Budget-Friendly Holiday Food Options: Empanada Mama’s Holiday Menu
December in New York City is magical and expensive, in that order. The gift list grows, subway fares stack up, office outings multiply, and every corner of the city feels like a holiday pop-up that demands your wallet’s attention. But the food for your gathering? That doesn’t have to join the chaos.
Good food doesn’t need a premium price tag, especially when you know where to order from. Empanada Mama steps into December like the culinary lifesaver it is, offering warm, filling, crowd-friendly dishes that feed many without draining your budget (or your energy).
In this blog, we’re breaking down the most cost-efficient picks, smart ways to stretch group orders, sides that make meals feel bigger, and realistic holiday-ready combinations you can replicate for any gathering.
Why Empanadas Are the Perfect Budget Holiday Food
Empanadas might be NYC’s most underrated holiday hack. They offer natural portion control, predictable pricing, and zero need for plates or utensils. One-hand eating means your hosting setup stays simple and your cleanup stays blissfully light, which matters when your apartment is the size of a walk-in closet.
They also travel exceptionally well, which matters when you're carrying food to an office party, an apartment gathering, or a friend’s place across town. You get to mix meat and veggie options without splurging on premium entrées, and, of course, there’s no cooking required. In December, that time saved is priceless.
Warm, shareable, comforting, affordable. That’s the holiday trifecta you want during the busiest month of the year.
Most Affordable Empanada Picks for the Season
Holiday budgets are real, but with the right empanada lineup, you can keep everyone full, happy, and still stay on the right side of your wallet.
Everyday Classics That Stretch Your Budget
The classic fillings like chicken, beef, pernil, spinach & cheese, and domino (beans + queso) are crowd-pleasers for a reason. They’re hearty, well-seasoned, and reliably filling. These are your go-to flavors when you’re ordering for a group and want every dollar to go far.
Veggie Options That Go Further
Spinach + cheese, black beans + cheese, and vegetable mixes are not only affordable, but they also pair beautifully with rice and beans to create fuller plates. Adding veggie empanadas into the rotation also lets you stretch the overall order while making sure that plant-based guests feel included.
When to Add a Holiday Special
Empanada Mama’s seasonal flavors, like turkey empanadas and other limited-edition options, are always worth including in your meal. You don’t need many; even a half-dozen elevates the table, sparks conversation, and adds that “special occasion” feel without inflating your total cost.
Mix a base of budget-friendly classics, a few veggie heroes, and one festive special, and you’ve got a holiday spread that feels generous without ever feeling expensive.
Sides That Add Volume Without Adding Cost
When you’re feeding a crowd on a budget, your sides are where the real magic (and savings) happen.
Rice & Beans: The Holiday Budget MVP
There’s nothing more economical or more satisfying than classic rice and beans. Paired with empanadas, it turns a grazing-style spread into a full, warm, comforting holiday meal. It’s perfect for office lunches, potlucks, or feeding a crowd with mixed appetites.
Plantains (Maduros or Tostones)
Sweet or savory plantains are affordable, shareable, and always the first bowl to empty. They balance spicy or savory empanada fillings and add variety without adding cost.
Chips and Red Sauce
A simple bowl of chips with red sauce offers endless snacking appeal. It fills tables, fills stomachs, and keeps your budget in a comfortable place.
Build your table around these easy sides, and even a modest empanada order suddenly looks and tastes like a generous holiday feast.
How to Build a Budget-Friendly Holiday Spread (Without Looking Low-Budget)
Here’s how to turn a smart, budget-conscious order into a spread that still feels generous, festive, and totally party-ready.
Step 1: Choose 3-4 Empanada Flavors Max
A tight flavor list prevents decision overload and lets you order in efficient quantities. A smart ratio that always works looks like this:
40% chicken/pernil.
30% veggie.
30% beef/cheesesteak or a rotating favorite.
It keeps the price stable and the variety balanced.
Step 2: Add 1-2 Volume Sides
Rice & beans, plantains, and chips with red sauce are the holy trinity of cost-effective sides. They stretch the meal, give guests filling options, and keep the per-person cost impressively low.
Step 3: Add 1 Premium Dip for “Holiday Effect”
A small container of guacamole or chimichurri instantly elevates the spread. You don’t need much; handheld bites stretch dips naturally, but visually, it signals that effort was made.
Follow this three-step formula, and no one will guess you built your holiday table with one eye on the menu and one eye on the budget.
Ordering Strategies to Save Even More
Once you’ve locked in what you’re serving, a few smart ordering moves can stretch your budget even further without changing a single bite.
Order for Pickup to Avoid Holiday Delivery Fees
December delivery fees spike, especially on nights and weekends. Pickup can save you a surprising amount.
Time Your Pickup Right
Plan your pickup window around arrival time so you don’t need to reheat. If you must reheat, three minutes at 350°F is usually enough to bring empanadas back to life without drying them out.
Skip Drinks, Let Guests Bring Their Own
Holiday gatherings often have someone who shows up with wine, seltzer, or soda. Let it happen. It’s a built-in budget saver.
Use these tricks together, and you’ll watch the total shrink while your holiday spread still looks (and tastes) like you went all out.
Sample Holiday Menus That Fit Any Budget
When you’re staring at a headcount and a number in your head, it helps to have ready-made combos that keep both your guests and your budget happy.
Office Lunch for 8, Low Budget
16 empanadas (4 flavors).
Rice & beans.
Plantain chips.
One red sauce.
You get a complete meal with minimal cost and practically no waste.
Friendsgiving Snack Spread for 12, Medium Budget
24-28 empanadas.
Plantains.
Chips and red sauce.
One serving of guacamole.
Perfect for a houseful of people arriving on different schedules.
Holiday Movie Night, Minimal Budget
One empanada per person.
One shared chips and sauce setup.
Cozy, simple, and wallet-friendly.
Steal whichever menu matches your night, tweak the flavors to fit your crew, and you’ve got a holiday spread that feels generous without your wallet ever noticing.
Presentation Tricks That Make Budget Food Look Premium (with Dietary Inclusivity)
Lay parchment or butcher paper under trays to make everything look curated. Group empanadas by flavor with handwritten labels. Transfer dips into ramekins or small bowls instead of serving everything in takeout cups. And always add lime wedges. They’re cheap, bright, and instantly festive.
Mixing in veggie empanadas stretches your order while keeping plant-based guests happy. Label everything clearly: veg, cheese, meat, etc., so people can choose without asking. Rice & beans and plantains naturally support inclusive eating, which is part of why Empanada Mama is such a strong choice for mixed groups.
Holiday Food Doesn’t Need a Holiday Budget
A warm, delicious holiday spread shouldn’t require a second paycheck. Empanada Mama gives you all the flavor, comfort, and shareability you want without the stress, the prep time, or the sky-high December price tag.
If you want your holiday party to feel abundant without overspending, start with a simple plan: a few classic empanadas, one or two volume-building sides, a dip that feels special, and a smart ordering strategy.
Explore Empanada Mama’s menu, build a custom holiday spread that fits your budget and your guest list, and order ahead for fast pickup before the holiday rush hits. Your wallet and your guests will love you for it.