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Easy Budget-Friendly Graduation Party Menu for 50 Guests Under 100 Dollars

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A simple, tasty, and budget-friendly menu designed to feed 50 guests for under $100, featuring pasta salad, garlic bread, BBQ pulled chicken sliders, and refreshing beverages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups diced celery
  • 3 cups diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 large baguettes or Italian loaves
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 10 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 cups barbecue sauce
  • 50 slider buns
  • Coleslaw mix for topping (optional)
  • 3 gallons lemonade
  • 3 gallons iced tea
  • Lemon slices and fresh mint (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 5 pounds of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside in a colander.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups mayonnaise, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Dice celery, red bell peppers, and optional red onion. Shred the cheddar cheese. Add all to the bowl with the dressing and stir to combine.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the dressing mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld. Stir once or twice for even flavor.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Spread this garlic butter generously over sliced baguettes or Italian loaves cut into 1-inch thick slices.
  6. Arrange bread slices on baking sheets and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and fragrant. Watch closely towards the end to avoid burning.
  7. Place chicken thighs in a slow cooker or covered roasting pan. Pour 4 cups barbecue sauce over the top. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3 hours until tender and shreddable.
  8. Use two forks to shred chicken directly in the pot. Stir to mix with sauce. Pile chicken onto slider buns. Add coleslaw if desired for crunch and extra flavor.
  9. Pour lemonade and iced tea into large dispensers or pitchers. Garnish with lemon slices and mint if using.
  10. Arrange pasta salad in large serving bowls. Place garlic bread and sliders on platters. Make sure you have plenty of napkins.

Notes

Start cooking the chicken early or the night before. Chill pasta salad for at least 2 hours for best flavor. Bake garlic bread close to serving time for best texture. Use disposable aluminum pans for easy transport and cleanup. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and buns accordingly. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: graduation party, budget-friendly, pasta salad, garlic bread, pulled chicken sliders, large group, easy recipes, party menu

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/easy-budget-friendly-graduation-party-menu-for-50-guests-under-100-dollars/