what to feed a crowd on a budget

Ten Ways to Feed Ten People for Less Than $20

• • Easiest Cake Ever
• • 1-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
• • Lemon Rice Pudding
• • Poached Plums
• • Shortbread Jam Tart
• • Biscuit Crostata
• • Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
• • Brownie Bites
• • Just Fruit!
• • Easy, Foolproof Cobbler (Use any overripe, on-sale stone fruit) That’s just the beginning of a list; I bet you have...

Full Answer

How to feed a crowd on a budget?

What is the Best Way to Feed A Lot of People?

• Chose a recipe that can be scaled without having to cook or bake in batches. Stews, soups and salads are excellent for this. ...
• Create a “Bar” and feed everyone cafeteria style. ...
• Slow Cooker/Instant Pot to the rescue. ...
• Make ahead, make ahead, make ahead. ...

What is a good recipe for a crowd?

60 Summer Potluck Recipes to Feed a Crowd

• Pina Colada Icebox Cake. This icebox cake has all of the flavors of a pina colada. ...
• Cran-Orange Couscous Salad. ...
• Honey Mustard Red Potato Salad. ...
• Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine. ...
• Spiced Pulled Pork Sandwiches. ...
• Zucchini Panzanella Salad. ...
• Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops. ...
• S'mores Crispy Bars. ...
• Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake. ...
• Pork and Beef Barbecue. ...

More items...

What food to feed a crowd?

To feed a crowd I love sloppy joes, chef salad (but can be prep intensive or a taco/taco salad bar. With sloppy joes or taco meet I mix in a combo of brown rice & quinoa – once seasoned no one really knows & it stretches the meat farther, lowering the cost (and sneaks in some grains for the picky eaters)

How to make a sandwich for a crowd?

Instructions

• Prepare the bread: Slice the bread in half horizontally. ...
• Brush with condiments: Brush the interior of both halves with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. ...
• Layer the ingredients: Layer the meat and cheese inside the bottom half of the bread. ...
• Add the veggies: Layer the tomatoes on top of the cheese, followed by the iceberg lettuce.

More items...

What is the cheapest food to feed a crowd?

Having a meat as your main protein or entrée can often be costly. Remember, beans and potatoes are the cheapest foods on the planet, so make use of them.

How do you feed a large group cheaply?

Feed a Large Group for CheapGo vegetarian. Not only is it usually cheaper to skip the meat, but you also can make just one meal that will include vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, which makes your life easier.Grains are your friend. ... Legumes for the win. ... Don't make meat the main event. ... Use cheaper cuts.

What is the cheapest meal to make?

Meals to Make When You Have No Money1.) Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This one's a bit obvious, but PB&J is a classic staple and a REALLY simple meal. ... 2.) Pasta and jarred sauce. ... 3.) Bean and cheese burritos. ... 4.) Pancakes/waffles. ... 5.) Grilled cheese sandwiches. ... 6.) Chili cheese dogs. ... 7.) Sloppy Joes. ... 8.) Goulash.More items...•

What do you feed a crowd of people?

47 Big-Batch Dishes to Feed a CrowdWhite Pesto Spinach Lasagna (10 servings) ... Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas (10 servings) ... Baked Sausage and Cheese Rigatoni (8 servings) ... Caramelized Shiitake Mushroom Risotto (8 servings) ... Korean Beef Tacos (12 servings) ... Healthy Instant Pot Turkey Chili (8 servings)More items...•

How would you feed 100 guests on a budget?

Wedding Menu- 5 Lunch ideas to feed up to 100 people for under $250Pizza and Breadsticks. Nothing could be simpler than pizza and breadsticks for a lunchtime reception- and you don;t even have to cook it! ... Tacos, Rice and Beans. ... Pasta and Bread. ... Burgers and Fries. ... Sub Sandwich Bar.

What do you feed a crowd of 20?

Easy Meals for 20 PeopleFrench Bread Pizzas.Meatball Sliders.Sausage Cream Cheese Braid.Chicken Tetrazzini for 20.Sheet Pan Pancakes.Paula Deen Lasagna for 20.Chicken Quesadillas for a Crowd.Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese.More items...•

What can I cook thats cheap?

24 Cheap Dinner Ideas For When Life Gets ExpensiveChili Cheese Dog Casserole. Ingredients: 6. ... Ingredients: 10. Servings: 4. ... Easy Tater Tot™ Hotdish. Total: 1 hr 10 min. ... Fried Spaghetti. ... Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Skillet. ... 3-Ingredient Cheddar-Bacon Chicken Breasts. ... Vegetable Ramen Pad Thai. ... 5-Ingredient Chicken Alfredo Bubble-Up Bake.More items...•

How do you buy groceries when your broke?

But while spending less on groceries is a seemingly simple way to stretch your dollars, buying cheap foods for budget meals can wind up costing you if you aren't strategic....20 Cheap but Healthy Foods to Buy When You're BrokeBananas.Beans.Brown rice.Canned tuna or salmon.Chicken.Chuck roast.Corn tortillas.Eggs.More items...•

How can I eat for $30 in a week?

Here's how I keep my grocery bill under $30 a weekBreakfast: Cheerios with milk and a banana, plus the free coffee I get from my office.Mid-morning snack: Granola bar or orange.Lunch: Whole wheat pasta dressed up with butter and salt.Dinner: Fried eggs, a side of rice, and a glass of milk.

What is comfort food examples?

The 20 Best Comfort Foods in America—and Where to Eat ThemChicken and Waffles. Where to get it: According to John T. ... Spaghetti and Meatballs. ... Chicken Fried Steak. ... Mac and Cheese. ... Hotdish. ... Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. ... Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. ... Matzo Ball Soup.More items...•

What do you feed a group of 12?

Easy Meals for a Group of 12Cheesy Roast Beef Casserole Sliders.Chicken Parmesan Slider Bake.Twice-Baked Potatoes.Sheet Pan Breakfast Bake.Ham and Swiss Sliders.Easy, Peasy Carbonara.Reuben Braid Sandwich.Sheet Pan Cuban Sandwiches.More items...•

What do you feed a crowd of 100?

Cooking For A CrowdMacaroni and Cheese for a Crowd. If you need to serve a big group this recipe is ideal! ... Macaroni & Cheese For 100. ... Meatloaf for 50 (or more)Baked Ziti For 20. ... Scalloped Potatoes For A Crowd. ... Italian-Style Pasta Salad for 100. ... Sloppy Joes for 100. ... Mashed Potatoes For A Crowd.More items...

What are some good party meals?

When it comes to your meal planning simple is the best way to go. Soup, salad, BBQ, and tacos are all super inexpensive great party time meals. Homemade pizza and burgers are also great options.

How to save money at a party?

Search out deals on your meal ingredients and grab a few friends to help you do the cooking. Utilize what you have, skip the pizza guy and save money. If you are throwing a party for a large number of people on a small budget try ...

How can I save money on party decorations?

You can save tons of money on party decorations by making your own. DIY is the way to go. Or maybe you’re set on a theme and need more than just balloons and flowers. Dollar stores are a great source for economical party decorations and party supplies.

How to spice up a punch bowl?

Spice up your punch bowl by adding frozen fruit or a sprig of mint or slices of lemon. Brewing your own beverages will help you save money.

What do you bring to a Byomeat BBQ?

You provide burgers, dogs, or other shredded meat of choice, plus buns and condiments. Have your guests bring a side, drink, or dessert to share. BYOMeat BBQ – You provide the grill, sides, buns, condiments and drinks. Everyone else brings their own meat and even a side to share.

What to serve at a family reunion?

When people will have a table to sit at, soups and taco salads are fine to serve. If people will mostly be standing and mingling, finger foods are best. When it's something like a family reunion, consider a menu that has something for everyone, something that everyone from little kids to seniors would enjoy.

What are some good recipes for winter?

Baked potato bars, soup bars, and pasta bars are perfect for winter months. Salad bars and BBQ's are perfect for spring and summer. Potlucks are great all year. Just consider what's in season, and what time of year it is.

What is the most inexpensive party?

Potluck – The most inexpensive party idea is a potluck, but it does require a bit more planning. Provide the drinks and a dish or two. Have everyone else contribute a dish, as well. You can ask for specific dishes – main, side, or dessert.

What to do before running to the store?

Before running to the store, open your fridge, freezer, cupboards, and pantry and use what you have! This goes for decorations, too. Trust me…you'll save A TON of money if you simply get creative with what you already have.

What time is the full lunch rule?

If your party goes from 9:30-11am, that would mostly fall under the “light snacks” rule. A later party from 6pm-8pm, mostly falls under the “full dinner” rule. If your party is from 11:30am – 1pm, that mostly falls under “full lunch” rule.

Why do I love crock pots?

I love it because it's three individual crock pots that actually cook, which makes for easy clean-up since I'm doing everything in the same pot. These are the handiest tools EVER for feeding a crowd. They save space, keep your food warm, and look nice and professional. They are pretty affordable.

What to do with a group of people?

Here is another SUPER easy meal idea for groups of people: Chicken Parmesan Sliders. Just put a few ingredients into the crockpot and you’ll have one of your favorite meals for a busy night. Making them into sandwiches is a great way to stretch the chicken mix and feed more people.

Can you make meat ahead of time?

While you can make the meat ahead of time, the sandwiches will need to be eaten soon after they are assembled. Keep that in mind as you plan! If you want to use it as a lunch for groups, just make the meat the day before and rewarm it before assembling the sandwiches the next day.

What are some ways to help your family?

Cleaning the house – vacuuming, dusting, cleaning bathrooms, and picking up toys are all ways your family can take some of the load off of your shoulders. Set up – setting up tables and chairs, putting out plates and utensils , filling water pitchers, are all great options for helpers.

Is it cheaper to skip meat?

Not only is it usually cheaper to skip the meat, but you also can make just one meal that will include vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, which makes your life easier. Grains are your friend. Hearty and easy to make in bulk. They will fill bellies without breaking the budget. Legumes for the win.

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

This recipe was inspired by my daughter’s favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili

Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I can quickly warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas

Double-Duty Layered Enchilada Casserole

Here's a heap of cozy comfort. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen took my recipe for chili without beans and turned it into a scrumptious enchilada casserole. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio

Meaty Arugula Pizzas

When I was growing up, my mom always made homemade pizza every Friday night. We'd watch a movie as a family or have friends over, too. Now that I'm married, I carry on the pizza tradition. —Morgan Harvey, Longview, Washington

Mini Barbecue Meat Loaves

I gave classic meat loaf a tasty twist by adding barbecue sauce. My kids usually get bored with beef entrees, but they keep asking for this dish. It's become a dinner staple at my house. —Vicki Smith, Okeechobee, Florida

Green Chile Beef Burritos

Recipes that are leaner in fat and calories—like this one for beef burritos—helped me lose 30 pounds! The meat is so tender and delicious. —Shirley Davidson, Thornton, Colorado

Slow-Cooked Pizza Casserole

A friend from church gave me the recipe for this satisfying slow-cooked casserole. It's always one of the first dishes emptied at potlucks, and it can easily be adapted to personal tastes. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky

What to do with canned spaghetti?

Just toss spaghetti with lightly simmered crushed canned tomatoes , along with garlic and some herbs. Grill zucchini and yellow squash (so inexpensive this time of year!) and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. You’ll have plenty of cash left over to buy good cream for homemade vanilla ice cream!

Can you have too many toppings on pizza?

Pizza shouldn’t have too many toppings anyway! Recipes: Homemade Thin Crust Pizza, Basic Vinaigrette. Bean and Rice Burritos + Fried Plantains — Here’s another vegetarian option: hearty rice and bean burritos with a smattering of herbs and perhaps some cheese, as well as a side of fried plantains.

Can I throw a party without spending money?

With a little ingenuity, it is entirely possible to throw a party without spending a lot of money on food. Just get creative and combine your favorite menu items with the other tips I’ve mentioned above. As I have learned, the more you practice at throwing a great party with cheap foods, the better you’ll get at it.

Is finger food good for a bachelor party?

However, if you’re having a bachelor party or football party, you’ll need food with more substance. By knowing who your guests are and what the appropriate food choices for them are, you’ll plan a better party.

Is fruit salad cheap?

Fruit Salad. Fruit salad is another one of those food items that can be expensive or it can be cheap. To make it inexpensively, you simply need to choose the right ingredients by shopping on sale. Fruit salad works in just about any combination of fruits. We typically use grapes (on sale) as a base.