20 Recipes to Serve a Crowd That Won’t Break the Bank

20 Recipes to Serve a Crowd That Won’t Break the Bank
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closeup of fork, serving a piece of chicken
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Micah Morton; Prop Styling: Gerri Williams

Lemon Sumac Roasted Chicken

After some years, we’ve happily settled back into long tables and big, celebratory meals. I don’t know about you, but feeding a crowd has often left me empty. Obviously I feel full from the buzz of good company and conversation, but later I look and I see that I’m low on cash. 

The good news is that there are plenty of large-format recipes that are easy to make when you’re on a budget. Your guests will love it and you’ll encourage them to pack their plates with food without holding back. Here are 20 of our favorite budget recipes that serve a crowd, covering your needs for weekend brunch, holiday dinners, barbecue cookouts, and cocktail parties. 

BBQ and Outdoor Parties

Cheap tricks for the best outdoor cookouts.

Credit: Meghan Splawn

Hot Dog Snack Board

The ultimate backyard BBQ doesn’t have to be expensive, nor does it have to require too much energy. This snack board leans on very accessible staples from the grocery store to keep summer fun and low-cost.

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Holiday Dinners

Go ahead, make that holiday main. With these recipes, you’ll still have more than enough to host as many parties as you want during the holidays.

Weekend Brunch

Luxurious meals without the high restaurant price tag.

Credit: Lauren Volo

Cheese Danish for a Crowd

What flaky pastry will you serve for brunch? May we suggest this giant sheet pan cheese danish? It’s a no-lamination slab pie filled with the most satisfying cream cheese filling. Best of all, it relies on baking staples you most likely already have in the pantry.

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Cocktail Party Snacks

Save money, party better.