5 Budget-Friendly Event Catering Menu Ideas For Small Events

When you’re blind about catering menu options, you spend so much, and even a tiny event can destroy your whole month’s budget. 

An affordable and budget-friendly menu does not mean you have to compromise on the quality of the meals. We know you love your guests and want to serve them the best food options. 

That’s where you need planning. When you know where to spend and where to save, you can save your money and serve your guests the best food. 

But the problem is that you are unaware of better options. 

No worries. Whether you’re hosting 10 or 50 guests, this blog post is for you.  At the end, you’ll learn how to get delicious but pocket-friendly catering menu options that won’t disappoint your guests.

4 Secrets of an Affordable Menu (Without Sacrificing Quality)

A low-cost menu is not a low-quality menu. It’s a carefully, thoughtfully planned menu that is curated to achieve the desired taste for every dollar spent.

Here are the 4 essential elements that pro chefs always consider to keep the menu low cost for small events:

• They choose seasonal and local ingredients. It helps you save on transportation costs.  
• They simplify preparation methods, which help them reduce both time requirements (best when hourly costs are involved)and labor costs because they decrease overall production expenses.
• They focus on extra side dishes, which add volume to meals but prevent excessive use of the main course.
• They choose the most suitable and effective serving method according to the requirements.

READ: How to Choose the Best Event Catering Service to Make Your Occasion Memorable

Delicious Catering Food Ideas for Your Next Small Event (Without High Price Tags )

You want to serve your guests comfort food to make them feel good. Wise choices can make it happen without a huge budget. We have curated a budget-friendly catering menu list from Livegreenpdx’s catering menu options so you can offer delicious meals at an affordable price.

1. Low-Cost Appetizers That Save Your Budget

A great appetizer can set the whole mood.  In Portland, people love dishes of fresh veggies or vegetarian options. Here’s a list of easy, affordable snacks that’ll still impress.

– Mini Tomato Tartlets

Buttery pastry tastes perfectly with tomatoes that cook gently at low heat. This crispy finger food uses regular items for a simple yet stylish presentation.

– Seasonal Crudité Platter with Green Goddess Dip

The vibrant vegetable tray adds a refreshing touch to your appetizer display. This dish looks elegant while staying straightforward to make and fits dietary options for everyone.

– Black Bean & Sweet Potato Quesadilla Bites

This hearty, crowd-pleasing starter is full of fiber and protein. Since these small appetizers maintain their shape and quality, you can serve them both warm and at room temperature.
Try to avoid extra workplace staff during food service (money-saving tip).

2. Serve Inexpensive Entrees (Yet Popular Among Guests)

To serve a compact group, your main goal is to create filling main dishes that use affordable ingredients and simple preparation methods.

– Braised Chicken with Chickpeas and Harissa

It is a yummicious dish that combines tender meat and warm spiced flavors. The inclusion of legumes provides high nutritional value.

READ: How to Host & Plan Your First Dinner Party (3-Step Masterplan)

– Stuffed Roasted Squash with Couscous and Kale

It’s a hearty vegetarian option.

– Wild Mushroom Polenta

Serving Wild Mushroom Polenta as a family-style dish provides a creamy taste experience. It appeals to traditional tastes and is suitable for various social occasions.

– Pulled Pork Sliders along with Slaw

It works best for family get-togethers, such as birthdays, and is suitable for picnics.

– Herbed Grilled Chicken Breast

Portland folks love grilled chicken. It requires just a basic olive oil and herb marinade and tastes yummy at any temperature.

 – Chicken Nuggets, Spaghetti & Mashed Potatoes

These servings are best for kids. They are also a deal for family gatherings, fulfilling the children’s taste.

Main dishes with bold tastes can easily make your menu memorable with minimal expense. These foods in buffet service easily minimize the costs, and you can adjust portion sizes.

3. Affordable Sides to Complete the Table

Sides expand the meal choices while making the dishes more affordable.

For example;

– Grilled Vegetable Platter

Seasonal vegetables grown in olive oil and herb seasoning have a bright taste at a modest price.

– Salads like Israeli Couscous Salad Or Asian Chicken Salad

Mix the salad with fresh and cost-friendly ingredients. This salad provides a healthy and delicious taste at budget-friendly prices and looks natural on presentation.

– Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Herb Oil

This traditional side dish is served at all events since it matches any occasion.

– Humus

It is a plant-based source of protein and fiber. It’s flavorful, nutrient-rich (healthy), plus inexpensive.

The selection of side dishes should change according to which seasonal produce is fresh and affordable at Portland markets.

READ: 11 Elegant but Budget-Friendly Event Venues in Portland

4. Simple Yet Delicious Desserts

Your event’s ending experience should be memorable; therefore, you should consider these mouthwatering dessert options:

– Mini Lemon Bars

They are sweet and neatly portioned—a crowd-pleaser with excellent shelf life.

– Brownie Bites

These mini chocolatey treats can give you a sweet ending. They’re a total win for dessert without spending a ton.

– Seasonal Fruit Platter

They are beautiful, refreshing, and fuss-free – best for summers.

5. Add More Details (If Budget Allows)

If the budget allows, these add-on options can make your guests feel more special:

– Locally roasted coffee station

The bar serves personalized beverages, which include hibiscus iced tea and lavender lemonade.

– Compostable or sustainable plates and cutlery

Portland’s people love the dainty details about these presentations, which reflect the local and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

So, if you want to reflect your personality and values through your food, keep it local. Keep it easy to love.

Keep it Affordable, Keep it Delicious

You don’t need fancy ingredients to create a memorable event. What truly matters is the overall experience – the vibe, the food, and the welcoming atmosphere that nourishes your guests and makes them feel seen.

Whether you’re hosting a casual corporate brunch or a laid-back birthday party, customize your menu to match the tone and theme of your gathering. When you strike the right balance between budget and flavor, everyone…including you…walks away happy.And when you need help designing your menu, LiveGreenPDX can provide flexible options to simplify your event and elevate the entire experience.
Because at the end of the day, keeping your guests happy and well-fed counts the most.