9 Easy Potluck Recipes Under $5 (some less than $3)

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Everyone loves a good potluck!  But what happens when you have to bring a dish and the budget is tighter than bark on a tree?  Here's a few great budget options that don't feel cheap:

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Sweet and Sour Cucumbers

4-5 large cucumbers
2 large onions
Salt
1 cup vinegar
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water

Slice cucumbers & onion very thin. Layer into a high-wall casserole dish or large bowl, salt each layer and let sit for about an hour.  Combine vinegar, sugar, & water separately then pour over cucumbers & onion.  Refrigerate overnight or at least for 4 hours. Makes 10-12 servings.

Cornbread Mini Muffins with Honey Butter Spread

Photo: babble.com

Mini muffin tins
2 boxes Jiffy Corn Bread Mix
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs

1 cup softened butter or cold margarine
1/3 cup honey
(a dash or 2 of cinnamon would be amazing, too)

Make Cornbread per specifications of the box.  Should make approx. 24-30 mini muffins. Blend butter and honey and chill until ready to serve (bring real butter back to room temperature for easy spreading).

Deviled Eggs

one of the thousands of photos
 on allrecipes.com

Ohhhhh no. You're not going to trick me into putting up a deviled egg recipe!  Offering someone a deviled egg recipe is like offering to name their first-born.  Everyone has a favorite set of ingredients... and if you don't, I suggest you ask a trusted relative or jump out to Allrecipes.com for a great recipe...there are 159 waiting.   And as long as you don't get all fancy schmancy with your ingredient add-ins, you should easily be able to make 24 egg halves for less than $3.

 

Ribbon Jell-O

The commodity for this dish is time. You'll need 4-6 hours in order to allow each layer to set up before adding another. But since each box of gelatin is only about 50 cents each, this is a very budget friendly show-stopper.

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8 small 3oz boxes of flavored gelatin (4 flavors, 2 of each flavor)
2 cans evaporated milk
9x13 clear casserole dish or trifle dish

You will alternate a clear layer with a milky layer. start with a clear layer.  Mix one box of gelatin with 1 c. boiling water in a separate bowl or large measuring cup.  Dissolve.  then add 1/2 c. cold water and mix well.  Pour into serving dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set. Next make a milky layer of the same flavor. Mix one box of gelatin with 3/4 c. boiling water. Dissolve. Then add 3/4 cup evaporated milk and mix well.  Pour over clear layer and refrigerate 30 minutes or until set. Continue to make the clear and cloudy layers until all 8 layers are complete.

Rice Cereal Treats

Recently, a box of Post Brand Rice Krispies has become a bit pricey.  So for this potluck, I suggest using the store or generic brand of rice cereal for $2-$3/box.  This treat also lends itself to lots variations.  But the Original still seems to be the most cost effective (minus the Post branded cereal).  Although if you happen to have some extra peanut butter or chocolate chips lying around the kitchen, you might look into other recipes.



so many different rice treat recipes

3 tablespoons butter (not margarine) 

1 package (10 oz., about 40) Marshmallows   

or                                                                                      

4 cups Miniature Marshmallows      

or

1 jar (7oz) marshmallow creme                         

6 cups rice cereal                                                           

In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add cereal. Stir until well coated. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.  Makes 24 servings

Italian Pasta Salad

When boxes of pasta go on sale for a buck, it's hard not to stock up.  Take advantage and make a pasta salad that everyone will love.

1lb favorite pasta - bowtie, mostaccioli, macaroni, corkscrew, etc

momsdish.com
 

1 can diced Italian tomatoes, drained
1 large green pepper, finely chopped
1 large onion, any kind, finely chopped
1 bottle (16 oz) zesty Italian dressing
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta as directed for al dente. Rinse under cold water until completely cooled and drained.  In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.  Makes 10-14 servings.

Last, but not least...never underestimate the power of HOMEMADE.

cute tag from twiggynest
 

Potluck contributions that would otherwise be mundane are made awesome when made with love.  Tortilla Chips, Seasoned Popcorn, or Zesty Hummus are always favorites, especially when crafted in your our kitchen.









Tips and Tricks when looking for a budget friendly dish:
- Avoid meat and cheese.  Most meat and cheese is pricey.  If you absolutely must provide a meat potluck, look for dishes that incorporate a starch like pasta, rice, or potatoes.  Or look into an inexpensive options like canned tuna.
- Look out for the 90-ingredient dish.  OK, ok, no dish has 90 components, however there have been times I set my sights on a dish that ultimately ends up costing twice what I thought simply because it calls for a dozen or more things that need to be purchased at $2 each....yowzers.  
- Go in with a friend and do a group dish, for instance one brings the gourmet pita chips and the other brings the fancy dip.