20 Budget-Friendly Memorial Day Dishes (Feeds 10+ Under $20)

Planning a Memorial Day feast on a shoestring budget can be incredibly stressful. 

You want to impress your guests with a spread that’s both filling and delicious, but the rising costs of groceries can make feeding a crowd feel overwhelming. 

Serving store-bought platters or limiting portions might leave your guests unsatisfied and your wallet strained. 

What if you could create a memorable menu that’s both easy on your budget and a hit with everyone? 

This list of 20 budget-friendly Memorial Day dishes offers creative, cost-effective recipes that feed 10+ people for under $20, proving that affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.

🌾 Bean-Based Burrito Bar with All the Toppings

A Protein-Packed Crowd-Pleaser

Set out a table with warmed tortillas, canned beans (drained and rinsed), salsa, cheese, and avocado. Let guests build their own burritos. Beans are inexpensive and provide plenty of protein.

Pro Tip: Buy canned beans in bulk to save even more. A 15-oz can typically costs under $1 and serves multiple people.

🥗 Pasta Salad with a Twist

Budget-Friendly Comfort Food

Cook boxed pasta (around $1 for a 16-oz box) and toss with olive oil, vinegar, and canned tuna or chicken. Add celery, onions, and peas for freshness.

Hack: Use day-old bread from the bakery to make croutons—cheap and delicious!

🍔 DIY Burger Bar

Build-Your-Own Fun

Grill basic burgers (ground beef is often on sale for about $3/lb) and set out toppings like ketchup, mustard, onions, and lettuce. Provide buns in a basket.

Tip: Buy burger buns in bulk from discount stores where they’re often priced at less than $2 for 8 buns.

🍲 Baked Ziti with a Side of Garlic Bread

Hearty and Homestyle

Mix cooked pasta with a can of tomato sauce and shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly. Serve with garlic bread made from a loaf of bread ($1-$2) brushed with garlic butter.

Budget Trick: Use a boxed pasta mix for about $1.50 and a can of sauce for $1.

🥒 Veggie and Hummus Platter

Colorful and Fresh

Slice cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. Serve with a jar of hummus ($2-$3). These veggies are usually affordable, and the platter looks impressive.

Pro Tip: Buy veggies in bulk from the produce section—often cheaper than pre-cut.

🍗 Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Fall-Off-The-Bone Tenders

Place chicken thighs (often under $2/lb) in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve with coleslaw made from a bag of pre-shredded cabbage ($1.50).

Budget Hack: Use a store-brand slow cooker if you don’t own one—they’re often priced under $20 and can be reused.

🥣 Mason Jar Parfaits

Pretty and Portable

Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries in jars. Top with a drizzle of honey. These are perfect for picnics.

Tip: Use store-brand yogurt and granola to keep costs low—typically under $1 per container.

🍕 Flatbread Pizza Station

Customizable and Fun

Buy pre-made flatbreads ($1-$2 each) and set out sauce, cheese, and toppings like pepperoni and veggies. Let guests build their own mini pizzas.

Hack: Use a tortilla press or rolling pin to make flatbreads from scratch for even more savings.

🥤 Iced Tea with Lemon and Mint

Refreshing and Cheap

Brew a large pot of tea using tea bags (under $0.10 each), add lemon juice and honey. Serve over ice with fresh mint from the garden.

Pro Tip: Use a reusable pitcher to cut down on costs and waste.

🥖 Smashed Potatoes with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Crispy and Flavorful

Boil red potatoes, smash slightly, and roast until crispy. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning ($2-$3 for a large container).

Budget Trick: Potatoes are typically under $1 per pound and feed many.

🌽 Corn on the Cob with Spicy Butter

Seasonal and Sweet

Boil corn and spread with butter mixed with chili powder and lime zest. Serve in husks for easy handling.

Tip: Corn is often priced under $0.50 per ear during summer.

🥗 Caprese Salad on a Stick

Fancy-Looking but Simple

Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Idea: Use store-brand mozzarella balls for about $3 for a container of 12.

🍪 Sugar Cookies

Sweet and Classic

Make cookies using a store-brand mix ($2-$3) or from scratch. Decorate with red, white, and blue icing.

Pro Tip: Buy cookie cutters secondhand to save on costs.

🥯 Mini Meatball Subs

Easy and Satisfying

Cook frozen meatballs ($3-$4 for a 24-oz bag) and serve in small rolls with marinara sauce.

Hack: Use day-old rolls from the bakery section—often half price.

🥘 Loaded Baked Potatoes

Customizable and Filling

Bake potatoes and set out toppings like cheese, chives, and salsa. Potatoes are usually under $0.50 each and can feed many.

Tip: Use a muffin tin to bake multiple potatoes at once.

🍓 Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Refreshing and Sweet-Savory

Cube watermelon and toss with crumbled feta and fresh mint. A large watermelon often costs under $5 and serves many.

Hack: Buy watermelon whole for cheaper pricing per pound.

🥗 Chopped Cobb Salad with Rotisserie Chicken

Quick and Protein-Packed

Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken ($5-$7) and chop into a salad with bacon, eggs, and avocado. Serve with a simple vinaigrette.

Pro Tip: Buy the chicken from the deli section where it’s often marked down.

🍪 No-Bake Cheesecake Bites

Decadent Without the Cost

Mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla. Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet and freeze. Roll in graham cracker crumbs before serving.

Budget Trick: Use store-brand cream cheese for about $3 for an 8-oz block.

🥤 Spiked Arnold Palmer

Adult Drink on a Budget

Mix iced tea and lemonade. Add a splash of vodka or rum. Serve over ice. Both iced tea and lemonade are cheap to make in large batches.

Pro Tip: Buy generic liquor brands for cheaper pricing.

🥖 Cucumber Boats with Cream Cheese and Salmon

Elegant and Affordable

Spread cream cheese on cucumber slices and top with a bit of canned salmon ($3-$4 for a 7.5-oz can).

Hack: Use a cucumber from the produce section—often under $1.

🍪 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Clusters

Impressive Dessert

Group strawberries with toothpicks, dip in melted chocolate, and sprinkle with crushed nuts. Strawberries are often priced under $2 per pound in season.

Idea: Use store-brand chocolate chips for about $2-$3 per bag.

🎉 Memorial Day is about celebrating with loved ones without breaking the bank. 

These 20 budget-friendly dishes prove that affordability and deliciousness can go hand in hand. 

Whether you’re feeding a backyard crowd or potluck guests, these recipes will leave everyone satisfied without draining your wallet. 

Pick 4-5 dishes to try this holiday and watch your guests enjoy a feast that’s both wallet-friendly and filling! 

Share your favorite budget-friendly Memorial Day dish in the comments below and tag us in your photos. Let’s make this holiday both delicious and stress-free!