The 38 Cheapest Recipes On Cheap Recipe Blog
Looking for some ultra cheap recipes? These are some of the cheapest recipes on Cheap Recipe Blog. If you are looking to save money on food, check out these recipes – many of which cost less than $1.00 per serving – and some that cost less than $1.00 for the entire recipe.

Every once in awhile, someone will ask me, as the author of Cheap Recipe Blog, what the cheapest recipes on my blog are. Valid question. And until now, I didn’t know the exact answer to that question.
So I decided to create a list of the cheapest of the cheap recipes on my blog.
These are the recipes that will get you through the tough times, whether you just lost your job, are a college student or are saving up for a big purchase. Or maybe the economy is kicking your butt, dealing with inflation, shrinkflation, and supply chain issues.
And the best part? You won’t sacrifice flavor or quality. Some of the recipes below are my favorite recipes of all time (apple oatcakes, I’m looking at you!)
And by the way… You’re going to want to pin this post now for future reference!
The 38+ Cheapest Recipes On Cheap Recipe Blog
Cheap wedge salad – 89 cents per serving
Bacon-veggie egg boats – 86 cents per serving
Three-ingredient pasta sauce with pasta – 83 cents per servings
The ultimate cheap breakfast sandwich – 80 cents each
Black bean soup with orange-jalapeno salsa – 78 cents per serving
Carrot fries – 72 cents per serving
Tomato-lentil soup – 63 cents per serving
Potato dumplings – 60 cents per serving
Homemade potato chips – 60 cents per serving
Fried egg sandwich – 60 cents each
English muffin pizzas – 60 cents each
Slow cooker apple oatmeal – 59 cents per serving
Apple oatcakes – 52 cents per serving
Pizza-style polenta – 52 cents per serving
Applesauce overnight oatmeal – 50 cents per serving
Lentil and chicken sausage soup – 47 cents per serving
Simple baked oatmeal – 46 cents per serving
Egg salad sandwiches – 45 cents per serving
Savory roasted cabbage – 44 cents per serving
Cheesy hot dog egg rolls – 43 cents each
Tortilla shell pizzas – 43 cents each
Creamy potato soup – 42 cents per serving
Thai peanut cabbage salad – 41 cents per serving
Mashed potatoes (made in the crock pot) – 41 cents per serving
Breakfast tostadas – 40 cents each
Baked sweet potato fries – 39 cents per serving
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Mashed carrot potatoes with bacon – 39 cents per serving
Lemon-lentil dip – 37 cents per serving
Crispy polenta fries – 37 cents per serving
Banana oat pancakes – 37 cents per serving
Berry baked oatmeal – 36 cents per serving
Muffin tin pizzas – 30 cents each
Banana “sushi” rolls – 28 cents per serving
Egg and banana pancakes – 28 cents per serving
Tabasco baked eggs – 25 cents per serving
Cheesy kale rice fritters – 25 cents each
Sea salt popcorn – 23 cents per batch
Homemade tortilla chips – 15 cents per serving
Mexican rice – 13 cents per serving
Homemade crackers – 10 cents per serving
Mini pizza bites – 8 cents each
Homemade tortilla shells – 5 cents each
What Do These Recipes Have In Common?
Notice any trends here? We’re dealing with lots of pantry staples here:
- Eggs
- Tortilla shells
- Beans
- Lentils
- Rice
- Bananas
- Oatmeal
When you base your meals on these budget-friendly food items, you will start saving a lot of money – without having to try hard. And you’ll still be eating delicious food. It’s a win-win!
Feeding A Family Of 4 For Less Than $100 A Week
Is it possible to feed a family of four for less than $100 a week? Yes, it is. I know because I have done it before. I have created meal plans for families that cost less than $100 a week – and even less than $10 a day.
Learn how to feed a family for less than $100 a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the cheapest ingredients to buy for budget cooking?
A: The most budget-friendly staples include eggs, tortilla shells, beans, lentils, rice, bananas, and oatmeal. These versatile ingredients form the foundation of ultra-cheap cooking and appear repeatedly in the most affordable recipes. When you base your meals on these items, you’ll save significant money without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.
Q: How much does each serving cost in ultra cheap recipes?
A: The cheapest recipes on this list range from 5 cents per serving (homemade tortilla shells) to under $1 per serving. Many recipes cost between 25-60 cents per serving. Some examples include homemade crackers at 10 cents per serving, fried egg sandwiches at 60 cents each, and pizza-style polenta at 52 cents per serving.
Q: Can you really feed a family of 4 for less than $100 a week?
A: Yes, it’s absolutely possible to feed a family of four for less than $100 a week by focusing on ultra-cheap recipes and budget-friendly ingredients. The key is meal planning around affordable staples like eggs, beans, rice, and oatmeal, and shopping at discount grocery stores like ALDI. Several complete meal plans on the blog demonstrate how to accomplish this.
Q: Do cheap recipes sacrifice nutrition or taste?
A: No, cheap recipes don’t have to sacrifice nutrition or flavor. Many ultra-cheap recipes are packed with nutritious ingredients like eggs, lentils, beans, and vegetables. Recipes like black bean soup, lentil soups, baked oatmeal, and veggie-packed dishes provide excellent nutrition at minimal cost. Budget cooking is about smart shopping and creative use of affordable, wholesome ingredients.
Q: Does it matter where I shop for ultra cheap recipes?
A: Yes, where you shop makes a significant difference in your total grocery bill. Shopping at discount grocers like ALDI can save you considerably compared to high-end stores like Whole Foods. Consider shopping at salvage grocery stores, buying store brands, and comparing prices across different stores to maximize your savings on the same ingredients
Where You Shop Matters
If you do the majority of your grocery shopping at a high-end grocery store (such as Whole Foods), you’re going to be spending a lot more if you shop exclusively at ALDI. But how much more are you going to spend? Find out here!

Finally, won’t you follow along on Instagram and Pinterest? I’m constantly adding new recipes, photos, and other fun stuff. No spam, I promise!
I’m impressed. Your recipes are not only economical, but you get a lot of nutrition for your buck, and they are quick! I appreciate the frequent use of eggs, since my hens provide us quite a few! Great site!
Aww, thanks so much Joy! I appreciate your comment!