Splurge or Save? Recipes for Any Budget

    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)!

    A close up of garlic steak bites in the air fryer.

    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

    • Mix and match: Combine the high and low options to build your perfect dinner.
    • Spend smart: Splurge on the main and save on the sides when you want a special centerpiece without a big grocery bill.
    • Keep it simple: Stick to easy sides and splurge only on dessert if you want a quick win.
    The Recipe Critic Recommendation

    If You Splurge on the Meat, Do Not Waste It

    The Best (And Most Affordable!) Meat Thermometer

    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.

    Here is the Meat Thermometer I use

    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