Easy Cheap Food for Party

KristenJcksn

I'm doing a ladybug/pinic theme for my DD's b-day party and I need ideas of what is easy and cheap to feed 50 people. Any suggestions are welcomed. We don't have a grill so burgers and dogs are out any other thoughts? TIA.

Brookie-Cookie

pasta salad is always a good filler (beware the mayonaise)

cut watermelon and rice crispy squares are always a hit

what about giant subs cut in to 3''-4" portions?  You can put extra long tooth picks in them to keep them together.  You can get all sorts of nice breads, meats and cheeses anywhere these days.  I would suggest a make-your-own sandwich station but that would be a shiit show with 50 people.

 

BabyMenzel

take tortillas

mix taco seasoning in with cream cheese, blend well

spread on tortilla and top with cheese, salsa, (any type of taco toppings)

roll up and slice and insert a toothpick so it doesn't unroll

NYCred

Do you have a Trader Joe's or a Costco near you?  Both sell lots of frozen foods that work really well: mini pizzas, mini meatballs, little quiches...

kgb1411

I would actually purchase a grill.  I think we got our propane grill for $90 at Lowe's.  Then you get to keep it. 

Then I would make the party a potluck.  I am guessing it is mostly family anyway, and a first birthday party isn't a formal affair.  And 50 people is just too many to do all of the cooking for.  (at least for me)

I would get one of DH's friends (or your dad or FIL) to man the grill and make chicken, burgers, and hot dogs.  Buy buns, and make up trays of tomatoes, onion, lettuce, etc.  I would buy a few bags of potato chips, and maybe a couple of big containers of cole slaw or potato salad (and add some cabbage or extra potatoes to make it look homade), then drinks and cake.   Other sides and desserts provided by guests.

annette&gordon

For a main dish, I love pulled pork, chicken or beef cooked in the crockpot all day. ?So easy to do & works well for party food to serve on rolls/buns. Sides could be cut up fruit, veggies & dip, crackers/chips, coleslaw...

Soter1

Hot dogs in a crock pot, so cheap, makes tons:

4 pack of dogs at costco (they have a coupon this month)

1 jar of Grape Jelly

1 jar of cocktail sauce

simmer 4-6 hours

DONE!

You can also do that with meatballs, the pre-made ones at costco our great, then you could do a mushroom gravy soup type flavor.....soooo easy! Feeds tons just with those 2 things.  We also just picked up the platter of wraps from costco, then had some salads.  It was plenty and we had about 50 people.

MsKellDel

hoagie tray, pizza but get the square one and have it cut up into smaller pieces. for the kids, make pb&j and cut into small squares, pasta salad, garden salad, watermelon, rice krispie/corn flake treats

Mandy06

Do you have a roaster? You can easily do burgers in that. 

Burgers, 1 large white onion, 3 cans beef broth, 3 cans beef gravy. Line roaster with burgers, put all the rest of ingredients on top. Cook on 350 for an hour.

Stewed burgers! Always a hit at our parties.

Other things are meatballs in a crock pot, veggie pizza, pierogies, pasta salad, fruit salad, veggie tray, meat tray and just buy buns and condiments.

flyingsaucer

for DS' first b-day, we had pizza (cut in 1/2 slices) for the kids as well as wings and fries.  It was just easier to have food I did not have to cook, and that people could eat standing or at their seat (sans the table)

KristenJcksn

Wow! Thanks for all the great ideas!

rlthomas7

For Adam's b-day, we did sandwiches. A basket of assorted rolls, a plate of cheese and a plate of meats. And turkey meatballs in a crock pot, which could also be used for meatball sandwiches, or on their own. And of course, lettuce, tomato, condiments, etc. It was very easy and everyone likes to make their own sandwiches. I also had Mac & Cheese in another crock pot.

auburnbride2be

We are doing a chicken nugget tray from Publix and other dips, fruit tray, pasta salad (you can do oil based or use italian dressing instead of mayo), sandwich tray of some sort. You can certainly make all of this, but I am being lazy.