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It's the most expensive time of the year! If you're feeling the crunch, we want to help. Perfect for your holiday table, these festive recipes are affordable and feed a crowd. Make them at home to feed family or friends and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.

Appetizers we love

These recipes prove that you can serve multiple courses and still stick to a great budget.

Mackerel pantry pasta

If you eat fish for holiday meals it can be a bit pricey, but it doesn't have to be. This Mackerel pantry pasta uses canned seafood and pantry staples for an affordable and impressive entree or appetizer pasta dish.

Broccoli soup with cheesy croutons

Soups are affordable to make at home and so soul satisfying. This creamy dreamy broccoli soup gets its lusciousness from pureed broccoli stalks and potatoes which are both very affordable and quite possibly already in your possession. Top it with cheesy homemade croutons for a delightful and festive first course for a holiday dinner.

Pesto roasted vegetables 

If you have vegetables in your fridge or pantry that are on the brink of decay, it's time to breathe new life into them. This recipe for pesto roasted vegetables takes those vegetables from death's door to one heck of a wake. They're a fabulous and flavourful side dish for your holiday table and a great way to transform what you may already have.

The main attraction 

You can serve a showstopper main course on a budget, trust us!

Roast chicken with lemon and garlic 

You don't need bells and whistles to make a fabulous main course. This roasted chicken with lemon and garlic recipe proves it! Decadent, full of flavour and feeds a crowd -- you can't ask for much more! It's so easy to make and affordable -- but no one will know.

Scandinavian meatballs 

Meatballs can be made from so many ingredients  -- from ground beef and poultry, to nuts and seeds, to beans, mushrooms and lentils. Whatever way you choose to make them with, turn them into an affordable Scandinavian style main course with this easy recipe that creates a rich cream sauce for them with a can of condensed mushroom soup. Pair them with Lingonberry jam, potatoes and cabbage.

Don't forget the potatoes!

Potatoes are a cheap and filling staple food for many cultures, so it's not surprising that there are so many affordable recipes for them out there. You don't need to be basic, you can really show off their versatility while saving money. 

Scalloped potatoes 

Scalloped potatoes always seem a bit bougie as they are so rich and creamy, but at 55 cents per serving they are remarkably affordable yet totally decadent.

Mashed potatoes 

Who doesn't love rich and creamy mashed potatoes during the holidays?! This recipe is guaranteed to get some love without breaking the bank. 

Curried potatoes 

At only 55 cents per serving, these delicious curried potatoes will win the hearts of your wallet and your guests and are anything but basic. 

Don't skip dessert

You don't need to abstain from dessert to keep a budget this holiday season, and these recipes prove it.

Homemade hot chocolate 

There's a reason everyone loves hot chocolate during the holiday season. This Homemade hot chocolate recipe will feed the souls of your family and friends for only 99 cents per serving! Indulgent and decadent and perfect with some marshmallows on top. Is it a drink? Is it dessert? Who can tell!

Thumbprint cookies

Thumbprint cookies are easy to make and easy on the eyes. Coated with coconut and filled with jam, they're delicious and beautiful little bites of joy -- and only 17 cents each to make. 

Sugar cookies

Sugar cookies are such a classic holiday season treat, and at only 10 cents each, they should definitely be on your dessert table this year. Dress them up with powdered sugar, sprinkles or homemade frosting. You can even make your own sprinkles.

Frozen berry and apple crumble 

This Jamie Oliver crumble recipe is seriously affordable to make and delicious to serve. Apples, frozen berries, butter, flour, sugar and oats are all affordable staples you may already have on hand that combine to create something truly special. 

We hope you'll make these recipes a part of your affordable holiday feast and feed your crowd a memorable holiday meal on a budget.

Looking for an apartment to call home and make your own? Panoramic Properties would love to welcome you home. Please visit our website to browse our available apartments