Spend lavishly or Save? Recipes for Any Kind Of Budget plan

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)!

Build a Menu on a Budget (or Not!)

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.

Tips for Using This Menu

If You Splurge on the Meat, Do Not Waste It

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.

Higher Priced

Insanely Delicious Prime Rib Recipe

The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever!

Marry Me Salmon

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Budget Friendly

3 Packet Roast

The Best Swedish Meatballs

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken with Pasta

Simple Spaghetti Margherita

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

Roasted Lemon Parmesan Garlic Asparagus

The Best Winter Fruit Salad

BLT Avocado Pasta Salad

Budget Friendly

Copycat Olive Garden Salad

The BEST Air Fryer “Roasted” Potatoes

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

5 Ingredient Corn Casserole

A little something to snack on while dinner finishes. Some are fancy. Some are fast. All are delicious.

Higher Priced

How to Make a Charcuterie Board

THEE BEST Grilled Shrimp

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites

Budget Friendly

Bacon Crackers

Kielbasa Bites

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs

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

The Best New York Cheesecake Ever!

Easy Tiramisu Recipe

Macarons

Crack Pie

Budget Friendly

Lemon Posset

Wacky Cake

Easy Creme Brûlée

Cherry Pie Bars

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.

More Recipes to Round Out Your Menu

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.

Super Easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Broccoli Apple Salad

1-Hour Rolls

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts