When Thanksgiving planning starts to feel expensive, I head to Dollar General for affordable help rounding out the meal. These nine sides each cost under $20, making it easier to fill the table while staying on budget.
1. Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Turkey, 6 oz Box – $3.25
For the stuffing bowl, this stovetop mix delivers a traditional turkey-friendly side with very little work. At approximately $3.25, it keeps a holiday essential comfortably within the budget.
Parting Thoughts: A dependable value when homemade stuffing is not the priority.
2. Idahoan Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, 4 oz Pouch – $2.95
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes made with real Idaho potatoes turn into a core Thanksgiving side using the microwave. The $2.95 pouch saves both money and prep when the stovetop is crowded.
Parting Thoughts: Keep this one in mind when convenience matters as much as cost.
3. French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions, 2.8 oz – $2.85
That familiar crispy onion topping finishes green bean casserole without another recipe or cooking step. A $2.85 container is enough to make an inexpensive vegetable dish feel holiday-specific.
Parting Thoughts: The price makes sense if green bean casserole is nonnegotiable at your table.
4. Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, 10.5 oz Can – $1.55
Green bean casserole comes together cheaply when this condensed mushroom soup supplies the creamy base. For $1.55, one can does the heavy lifting in a classic Thanksgiving side.
Parting Thoughts: Few holiday shortcuts stretch a dollar this effectively.
5. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, 8.5 oz – $0.75
At $0.75, this oven-baked mix can become cornbread, muffins, or the starting point for a corn casserole. It is the lowest-priced option here and leaves room in the budget for required eggs and milk.
Parting Thoughts: This is my pick for adding another serving dish for well under a dollar.
6. Clover Valley Canned Cut Green Beans, 14.5 oz – $0.85
When the menu needs a vegetable, these cut green beans can be heated on the stovetop or used as the heart of a casserole. The $0.85 can is an easy way to add another side without straining the total.
Parting Thoughts: Simple and practical wins at this price.
7. Velveeta Shells and Cheese Mac and Cheese, 1 Box, for Easy Dinner or Dinner Sides, Original Flavor, Made with Real Cheese, 12 oz – $2.50
Kids and less-traditional Thanksgiving crowds get a familiar stovetop side from this 12-ounce box made with real cheese. At $2.50, it is a low-risk addition when you need one dish almost everyone will recognize.
Parting Thoughts: Budget the box in when keeping younger guests happy is worth the extra side.
8. Pioneer Roasted Turkey Gravy Mix, 1.41 oz – $1.00
One dollar buys a stovetop turkey gravy that can pull the stuffing and mashed potatoes together. The packet costs much less than the jarred option on this list, though it does require preparation.
Parting Thoughts: For the strictest budget, the $1.00 packet is the sensible gravy choice.
9. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls Original, 8 ct, 8 oz – $3.50
Fresh-from-the-oven crescent rolls give the table an eight-count bread option with refrigerated dough and minimal assembly. They are the priciest pick here at $3.50, but still keep the full nine-item lineup around $19.20.
Parting Thoughts: Spend the extra here if a warm bread basket makes dinner feel complete.
