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Cooking dinner can feel expensive fast, so I put together a “Splurge or Save” menu that lets you build the perfect meal without the stress of budget. Each category has a high version and a low version, and both taste amazing.
You can easily mix and match recipes based on your budget, your crowd, and how much time you want to spend in the kitchen (or on your grocery bill)!
This post is laid out to make your menu come together without the stress or the price shock. Everything is organized by course so you can see exactly where you want to spend and where you want to save.
Start with your main dish, add a couple of sides, then choose an appetizer and dessert. You will find recipes that taste amazing without blowing your grocery budget. Or, if it’s a special occasion, which recipes are worth splurging on! It is the easiest way to plan a dinner that feels special and still makes sense for real life.
- Mix and match: Combine the high and low options to build your perfect dinner.
- Spend smart: Splurge on the main and save on the sides when you want a special centerpiece without a big grocery bill.
- Keep it simple: Stick to easy sides and splurge only on dessert if you want a quick win.
The Recipe Critic Recommendation
If You Splurge on the Meat, Do Not Waste It
The Best (And Most Affordable!) Meat Thermometer
If you are going to splurge on a big cut of meat like prime rib, please do not ruin it by guessing the temperature. Nothing hurts worse than spending all that money and ending up with something overcooked. A good thermometer is the difference between “wow, this is incredible” and “well… that was an expensive mistake.”
I tested all the top meat thermometers out there, and you know what surprised me? The super affordable one was the winner. It was literally the lowest priced option in the whole lineup that I tried and it beat every fancy thermometer I tried. So yes, you can splurge on the meat and save on the tool that protects it. Total win.
Main Course
Let’s start with the star of the show. Go fancy if you are feeling like a splurge or keep it simple if today is not the day.
Budget Friendly
Side Dishes
Pick your sides like you are building the plate of your dreams. Veggies, potatoes, all the good stuff. High or low, they all belong here.
Higher Priced
Budget Friendly
Desserts
You know you want to finish the meal with something sweet. Go fancy and classic or pick the simple treat everyone always loves.
Higher Priced
Budget Friendly
Store-Bought Shortcuts That Work Every Time
Sometimes the smartest dinner move is grabbing a few things premade. These store-bought items taste great, save time, and blend right in with a homemade meal.
- Festive Drinks: Easy, fun, and no cleanup.
- Frozen rolls or bakery rolls: Brush them with melted butter and a little salt right out of the oven. They taste fresh and soft every time.
- Bagged salad kits: A crisp salad balances a heavier meal. Pick a simple kit and toss it in a nice serving bowl.
- Dessert Cheat: Snag a store-bought pie, add some whipped cream and it instantly feels upgraded.
If you want to add even more to your menu, here are a few tried and true favorites that you will love all year long.
About Alyssa Rivers
Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.
English (US) · 