Feeding a crowd doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. These recipes are designed to stretch your budget while serving satisfying meals. Each dish focuses on affordable ingredients and straightforward preparation to make hosting stress-free. With options that are big on flavor and light on cost, these recipes are perfect for any gathering.
Eggplant Shakshuka
Eggplant Shakshuka features tender eggplant, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly poached eggs, making it a great budget-friendly meal for a crowd. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s easy to prepare and uses ingredients that are affordable and widely available. The bold flavors make it versatile for any mealtime, from brunch to dinner. This dish proves you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something impressive.
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Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
This casserole combines chicken, hash browns, and cheese into a filling and affordable meal that’s easy to prepare for large gatherings. The ingredients are simple and widely available, making it a practical choice for feeding a crowd. It bakes in one dish, reducing cleanup while delivering big flavors. This recipe is a reliable go-to for any occasion requiring a hearty, budget-friendly option.
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Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
This roasted vegetable medley combines crispy potatoes, broccoli, and peppers with a bright lemon flavor for an affordable, crowd-friendly side dish. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s easy to prepare and pairs well with almost any main course. The low-cost ingredients make it an excellent addition to your meal plan when serving a group. It’s a colorful and flavorful option that’s both practical and appealing.
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Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Crispy asparagus cooked in an air fryer is a quick and affordable side dish that’s perfect for group meals. With just seven minutes of cook time, this recipe is both efficient and budget-friendly. Adding capers and almonds elevates the flavor while keeping costs low. It’s a fresh, simple vegetable option that pairs well with any main course.
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Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah and Honey
This roasted carrot dip combines carrots, whipped feta, and dukkah for a creamy, flavorful appetizer that’s easy on a budget. The simple ingredients transform into a dish that’s perfect for large gatherings and entertaining. It’s a unique way to add variety to your menu while keeping costs low. This dip brings a bold and fresh addition to any table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah and Honey
Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
Sweet potato casserole topped with toasted hazelnuts is a flavorful and economical dish that works well as a side for large groups. The creamy sweet potatoes contrast beautifully with the crunchy topping, creating a dish that feels both satisfying and practical. The low-cost ingredients make it a great choice for holiday meals or casual gatherings. This classic recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole transforms a whole cauliflower into a hearty and budget-friendly dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Sharp cheddar and paprika bring bold flavors to every bite, making this recipe stand out without needing costly ingredients. The simple preparation and satisfying portion size make it a great option for gatherings or family dinners. It’s a dish that shows how versatile and affordable cauliflower can truly be.
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Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets With Caramelized Onions
These pockets feature pumpkin puree and caramelized onions wrapped in flaky puff pastry, creating a festive and cost-effective appetizer. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re a perfect option for serving a group with minimal effort. The ingredients are simple yet deliver a seasonal touch that feels special. These pockets will quickly become a favorite at any gathering.
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Chicken Sancocho
Chicken Sancocho is a hearty Colombian stew made with chicken, yucca, plantains, and corn, all simmered together in one pot. This budget-friendly meal serves a crowd while delivering bold, authentic flavors that feel satisfying and nourishing. The one-pot preparation makes cleanup simple, and the affordable ingredients are accessible and easy to scale up. It’s the perfect dish for feeding a group without overcomplicating the process.
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My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries
These mushroom-filled pastries are an affordable and flavorful option for serving a group. The flaky pastry and rich mushroom filling create a satisfying appetizer that’s easy to prepare. Using simple ingredients, this recipe is both cost-conscious and crowd-friendly. These pastries are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries
Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains
Sweet plantains caramelize beautifully when fried, creating a quick and inexpensive dish that’s perfect for serving a group. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to scale up. The crispy texture and rich sweetness make it an excellent choice for any meal or gathering. These plantains bring a tropical flair to your menu without adding to your expenses.
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Baked Butternut Squash Chips
Butternut squash chips are a simple, affordable snack or side dish that’s ideal for gatherings. With minimal ingredients and a short bake time, this recipe is both practical and easy to prepare. The crispy texture and rich flavor make them an excellent addition to any menu. These chips are proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to impress a crowd.
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Chicken and Rice Casserole
This casserole combines chicken, rice, and spices for a filling and cost-effective dish that’s ideal for large groups. Ready in about an hour, it’s a practical one-pot meal that balances simplicity with bold flavors. The ingredients are affordable and easy to source, making it a great choice for feeding a crowd on a budget. Its hearty appeal ensures it will be a favorite at any gathering.
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Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Combining earthy mushrooms, dill, and tender pasta, this creamy kugel is a delicious and economical option for large gatherings. Ready in about an hour, it’s an easy dish to prepare and works well as a main or a side. The affordable ingredients make it a practical choice when feeding a crowd. Its rich flavors and comforting texture will impress your guests without stretching your budget.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole
This one-pot casserole combines marinated chicken thighs with crispy potatoes, creating a hearty and cost-effective meal for feeding a crowd. The garlic and buttermilk marinade add depth to the dish, while the straightforward preparation keeps it manageable for busy hosts. With minimal ingredients and cleanup, it’s an excellent option for large gatherings. This comforting meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole
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