Fancy Christmas dinner on a budget


Already spent all your money on Christmas decorations and presents and have yet to start the Christmas dinner? No need to panic! We have some saving tips and festive budget recipes that will help you celebrate Christmas in an affordable way. Invite your friends to cook for them (or do it together) without worrying about money. Enjoy a wonderful Christmas on a student budget and above all the loving people around you. After all, that's what Christmas is all about!

Ho Ho Ho save money like a pro

Are you the host of the big Christmas dinner this year and you don’t want to live on breadsticks and rice after Christmas? Then good preparation is key. Prepare your Christmas menu in time and write down the necessary ingredients in your phone. This way you can keep an eye on the offers of the long-life products. You can of course also put meat or fish into the freezer. But it’s also possible to ask everyone to bring a course, also known as potluck. More and more people are switching to this way of celebrating Christmas.

If you do decide to do it all by yourself, take advantage of the following tips:

  • Choose recipes with few ingredients;
  • Choose recipes where you can use the same ingredients in different courses;
  • Don't make it too complicated for yourself. Soup is a great starter and you can put a lot of leftovers in it;
  • Go for a veggie Christmas this year! Better for the environment and for your wallet;
  • Provide belly filling side dishes, such as bread, potatoes/fries, rice or quiche.

Veggie menu below €4

With this vegetarian 3-course menu from Albert Heijn, you can celebrate Christmas this year for less than €4 per person. Do you prefer meat or fish or are you looking for something else? There is plenty of budget-proof inspiration to be found!

Starter: Celeriac soup
This package is for 6 people and the only thing you have to add yourself is water and olive oil. You can make the soup in advance so on the day itself you only have to heat it. This healthy soup already provides a good base.

Main course: Nut roast with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes
This nut roast is made with spinach, sweet potato, cheddar cheese and various nuts. So easy to get it on the table! Because all you have to do is heat it up in the oven. Tip: serve with roasted Brussels sprouts or one of the other side dishes mentioned above.

Dessert: Chocolate lava cake with ice cream
Chocolate is always a good idea! And you will guaranteed be loved with this lava cake with hot chocolate flowing out. Serve with a scoop of ice cream of your choice and serve extra festive by inserting a firecracker.

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