Party Food on a Budget: Under-$20 New Year Celebration Deals

Planning a celebration gathering to ring in the new year doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With smart shopping at major retailers, you can put together impressive food spreads while keeping each item under $20. Here are budget-friendly party food options that deliver great value without compromising on quality or variety.

Appetizers That Impress Without Breaking the Bank

When guests arrive, appetizers set the tone for the evening. The Wellsley Farms uncured cocktail beef franks wrapped in puff pastry offer a classic choice at just $17.99 for a 60-count pack at BJ’s. These can be heated in minutes and paired with your favorite dipping sauces. Each pack serves 12 people, making them an efficient option for managing food prep while staying with your guests.

For a vegetable-forward option, consider starting with pre-made spreads that combine multiple proteins and accompaniments in one purchase.

Charcuterie and Protein Platters Under $20

Charcuterie boards have become party staples, and pre-assembled options offer excellent value. Walmart’s Columbus charcuterie tasting board at $14.46 includes Italian dry salami, Calabrese salami, Castelvetrano olives, dark chocolate-covered cranberries, roasted garlic and rosemary crackers, plus white cheddar cheese. Buying these items separately would cost significantly more, making this a smart food deal for smaller gatherings.

Another protein option is the Hormel Gatherings hard salami and pepperoni with cheese and crackers tray priced at $14.76, also available at Walmart. This party-ready platter features individually wrapped items, so you can simply unwrap and serve without additional preparation.

The Great Value fully-cooked homestyle meatballs at Walmart ($8.47 per pack) are versatile appetizers that heat in just two minutes. Featuring beef, pork, gourmet seasoning and breadcrumbs, they work as standalone appetizers or incorporated into pasta dishes.

Snacks That Keep the Party Going

Keep guests munching throughout the night with strategic snack selections. The Tostitos restaurant-style tortilla chips and Ruffles original potato chips two-pack, available at BJ’s for $8.98, combines popular brands in one purchase. Pair with your preferred salsa and dip selections for maximum impact at minimal cost.

Desserts and Beverages to Toast the Night Away

End the evening on a sweet note with budget-conscious choices. Costco’s Sugar Bowl Bakery brownie bites package ($8.99) contains approximately 32 bite-sized brownies that require no baking. The smaller portion size means they pair well with other desserts, giving your spread variety without waste.

For a showstopper dessert, BJ’s carries The Cheesecake Factory at-home 7-inch grand cheesecake selection at $19.99. This sampler includes eight slices featuring white chocolate raspberry truffle, chocolate mousse, Snickers bar chunks, and strawberry toppings—all you do is let them thaw before serving.

When toasting the new year with non-alcoholic beverages, Martinelli’s gold medal sparkling cider at BJ’s ($17.49 for a 12-count pack) provides a festive, alcohol-free option made from USA-grown apples. The individual bottles work perfectly when families with children are celebrating.

Note: Pricing and product availability may vary by location. These deals represent smart shopping across multiple retailers to maximize your party food budget.