Create a full Thanksgiving spread for less than $13 with these Dollar Tree dishes

Thanksgiving often arrives with warm traditions, full tables, and the pressure of rising grocery prices that can leave many households wondering how to celebrate without overspending.

Yet an unexpected approach is offering a surprisingly affordable way to recreate classic holiday flavors without sacrificing familiar flavors and festive comfort.

A budget-friendly method using only a handful of inexpensive items shows how a complete seasonal spread can come together for just a few dollars.

These dishes prove that a little creativity can turn bargain ingredients into a satisfying and memorable feast.

1. Apple Pie Parfait: The $3 dessert that steals the show​

Who says you need to spend hours rolling out pie dough or splurge on a fancy bakery dessert? With just a few Dollar Tree staples—granola bars, canned apple pie filling, and a touch of margarine or oil—you can create a dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive.

Here’s how:​

Crush the granola bars and mix with a little melted margarine to make a crumbly topping. Warm up the apple pie filling, layer it in bowls or cups, and sprinkle the granola crumble on top. Voilà! You’ve got a sweet treat that tastes like autumn in a bowl, all for about $3 to $4.

2. Canned Turkey & Gravy: The budget-friendly main event​

Canned turkey (or chicken) might not sound glamorous, but with a little TLC, it can be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Drain the canned meat, heat it gently in a pot, and smother it with Dollar Tree’s turkey gravy. A savory, satisfying main dish that costs just $4 to $5—leaving you with plenty of cash for dessert (or a second helping).

Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of dried herbs or a dash of black pepper to the gravy for an extra burst of flavor.

Also read: Dollar General confirms new hours across 20,000 stores nationwide for Thanksgiving Day

3. Savory Stuffing: All the flavor, none of the fuss​

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving must-have, but butter and fresh broth can add up. Here’s the Dollar Tree Dinner twist: Use the broth from your canned turkey instead of butter or water. Prepare the boxed stuffing mix as directed, swapping in the turkey broth for a rich, savory flavor that ties the whole meal together. At just $1.25, this side dish is a no-brainer.

4. Creamy Instant Mashed Potatoes: The secret’s in the prep​

Instant mashed potatoes sometimes get a bad rap, but the Idahoan brand from Dollar Tree can be downright delicious if you treat them right. The key? Don’t over-mix, and measure your water carefully. Too much liquid and you’ll end up with a paste-like consistency; too little and they’ll be dry. For a festive touch, stir in a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs—also available at Dollar Tree—for a flavor boost that rivals homemade. All this for about $1.50!

Also read: Dollar Tree's holiday treasures: 7 budget-friendly finds that'll stretch your grocery dollars this season

5. No-Fuss Green Beans: The easiest side on the table​

When you’re juggling multiple dishes, sometimes you need a side that’s as simple as “open, season, heat, and serve.” Enter Dollar Tree’s canned green beans. Dress them up with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or a dash of garlic powder, and you’ve got a classic veggie side for just $1.25. No oven space required, and no stress.

The grand total​

Let’s do the math: For about $11 to $13, you can serve a complete Thanksgiving meal for four to six people. Compare that to the $50 to $100 (or more!) you might spend at a traditional grocery store, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to be thankful.

You might be wondering, “Will my guests notice the difference?” Here’s the thing: Thanksgiving is about togetherness, not perfection. With a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can serve a meal that’s every bit as festive and flavorful as the pricier alternatives. Plus, you’ll have more money left over for holiday fun, travel, or even a little treat for yourself.

Read next:

• Don’t miss out: The $1.25 holiday find at Dollar Tree everyone’s grabbing by the handful!
• Don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving? These 7 restaurants have you covered—takeout or dine-in!
• Pumpkin pie deal: Walmart’s 84-cent pies return just in time for Thanksgiving

Key Takeaways

• A complete Thanksgiving meal can be prepared with only Dollar Tree ingredients, saving you a significant amount of money over traditional supermarket prices.
• The meal includes budget-friendly versions of classic dishes like apple crumble, turkey with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans—all of which can be prepared for about $11 to $13 in total.
• Creative tips, such as using canned turkey broth in the stuffing and adding herbs to instant mashed potatoes, help boost flavor while keeping costs down without sacrificing taste.
• This approach offers a great solution for Americans on a budget, proving you can still put on an impressive Thanksgiving or festive spread without breaking the bank.

Have you ever hosted a budget-friendly Thanksgiving? Do you have a favorite Dollar Tree tip or a secret recipe that helps you stretch your holiday dollars?