I know it’s tough out there right now; the price of groceries (and don’t even get me started on gas) is skyrocketing, but I’m not letting that stop me from having my annual Easter celebration! There are many ways to throw an affordable Christmas party, including hosting a potluck, but I took a different route: I prepared this entire menu for 8 people while shopping at my local Walmart. for less than $40. I went over my own budget; I almost couldn’t believe it!
Pin this recipe for later!
All recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen to ensure they are easy, affordable and delicious.
Grocery list
- 4 pounds. Spiral-cut ham ($15.60)
- 1 20 oz. box of pineapple slices ($1.62)
- 6 eggs ($0.96)
- Hawaiian Rolls ($1.98) – see note
- 2 lbs whole carrots ($2.18)
- 1 yellow onion ($0.88)
- 2 12 oz. bags of frozen corn ($1.96)
- 2 12 oz. bags of frozen peas ($1.96)
- 5 lb bag of russet potatoes ($2.47)
- Carrot Cake ($5.98)
Note: Always check the store brand price first! Great Value Hawaiian Rolls (Walmart store brand) cost $1.98, while name brand Hawaiian Rolls cost $4.72 for the same number of rolls.
Download our $40 Easter Dinner Grocery List PDF HERE!
- Buy home first. I knew I already had sugar, butter, flour, and a few other staples at home, so I knew I could jazz up some of those items using tried-and-true recipes from Budget Bytes. But if you don’t have a pantry stocked with the basics, you can still make a beautiful dinner using ONLY what’s on my grocery list!
- Go in with a list and stick to it! Avoid impulse purchases. If you want something extra, ask a friend or family member to pick it up on their way to your house.
- Don’t look down on some of these out-of-the-box items: hear me out! Not only does an occasional store-bought item save you a little time, it also frees up space in your oven for ham, potatoes and carrots. My favorite perk among casual convenience items? It’s one less thing on my mind when I’m also trying to have fun with friends and family (or clean the house before they arrive!)
What’s in this Easter Dinner for Under $40
This menu is a mix of clever shortcuts and a few tried-and-true Budget Bytes recipes that help turn this simple grocery list into a complete Easter dinner. Some items are ready to use as is, while others can be dressed up with basics you may already have at home. Either way, this menu gives you great flexibility depending on your budget, your time, and what’s in your kitchen.
And remember, at the end of the day, the most important part of ANY gathering is the people there. So, rest assured that you will have a happy Easter if you allow yourself to be present and enjoy each other’s company!
Baked ham with pineapple
Braised ham
This baked ham is sweet, savory and juicy: the perfect holiday meal. The glaze makes the outside nicely browned but still tender.
Recipe at $27.24 / serving at $2.47
Get the recipe
I went with my Pineapple Baked Ham recipe for this Easter dinner plan. It’s SO easy and flavorful, even if you skip the mustard, brown sugar, and spices! You’ll still get a spectacular ham using just the canned pineapple and its juice to baste it. Bake it for about 20 minutes per pound in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, and it’s ready! Many hams come with a seasoning packet, so you can use that, too, if your spice drawer is lacking.
When it comes to choosing your ham, a 4 lb ham may seem too small, but when you look at all the amazing sides spread out on your holiday table, I bet you’ll have leftovers! ¼ lb per person is more than enough, but I’ve made the portions a little more generous in this meal plan at ½ lb per person, so there’s a little more wiggle room (just in case you have a surprise guest!). Even if you have to stretch this ham to ¼ lb per serving, everyone will have something to eat with all sides.
CREAMED CORN
Creamed Corn Recipe
Recipe at $5.29 / serving at $0.66
Get the recipe
If you don’t have much on hand for basics like sugar and flour, you can totally steam the corn and serve it hot as is with just a dollop of butter on top. Or, you can turn corn into creamed corn with just a few simple ingredients I’m willing to bet you already have on hand!
STEAMED PEAS
I LOVE my new Creamed Peas recipe, but I didn’t want to have two creamed accompaniments on the same menu, so I opted to steam the peas. Steamed peas are a classic, cheapand so incredibly easy to make. I simply pour the frozen peas into a microwave safe container, cover them with water and microwave them for a few minutes until they are nice and warm. You can also use a steamer basket on the stovetop. Add a little butter before serving for a little extra richness (optional), plus a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
Hasselback potatoes
Hasselback potatoes
These easy Hasselback Potatoes transform simple russets into crispy, golden, fan-cut potatoes with plenty of room for your favorite toppings.
Recipe at $3.45 / portion at $0.86
Get the recipe
These Hasselback Potatoes are a great way to turn a bag of inexpensive russets into a satisfying side dish for Easter dinner (or any meal!!). You can use any oil you already have on hand, and seasonings are completely optional and flexible. It’s an easy and economical side dish, and I love that they always look a little dressier on the plate!
Hawaiian rolls
I kept the Hawaiian rolls very simple by brushing the tops with half a batch of glaze from our Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe, then reheating them in a 350°F oven following the same instructions. It’s an easy way to dress up those store-bought dinner rolls for Easter dinner. This slider recipe is also perfect for using up leftover ham after the holidays!
But of course, you can serve the rolls exactly as is, and they will still be a great addition to your meal. We also have a Hawaiian roll recipe that you can try if you have the time and ingredients on hand to make them from scratch.
Deviled eggs
Deviled eggs
This easy deviled eggs recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, and holidays. They are guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Recipe at $1.21 / serving at $0.20
Get the recipe
I had to include deviled eggs on this menu because they are so popular for Easter, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. They always disappear fast every time I make them! This is our tried and true budget-friendly recipe that keeps things simple with a creamy filling made with mayonnaise, Dijon and seasonings. I already had these ingredients on hand, so it didn’t add anything to my overall budget, but don’t worry if your kitchen isn’t that stocked! You can make a simpler version with just mayonnaise, salt and pepper, and still have a delicious side dish for the table.
Glazed carrots
Glazed carrots
Just five ingredients and 20 minutes make these easy and delicious Glazed Carrots. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals!
Recipe at $1.65 / portion at $0.41
Get the recipe
As you can see, this grocery list can still make a complete holiday meal no matter how you prepare it. Same for carrots! You can totally roast them, steam them, or air fry them, keeping it simple with just a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, or you can whip up a batch of our 5-ingredient Glazed Carrots. (Kids AND adults will lick their plates – I highly recommend the glazed carrots!)
Carrot Cake
Now, dessert is one area where I was really impressed with the value for money. I bought a ready-made carrot cake that looks cute and cuts neatly into 8 pieces. Of course, you can totally make our Carrot Cake or Carrot Cake Bars, but it really depends on what ingredients you already have and if you have the time to make a dessert from scratch. But rest assured, whether you make it at home or store bought, everyone will still get a little something sweet to finish off the meal with this budget-friendly Easter dinner plan!
