10 Easy, Budget-Friendly Recipes: Starters, Mains & Desserts Under €2.50 Per Serving

Eating well doesn't have to cost a fortune. As a seasoned home cook, I've perfected these dishes over years of family meals and entertaining.

Let me share 10 simple, inexpensive recipes that deliver big flavor.

From fresh starters to hearty mains and refreshing desserts, these seasonal ideas are quick to prepare and cost under €2.50 per person.

4 Simple, Economical Starters

1. My Aioli and Anchovy Tapas

Contents

• 4 simple and economical starters
• 1. My aioli and anchovy tapas
• 2. My quail egg and tomato tartare
• 3. My tuna rillettes with tarragon
• 4. My endives stuffed with chicken
• My 4 nutritious and affordable main dishes
• 5. My parmesan gnocchi
• 6. My salmon tagliatelle
• 7. My eggs cocotte with bacon
• 8. My baked Camembert
• My 2 refreshing and tasty desserts
• 9. My strawberry basil tartare
• 10. My creme brulee

These are among my favorite starters—friendly, crowd-pleasing bites perfect for aperitifs or dinner parties.

Ready in just 15 minutes, they're foolproof every time.

Try this super-simple recipe for only €1.19 per person.

2. My Quail Egg and Tomato Tartare

It adds a festive, elegant touch to family or friend gatherings.

Refreshing and straightforward, it's ready in 15 minutes with no advanced skills needed.

Discover this original recipe for just €0.94 per person.

3. My Tuna Rillettes with Tarragon

Guests love spreading these on toasted bread slices—they disappear fast.

Effortless prep in 10 minutes, and they keep in the fridge for days.

Here's my go-to recipe at only €1.14 per person.

4. My Endives Stuffed with Chicken

Light and charming, these make an ideal starter you'll devour in one bite.

Easy to prepare and ready in 30 minutes—prep ahead for stress-free hosting.

This delicious recipe costs just €2.19 per person.

My 4 Nutritious and Affordable Main Dishes

5. My Parmesan Gnocchi

A year-round family favorite that's a staple in my kitchen.

My kids devour it—the only challenge is keeping everyone away during 30 minutes prep and 15 minutes baking.

Savor this at only €0.63 per person.

6. My Salmon Tagliatelle

Perfect for last-minute guests or weeknights: 10 minutes prep and 10 minutes cooking.

Quick, satisfying, and gourmet-approved.

This speedy recipe is just €1.64 per person.

7. My Eggs Cocotte with Bacon

Nutritious, simple, and table-ready in 20 minutes max.

Treat your loved ones without spending much.

Easy recipe at only €0.48 per person.

8. My Baked Camembert

One ingredient wows everyone: 5 minutes prep, 15 minutes baking.

Great for sharing, even on the barbecue.

Just €0.74 per person.

My 2 Refreshing and Tasty Desserts

9. My Strawberry Basil Tartare

End meals on a fresh, aromatic high note. 15 minutes prep, then 1 hour chilling.

Freeze strawberries ahead for perfect texture.

Only €1.40 per person.

10. My Creme Brulee

10 minutes prep, then 1 hour baking for that irresistible caramelized crust.

Indulgent yet easy—ideal for home chefs.

Costs just €1.28 per person.