Feeding 25 people cheap/easy?

[TwoMisfits]

If you want to be "cheap", but a step up (and not just order pizzas and a sheetcake, which would be my back up option)...

Buy mini-meatballs and some nice soft rolls. Put the mini meatballs in a crockpot with jarred marinara sauce and have parm cheese for shaking on top of the make-your own sandwiches. Make a quick and easy pasta salad (Betty Crocker's would be good enough or you can make your own - I do the non-mayo one so it can sit out and make this vegan/vegetarian in case you have adults that don't eat meat), a balsamic-roasted baby carrot (great at room temp - roast the carrots with salt/pepper/olive oil and then with 5 minutes left, sprinkle on balsamic to taste), and an Italian fruit salad (replace honey for sugar with 1 year olds) http://www.bhg.com/recipe/italian-fruit-salad/ (you can pick different fruits based on taste, but these should all be coming in season and are getting cheaper and the watermelon and grapes can be cut the day before and just made in the salad on the day). I'd put out a box of cheerios and bananas for babies and some potato chips for grown ups who don't do pasta salad or veggies. I'd buy a sheetcake or make cupcakes in the shape of a one (the day before) and be done.

You can also make the baby carrots and pasta salad the day before (although, if adding tomatoes to the salad, do that the day of and add balsamic to the carrots the day of) - just warm the baby carrots to room temp (probably 350 in the oven for 10-15 min).

And get "2 meatball" rolls, not huge ones - this will make sure everyone gets meatballs the 1st time through and helps people enjoy the other cheaper, foods before grabbing 2nds...

 

[McKelly]

Our Walmart has a 6 foot sub for $32 three meats and a cheese, they even put lettuce, tomato and onion on the side and include mayo and mustard. Beans, fruit salad and chips, so easy. And easy clean up : )

I second this. The subs are good. Plus, for about $5.00 more they give you two huge tubs of potato salad, macaroni salad or cole slaw. Put out some chips and pickles/olives.......done.

 

[Jeff_G]

If you are brave Goat head curry:

Ok seriously grill hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs. I just did this for about 15 ~ 20 people this weekend. I grilled up the burgers and then kept them warm in a beef broth bath in the oven while I grilled up the brats and dogs.
Throw in a few side dishes and some drinks and you are all set.


Another idea tell people to bring a dish and do it pot luck style...

 

[BarbMike821]

When in these kind of pickles ... I do one of three things:

1. Grill (brats and hot dogs)
2. Crock Pot (BBQ pulled pork slides ... SUPER EASY)
3. Breakfast for dinner. Who doesn't love a pancake supper?!

 

[Albort]

Costco Pizza! if each person eats 3 slices, that 10 pizzas(8 slices per pizza?) @ $10, u spend only $100!

 

[xlxo]

On the cheap? Make a pitstop at Costco.... love the Polish combo.

 

[Caseheidi]

I agree with the Taco Bar idea. Or a Baked Potato bar is also easy and cost effective. I also like to do Hawaain Haystack bar. You can cook the chicken in a crockpot, and then just shread. Most of the toppings can be purchased ready to use (shreaded carrots. Pineapple tidbits, shreaded cheese, sliced olives, eat.) with a few you need to chop yourself ( tomatoes, celery, green onions). Then just have a variety of sauces to serve. Cook the rice, and everyone builds their own. Easy and affordable.

 

[QueenIsabella]

Love the idea of the 6-foot sub from Walmart!

I posted a couple months ago about getting suckered into hosting a bunch of traveling college kids. I did pasta with sauce, and then had a crockpot with sausages and sauce, and one with plain sauce (for vegetarians). I did a huge salad and garlic bread. The garlic bread was absolutely the biggest hit!

My family loves pasta salad--I cook a pound of a fun shape and throw on bottle of fat-free Italian dressing. You can add whatever you like--diced roasted red peppers, shredded cheese, diced pepperoni, sliced olives, etc. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled, and tastes best if made a day in advance.

Baked beans are another great make-ahead dish, inexpensive and popular.

Also consider cupcakes (homemade or purchased) instead of a big cake--much easier to to serve, especially with little ones. For a recent pool party, we also went with ice cream novelties, like ice cream sandwiches and drumsticks, instead of having to serve from a big tub.

And of course, anyone who offers to bring something--accept!

 

[wide awake]

I would stay away from any of the "bar" or grilling ideas. With 25 people messing around filling their plates you get a traffic jam...also a ton of little bowls to fill and clean. The baked pasta, salad, and bread is way easier. I'd use a basic oil and vinegar dressing on the salad just before serving too...easier than having guests pick a salad dressing. Individual cups of ice cream, YES!!! If you want to take it up a notch you can buy the small cups of Ben and Jerry's...and cupcakes, not cake.

 

[Legendteri]

For our kid's birthday parties we try to keep it simple. WE go to Costco and order ahead of time 3 or 4 pizzas from the food court for $ 9.95 each because they are huge ( 18 inches), sodas, chips, ice cream and a Costco cake. IF you want more maybe buy a big bag of Buffalo wings and put them in the oven or crockpot.

For our oldest's first 3 birthday parties we used to also get party platters from Costco in addition to cake and pizza, but we always took home so many leftovers that we couldn't eat them all and they spoiled. Now we just stick to pizzas, cake, soda, ice cream and chips. I don't have to cook, easy clean up and everyone is happy.

I will go to my grave saying this, but Costco pizzas really are the best deal in town for us. Most other places, their large is only 16 inches, not 18 inches. Plus, if you order from the food court, you can ask that they make it the way you want, as long as they have the ingredients. So if you want a veggie pizza or all sausage pizza, all you have to do is ask.

 

[unrequited23]

We always do the kids parties super simple. Two sheet pizzas-one cheese, one pepperoni, pasta salad, veggie tray, dinosaur chicken nuggets, fish cracker, pretzels and a costco cake. It works out to about $80 and feeds 20 adults and 10 kids. It's not the most exciting cuisine, but the parents aren't worried about what the kids will eat.

 

[Legendteri]

Costco Pizza! if each person eats 3 slices, that 10 pizzas(8 slices per pizza?) @ $10, u spend only $100!

I want to say there are 12 slices to each pizza, but I am not positive. So maybe 6 pizzas would work ?

 

[Sinderelly]

Salsa chicken=easiest ever prep:
Frozen chicken breasts
Jar of salsa
Cans of black beans
Frozen corn
8oz block of cream cheese
Just throw everything except cream cheese in the crockpot (yes the chicken breasts just go in frozen). Cook on low 8-9 hours. Top with cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
We like this served with rice but can also be used to fill taco shells or tortillas.
Make this, buy a sheet cake and ask everyone to bring a southwest themed dish. (Tortilla chips, salsa, cheese dip, rice, guac, sour cream, salad, cheese, tortillas are all things you could suggest)
Your guests shouldn't mind bringing a dish to share because you're cooking and watching your children. I know I wouldn't mind being asked to bring something.

 

[QueenIsabella]

Salsa chicken=easiest ever prep:
Frozen chicken breasts
Jar of salsa
Cans of black beans
Frozen corn
8oz block of cream cheese
Just throw everything except cream cheese in the crockpot (yes the chicken breasts just go in frozen). Cook on low 8-9 hours. Top with cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
We like this served with rice but can also be used to fill taco shells or tortillas.
Make this, buy a sheet cake and ask everyone to bring a southwest themed dish. (Tortilla chips, salsa, cheese dip, rice, guac, sour cream, salad, cheese, tortillas are all things you could suggest)
Your guests shouldn't mind bringing a dish to share because you're cooking and watching your children. I know I wouldn't mind being asked to bring something.

I'm actually making this for dinner tonight, right now! I skip the cream cheese, though. And shred the chicken, half an hour or so before serving. I serve it with shredded cheddar cheese. It goes well on rice, in tortillas, over chips for nachos... Definitely a dish to keep in your recipe rotation, even if you end up not using it for your party.

 

[princess barbara]

What about having yr hubby stop by grocery store on way home and pick up 4 or 5 rotisserie chickens? They would arrive hot and fresh. And you are home with the kids so you could prepare a casserole of mac and cheese, a mixed green salad and still have time to throw together a few easy appetizers such as sliced cheese, pepperoni and crackers, can do salsa and chips or even a fruit tray.. Relax and have fun- there will be lots of helping hands.

 

[crisi]

Call some of the 25 people and tell them you need help. Even if its picking up the subs from Walmart (and that sounds cheapest and easiest to me), or manning the grill, or cleaning the house before everyone comes. You have 25 "mostly adults" who you are important enough to show up for a baby's first birthday - you are important enough to them that they can pitch in. Unless by mostly adults you mean that you have 25 people who haven't grown up enough to give help when someone needs it

Or don't feed them actual dinner. Buy a sheet cake, have some lemonade and send everyone home.

 

[pampam]

I would just go with a pot luck. That way, if there are any food preferences or allergies, it would be looked after by those with these issues. You supply the punch, tea coffee, whatever beverages would be called for, and the paper plates, serviettes. Do you think these guests will be willing to pitch in? If so, they perhaps could be called on or delegated to whatever help you need. Setting up chairs, setting out food, running and fetching, cleaning, all these chores are tiresome, but many hands make light work.

 

[Minnesota!]

We get 7# trays of sliced beef from the butcher...about $60? Already in au jus. Toss in crockpot on low a few hours before the party. I just serve with sliced cheese, buns, chips, beans (also thrown in crockpot), and veggies. Super easy. Hardest thing to do is arrange the veggies on a tray and mix up a dip for them/chips.

 

[HeatherC]

How about a platter of fried chicken from the supermarket or BJs or Costco. No prep at all. Order a few salads and veggie tray and a platter of cookies or brownies and you are done. No clean up either.

 

[Soulsearching]

We are having the babys birthday party this weekend. What started out small is getting bigger and bigger. Right now it looks like we are at about 25 people, mostly adults. And the clincher is that DH is working all day that day so it is me, a 5 year old and an 8 year old to prep for the party and watch the baby. As a result, I need as easy but cheap as possible. Any suggestions?

The cheapest way to go is:
Pasta - less than a $1.00 on sale - make three pounds (which is a lot) add broccoli (frozen 2 bags $3.00), garlic and oil, Parmesan and seasoning to taste. - make right before serving
French Bread - buy and cut up
Butter - serve
Salad, cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, salad dressing (put on the side) - make ahead the night before
Cupcakes or cake - make the night before and frost in morning
Coffee - set up night before
milk
Water
juice
Mac and Cheese for children - have girlfriend bring!