With food prices rising, pulling off a full festive dinner can feel like a luxury. But Mimi Harrison has proved it doesn’t have to be. On her website “Beat The Budget,” she shows you can feed six people a traditional‑style Christmas meal — for just £19.66.
The secret? Smart swaps and simple ingredients. Instead of a pricey turkey, Mimi opts for a 2.25 kg chicken (around £6.40), and pairs it with budget‑friendly vegetables, potatoes, bacon, and all the trimmings.
What’s on the plate
The meal includes roast chicken, crispy roast potatoes, roasted carrots and parsnips, bacon & Brussels sprouts, sage and onion stuffing, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce — and gravy to tie it all together.
Here’s roughly what you buy: onions, garlic, herbs, the chicken, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, bacon, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, plus oil and basic store cupboard staples like flour and stock. The full shopping list stays under £20.
Easy to cook — and freezable
The recipe is broken down into “trays” (roast chicken, potatoes, veggies, sides, etc.) so that you — or the rest of the family — can split up the work. This makes cooking smoother, faster and less overwhelming.
All components can also be frozen ahead — meaning you can prep early, avoid last-minute panic, and simply reheat on the day.
Why it works
• Big savings: Chicken instead of turkey, affordable veg, and clever use of basics keep totals low.
• Traditional feel: You still get all the festive trimmings — roasties, stuffing, bacon sprouts, and more.
• Stress‑free planning: Batch‑cooking and freezing means less workload on the big day.
• Realistic portions: Feeding six people — good for families or small gatherings.
As Mimi puts it: “You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a festive dinner.” If you’re conscious of your budget but still want a classic Christmas plate, this recipe proves it’s more possible than we think.
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