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    Home » Best Of

    23 Frugal Recipes That got Grandma Through the Depression

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: May 7, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    Grandma’s frugal recipes show how simple, budget-friendly cooking can still be full of heart. These meals offer creative ways to make the most of what you have, without feeling like you’re cutting corners. Perfect for saving money and enjoying something comforting, they’re as practical now as they were back then. Whether you want to stretch your grocery budget or try something timeless, these recipes are worth exploring. It’s all about making smart, satisfying meals with what’s on hand.

    How To Smoke Fish

    Pin
    How To Smoke Fish. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Smoking fish at home is an affordable way to create flavorful, long-lasting protein. This method is a great fit for frugal recipes, helping you stretch your budget and enjoy homemade quality.
    Get the Recipe: How To Smoke Fish

    Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Recipe in the Slow Cooker

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    Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Recipe in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Slow-cooked non-alcoholic apple cider is an inexpensive way to enjoy a cozy, seasonal drink. It’s a perfect addition to frugal recipes, using simple ingredients for a big batch.
    Get the Recipe: Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Recipe in the Slow Cooker

    Strawberry Syrup Recipe

    Pin
    Strawberry Syrup Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade strawberry syrup is a cost-effective way to add sweetness to breakfasts or desserts. This frugal recipe makes use of fresh or frozen berries for an affordable treat.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Syrup Recipe

    Artisan Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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    Artisan Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This artisan sourdough bread is a budget-friendly way to enjoy bakery-quality loaves at home. It’s a classic example of frugal recipes that deliver big savings and flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Artisan Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

    Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

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    Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Vegetable soup is a simple and affordable meal that makes the most of pantry staples and leftovers. It’s a top choice for frugal recipes that are both filling and easy to make.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

    Easy Crockpot Pumpkin Butter Recipe

    Pin
    Easy Crockpot Pumpkin Butter Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Crockpot pumpkin butter is a low-cost way to enjoy the flavors of fall while minimizing effort. This frugal recipe transforms basic ingredients into a versatile spread or topping.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Pumpkin Butter Recipe

    Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe

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    Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A mason jar soup mix is an inexpensive, make-ahead meal that’s perfect for gift-giving or quick dinners. It’s a go-to option for those focused on frugal recipes and meal prepping.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe

    How to Make Homemade Applesauce + Free Printable

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    How to Make Homemade Applesauce + Free Printable. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade applesauce is a budget-friendly staple that’s great for snacks, baking, or side dishes. This frugal recipe makes use of bulk apples for an affordable, wholesome option.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Applesauce + Free Printable

    Easy Spicy Dill Pickle Spears Recipe

    Pin
    Easy Spicy Dill Pickle Spears Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Spicy dill pickle spears are a thrifty way to preserve cucumbers and add flavor to meals. This frugal recipe ensures you make the most of your garden harvest or grocery deals.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Dill Pickle Spears Recipe

    Easy Lemon Curd Recipe

    Pin
    Easy Lemon Curd Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Lemon curd is a simple, inexpensive way to elevate desserts or breakfast dishes. This frugal recipe uses just a few ingredients for a rich and versatile treat.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Curd Recipe

    Northern Hearty Venison Stew Recipe

    Pin
    Northern Hearty Venison Stew Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Venison stew is a filling and budget-conscious meal, especially for hunters or those with access to wild game. It’s a hearty addition to your frugal recipes collection.
    Get the Recipe: Northern Hearty Venison Stew Recipe

    Three Sisters Soup

    Pin
    Three Sisters Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Three Sisters Soup is an affordable and nutritious dish made from squash, beans, and corn. It’s an ideal choice for frugal recipes that highlight simplicity and tradition.
    Get the Recipe: Three Sisters Soup

    Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe

    Pin
    Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    These sourdough discard biscuits are a practical way to use every bit of your starter. This frugal recipe is perfect for stretching your pantry staples further.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe

    Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

    Pin
    Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Low Carb No Carb.

    Baked sausage and sauerkraut is a cost-effective meal that’s hearty and satisfying. It’s an easy choice for frugal recipes that focus on big flavors with minimal expense.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

    Chicken Jerky Recipe

    Pin
    Chicken Jerky Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Chicken jerky is an affordable and convenient snack that’s easy to make at home. This frugal recipe is perfect for stretching your grocery budget and creating portable protein options.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Jerky Recipe

    Making Traditional Hardtack: Survival Food Recipe

    Pin
    Making Traditional Hardtack: Survival Food Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Hardtack is a low-cost, long-lasting survival food made with minimal ingredients. This frugal recipe is ideal for anyone wanting to stock up on emergency provisions.
    Get the Recipe: Making Traditional Hardtack: Survival Food Recipe

    Homemade Dumplings

    Pin
    Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    Dumplings are a simple and inexpensive way to add heartiness to soups or stews. This frugal recipe relies on pantry basics to create a comforting meal addition.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Dumplings

    The Ultimate Survival Food: Making Pemmican with Game Meat

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    The Ultimate Survival Food: Making Pemmican with Game Meat. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Pemmican is a budget-friendly survival food that’s perfect for preserving game meat. This frugal recipe provides a durable, high-energy snack for emergencies or outdoor adventures.
    Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Survival Food: Making Pemmican with Game Meat

    Dutch Oven Blueberry Bread

    Pin
    Dutch Oven Blueberry Bread. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Dutch oven blueberry bread is an affordable treat that makes use of simple ingredients and seasonal fruit. This frugal recipe is a great way to bake something special without overspending.
    Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Blueberry Bread

    How to Make Dried Fish

    Pin
    How to Make Dried Fish. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Drying fish is a practical and inexpensive way to preserve protein for longer. This frugal recipe is perfect for anyone looking to reduce waste and stretch their grocery budget.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Dried Fish

    Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

    Pin
    Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade sandwich bread is an affordable alternative to store-bought loaves. This frugal recipe offers a fresh and delicious way to save money while baking at home.
    Get the Recipe: Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

    Northern Rabbit Stew and Dumplings

    Pin
    Northern Rabbit Stew and Dumplings. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Rabbit stew with dumplings is a budget-friendly, hearty meal that’s perfect for using homestead resources. This frugal recipe is a warm and filling option for colder days.
    Get the Recipe: Northern Rabbit Stew and Dumplings

    Easy Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe

    Pin
    Easy Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Crockpot apple butter is a simple and affordable spread that pairs perfectly with toast or baked goods. This frugal recipe transforms surplus apples into a flavorful kitchen staple.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

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