Make a Budget Christmas feast for $60 ….. and it’s pretty fancy!
Christmas doesn’t always have to be a huge expense or stress, especially if you are hosting dinner this year.
With grocery bills climbing this year and rising inflation, you might be worried about splashing out or you don’t have the cash.
But fear not…..
We have found healthy Healthy Mummy Christmas recipes to make on a budget of under $60 and also under $110 for your average Aussie family.
In fact, our Healthy Mummy founder Rhian Allen appeared on The Morning Show on Channel 7 to showcase some of our healthy, budget Christmas recipes. And what a delicious spread it turned out to be!
Watch the video then scroll down for all the recipes so you can make your own budget Christmas feast for under $60 or under $110.
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How to make a budget Christmas feast for under $60!
Entree: Mini Pizza Bites
$1.40 = 0.35c per serve
Easy starters that you know the WHOLE family will enjoy.
You can find the recipe for this here.
Main: Salmon Tray Bake
$34.36 = $8.59 per serve
This baked salmon recipe is packed full with a mix of low carb veggies and a good protein hit from the salmon.
Side: Festive Potato Salad
$7.72 = $1.93 per serve
This zesty potato salad would make a great addition to any festive or summer BBQ.
Side: Salted Green Beans
$1.60 = 0.40c per serve
Find this simple yet delicious recipe here.
Dessert: Jelly Berry Panna Cotta Cake
This SERVES 12 people. $6.56 = 1.64 per serve
This low-calorie Panna Cotta inspired cake is super easy to make and versatile. Use any fruit you have on hand in this recipe.
Grand total for this Christmas feast: $51.84
How to make a Christmas dinner for under $110!
Entree: Prawn and Prosciutto Taco Boat
$10.60 = $2.65 per serve
These Prawn and Prosciutto Taco boats are certainly packed with flavour.
Entree 2: Sundried Tomato Gnocchi Sticks
$1.28 = 0.32c per serve
For a healthy savoury snack, this tomato gnocchi recipe or Gnocchi Sticks are so easy. Whether you’re snacking at home, or entertaining friends, these sticks make antipasto even more fun.
Main: Sticky Ginger & Pineapple Baked Ham
$37.92 = $9.48 per serve
This Sticky Ginger & Pineapple Baked Ham is a healthy version of a festive baked ham. Make at your next family gathering for a special celebration meal.
Vegetarian main/side: Rice & Nut Stuffed Butternut Pumpkin with Christmas Spice Chermoula
$29.96 = $7.49 per serve
A healthy and delicious festive vegetarian main meal. Great to make for Christmas day if you want an alternative to the traditional ham and turkey options.
Side: Smoked Salmon Salad Wreath
$21.16 = $5.29 per serve
This delicious smoked salmon salad platter served with an onion cream cheese spread would make the perfect centrepiece of a nibble spread for guests, a delicious Christmas day starter or even a late Christmas Day brunch.
Dessert: Choc Rum & Raisin Semifreddo Pudding
SERVES 16 $3.88 = 0.97c per serve
This decadent but healthy Choc Rum & Raisin Semifreddo dessert option that is perfect to prepare for the festive season or anytime you are entertaining.
Grand total for this Christmas feast: $104.80
More budget Christmas recipe ideas
Christmas Pavlova Wreath with Decadent Sauces
This stunning Christmas Pavlova Wreath comes straight from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and is the perfect SHOW-STOPPING but STRESS-FREE dessert you need this Christmas!
If you want to spend less time cooking and more time eating with friends and family, but still wow a crowd, then this is the recipe for you!
Roast Turkey with Pistachio Stuffing and Cranberry Gravy
Give your Christmas table the WOW factor with this nutritious yet decadent roast turkey. This Turkey Stuffing Recipe serves six.
Prawn and Mango Filo Cups
These Prawn and Mango Filo Cups are light and tasty. Make the filo cups ahead of time and store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can even pre-make the prawn and mango salsa.
Then just assemble when ready to serve.
Cucumber S’Mores, Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon
These delicious “S’Mores” are perfect as a quick snack and are great for entertaining.
They are so easy to make and can be whipped if you are struggling to find the time or energy to cook. Find the recipe here.
Vegan Key Lime Tart
This zesty dessert is so creamy that you wouldn’t believe it’s vegan! Give this vegan key lime tart recipe a try it’s sure to be a crowd favourite at your next barbecue.
You’ll find the recipe for this here.
Tips for managing the financial burden of Christmas
1. Minimise gift giving
One of the major expenses during the Christmas period are the buying and giving of gifts. There is a lot of anxiety over how much to spend, how much you can afford, whether it will be liked, whether it will impress.
Instead of spending to impress, ask the person/people you are buying for what they need. If the answer is not a viable one for you, that is too expensive, perhaps you can give an ‘experience’ instead. Volunteer your time where you cook a meal, give a massage, clean for a day or babysit for that person.
2. Be creative
If you must give a gift and come from a big family or have a large group fo friends, suggest doing a Secret Santa with a sizeable budget, knowing that you’re still spending less buying for one than if you bought every person a cheap gift.
Alternatively, rope the kids into helping you create gifts or hampers for friends and family.
Get them to paint and write messages on cups or boxes, get the kids in the kitchen to bake festive treats or help them make jam or chutney as part of a hamper to be enjoyed on Christmas.
3. Create a spending plan
The fact is when you can see where your money is going, it decreases stress as it decreases the shock of finding you’ve blown your budget.
Make sure your budget is realistic and well thought out, compensating for as many unknowns as possible. Having some leeway is also a good idea so you can cover any surprises.
Make sure you’re tracking spending by putting up a summary in an obvious place, such as the fridge, so that you are held accountable by others in the family. This is an effective way to keep control of a budget.
4. Ask for help
If your stress levels are still on the rise and you are feeling overwhelmed, ask familiar friends for help. Instead of catering for the whole family over Christmas lunch, ask people to bring a plate.
Charitable organisations, such as St. Vincent de Paul or Salvation Army can also provide some relief by handing out discount vouchers or hampers to families that need it. The Healthy Mummy website also has a host of budget-friendly and healthy recipes to share over this Christmas period.
If you find your money situation is at a point of crisis for your mental wellbeing and for the financial security of your family, there are services out there to help manage debt and ease pressure.
Visit the National Debt Helpline or call on: 1800 007 007
Want more amazing budget recipes? Join the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge!
Are you after more healthy recipes that the rest of the family won’t turn their noses up at? Join our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge!
Our meal plans and recipes use REAL ingredients and healthier food alternatives so you can enjoy what you are eating and see weight loss results.
You can learn more about our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge HERE.