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Summer is just about here! What better way to celebrate than with a backyard BBQ? We’ve collected all the smart tips and mouthwatering recipes you need to throw the ultimate summer cookout, on a budget of course.
Teamwork makes the dream work – The best part of a BBQ isn’t the burgers: it’s the teamwork! Help your guests help you by assigning everyone a different kind of dish, so you don’t end up with 12 desserts. Got a friend who can’t cook to save their life? Ask them to bring condiments or paper plates. And, if any of your guests work in the hospitality industry, check if they’ve got any leads on where to get the best meat, produce, or paper goods for a crowd.
Venture beyond the bun – Hamburgers and hotdogs are BBQ classics for a reason, but guess what? There are plenty more meats that taste great on the grill. Keep your menu flexible and see what’s on sale. With a good marinade and a hot grill, it’s hard to go wrong with any cut of meat. You can even make your own marinade to lower the BBQ budget another notch.
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Give veggies a starring role – While there’s nothing wrong with making meat the main event of your cookout, the budget-friendly BBQ masters know that veggies also deserve a starring role! Shop seasonal for fresh, tasty produce – the last half hour of a farmers’ market is especially good for finding a deal. For vegetable proteins, avoid the meat substitutes and instead opt for tofu, tempeh or homemade bean burgers for significant savings.
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Mix drinks for a crowd – The cost of individual cans and bottles will add up fast. Rather than stocking the cooler, whip up sangria or punch. Even an inexpensive boxed white or rose will taste summery and superb when served up in a sweet, fizzy concoction. Another option? Make a pitcher of palomas. This less familiar cocktail is deceptively simple, not to mention easy on the budget: grapefruit juice, club soda, tequila, lime and sweetener are all you need. Bottoms up!
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- Pitcher Palomas (Budget Friendly Tip: Swap the fresh juice for grapefruit soda and eliminate the honey!)
- Simple White Wine Sangria
- Virgin Sangria Punch
Don’t let leftovers go to waste – There’s no need to let the budget-savings stop just because the backyard BBQ is finished! Since you’re already paying for the gas or coal to heat the grill, use every inch of space and make extra meat or veggies to repurpose for meals throughout the week. If you’re expecting heaps of leftovers, ask guests to bring a Tupperware container so that everyone can take home a doggy bag, with a little bit of everything.
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Plan ahead – The most important rule to throwing a backyard BBQ on a budget is also the simplest: Plan ahead! Set a budget, build a menu and don’t go to the store without a shopping list. Leaving everything to the last minute will make for plenty of pre-party stress and impulse spending – and the last thing you want is to find yourself loading bottles of full-price BBQ sauce into a shopping cart when you should be relaxing and preparing to greet your guests.
