Hosting a crowd can be a ton of fun... but it can also get expensive. Luckily, it doesn't have to be. Here are a bunch of affordable recipes for your next summer get together.
2. Cheddar, Bacon, and Ranch Potato Salad
No picnic or barbecue is complete without a good potato salad recipe. This one calls for only five ingredients: red potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, Ranch dressing, and green onions. Get the recipe.
3. Pineapple Sangria
Sangria gets a tropical makeover with the help of pineapple juice, basil, and rum. Get the recipe.
4. Pizza Pull-Apart Sliders
Two words: Herb butter. Drizzle it on top of these sliders to take them to the next level. Get the recipe.
5. Italian Pesto Pasta Salad
A great pasta salad doesn't have to be fancy. A few spoonfuls of pesto is really all you need. Get the recipe.
6. Creamy Spinach Dip
Just a few basic ingredients like sour cream, frozen spinach, Monterey jack, and cream cheese make for a seriously addictive party dip. Get the recipe.
7. Grilled Garlic Butter Mushrooms
For a vegetarian side dish even meat eaters will love, give these mushroom skewers a shot. Get the recipe.
8. Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas
Use any grilled vegetables to make these cheesy quesadillas that guests of any age will love. Get the recipe.
10. Buffalo Chicken Taco Salad
You can get creative with this recipe. Just take whatever protein you like best and toss it with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. Get the recipe.
11. Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
The tried-and-true turkey sandwich gets a makeover, thanks to chive cream cheese, craisins, and spinach. Make them in tortillas and cut them into pinwheels: It's the perfect finger food for a crowd. Get the recipe.
12. Mini Mac 'n' Cheese Bites
Make an extra batch. These babies go quickly. Get the recipe.
13. Sheet Pan Pizza
Put down the delivery menu. This pizza comes together from start to finish on a single sheet pan. Dress it up with all your favorite toppings and chow down. Get the recipe.
14. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Toss boneless, skinless chicken breasts, peppers, onions, and spices on a baking sheet. After 25 minutes in the oven, dinner is served. Get the recipe.
15. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Have leftover corn on the cob? Turn it into something way more exciting. Get the recipe.
16. Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
These wings are never fried — they're baked in the oven from start to finish, but they still manage to get nice and crispy thanks to baking powder and spices. Get the recipe.
17. Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
What happens when you combine two of your favorite classic comfort foods? Magic. Get the recipe.
18. Spinach Feta and Orzo Salad
Orzo, red onion, pine nuts, spinach, and feta get tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar in this light and fresh pasta salad. Get the recipe.
19. Cowboy Caviar
Serve this bean, corn, and tomato medley as a salsa on top of burgers, as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a stand alone salad. Get the recipe.
20. Strawberry Champagne Party Punch
Add some sparkle to your get together with this easy (and affordable) cocktail, made with frozen strawberries, simple syrup, citrus, and your favorite bottle of bubbly. Get the recipe.
22. S'mores Pizza
Delicious s'mores with no campfire required. Get the recipe.
23. Mixed Berry Slab Pie
When life gives you berries, make a giant pie on a sheet pan. Get the recipe.
24. Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Pretzels
Let's be honest, these bites of heaven won't last long on the table. Get the recipe.
Looking for even more food and drink inspiration? Check these out:
• 15 Big-Batch Cocktails You Can Make For $30 Or Less
• 20 Cheap Meals That Won't Break The Bank
