If you think baking on a budget means boring snacks or bland flavors, think again. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, these five baked recipes prove that cozy, homemade food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Each recipe is made with simple pantry staples and costs less than $10 total!
1. Cheddar Herb Biscuits – Approx. $4.50
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with cheesy flavor.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour – $0.50
1 tbsp baking powder – $0.10
1/2 tsp salt – $0.05
1/4 cup cold butter – $0.75
3/4 cup milk – $0.30
1 cup shredded cheddar – $1.50
Optional: 1 tsp dried herbs – $0.30
Total: $4.50
2. One-Bowl Banana Bread – Approx. $3.80
Moist, naturally sweet, and a great way to use up overripe bananas.
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas – $1.00
1 egg – $0.25
1/4 cup oil or melted butter – $0.50
1/2 cup sugar – $0.25
1 1/2 cups flour – $0.40
1 tsp baking soda – $0.05
Pinch of salt – $0.05
Total: $3.80
3. Baked Ziti with Ricotta – Approx. $8.90
A hearty, comforting dinner baked to cheesy perfection.
Ingredients:
1 lb pasta – $1.20
1 jar marinara – $1.50
1 cup ricotta – $2.00
1 cup shredded mozzarella – $2.00
1/2 tsp garlic powder + herbs – $0.20
Optional: 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage – $2.00 (can skip to keep it vegetarian and cheaper)
Total: $8.90 (with meat) or $6.90 (without meat)
4. Apple Crisp – Approx. $5.75
Sweet, tart apples topped with a buttery oat crumble. Perfect fall (or anytime!) treat.
Ingredients:
4 apples – $2.00
1/2 cup oats – $0.30
1/2 cup flour – $0.20
1/2 cup brown sugar – $0.30
1/2 tsp cinnamon – $0.05
1/4 cup butter – $0.75
Total: $5.75
5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Approx. $6.40
All the joy of cookies without the fuss of scooping dough.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter – $0.75
1/2 cup brown sugar – $0.30
1/4 cup white sugar – $0.20
1 egg – $0.25
1 tsp vanilla – $0.30
1 1/4 cup flour – $0.35
1/2 tsp baking soda – $0.05
1/2 cup chocolate chips – $2.00
Total: $6.40
Final Thoughts
These budget-friendly baked recipes are proof that you don’t need a gourmet budget to eat well. Whether it’s a warm dinner or a sweet snack, these under-$10 creations are satisfying, simple, and perfect for your weekly meal rotation.
Bakes, Makes, and Saves 