Turkey Talk: The Cost of Thanksgiving in Salina This Year

Joshua Barnhart -

The Cost of a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal for 10 in Salina

Salina, KS — As Thanksgiving nears, families across Salina are preparing to gather around the table to celebrate the holiday with a traditional feast. To provide insight into holiday meal costs, a full Thanksgiving dinner for 10 was priced out using items exclusively available at the local Dillons grocery store. The result? A hearty, well-rounded meal that remains affordable while including all the beloved staples.

What’s on the Menu?

This year’s menu encompasses all the traditional favorites: roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, stuffing, deviled eggs, homemade cranberry sauce, and Brookville-style creamed corn. Of course, no Thanksgiving table is complete without freshly baked rolls and a pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.

Main Dish

The turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table. At Dillons, a 16-pound frozen turkey is available for just $0.89 per pound, offering excellent value for feeding a crowd.

  • Whole Frozen Turkey (16 lbs): $14.24
  • Campbell's Turkey Gravy (2 cans): $2.00

Side Dishes

Thanksgiving sides are as essential as the turkey, adding variety and flavor to the meal. From mashed potatoes and stuffing to the classic green bean casserole, these dishes are sure to please.

  • Mashed Potatoes:
    • Kroger® Russet Potatoes (10 lb bag): $2.99
    • Kroger® Butter Sticks (2-pack): $8.29 (used in multiple dishes)
  • Green Bean Casserole:
    • Fresh Green Beans (2 lbs): $3.98
    • Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans): $2.00
    • Crispy Onions: $2.50
  • Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows:
    • Sweet Potatoes (3 lbs): $3.57
    • Mini Marshmallows (10 oz): $1.29
    • Granulated Sugar (4 lb, also used in other dishes): $4.29
  • Brookville-Style Creamed Corn:
    • Frozen Corn (32 oz): $2.99
    • Cream Cheese (2-pack): $3.99
    • Granulated Sugar: (shared cost, see above)
  • Stuffing:
    • Stove Top Stuffing Mix (1 box): $2.00
  • Deviled Eggs:
    • Large Eggs (12 ct): $3.49
    • Hellmann’s Mayo (15 oz): $4.59
    • French’s Classic Mustard (14 oz): $3.49
  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce:
    • Ocean Spray Fresh Cranberries (12 oz): $2.50
    • Granulated Sugar: (shared cost, see above)

Desserts and Extras

Desserts and finishing touches bring the meal together, with a classic pumpkin pie providing a sweet conclusion to the feast.

  • Pumpkin Pie: $10.00
  • Cool Whip (8 oz): $2.00
  • Dinner Rolls (12 ct): $4.29
  • Whole Milk (Half Gallon): $2.79

Total Cost

The entire Thanksgiving feast for 10 totals $87.28, which averages out to less than $9 per person. This includes all ingredients needed for a hearty, well-rounded meal with a balance of tradition and flavor.

Thanksgiving Made Affordable

Thanksgiving is not just a meal—it’s a time for gathering with loved ones and creating lasting memories. By sourcing ingredients locally at Dillons, families in Salina can enjoy a complete holiday spread that doesn’t break the budget.

From the turkey to the pumpkin pie, every element of this menu is designed to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with simplicity and tradition. With thoughtful planning and local shopping, Salina residents can enjoy a festive holiday meal that is both affordable and memorable.