The 10 Best Party Foods Under $10

SHAPE magazine
baked chicken fingers
baked chicken fingers

Whether you're throwing a tailgating party, a holiday party, or a just-because party, try these amazing finger foods and appetizers! They make it easy to serve delicious food on a budget at your next get-together.

1. Baked chicken fingers: Chicken is one of the cheapest meats at the supermarket, so when you split one breast into six or more strips, you can get even more bird for your buck! Serve party guests this healthier version of the classic finger food-jazzed up with flavor-packed condiments-to save major calories and cash.

2. Personal pizzas: The easiest way to please every guest at your party? Serve pizza! You can customize your pie to be as healthy (or unhealthy) as you want. Plus, with this cheap pizza dough recipe, you can afford to splurge on fresh, tasty toppings. Our favorite ingredients for the perfect pizza: whole-wheat flour , spicy tomato sauce, and low-fat ricotta.

3. Black bean cakes: Black beans are a savvy party host's best friend. They're not only packed with belly-filling fiber, but there are countless tasty ways to serve them. These fancy-looking black bean cakes elevate a humble bean into an elegant bite. Garnish with low-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro for your next cheap but chic gathering.

4. White bean dip: Dips are a great way to get more out of your grocery list . For example, this white bean dip recipe only calls for one 15-ounce can of beans and serves up to 15 people-with the right accompanying high-fiber bread or veggies .

RELATED: 7 Low-Calorie Recipes for Sunday Brunch

5. Tartlettes: With a round cookie cutter, you can take a single sheet of puff pastry and turn it into 12 to 15 mouthwatering morsels. Simply choose your favorite cheese (a little goes a long way) and roast some vegetables, and this fancy finger food will be ready in a flash. Not feeling creative? Try this fast recipe for roasted fennel and Asiago tartlettes.

6. Crudites: Make raw veggies your go-to party food when you're on a budget. Simply choose what's on sale in the produce aisle (it's usually what's in season), arrange in alternating colors, and throw together a simple dip with low-fat mayonnaise and herbs or mustard to sit in the center. It may seem like a copout to you, but it's a healthy crudite to your guests.

7. Crostini: The quickest way to feed party guests for less than $5? Buy a baguette! It's the perfect base for healthy (cheap!) toppings like this sweet pea puree or this recipe for eggplant caponata. Pair them together, and you go from bland baguette to 30 or 40 savory crostini bites.

8. Brownie petit fours: When you make mini versions of classic cookies or brownies, they're perfectly portioned for guilt-free indulgence. This easy brownie recipe makes about 50 small squares from ingredients you (probably) already have in your pantry . If you really want to impress your guests, make one of these low calorie chocolate desserts!

RELATED: Celeb Chefs Reveal: "My Favorite Fall Recipes"

9. Mini meatballs: Meatballs make it easy to serve protein without paying the (high) price. You can use a variety of ground meats-chicken, beef, pork, or veal. When rolled into tiny balls, a little goes a long way. To make your meatballs even more substantial, try stuffing them inside dinner rolls like these mini meatballs subs.

10. Latkes: Traditional potato latkes can be a pain to make, but you can prep healthier versions like these butternut squash latkes one day before your party . The best part: Just one large butternut squash makes about 100 patties! Try another version with zucchini and scallions the next time you play host.

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