Even if you are planning a potluck for your New Year’s Eve bash, hosting a get-together of family and friends is going to cost you. Fortunately, there are ways you can serve up a memorable shindig without breaking the bank. The key is to employ some basic tips on cooking for a crowd that won’t sacrifice flavor for frugality.
For starters, you’ll want to invest in affordable appetizers. If you can get guests to fill up on snack food, they will be less likely to devour five helpings of the main course. Some affordable snacks include: chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, cereal party mix, a homemade veggie tray with carrot sticks, celery, tomatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Choosing an inexpensive entree can be tricky, especially if you are not hosting a potluck. Budget cooking for a crowd requires strategic planning. Whether you’re cooking for 20 people or double that number, you need to take into account factors such as how long the food will need to stay hot and where all of your guests will be dining. If you are hosting a large crowd your best bet is to set-up a buffet and have your guests serve themselves. Some budget main courses include:
Taco bar
Baked potato bar
Mini sub sandwiches
Pizza, cut into thin slices or small squares
Spaghetti or lasagna with garlic bread
Hot dogs and hamburgers
Sloppy Joes
Chili
Generally, it is much cheaper to make your own party food rather than buying pre-made selections. However, during the holidays you can often find great deals on party trays at warehouse stores like Sam’s Club or Costco. Even if you don’t purchase pre-made party food from these warehouse stores, you can still save money by buying certain ingredients for your New Year’s Eve bash in bulk, such as eggs, milk, and bread.