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Easy Budget-Friendly Graduation Party Food Ideas for 50 Guests to Impress

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A collection of simple, affordable, and crowd-pleasing recipes designed to feed 50 guests without breaking the bank, featuring pasta bake, meatballs, garlic bread, summer salad bowls, and no-bake peanut butter treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 5 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage or mixed greens
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 2 cups sliced cucumbers
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 1 cup creamy peanut sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, lime, garlic)
  • Optional: crushed peanuts for topping
  • 3 pounds ground beef or turkey
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup finely chopped onions
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Marinara sauce for simmering
  • 4 large baguettes or Italian bread loaves
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup honey or light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, blended cottage cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Transfer half the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella over it. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then cover with the rest of the mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 50). Brown meatballs in batches over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a large pot and simmer in marinara sauce for 15 minutes.
  4. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Slice baguettes in half lengthwise. Spread garlic butter evenly. Place on baking sheets and warm in oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  5. Combine cooked brown rice or quinoa with shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Toss with creamy peanut sauce just before serving. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top if desired.
  6. In a saucepan over low heat, melt peanut butter with honey until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Mix in crispy rice cereal until evenly coated. Press mixture into a lined pan and chill for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Notes

Wet hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking. Simmer meatballs gently in sauce to keep juicy. Pasta bake can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving. Keep garlic bread warm in oven wrapped in foil. Toss salad with peanut sauce just before serving to maintain crunch. No-bake treats should be chilled at least 1 hour before cutting. Variations include vegetarian meatballs, gluten-free pasta and bread, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and spicy twists.

Nutrition

Keywords: budget-friendly, graduation party, crowd-pleaser, pasta bake, meatballs, garlic bread, summer salad, no-bake dessert, easy recipes, party food

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-budget-friendly-graduation-party-food-ideas-for-50-guests-to-impress/