Inexpensive Party Food Ideas

Bean soup can serve large groups at an inexpensive price.

When planning for a party, food often becomes the biggest budget expense. Pizzas, chicken, sandwiches and BBQ may be ideal foods to serve, but are often the most expensive. When planning your party, consider inexpensive items such as soups, lasagnas and pasta salads to serve at a party.

Lasagna

Purchase the necessary ingredients -- pasta sauce, lasagna noodles, cheese, onions, spinach, pork sausage or ground beef. Cook the lasagna for the required time and serve. The ingredients for lasagna are relatively cheap, but more importantly, the food item is capable of serving a decent amount of individuals. For a cheaper alternative, remove the sausage and ground beef and make a vegetarian style lasagna using cheese and sauce.

Bean Soup

Bean soups combine a variety of bean types that are relatively inexpensive. Using the selected ingredients -- beans, basil, onions, vegetables and chicken broth -- cook the soup for the estimated number of individuals. Consider adding ground beef to the dish for added taste. Serve each soup with a side of tortilla chips or toasted bread. Since soups are filling, most guests will be satisfied with one or two bowls of soup.

Bacon-Wrapped Hotdogs

Plan to visit a grocery store on days they have specials. Purchase the following items: thin-sliced bacon, hot dogs -- turkey or beef, hot dog buns and condiments. Ensure to buy both the buns and dogs in bulk if you are having a large party. If possible, search for grocery stores that offer two-for-one type specials or that sell 24- or 36-pack buns or hot dogs. Wrap the hot dogs in bacon and place them onto the grill. Turn each hot dog whenever necessary until the dog and the bacon are fully cooked. Place the buns onto the grill to toast and serve.

Pasta Salad

Sold in an assortment of styles, from elbow to bow-tie, pasta salad provides an ideal recipe for serving large groups on a small budget. Purchase the type of noodles you wish to make your salad out of; elbow or seashell noodles work well. Cook the noodles. When fully cooked, drain the noodles and use Italian dressing to add flavor. Consider adding chopped onions, lettuce and peas to the salad. For more flavor, add some canned tuna and cheese to the salad.

Tags: ground beef, buns dogs, Consider adding, fully cooked, large groups, onto grill, sausage ground