Party Food Under $500
For large events with 50-100+ people. See exactly what you can serve and how many people you can feed with a $500 food budget.
Your Budget
$500
Can Feed Up To
2656+
people (single food)
Best Value
🥑
Guacamole
Best Value Foods for $500
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: 166 cups
Feeds up to: 2656 people
Cost per person: $0.19
🥬
Coleslaw Servings
$1.00 per cup
Can buy: 500 cups
Feeds up to: 1000 people
Cost per person: $0.50
🫘
Baked Bean Servings
$1.00 per cup
Can buy: 500 cups
Feeds up to: 1000 people
Cost per person: $0.50
🥔
Potato Salad Servings
$1.38 per cup
Can buy: 363 cups
Feeds up to: 726 people
Cost per person: $0.69
🥕
Veggie Tray Servings
$1.38 per cup
Can buy: 363 cups
Feeds up to: 726 people
Cost per person: $0.69
All Foods: What $500 Buys
| Food | Quantity | Feeds | $/Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥑 Guacamole | 166 cups | 2656 people | $0.19 |
| 🥬 Coleslaw Servings | 500 cups | 1000 people | $0.50 |
| 🫘 Baked Bean Servings | 500 cups | 1000 people | $0.50 |
| 🥔 Potato Salad Servings | 363 cups | 726 people | $0.69 |
| 🥕 Veggie Tray Servings | 363 cups | 726 people | $0.69 |
| 🍟 Chip Servings | 1333 oz | 666 people | $0.75 |
| 🍝 Pasta Salad Servings | 363 cups | 484 people | $1.03 |
| 🥚 Deviled Eggs | 952 egg halves | 476 people | $1.05 |
| 🐷 Pulled Pork Servings | 43 pounds | 390 people | $1.27 |
| 🧀 Mac and Cheese Servings | 285 cups | 380 people | $1.31 |
| 🍪 Cookies | 500 cookies | 250 people | $2.00 |
| 🧀 Cheese Tray Servings | 500 oz | 250 people | $2.00 |
| 🟫 Brownies | 363 brownies | 242 people | $2.06 |
| 🫓 Quesadillas | 111 quesadillas | 222 people | $2.25 |
| 🥤 Drinks | 400 drinks | 200 people | $2.50 |
Tips for Stretching Your $500 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