The Most Popular Thanksgiving Sides on a Budget.!!ððð
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and after more than a year in virtual lockdown due to the ongoing pandemic, Americans are ready to cozy up with family and cook all the classic holiday fixings. These include not just the centerpiece turkey (or tofurkey), but also the vast array of side dishes.
Often the most memorable aspects of Thanksgiving dinner are the stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, cranberry sauce, gravy and any of the other mainstay side dishes.
So how can you save on making these must-have treats that are so essential to the overall meal? GOBankingRates talked to chefs and savings experts to learn their best hacks.
Plan Ahead and Make a List
“Plan out your Thanksgiving meal from start to finish — everything from appetizers to dessert,” said Casey Rooney, food blogger at Get On My Plate. “Then, list out all of the items you will need for those dishes. Then, revise! If a dish seems like it has too many ingredients, nix it or find an alternative.”
From your final list, you can start to look for coupons and store promotions for just the items you need.
“The key is having a complete list/menu and sticking with it so you’re not distracted by the end caps and displays when you get to the store,” Rooney said.
Aim For Enough, Not Excess
“Carefully plan the amount of food needed for your Thanksgiving meal, without overdoing it,” said Erin Hendrickson, a registered dietitian nutritionist and food waste expert at No Waste Nutrition. “According to the USDA, Americans throw away $293 million dollars worth of food around Thanksgiving due to over estimating portions. Don’t feel pressured to over cook, but instead prepare enough. Remember not everyone will eat every single dish offered.
