Grill season is heating up, and the pressure to throw the perfect backyard bash is on! Of course, it can be hard to throw a great BBQ on a budget, but we break down just how to do it.
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Don’t splurge on fancy meats.
Nothing hits more on a hot day than a classic hamburger/hotdog combo; so, skip the fancy meats! (Unless you want to budget for a special celebration!)
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Use veggies and sides to supplement.
Offering a host of sides or snack items is often less costly than meat and means guests will eat their fill faster! If people snack on chips and dips while the meat’s cooking, they won’t care if there’s not enough for seconds.
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Speaking of sides, make them homemade.
Homemade sides like salsa, bean dip, or potato salad are easier on your wallet than buying them premade! What you save in costs, you make up for in your own cooking time! This goes for seasonings and sauces too! Here are a few side dish BBQ recipes for you:
- 25 Easy, Cheap Bean Dip Recipes
- Restaurant Style Queso Dip
- Easy Potato Salad
- Budget-Friendly BBQ Sides
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Potluck style.
Sometimes, it takes a village, even to throw a BBQ! Asking guests to be in charge of some food and drinks lightens the prep and financial load for you. If you end up with more food than you need, you have leftovers so that you can save money on meals through the next week!
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Bulk Buying for the Win!
When you’re feeding a group, those bulk savings can make a difference.
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Check your pantry.
You might have things you can turn into snacks, sides, and condiments that will save you on your trip to the grocery store!
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Stick to your brew budget.
Most people aren’t expecting fancy wine or craft beers at a BBQ. A $7 bottle of wine will probably go over just as well as a $20 one. You could even make a big batch of Sangria or punch to help the alcohol you buy stretch further.
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Figure out your menu based on what’s on sale.
Pssst… There are grocery apps that help you figure out which items are discounted before heading to the grocery store.
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Hang on to complimentary condiments.
You know, the little ketchup and mustard packets you get in the drive-thru or sit-down restaurants? If you already have plenty of those, skip buying condiments at the store.
Now you can throw an awesome summer BBQ for your family without breaking the bank! And hey, if you don’t have any plans for lunch on June 10th, join us at our West End branch on 32nd and Central for our Annual Member BBQ! The meeting is set to begin at 10:30 am and will last 15-20 minutes. We’ll be firing up the grills with burgers and hotdogs directly afterward! We hope to see you there!
If you’ve got goals, let’s meet! We’re here to support you and answer any questions.
(P.S. – If you’re more of a Social Media person, D.M. us on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll personally set you up with someone perfect for you and your goals.)
