Party Food Under $50
Perfect for small gatherings of 5-10 people. See exactly what you can serve and how many people you can feed with a $50 food budget.
Your Budget
$50
Can Feed Up To
256+
people (single food)
Best Value
🥑
Guacamole
Best Value Foods for $50
These foods stretch your budget the furthest, feeding the most people per dollar:
BEST VALUE
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🥑
Guacamole
$3.00 per cup
Can buy: 16 cups
Feeds up to: 256 people
Cost per person: $0.19
🥬
Coleslaw Servings
$1.00 per cup
Can buy: 50 cups
Feeds up to: 100 people
Cost per person: $0.50
🫘
Baked Bean Servings
$1.00 per cup
Can buy: 50 cups
Feeds up to: 100 people
Cost per person: $0.50
🥔
Potato Salad Servings
$1.38 per cup
Can buy: 36 cups
Feeds up to: 72 people
Cost per person: $0.69
🥕
Veggie Tray Servings
$1.38 per cup
Can buy: 36 cups
Feeds up to: 72 people
Cost per person: $0.69
All Foods: What $50 Buys
| Food | Quantity | Feeds | $/Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥑 Guacamole | 16 cups | 256 people | $0.19 |
| 🥬 Coleslaw Servings | 50 cups | 100 people | $0.50 |
| 🫘 Baked Bean Servings | 50 cups | 100 people | $0.50 |
| 🥔 Potato Salad Servings | 36 cups | 72 people | $0.69 |
| 🥕 Veggie Tray Servings | 36 cups | 72 people | $0.69 |
| 🍟 Chip Servings | 133 oz | 66 people | $0.76 |
| 🍝 Pasta Salad Servings | 36 cups | 48 people | $1.03 |
| 🥚 Deviled Eggs | 95 egg halves | 47 people | $1.06 |
| 🧀 Mac and Cheese Servings | 28 cups | 37 people | $1.32 |
| 🐷 Pulled Pork Servings | 4 pounds | 36 people | $1.28 |
| 🍪 Cookies | 50 cookies | 25 people | $2.00 |
| 🧀 Cheese Tray Servings | 50 oz | 25 people | $2.00 |
| 🟫 Brownies | 36 brownies | 24 people | $2.06 |
| 🫓 Quesadillas | 11 quesadillas | 22 people | $2.25 |
| 🥤 Drinks | 40 drinks | 20 people | $2.50 |
Tips for Stretching Your $50 Budget
- ✓ Buy in bulk: Warehouse stores often have better per-unit prices for large quantities
- ✓ Choose filling sides: Chips, rice, and bread are cheap and help guests feel full
- ✓ Make it a potluck: Ask guests to bring a side dish to supplement your mains
- ✓ Avoid premium toppings: Stick to classic flavors—specialty items add up fast
- ✓ Time your shopping: Look for sales and use store loyalty programs