How can I throw a BBQ for my friends and family on a tight budget?

Filed under: Food on the Table, Grill, Barbequing, Savings

Don’t worry if you are on a tight budget this summer, a laid-back backyard barbecue is possible with these budget barbecue tips. What are your tips and favorite recipes for throwing a barbeque on a budget?

by Chef Heather (Food on the Table) about 1 year ago

Comments

  • Chef Heather (Food on the Table)
    Chef Heather (Food on the Table)

    One way to keep costs low is to choose only one protein to serve. Hot dogs are constantly on sale at the grocery store during the summer. So throw some on the grill and set up a hot dog ‘bar’ with all the popular toppings. Chili, cheese, sauerkraut, onions, cheese, ketchup, mustard are all popular, low cost hot dog toppings. Keeping it simple with only one main protein saves time and money.

    about 1 year ago
  • Chef Heather (Food on the Table)
    Chef Heather (Food on the Table)

    Since summertime means an overwhelming amount of fresh, seasonal vegetables which are available at low prices they make the best side dishes for a barbeque. Corn on the cob, zucchini and squash all grill beautifully. Again, with fresh summer fruit available try grilling some peaches, making a cobbler or simply enjoying some fresh berries with homemade whipped cream as a delightful in expensive dessert.

    about 1 year ago
  • Chef Heather (Food on the Table)
    Chef Heather (Food on the Table)

    Thirsty? Lemonade and ice tea are extremely inexpensive and will keep your guests cool in the heat of the summer. If you are looking for a cost effective way to serve alcoholic beverages, choose one variety of beer to serve or just one specialty drink. Sangria is a great summer barbeque drink since you mix wine with juice, which will keep your guest happy and won’t break the bank.

    about 1 year ago
  • Chef Heather (Food on the Table)
    Chef Heather (Food on the Table)

    While paper plates and plastic cups may be convenient for gatherings, they add extra unnecessary costs. Using what you have on hand will keep your shopping list down to the essentials.

    about 1 year ago
  • Elizabeth (Community Guide)
    Elizabeth (Community Guide)

    I so agree with Chef Heather..something we have found is if you are looking for a healthier alternative..our store always has cut up chicken qtrs..already seasoned..4 for $2...then use the mesquite grilled chicken technique on here, and people will rave!!! Hubby does homemade mashed potatoes and add a salad..we just fed 8 adults, 4 kids for $20...can't beat that!

    about 1 year ago
  • Donna (Food on the Table)
    Donna (Food on the Table)

    I totally agree with minimizing the alcoholic choices and maybe choosing just one protein. Also, making your dishes from scratch can really help your budget. I know my husband would always encourage me to just buy ready-made sides or even just pick up brisket from Rudy's or someplace like that, but for one thing, I love to cook and want people to have something I made for them--and the pre-prepared sides are so expensive!! And you can do most of it ahead of time, too, so it's not a big deal at the last minute.

    about 1 year ago
  • Chef Heather (Food on the Table)
    Chef Heather (Food on the Table)

    Another great money saving option for barbeques is kabobs! With the meat cut into smaller bites and served on a stick loaded with vegetables, means you can get by with serving 'less' and still have satisfied guests!

    about 1 year ago
  • Chef Heather (Food on the Table)
    Chef Heather (Food on the Table)

    Here are some great kabob recipes from our site! BBQ Bratwurst Kabobs: http://www.foodonthetable.com/recipes/11975-bbq-bratwurst-kabobs Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs: http://www.foodonthetable.com/recipes/7802-rosemary-ranch-chicken-kabobs Honey Pork Tenderloin Kabobs: http://www.foodonthetable.com/recipes/18921-honey-pork-tenderloin-kabobs

    about 1 year ago
  • Bridget
    Bridget

    When we have large bbqs we would pick the meat to serve usually tri tip,chicken breast bone in (can get for 99c lb) and sausages and each guest brought a side. It was always a great get together. This way we were able to focus on the main event and spend less money by not preparing all the sides.We also always cut up the meat so nobody and to do it or take for example a whole chicken breast when they only wanted half. We always ended up with so much extra meat that we would freeze and have bbq with out the work in minutes any time.

    about 1 year ago
  • Bridget
    Bridget

    We would turn the bbq meats into other dishes like smoked chicken alfredo, tri tip enchiladas and whatever else sounded good. Our kids loved it too. We loved smoking meats enough that we would do much more at one time to have on hand anytime.

    about 1 year ago
  • Bridget
    Bridget

    When we have large bbqs we would pick the meat to serve usually tri tip,chicken breast bone in (can get for 99c lb) and sausages and each guest brought a side. It was always a great get together. This way we were able to focus on the main event and spend less money by not preparing all the sides.We also always cut up the meat so nobody and to do it or take for example a whole chicken breast when they only wanted half. We always ended up with so much extra meat that we would freeze and have bbq with out the work in minutes any time.

    about 1 year ago

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