I believe everyone should have access to nutritious and delicious meals, no matter what kind of budget you're on or how much time you have. My recipes are pretty quick to pull off, don't require a ton of kitchen skills, and stay within (or under!) the USDA’s low-cost food plan budget of about $9 per adult per day. Let's get cookin'!
It's Fall, Y'all
While the temps are still warm here, leaves are starting to fall from the trees, the nights are getting cooler, and the humidity is blissfully lower than it is in the thick of summer. So if you, like me, have been pining for the arrival of autumn and all the seasonal recipes, you're in luck! From DIY pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween s'mores boards to cozy bowls of spicy black bean chicken chili, here are some of my favorite ways to welcome the season:
- Easy Pumpkin Protein Pancakes (No Protein Powder!)
- Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Gouda Cheese Crisps
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream (Ben & Jerry’s Copycat)
- Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake With Dried Butter Beans
- Healthy Pumpkin Pecan Waffles
- Dump-and-Go Bread Machine Pumpkin Spice Yeast Bread
- Loaded Instant Pot Gluten-Free Potato Soup
- Carrot Cake Oatmeal
See more budget-friendly recipes →
Baking Season Begins Now
Perhaps my favorite part of the changing seasons is I can finally start baking my little heart out. Of all the restaurant gigs I had, being a pastry pro was definitely my favorite! So, if you've been itching to try your hand at homemade black pepper focaccia or even a DIY wedding cake, I've got you covered.
Breakfast of Champions
Starting your day with the right fuel means you can take advantage of all the fun fall has to offer. Here are some of my favorite easy breakfast recipes to get you going:
- Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Sauce (Sugar-Free Option!)
- Oatmeal Banana Protein Pancakes with Cottage Cheese (Gluten-Free!)
- Spicy Mexican Mocha
- Egglife Copycat Egg White Wraps Recipe (All 5 Flavors!)
- Zucchini Bread Oatmeal
- Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins (Vegan & GF Options!)
- Baked Maple Walnut Banana Bread Donuts
- Protein-Packed Pumpkin Banana Muffins (No Protein Powder!)
New & Recently Updated Posts
When my readers ask questions, I do my best to answer them! As a result, you may see some old favorites that I've updated to reflect any new information I've gathered for you. I also love spilling the tea on easy tricks for keeping your food budget in check and trying lots of new recipes, so here's where to find all the bright and shiny ones that make the cut. Enjoy!
Food Budgeting Resources
Keeping to a food budget isn't always easy. That's why I try to keep y'all in the know with all my best hard-earned tips and tricks! The posts below are chock-full of information to help keep you well-fed, no matter your budgetary restrictions.
- Food Insecurity - Organizations Working Toward Change
- Don't Buy It, DIY It! 12 Budget-Friendly Breakfast Hacks So You Can Save $$$ and Ditch the Packaging for Good
- Surprising Secrets Revealed: 13+ Unconventional Ways & Places to Slash Your Grocery Bill
- No-Spend January Challenge: Grocery Edition
- 21+ Egg Substitutes & Egg Replacements For Cooking, Baking, Breakfast, & More!
- Dorm Survival 101: Struggle Meals & Musings For Incoming Freshmen
- Made with Love: Thrifty & Thoughtful Homemade Gifts for Every Season
- Top 12 Tips For Hosting The Holidays On A Budget (Without Feeling Stressed)
Easy, Affordable Desserts
As a former pastry professional and self-proclaimed Cookie Monster, dessert is always a favorite of mine. And, since I've run the gamut of different fad diets and have lots of loved ones with food allergies, I have enough recipes here to make sure there's enough for everyone to share, no matter your restrictions.
See more dessert ideas→
Cheap Eats
I don't have the budget for takeout, but I want to eat delicious things for every single meal. Here are some of my favorite take-out fake-out recipes that are particularly easy on your wallet:
See more budget-friendly recipes →
Fast & Easy Recipes
Just because you're busy doesn't mean a homemade meal is out of the question. Here are some of my favorite simple dishes to get you fed without any fuss:
Check out more Fast & Easy Recipes→
Plant-Based Favorites
Whether you're looking for Meatless Monday inspiration or are just trying to eat more veggies, my collection of vegan and vegetarian meals is sure to leave you satisfied.
Check out more Vegan & Vegetarian Recipes→
Yummy Sides
Whether you need something tasty to bring to your next potluck, or just need a little something extra on the dinner table tonight, my favorite sides will give the main dish a run for its money:
Check out more yummy sides→
Trending Posts
Whether you're in need of a super fast pantry meal, show-stopping side, grab-and-go breakfast, or something sweet to help you chillax, these tried and true recipes have you covered. They're what readers currently can't get enough of!
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