Inexpensive Catering-Food Ideas For Parties
If you’re planning a party, you need to consider the food you’ll serve. For example, you’ll want to avoid dark-colored soups and punch. While taco salads are okay at a seated party, finger foods are better for a stand-up one. You’ll also want to serve something everyone can enjoy, such as a charcuterie board or sandwiches.
When you are thinking about things to give as gifts or want to throw a party for friends and family, the task of finding great catering options can often be overwhelming. Well, no need to worry any longer! We have gathered delicious food ideas for parties with budgets, from hours like meatballs and pizza pockets that cost less than $3 each to more impressive entrees such as shrimp salad Thai rolls for just $1.50 per serving. All recipes are from The Dollar Stretcher newsletter.
Food Ideas For Parties and Catering With Limited Budgets
Meatballs in Sundried Tomato Sauce
This is an excellent appetizer for parties and can be made in advance and frozen or simply refrigerated until you are ready to bring them out. Each meatball is only $0.57 to make, with each serving costing just $0.75! This recipe makes 12 meatballs, which makes serving six people at $0.75 per person a total of $4 with the price of the meatballs already subtracted (or $2 additional if you don’t have any leftovers).
-1 pound lean ground beef -1/2 cup plain bread crumbs -3/4 cup milk -1 egg, lightly beaten -2 teaspoons minced onion flakes -3 tablespoons parsley -salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well; using your hands to mix thoroughly may be necessary. Form into 1″ meatballs and bake on a baking sheet sprayed with Pam for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. Remove from oven, remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Add in meatballs and cover tightly. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and simmer for another 20 minutes.
Budget-Friendly Pizza Pockets
These pizza pockets can be made in advance and frozen in the oven when you are ready to serve them! Each one costs just $1.50 and serves three people (or $0.50 per person). They are also a great way to get kids involved in the cooking process, which will help them learn how to make dinner on their own one day!
Melons with Thinly Sliced Ham in Between
A cured ham sandwiched between melon slices is a great Italian appetizer. This dish is quick to make and is sure to please your guests. It contains few ingredients and can be enjoyed by guests on warm summer evenings. It is an excellent option for hosting a barbecue or outdoor summer party.
This simple pairing of fresh fruit and meat protein has been around for centuries. Its origins can be traced to the second century AD. Then, it has been thought to balance the body’s four elements, ensuring a balanced diet. Today, it has become one of the most popular catering food ideas for parties.
The prosciutto-wrapped melon can be served as a starter or as a salad. Serve it chilled for about an hour before serving. It doesn’t need any cooking! This fruit can be served right after it is wrapped. Extra honey can be added to each serving for a sweet touch.
Melons with a Charcuterie Board
If you want to make a standout charcuterie board at your party, you can add a variety of nuts and seeds to it. For example, try almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pumpkin seeds. They add a little crunch and sweetness to the board.
Fruit is another great addition to a charcuterie board. It not only adds vibrant colors but also helps to cleanse the palate in between bites of meat and cheese. For charcuterie boards, some popular fruits and vegetables are broccoli, melons, cucumbers, and celery.
Charcuterie boards are great for parties and picnics because they can be a healthy alternative to traditional appetizers. Charcuterie boards can also be a great way to share food. Since guests can pick what they want from the board, they can be as savory or sweet as they wish.
Charcuterie boards are versatile and can be dressed up or simple; you can use them as an appetizer or an entire course. Depending on the occasion, you can even serve them as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can even freeze some of them for smoothies.
Another great option is a fruit tray. These come in various colors, shapes, and varieties and can transform the party food table into a beautiful display. They can be displayed on a cake stand or decorated with fresh mint. You can also use fruit dips to accentuate the presentation. Again, the fruit should be fresh and seasonal.
Stuffed baby peppers are another excellent choice. This tasty finger food is loaded with creamy feta cheese. It’s great for parties, and guests will love it. It’s also easy to feed a crowd without any preparation or reheating. So whether you’re throwing a dinner party or a holiday party, finger foods are a must. Finger foods allow guests to mingle while enjoying the delicious treats.
Sandwiches are a Must-Have at a Party
Sandwiches are a good option if you’re planning a party and want to provide catering food ideas for the event. These tasty snacks originated in England, named after the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who requested steak sandwiched between two slices of bread. Since then, sandwiches have become a staple snack. Many types of sandwiches are available, and you can easily prepare them in a crockpot.
When making sandwiches, remember to keep them refrigerated. They are best prepared a day or two in advance. You can also use wax paper or a damp towel to prevent the bread from drying. If you are planning to serve finger sandwiches, make sure the bread slices are a minimum of two fingers thick.
To make sandwiches more delicious, add some simple ingredients available in your kitchen. For instance, adding tomato slices or lettuce can enhance the sandwich’s flavor. You can also include other ingredients such as ham, cheese, or other grilled meats.
Sandwiches are an excellent choice for parties. They are easy to prepare and fast. You can even serve gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian sandwiches. Sandwiches can be prepared with olives or aioli. For a lunch event, consider offering at least 1.5 sandwiches per person.
Another excellent idea for sandwiches is the artisan mini-bread platter. These mini sandwiches are convenient because they can fit in the palm and are smaller than a traditional sandwich. They can be served as appetizers or individual meals. They also make great desserts and are an excellent choice for a party. You can even offer them in mini mugs with fresh herbs.
Fish Fries are a Crowd-Pleaser
A crowd-pleaser for any party, fish fries are a healthy and filling appetizer. They are also rich in amino acids, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious guests. In addition, they can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Just be sure to debone your fish before frying it. Otherwise, it will make a huge mess and hassle for guests. The bonus is that fried fish makes for an intriguing Instagram photo.
Inexpensive Catering-Food Ideas For Parties
If you’re planning a party, you need to consider the food you’ll serve. For example, you’ll want to avoid dark-colored soups and punch. While taco salads are okay at a seated party, finger foods are better for a stand-up one. You’ll also want to serve something everyone can enjoy, such as a charcuterie board or sandwiches.
When you are thinking about things to give as gifts or want to throw a party for friends and family, the task of finding great catering options can often be overwhelming. Well, no need to worry any longer! We have gathered delicious food ideas for parties with budgets, from hours like meatballs and pizza pockets that cost less than $3 each to more impressive entrees such as shrimp salad Thai rolls for just $1.50 per serving. All recipes are from The Dollar Stretcher newsletter.
Food Ideas For Parties and Catering With Limited Budgets
Meatballs in Sundried Tomato Sauce
This is an excellent appetizer for parties and can be made in advance and frozen or simply refrigerated until you are ready to bring them out. Each meatball is only $0.57 to make, with each serving costing just $0.75! This recipe makes 12 meatballs, which makes serving six people at $0.75 per person a total of $4 with the price of the meatballs already subtracted (or $2 additional if you don’t have any leftovers).
-1 pound lean ground beef -1/2 cup plain bread crumbs -3/4 cup milk -1 egg, lightly beaten -2 teaspoons minced onion flakes -3 tablespoons parsley -salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well; using your hands to mix thoroughly may be necessary. Form into 1″ meatballs and bake on a baking sheet sprayed with Pam for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. Remove from oven, remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Add in meatballs and cover tightly. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and simmer for another 20 minutes.
Budget-Friendly Pizza Pockets
These pizza pockets can be made in advance and frozen in the oven when you are ready to serve them! Each one costs just $1.50 and serves three people (or $0.50 per person). They are also a great way to get kids involved in the cooking process, which will help them learn how to make dinner on their own one day!
Melons with Thinly Sliced Ham in Between
A cured ham sandwiched between melon slices is a great Italian appetizer. This dish is quick to make and is sure to please your guests. It contains few ingredients and can be enjoyed by guests on warm summer evenings. It is an excellent option for hosting a barbecue or outdoor summer party.
This simple pairing of fresh fruit and meat protein has been around for centuries. Its origins can be traced to the second century AD. Then, it has been thought to balance the body’s four elements, ensuring a balanced diet. Today, it has become one of the most popular catering food ideas for parties.
The prosciutto-wrapped melon can be served as a starter or as a salad. Serve it chilled for about an hour before serving. It doesn’t need any cooking! This fruit can be served right after it is wrapped. Extra honey can be added to each serving for a sweet touch.
Melons with a Charcuterie Board
If you want to make a standout charcuterie board at your party, you can add a variety of nuts and seeds to it. For example, try almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pumpkin seeds. They add a little crunch and sweetness to the board.
Fruit is another great addition to a charcuterie board. It not only adds vibrant colors but also helps to cleanse the palate in between bites of meat and cheese. For charcuterie boards, some popular fruits and vegetables are broccoli, melons, cucumbers, and celery.
Charcuterie boards are great for parties and picnics because they can be a healthy alternative to traditional appetizers. Charcuterie boards can also be a great way to share food. Since guests can pick what they want from the board, they can be as savory or sweet as they wish.
Charcuterie boards are versatile and can be dressed up or simple; you can use them as an appetizer or an entire course. Depending on the occasion, you can even serve them as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can even freeze some of them for smoothies.
Another great option is a fruit tray. These come in various colors, shapes, and varieties and can transform the party food table into a beautiful display. They can be displayed on a cake stand or decorated with fresh mint. You can also use fruit dips to accentuate the presentation. Again, the fruit should be fresh and seasonal.
Stuffed baby peppers are another excellent choice. This tasty finger food is loaded with creamy feta cheese. It’s great for parties, and guests will love it. It’s also easy to feed a crowd without any preparation or reheating. So whether you’re throwing a dinner party or a holiday party, finger foods are a must. Finger foods allow guests to mingle while enjoying the delicious treats.
Sandwiches are a Must-Have at a Party
Sandwiches are a good option if you’re planning a party and want to provide catering food ideas for the event. These tasty snacks originated in England, named after the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who requested steak sandwiched between two slices of bread. Since then, sandwiches have become a staple snack. Many types of sandwiches are available, and you can easily prepare them in a crockpot.
When making sandwiches, remember to keep them refrigerated. They are best prepared a day or two in advance. You can also use wax paper or a damp towel to prevent the bread from drying. If you are planning to serve finger sandwiches, make sure the bread slices are a minimum of two fingers thick.
To make sandwiches more delicious, add some simple ingredients available in your kitchen. For instance, adding tomato slices or lettuce can enhance the sandwich’s flavor. You can also include other ingredients such as ham, cheese, or other grilled meats.
Sandwiches are an excellent choice for parties. They are easy to prepare and fast. You can even serve gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian sandwiches. Sandwiches can be prepared with olives or aioli. For a lunch event, consider offering at least 1.5 sandwiches per person.
Another excellent idea for sandwiches is the artisan mini-bread platter. These mini sandwiches are convenient because they can fit in the palm and are smaller than a traditional sandwich. They can be served as appetizers or individual meals. They also make great desserts and are an excellent choice for a party. You can even offer them in mini mugs with fresh herbs.
Fish Fries are a Crowd-Pleaser
A crowd-pleaser for any party, fish fries are a healthy and filling appetizer. They are also rich in amino acids, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious guests. In addition, they can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Just be sure to debone your fish before frying it. Otherwise, it will make a huge mess and hassle for guests. The bonus is that fried fish makes for an intriguing Instagram photo.
