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Our Best Recipes at $5 or Less per Serving

In times of inflation, we’re always happy to find flavourful recipes that go easy on our wallets. Check out these 10, including desserts and snacks, that all cost $5 or less per serving.

1. Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

Meatballs always come in very handy on busy weeknights and they also have the advantage of making an affordable meal. Prepare these with ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs and chopped spinach that’ll give the mixture a fun green tinge. Make sure to add this quick and economical recipe to your repertoire.

2. Rice Cereal and Marshmallow Squares (Rice KrispiesTM Squares)

The classic Rice Krispies™ squares are perfect for keeping people with a sweet tooth happy. Plus, they’re very cheap per serving, even if you double the amount of marshmallows, as we did in this version of the traditional recipe that combines rice cereal, butter and vanilla extract.

3. Green Pea and Beet Salad

Green peas, beets and lettuce: these three affordable vegetables form a super colourful and flavourful alliance in this recipe that fits any occasion. First, marinate and cool the beets, then assemble the salad, sprinkling it with homemade dressing. An easy side dish that’ll please everyone at the table.

4. Spaghetti with Pecorino and Fresh Tomatoes

Speedy and nutritious pasta dishes are particularly appreciated on weeknights. Several recipes, including this one, use simple ingredients that allow you to make mouth-watering meals on a budget. In this case, the list includes tomatoes and pecorino cheese as well as fresh and dried herbs that heighten the flavour.

5. Pickle Brine Chicken with Herb Sauce

You’ll resolve to never get rid of pickle juice again once you’ve tasted this recipe that gives it centre stage. This marinade gives a great boost of flavour to chicken, without your having to spend much. More proof that avoiding waste is another way to save money. You can also apply this excellent habit to the brine used for preserved marinated vegetables or olives. Make sure you save it for your dips, sauces or soups.

6. Saltine Cracker Pork Tonkatsu Bowls

Simply have a look in your pantry to find an impressive number of alternative ingredients that make dishes just as great as the original choices. Using sambal oelek instead of ketchup and rice vinegar instead of lemon are two examples of ingredients that guided us in creating this recipe inspired by Japanese tonkatsu.

7. Cocoa Cupcakes

Cupcakes are pretty high on the hit list of cheap, gourmet desserts. This recipe mixes simple ingredients and is easy to make. The only problem? These super moist mini cakes disappear at lightning speed! Fix the problem by doubling the quantity and freezing some.

8. Fish Curry with Peanuts

Peanut butter is among everyone’s pantry staples, but did you know it’s also often used in curries? Combine its flavour with proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, tofu, chickpeas, etc. This particular recipe pairs it with fish. Serve the dish with vegetables, including broccoli and zucchini, and a spicy sauce.

9. Shrimp and Avocado Hamburger

Forget the classic ground beef burger with this recipe that gives the spotlight to Nordic shrimp. Avocado, bell pepper, mayonnaise and harissa complete the toppings. An inexpensive meal that can be made in a flash and loved by everyone? That’s a win-win…-win!

10. Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Une recette de biscuits comme celle-ci, pas compliquée, peu coûteuse, prête en 30 minutes et qui se congèle: on en prendrait plus souvent!  Des flocons d’avoine, du beurre et de la cassonade sont à la base de la préparation qu’on peut parfumer d’une touche de cannelle. Pour optimiser la cuisson, on répartit la pâte sur deux plaques qu’on enfourne une à la fois. Délicieux en collation ou pour clore un repas sur une note sucrée.

For more economical recipe ideas to add to your menu, check out our budget recipe category.