Cooking For A Crowd On A Budget Recipes
If you're planning a party or get-together, one of the biggest expenses can be the food. However, you don't have to break the bank to feed a crowd. With a little bit of planning and some smart shopping, you can create delicious and satisfying meals without spending a fortune. Here are some easy recipes for cooking for a crowd on a budget:
Appetizers
1. Veggie Platter - Cut up some fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, broccoli, and cauliflower, and arrange them on a platter. Serve with your favorite dip.
2. Chips and Salsa - Buy a bag of tortilla chips and a jar of salsa. This is a simple and delicious snack that everyone will enjoy.
3. Deviled Eggs - Hard boil some eggs and cut them in half. Remove the yolks and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and sprinkle with paprika.
Main Courses
1. Chili - Brown some ground beef or turkey in a large pot. Add onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Simmer for an hour or two and serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.
2. Spaghetti - Cook a pound of spaghetti according to the package directions. Meanwhile, heat up a jar of spaghetti sauce and brown some ground beef or turkey. Combine the spaghetti, sauce, and meat and serve with garlic bread.
3. Tacos - Brown some ground beef or turkey and add taco seasoning. Serve with taco shells, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
Side Dishes
1. Baked Beans - Combine a can of baked beans, a can of kidney beans, a can of black beans, and a can of corn in a large baking dish. Add some brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and ketchup. Bake in the oven for an hour.
2. Macaroni and Cheese - Cook a pound of macaroni according to the package directions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk and bring to a boil. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Combine the macaroni and cheese sauce and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
3. Coleslaw - Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and onion in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
Desserts
1. Brownies - Make a batch of brownies from a box mix or from scratch. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.
2. Fruit Salad - Cut up some fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and pineapple. Combine in a bowl and serve chilled.
3. Rice Pudding - Cook rice according to the package directions. Meanwhile, combine milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan and heat until simmering. Add the cooked rice and stir until thickened. Serve warm or chilled.
With these easy and budget-friendly recipes, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Just remember to plan ahead, shop smart, and cook with love.