Inexpensive Ingredients for Thanksgiving Casseroles

With food prices rising, Thanksgiving dinner can cost a pretty penny. Luckily, there are corners you can cut and ingedients you can use, to save money.

1. If you have a casserole that will taste better with a crunch, and you don't want to waste food by trying and failing or you need it in a hurry, try crushed Ritz crackers. The buttery taste of these crackers will blend in well with most holiday casseroles.

2. I'm not sure how you all make your macaroni and cheese, but when my mom makes it, there are 2 ingredients: marcaroni and cheese. Now, that sounds normal to most of you, but my point is that cheese can get really expensive. So, my suggestion is to make a roux (pronounced "rue,") using two household kitchen ingredients: flour and butter. Then, you can melt in less cheese. It tastes great, and makes for a creamier mac n cheese.

3. Buy fresh, local produce. For things like green bean casserole or sweet potato casserole, you think you are getting a sweet deal with cans at reduced holiday prices. However, in the long run, you really do pay less if you buy fresh. And honestly, it's so much better for you. Canned sweet potatoes and green beans have to be chock full of preservatives in order to have a long shelf life. Fresh produce is good for you, and a good, inexpensive idea for holiday casseroles and side dishes.

4. This idea isn't for casseroles, but every penny-saving tip helps this holiday season. Assuming you're like every other household that makes pies for Thanksgiving, you can save money by not buying pie crusts. Given the specific pie is right for it, you can make your own pie crust from graham crackers and melted butter. Butter is always in the fridge in every home, and if this idea works for you, you can keep a large box of graham crackers, and have them on hand for future pies.

There are four simple, easy to execute, practical money-saving ways to create excellent casseroles, side dishes, and desserts. So if you're short on cash, get inventive!