Party Food Ideas That Won't Break the Bank
Forget ordering a stack of $14 pizzas. These dishes, from predinner snacks to main courses, all cost less than $4 a serving.
By Lynn Andriani
Photo: Christopher Baker
2 of 4
Idea #2: Know the Cheese Tricks
Buying a block of cheddar instead of the preshredded bag is a good way to save, but you'll get even more for your money by using your grater's finest setting (now's the time to pull out the Microplane, if you have one). Think light, feathery and fluffy instead of big and chunky, and you'll fool everyone into using less than they ordinarily would (this works for Parmesan, too). Fisher also has a good way to extend sour cream when you're serving Mexican food. Instead of dolloping spoonfuls onto tacos, place a few tablespoons in a small, zip-top plastic bag. Cut off a corner and then drizzle it over the dish. You'll get better coverage, add visual appeal and use a lot less.
Get the recipes: Vegetable Tacos with Chipotle Sour Cream and Smoky Black Beans
Cost per serving: $3.43
Published 09/11/2014
