I Made a 3 Course Thanksgiving Dinner From Dollar Tree! (On a $20 Budget!)
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Recipe Overview
Overview
This Dollar Tree Thanksgiving dinner is a creative and budget-friendly way to celebrate the holiday without breaking the bank. The centerpiece is the Best of Thanksgiving Casserole, which layers mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and green beans into a hearty dish that captures all the flavors of the season. The use of canned turkey and instant mashed potatoes makes it accessible for anyone looking to save time and money.
The fried mac and cheese bites serve as a fun appetizer, offering a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with ranch dressing for dipping. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also allows for customization based on personal preferences or dietary needs. The addition of dried cranberries adds a touch of sweetness and color to the casserole, making it visually appealing as well.
For dessert, the caramel apple cookie bars are a delightful finish to the meal. They combine the flavors of apple pie with a chewy cookie base, topped with a drizzle of caramel. This dessert is a great way to use up any leftover cookie dough and can be made in advance, allowing for a stress-free holiday.
Overall, this Dollar Tree Thanksgiving dinner is a testament to the idea that you can create a festive and delicious meal on a budget. It’s a wonderful option for families looking to enjoy the holiday together without the financial strain, proving that good food doesn’t have to be expensive.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Scoop and serve the Thanksgiving casserole onto plates.
Serve the caramel apple cookie bars with a fork.
Tip: Fry mac and cheese bites at the right oil temperature to ensure they cook evenly.
Tip: Double the cookie mix for a thicker base in dessert for better texture.
Gather all ingredients for the Thanksgiving dinner.
Tip: Choose mac and cheese that doesn't require milk or butter if you're on a tight budget.
Combine pasta, water, milk, margarine, and cheese powder in a pot.
Cover and simmer the mixture for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Stir the mac and cheese occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
Tip: Add a block of cheddar cheese for extra creaminess if your budget allows.
Transfer cooked mac and cheese to a container and chill in the fridge.
Start with a layer of mashed potatoes in a casserole dish.
Tip: Use chicken broth to enhance the flavor of mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Tip: Season mashed potatoes to taste with salt and pepper for better flavor.
Spread a layer of French style green beans over the mashed potatoes.
Drain and shred canned turkey, then spread it over the green beans.
Tip: Consider making green bean casserole for added flavor if your budget allows.
Soak dried cranberries in water to rehydrate.
Tip: Don't discard turkey broth from canned turkey; it adds flavor.
Tip: Dissolve gravy mix in cold water before adding to hot liquid to prevent clumping.
Mix turkey broth and water, then add gravy mix and whisk.
Tip: Mix cranberries into stuffing for added color and flavor.
Pour the prepared gravy over the turkey layer.
Fold in soaked cranberries into the stuffing mixture.
Mix stuffing with water and margarine, then let it sit to rehydrate.
Spread the stuffing mixture as the top layer of the casserole.
Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out.
Mix sugar cookie dough ingredients and set aside some for topping.
Pre-bake the sugar cookie base at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Cook apple pie filling on the stove to reduce and thicken.
Tip: Add salt to melted caramel for a salted caramel flavor.
Melt caramels in the microwave with a dash of water.
Layer melted caramel and apple filling over the cookie base.
Compact mac and cheese into shapes and freeze for easier frying.
Bake the casserole in the oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes.
Fry the mac and cheese bites in preheated oil until golden.
Serve fried mac and cheese bites with ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using chicken broth instead of water enhances the flavor of mashed potatoes and stuffing.
- •Canned turkey can be shredded to distribute meat evenly in casseroles.
- •Dried cranberries can be rehydrated for added texture and flavor in dishes.
- •Double breading mac and cheese bites helps achieve a crispy exterior.
