The holidays are all about cozy food, glowing lights, and being surrounded by the people you love.
But with prices climbing every year, Christmas dinner can feel… stressful.
Good news?
You don’t need a huge budget to pull off a festive, restaurant-level Christmas meal.
Today we’re breaking down exactly how to create a full Christmas dinner — mains, sides, desserts, drinks — while keeping your grocery bill under control.
And we’ll share affordable kitchen tools (on Amazon) that make prep faster, easier, and cheaper.
Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Plan Your Menu Wisely
Main Dish: Roast Chicken Instead of Turkey (Big Savings!)
While turkey is a popular choice for Christmas, it can be quite expensive, especially when feeding a large group.
Roast chicken is an excellent alternative that’s much more affordable but still delivers the same savory, festive vibe.
How to Do It:
- Look for whole chickens on sale or buy two smaller birds instead of one turkey.
- Rub with butter + herbs, roast at 400°F for 60–75 minutes.
- Add root vegetables to the same pan — one-pan meal = saves money + time.
⭐ RECOMMENDED AMAZON PICKS (Budget-Friendly)
These are affordable, long-lasting tools that make roasting easier (and juicier).
• Cuisinart 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack
Perfect for whole chicken, ham, or veggies. Excellent airflow and super durable.
• ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer
Never overcook your Christmas chicken again.
• McCormick Culinary Garlic & Herb Seasoning
Big 20-oz container — cheaper than buying small jars repeatedly.
Budget-Friendly Ham
If you’re set on ham, opt for a smaller ham or buy a budget-friendly cut like a ham shank or ham steak.
These cuts are flavorful and much cheaper than a full boneless ham.
How to do it:
- Stick to bone-in hams, which are generally less expensive than boneless ones.
- Use leftover ham in soups, sandwiches, or casseroles to stretch your meal further.
⭐ RECOMMENDED HAM TOOLS (AMAZON)
- Cutluxe Butcher Knife Set — sharp & reliable
- Reynolds Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil — keeps ham moist
- Hamilton Beach Electric Knife — affordable & great for carving
Vegetarian Option: Festive Vegetable Roast
For guests who prefer vegetarian options, make a vegetable roast with seasonal vegetables like carrots, squash, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
A big tray of oven-roasted squash, potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts makes a beautiful meat-free centerpiece.
⭐ RECOMMENDED AMAZON PICKS
Step 2: Choose Affordable Side Dishes
Side dishes are where you can really get creative and save money.
Instead of opting for costly ingredients, focus on affordable staples that are full of flavor.
Mashed Potatoes (Classic & Cheap)
Potatoes are one of the most budget-friendly Christmas sides — creamy, cozy, and feeds a crowd.
Use russet potatoes for a creamy texture, and top with butter and cream for richness.
You can also make garlic mashed potatoes for added flavor.
How to do it:
- Buy a 5lb or 10lb bag instead of pre-made mashed potatoes.
- Use chicken broth instead of cream to make the mashed potatoes lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Simple 4-Step Mashed Potatoes
- Boil 3 lbs potatoes.
- Mash with butter + broth.
- Add garlic for flavor.
- Top with herbs.
⭐ RECOMMENDED aMAZON TOOLS
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Masher
- Farberware Classic 4-Quart Saucepan
- Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are not only inexpensive but also bursting with flavor.
Use seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, which are often much cheaper in the winter.
How to do it:
- Toss vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven for a simple yet flavorful dish.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an aromatic boost.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
Stuffing (Made with Day-Old Bread)🍞
Stuffing is a must-have side for many Christmas dinners, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Skip boxed stuffing. Homemade stuffing is cheaper and tastes 10× better.
Add-ins that cost little:
- Onion
- Celery
- Sage
- Broth
⭐ RECOMMENDED AMAZON PICKS (Budget-Friendly)
Step 3: Skip the Fancy Appetizers (Save $20–$40 Easily)
Instead of splurging on pricey appetizers like shrimp cocktail or fancy cheese platters, focus on simple but delicious starters.
Deviled Eggs (Affordable + Fancy-Looking)
Deviled eggs are affordable, crowd-pleasing, and super easy to prepare.
Eggs are inexpensive and packed with protein, making them the perfect appetizer.
How to do it:
Boil a dozen eggs,
Slice them in half,
Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings to create a flavorful filling.
⭐ RECOMMENDED AMAZON PICKS (Budget-Friendly)
- Dash Rapid Egg Cooker (viewer favorite)
- Wilton Piping Bag Set (for fancy filling)
Cheese and Crackers
If you want a cheese platter, keep it simple with cheese and crackers.
Choose affordable cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda, and pair them with a box of crackers.
You don’t need to go all out to create a delicious starter.
⭐ RECOMMENDED AMAZON PICKS (Budget-Friendly)
Step 4: Desserts That Won’t Break the Bank
Desserts are one of the most anticipated parts of Christmas dinner, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune.
Some classic holiday desserts are inexpensive to make and will still wow your guests.
Use pantry staples + seasonal fruits and you’ll have sweet, crowd-pleasing treats without the big bill.
Classic Apple Pie (Inexpensive + Always a Hit)
Apple pie is a timeless holiday dessert that’s both affordable and satisfying.
Apples are cheap in the winter, and you can make the crust with basic pantry items.
Quick How-To:
- Toss sliced apples with sugar + cinnamon.
- Fill crust (store-bought or homemade).
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
⭐ RECOMMENDED AMAZON PICKS
- OXO Good Grips Apple Corer
- Pyrex 9.5-Inch Pie Plate
- Keebler Ready Crust
- McCormick Ground Cinnamon, 18 oz Family Size
🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookies (Budget-Friendly & Easy to Batch)
Chocolate chip cookies are perfect for feeding a crowd — cheap ingredients, simple steps, and they make the whole house smell like Christmas.
⭐ RECOMMENDED AMAZON PICKS
KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer
GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Sheet Set
Step 5: Smart Shopping Tips for a Budget-Friendly Christmas Dinner
Keeping Christmas dinner affordable is all about strategy:
🛒 Shop Sales Early
Look for pre-holiday deals — especially on chicken, ham, butter, broth, and potatoes.
📦 Buy in Bulk
Potatoes, onions, spices, flour, and canned goods are cheaper in family packs.
🧺 Use Leftovers
Roast chicken leftovers become:
- Chicken soup
- Chicken sandwiches
- Chicken and rice
- Chicken pot pie
🥕 Buy Seasonal Produce
Carrots, potatoes, squash, Brussels sprouts = cheapest in December.
🍗 Freeze Meat When It’s on Sale
Grab chicken or ham when it’s discounted and freeze for later.
Comparison Tables
These tables help people understand savings at a glance — they also keep readers scrolling longer.
🍗 Turkey vs Chicken: Cost Comparison
| Item | Average Holiday Price | Feeds | Cost per Person | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Chicken | $6–$9 | 4–6 | Very Low | Small families |
| Turkey | $25–$40 | 8–12 | Medium | Larger groups |
👉 Recommendation: Roast chicken + veggie tray = the most budget-friendly combo.
🍎 Cheap Desserts vs Expensive Desserts
| Dessert | Cost to Make | Difficulty | Family-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Pie | Low | Easy | Yes |
| Sugar Cookies | Very Low | Easy | Yes |
| Cheesecake | Medium–High | Hard | Mixed |
| Macarons | High | Very Hard | No |
👉 Stick to pies and cookies for max savings + max smiles.
Budget Christmas Dinner Essentials (Best Amazon Picks Under $40–$100)
“Shopping for Christmas dinner?
These budget-friendly tools make everything faster, easier, and more delicious.”
For Roasting Chicken/Ham
- Cuisinart 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack
- ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer
- McCormick Culinary Garlic & Herb Seasoning
For Mashed Potatoes & Sides
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Masher
- Farberware Classic 4-Quart Saucepan
- Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
For Desserts
- OXO Medium Cookie Scoop
- KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer
- GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Sheet Set
For Clean-Up
The Bottom Line
A Christmas dinner doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be festive and delicious.
By planning ahead, using affordable ingredients, and getting creative with your menu, you can create a memorable holiday meal that your family and friends will love.
Whether you’re roasting a chicken instead of a turkey, making mashed potatoes from scratch, or baking a classic apple pie, there are plenty of ways to have a fabulous Christmas dinner on a budget.
Enjoy the holiday season without the financial stress—a little planning and creativity go a long way in making a magical Christmas dinner.
Happy holidays and happy cooking!
⭐ Before You Go… Don’t Miss These Christmas Deals
Looking for affordable holiday kitchen tools? These Amazon picks are perfect for budget Christmas dinners:
- Cuisinart 16″ Roasting Pan
- ThermoPro TP03 Thermometer
- Nordic Ware Baking Sheets
- Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1
- Pyrex Pie Plates
- Wilton Cookie Trays
📌Related Read
How to Make a Festive Christmas Charcuterie Board
Easy Christmas Cookies You Can Bake with Kids
The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe for the Holidays
5 Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas for Every Occasion
Amazon Christmas Deals for Coffee Lovers — Best Gifts for Espresso, Pour-Over & Iced Coffee Fans