posted byGina Dicksonon June 23, 2021 (last updated May 13, 2022)
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Keep your party budget in check with these 61 Cheap Party Finger Food Ideas. There are tons of recipes that are easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next party. These simple and delicious finger food recipes will allow you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Throwing a party, hosting family reunions, holiday gatherings, or a baby shower is always fun, but sometimes it can get expensive to feed a crowd. So for your next party, I have good news.
I have gathered some great, inexpensive party finger food ideas for you to easily make and serve even on a tight budget.
Hospitality Tip: It’s important to keep life’s business in perspective. When it boils down to one purpose in life, it all comes down to relationships. That is why I want to encourage you to focus on gathering with friends with a low-key attitude. I have some quick, no-bake appetizers that you can whip up and enjoy while spending time talking with friends. Make time for the ones we love.
How do you make cheap party food?
With a little planning ahead you can have budget-friendly finger foods ready in no time. The key is to plan ahead and buy when items go on sale.
The best way to make cheap finger food is to gather a list of recipes you enjoy making for parties.
Make a shopping list of all the ingredients in the recipes.
Check the grocery sales page each week. When you see an item on your list go on sale, buy several of the items. Freeze or store them until it is time to host a party. This will help keep your cost low, and you will always be ready for a party.
Keep your list handy, then when friends pop over, all you have to do is pick a recipe and pull all the ingredients out of your pantry or freezer.
Keep on hand last-minute party food ideas
Keep a few of these easy party finger food ideas, budget friendly in your pantry, fridge, or freezer. You will always be ready for a last-minute “lets watch the game” or “relaxing evening with friends” when you keep quick cheap appetizers on hand. No stress, just time with friends!
Puff pastry – Keep in the freezer. Then bake and fill with ice cream and top with fruit.
Tortilla chips – Always keep an extra bag of chips and a jar of salsa on hand. It is a favorite finger food for sure. Try my green tomato salsa for an extra special treat!
Mozzarella cheese sticks – Keep a bag in your fridge. They are a great item to serve kids
Cream cheese – I buy these when they are on sale and keep them in my freezer. Allow thawing overnight in the fridge or use the defrost on your microwave.
Assorted blocks of cheese – These keep for months in your refrigerator and are perfect for quick cheese boards with crackers. Good choices are cheddar cheese, gouda, pepper jack and swiss cheese.
French fries – Chili cheese fries are a sure hit for last-minute parties or watching the big game. Make a batch of my Wendy’s Copy Cat Chili or Best Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili and freeze it in pint-size containers. Defrost and heat the chili, then top baked fries with chili, Cowboy Candy, and cheese. Toast in the oven until cheese is melted, then serve.
Inexpensive serving dishes
There are many inexpensive options for serving party finger food that will make your party look good and feel festive. I have found some creative options that you might like to try.
Get Your Printable Party Planner
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Don’t just grab a bag of chips and dip for your next party. Check out these easy-to-make appetizers that won’t bust your budget. They only take a short time to make and your friends will love them.
Easy Sausage Rolls with just 3 ingredients!
Easy Pork Sausage Rolls with just 3 ingredients – Customize these easy sausage rolls easily with your favorite flavor pairings, and they can be frozen too!
These amazing Jalapeno Parmesan Crisps are crispy bites of baked parmesan, provolone cheese, and a jalapeno slice, that make a delicious low carb, Keto snack, or topper for soup.
Homemade chicken taquitos cook up crispy and delicious for a warm snack, finger food for football parties and more! Easy to make ahead to store in the freezer so you can make a few at a time or a whole batch for friends!
Snack mixes and nuts are an easy food idea for parties. These recipes can be made ahead so you can have everything ready before guests arrive.
Kick up your next batch of slow cooker Unique Flavored Chex mix with a combination of spices, that is simple to make. It will be the hit of your next party or a low-key family night. Everyone is going to want this recipe from you.
Sweet & Spicy Roasted Cashews
Sweet & Spicy Roasted Cashews are a delightful appetizer, snack or gift to give that is quick and easy to make.
If you don’t want to heat up your kitchen, try these easy-to-make, no-cook appetizers.
Bring a little Sicily to your table with this delicious Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe. The olives are infused with fresh herbs, garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of chili pepper for heat all smothered in extra virgin olive oil and white vinegar dressing.
Italian Tomato Bruschetta Recipe
Authentic Italian tomato bruschetta recipe, the classic Italian appetizer and the real garlic bread.
Elevate boring sandwiches to an elegant, appetizer ready, beautiful & easy Grilled Crostini Sandwich Bites! Delicious enough for a party, easy enough for an every day lunch!
Easy Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe: Crockpot
Make these Easy Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe using your crockpot. These wings have a mouthwatering blend of peppery heat and are coated in a delicious sticky hot honey sauce drizzled over them just before serving.
Looking for a quick tasty way to make crispy oven baked chicken wings? The secret is this easy, dry rub chicken wings recipe along with a few tips and tricks I will share with you.
Little Smokies Crescent Rolls – Mini Pigs in a Blanket!
Little Smokies Crescent Rolls aka Mini Pigs in a Blanket are easy to make party appetizer. Little Smokies Pigs in a Blanket are great on Football Sundays!
Serving dips is a great way to serve an inexpensive appetizer. Here are some great ideas for scoops that will pair well with dips.
Tortilla Chips: Perfect for salsas, guacamole, and queso dips.
Pita Chips: Great for hummus, tzatziki, and baba ghanoush.
Veggie Sticks: Carrot sticks, celery, cucumber, and bell peppers pair well with ranch, hummus, and yogurt dips.
Crackers: Versatile with cheese spreads, artichoke dip, and various spreads.
Breadsticks: Delicious with marinara, spinach and artichoke dip, or garlic butter.
Pretzels: Perfect for cheese dip, mustard dip, and sweet dips.
Apple Slices: Excellent with caramel dip, peanut butter, and yogurt dips.
Bagel Chips: Ideal with lox spread, spinach dip, and herb cream cheese.
Naan Bread: Great for curry dips, chutneys, and Greek yogurt dips.
Mozzarella Sticks: Perfect with marinara sauce, ranch dip, and garlic butter.
Plantain Chips: Great with guacamole, black bean dip, and spicy salsa.
Potato Chips: Versatile with French onion dip, ranch dip, and cheese dip.
Corn Chips: Ideal for salsa, bean dip, and queso.
Easy French Onion Dip Recipe
This French onion dip recipe is a creamy, savory appetizer that’s quick and stress-free to make. Made with sour cream, dried onion, and pantry spices, this dip is perfect for chips, veggies, or a sandwich spread. Serve it at gatherings to create warm, memorable moments with ease.
Creamy Yogurt Dill Dip is an ideal quick party dip that only takes two minutes to prepare. With a blend of Greek yogurt, mayo, minced onion, garlic, and dill perfect with veggies and chips.
Need a quick and delicious creamy dip for your next party? Cream cheese salsa dip is sure to be a winner with everyone. The cool, creamy dip is made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar mixed in with salsa and Mexican spices.
Looking for an easy and delicious party dip? Try my family's cold shrimp dip made with cream cheese, Old Bay, a touch of mayo, and seasonings all blended together to make an easy-to-scoop cold party appetizer.
This easy buffalo chicken dip recipe features juicy rotisserie chicken, three types of cheeses, hot sauce, and seasonings, all combined to create a creamy party dip appetizer.
This creamy restaurant-style homemade queso dip recipe is a blend of gooey cheeses and Mexican seasonings with a punch of heat. It's the perfect dip with tortilla chips or any of your favorite Mexican foods.
This easy warm Rotel sausage dip recipe combines the classic flavors of sausage and Rotel tomatoes with creamy Velveeta and cream cheese for a sure party or game day hit.
Roasted red pepper dip is a savory, smoky-sweet appetizer that’s incredibly easy to make. With roasted bell peppers, garlic, onion, and stewed tomatoes, it’s the perfect dip for casual gatherings or an easy starter before dinner. Blend it smooth and serve with fresh basil for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish. Ideal for dipping or even spooned over pasta—hospitality made simple and delicious.
Sweet lump crab meat from a can, creamy cheeses, and a hint of Old Bay combine to whip up a tasty and crowd-pleasing dip in less than 5 minutes! When you make this creamy cold crab dip recipe, you will almost hear the ocean waves.
Are you a salsa lover who wants to add a little Chipotle flair to your meals? I want to teach you how to make this slightly spicy corn salsa with roasted poblano peppers, jalapeños, red onion, citrus juice, and sweet yellow corn. just like Chipotle's famous Corn Salsa recipe.
Mexican caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a bold, tangy, no-cook dip that’s quick to make and full of flavor. Made with black beans, black-eyed peas, fresh veggies, and a zesty cumin-lime dressing, it’s the perfect appetizer for parties or potlucks.
Pimento cheese spread is a creamy, tangy Southern dish that’s quick and easy to make. Blended with cheddar, cream cheese, mayo, pimentos, and spicy jalapenos, this spread is perfect for parties or everyday snacking. Serve it with crackers or veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
This homemade cheese cracker recipe makes savory, yummy snack crackers using only 4 ingredients. The tasty crackers are easily made with a simple dough using pimento cheese spread. The dough is rolled out and cut into small squares, then baked until golden brown. It's perfect for late-night snacking or serving as an appetizer at gatherings.
A great inexpensive option that can be made before your guest arrives is cold finger foods.
Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer
Pickle roll ups are an easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any get-together or party occasion. With these simple how-to steps, you can make this crowd-pleasing snack with minimal prep time. The best part is you only need 4 ingredints to make a big serving tray of these delicious appetizers.
Mini Taco Salad Cups are great easy appetizers for parties or Big Game Day event. Two bite tortilla cups are layered with meat, cheese, lettuce, lime crema.
Warm, small bites such as meatballs are a good, hearty finger food that your party guests will enjoy. Make these and keep them in your freezer. Then, with minimal effort, you will have hearty finger food to serve guests.
Meatballs are easy make-ahead party food, so browse through these 60 delicious and easy meatball appetizer recipes for your next party. You are sure to find the perfect meatball recipe that your guest will love them so much they will want your recipe!
3 Ingredient Sauce Ideas For Easy Crockpot Meatballs
When you need an easy appetizer, all you have to do is grab some frozen meatballs and pick your sauce combination. The best part is it will take you less than 5 minutesto prep these saucy meatballs.
This grape jelly meatballs crockpot recipe are a sweet, tangy, and savory appetizer that’s quick and stress-free to make. Just three ingredients and a slow cooker brings this family favorite to life. Serve warm at parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners for a dish that’s sure to delight.
This Cheesy Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dish. These flavorful meatballs combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings, all nestled in a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family meal or when entertaining guests. These classic parm meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.
Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe; Easy Slow Cooker
These sweet and sour meatballs are a mouth-watering combination of tender meatballs, juicy pineapple chunks, and colorful bell peppers, all simmered in a delicious blend of sweet BBQ and teriyaki sauce. Preparing them is a breeze; it only requires 10 minutes of prep time, and your slow cooker takes care of the rest. You can serve these delicious Hawaiian meatballs as a main dish over rice or as a simple appetizer at your next party.
This easy BBQ meatballs recipe guarantees juicy, tender hand-rolled meatballs covered in a homemade smokey barbeque sauce and then simmered in a slow cooker. Perfect for easy entertaining or an easy home-cooked weeknight dinner.
Air fryer turkey meatballs are a juicy, flavor-packed appetizer that’s quick and easy to make. Made with lean ground turkey or chicken, celery, green onion, and tossed in a buffalo-ranch sauce, these meatballs are perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
When it’s football season and you are looking for fall finger foods and dips you will want to pin this list. These crowd-pleaser snacks are perfect for watching the game.
These game-day party food bar ideas are a fun and easy way to feed a crowd while watching your favorite team play. Get tips for decorating, setting up a foobar, and recipe ideas for the next big game day.
Unique Cheap Appetizers
Pepperoni Pizza Dip
This Pepperoni Pizza Dip is cheesy, creamy, and bursting with all the pizza flavors! It’s an easy appetizer loved by all! #saltandbaker
These Cheesy Apple Bites are the easiest appetizer to to make.They’re made with the most delicious Autumn Glory Apples with cinnamon & caramel flavor tones.
Boiled peanuts Instant Pot recipe is a salty, savory Southern snack that’s quick and foolproof. Made with green peanuts, salt, and bold seasonings, this method delivers tender, flavorful peanuts in under two hours. Perfect for game day, gatherings, or nostalgic snacking, it’s an easy way to bring a taste of the South to your table.
Pasta Frittata Muffins – What to do with Leftover Pasta
These Pasta Frittata Muffins are fun for breakfast, snacks or appetizers. While this simple on the go breakfast recipe uses fresh angel hair it is also a great way to use up leftover pasta. Pasta Frittata
Mac and Cheese Balls make a tasty side dish, appetizer or finger food! All the great taste of macaroni cheese, but in crispy bites. You’ll love this recipe.
Hummus is a cheap easy appetizer that you can make ahead before guests arrive. Your guest will love dipping inexpensive veggie sticks, crackers, and bread in a variety of hummus recipes.
