[2023] Party Menu for 50 Guests: Delicious and Budget-Friendly Ideas

Are you planning a party for 50 guests and wondering how to create a delicious and budget-friendly menu? Look no further! Our team at Party Checklist™ has got you covered. In this article, we will provide you with a variety of mouthwatering options that will satisfy your guests’ taste buds without breaking the bank. So let’s dive in and start planning the perfect party menu!

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Quick Answer

  • Keyword: Party menu for 50 guests
  • Summary: Planning a party menu for 50 guests can be overwhelming, but with the right ideas and tips, you can create a delicious and budget-friendly spread. From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got you covered with a variety of options that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Don’t forget to consider dietary restrictions and preferences when planning your menu. With a little creativity and planning, you can host a memorable party without breaking the bank.

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the party menu ideas, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind:

  1. Plan ahead: Start planning your menu well in advance to ensure you have enough time to shop for ingredients and prepare the dishes.
  2. Consider dietary restrictions: Take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests may have, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options.
  3. Budget-friendly ingredients: Opt for budget-friendly ingredients like chicken, ground beef, pasta, rice, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
  4. Make it a potluck: If you’re open to it, consider making the party a potluck and ask guests to bring a dish. This can help reduce the overall cost and workload for you.
  5. Keep it simple: Stick to simple recipes that don’t require expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. Focus on flavors and presentation to make the dishes stand out.
  6. Don’t forget beverages: Plan a variety of beverages to cater to different preferences, including non-alcoholic options like infused water, mocktails, and soda.

Now that you have some quick tips and facts in mind, let’s explore some delicious party menu ideas!

Pinterest-Worthy Party Menu Ideas

When it comes to planning a party menu, Pinterest is a treasure trove of inspiration. We’ve curated a list of Pinterest-worthy party menu ideas that are not only delicious but also budget-friendly. These ideas are sure to impress your guests without breaking the bank.

1. Taco Bar

Who doesn’t love tacos? A taco bar is a crowd-pleasing option that allows guests to customize their own tacos. Provide a variety of fillings such as seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, grilled vegetables, and all the fixings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Serve with a side of Mexican rice and beans.

2. Pasta Buffet

Pasta is a versatile and budget-friendly option that can be easily customized to suit different tastes. Set up a pasta buffet with a variety of pasta shapes, sauces (marinara, alfredo, and pesto), and toppings like grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, and grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget to include a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

3. Slider Station

Sliders are mini burgers that are perfect for parties. Set up a slider station with a variety of sliders such as beef, chicken, and vegetarian options. Provide an array of toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and condiments. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or regular fries.

4. Build-Your-Own Nachos

Nachos are a crowd favorite and can be easily customized to suit different preferences. Set up a build-your-own nacho bar with tortilla chips, a variety of toppings like cheese, salsa, jalapeños, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Offer options for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Don’t forget the guacamole and sour cream!

5. DIY Pizza Party

A DIY pizza party is a fun and interactive option that allows guests to create their own pizzas. Provide pre-made pizza dough or individual pizza crusts and a variety of toppings like cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. Let guests assemble their own pizzas and bake them in the oven. Serve with a side of Caesar salad or garlic knots.

6. Mediterranean Mezze Platter

For a lighter option, consider a Mediterranean mezze platter. Arrange a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes like hummus, tzatziki, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, olives, pita bread, and fresh vegetables. This option is not only delicious but also offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

1 Comment: Tried and Tested Recipes

Now, let’s dive into some tried and tested recipes that have received rave reviews from party hosts. These recipes are not only delicious but also budget-friendly.

1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Servings: 50
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 (5-pound) pork shoulder
    • 1 cup barbecue sauce
    • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
    2. In a slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
    3. Add the pork shoulder to the slow cooker and coat it with the sauce mixture.
    4. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
    5. Shred the pork using two forks and mix it with the sauce.
    6. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns or as a main dish with sides.

2. Caprese Skewers

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 50
  • Ingredients:
    • 50 cherry tomatoes
    • 50 small fresh mozzarella balls
    • 50 fresh basil leaves
    • Balsamic glaze for drizzling
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto a skewer.
    2. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
    3. Arrange the skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
    4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    5. Serve as an appetizer or a side dish.

Additional Party Menu Ideas

If you’re looking for more party menu ideas, here are some additional options to consider:

  • Baked Potato Bar: Set up a baked potato bar with a variety of toppings like sour cream, chives, bacon bits, cheese, and chili.
  • Soup and Salad Buffet: Offer a variety of soups and salads with different flavors and textures. Include vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • Asian Stir-Fry Station: Set up a stir-fry station with a variety of vegetables, proteins (chicken, beef, tofu), and sauces. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
  • Brunch Buffet: Host a brunch party with a variety of breakfast and lunch options like quiches, frittatas, fruit salad, pastries, and yogurt parfaits.
  • Dessert Bar: Create a dessert bar with a variety of sweet treats like cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and a make-your-own ice cream sundae station.

Remember to consider your guests’ preferences and any dietary restrictions when planning your menu. With these additional ideas, you can create a diverse and satisfying spread for your party.

FAQ

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How much food to feed 50 people?

When planning a party menu for 50 guests, it’s important to estimate the amount of food needed to ensure everyone is well-fed. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Appetizers: Plan for 6-8 bites per person.
  • Main Course: Estimate 1 pound of meat or fish per 3-4 people. For vegetarian options, plan for 1 cup of cooked grains or legumes per person.
  • Side Dishes: Plan for 1/2 cup to 1 cup per person, depending on the dish.
  • Desserts: Estimate 1-2 small desserts per person.

These are general guidelines, and the amount of food needed may vary depending on the type of event, the duration of the party, and the guests’ appetites. It’s always better to have slightly more food than not enough.

Read more about “How Much Does It Cost to Throw a Party for 100? …”

How can I feed a lot of people for a party for cheap?

Feeding a large number of people on a budget can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable. Here are some tips to help you feed a lot of people for a party for cheap:

  1. Plan a potluck: Ask guests to bring a dish to share. This not only reduces the cost for you but also adds variety to the menu.
  2. Buy in bulk: Purchase ingredients in bulk from wholesale stores or online retailers to save money.
  3. Focus on budget-friendly ingredients: Opt for affordable ingredients like chicken, ground beef, pasta, rice, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
  4. Make it from scratch: Cooking from scratch is often cheaper than buying pre-made or processed foods.
  5. Shop sales and use coupons: Keep an eye out for sales and use coupons to save money on ingredients.
  6. Keep the menu simple: Stick to simple recipes that don’t require expensive or hard-to-find ingredients.
  7. Use cheaper cuts of meat: Choose cheaper cuts of meat that can be tenderized through slow cooking or marinating.
  8. Serve filling side dishes: Include filling side dishes like rice, pasta, or potatoes to stretch the main course.
  9. Make use of leftovers: Repurpose leftovers into new dishes to minimize waste and save money.

By implementing these tips, you can feed a lot of people without breaking the bank.

What do you serve for a large crowd?

When serving a large crowd, it’s important to offer a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for what to serve for a large crowd:

  • Appetizers: Finger foods like sliders, chicken wings, meatballs, and vegetable platters are great options.
  • Main Course: Consider buffet-style options like pasta, tacos, sliders, or a build-your-own bar where guests can customize their meals.
  • Side Dishes: Offer a variety of side dishes like salads, roasted vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
  • Desserts: Provide a selection of desserts like cookies, brownies, cupcakes, or a dessert bar with different sweet treats.

Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences when planning your menu. Offering a variety of options ensures that there is something for everyone.

Conclusion

Planning a party menu for 50 guests doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right ideas and tips, you can create a delicious and budget-friendly spread that will impress your guests. From taco bars to pasta buffets, there are plenty of options to choose from. Don’t forget to consider dietary restrictions and preferences when planning your menu. With a little creativity and planning, you can host a memorable party without breaking the bank.

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