Some pieces have a creamy, tender texture, while others are as crispy and crunchy as roasted potatoes. The combination of contrasting textures makes for a fun spin on the classic recipe.
Perfect Pot Roast
Pot roast cooks low and slow, so it’s a great recipe to pop in the oven on a special holiday like Christmas. Better yet, chuck is a super affordable cut of beef, so it’s a great way to feed a crowd on a budget. Carrots and onions add extra flavor, while a splash of wine bulks up the braising liquid with extra flavor.
Crumble Lovers’ Sheet-Pan Apple Crumble
If you are someone who is always stealing the crumbs off the top of the apple crumble, this recipe is for you. We spread the apples out on a sheet pan to maximize the surface area, making for a large-scale dessert that can feed a crowd. We’ve added extra chewy oats to bulk up the homestyle dessert.
