Summer is such a glorious time here in upstate New York. After what feels like the darkest days of winter warm sunshine and our grills smoking is one of the best feelings.
I grew up in the Midwest. For us, the nights my mom was working late or my dad decided to cook dinner, it was always Brats and Bush’s beans on the grill.
I love getting beans at BJ’s if there isn’t a good sale at Tops.
Grilling is one of my dad’s favorite things to do. He’s the one to share how he cooked a brat three different ways, grilling on Instagram.
After I gave birth to our first daughter in the middle of winter, he grilled out, snow and all. I expected my husband to be a grill master too.
Today I’m sharing HOW to grill food for cheap.
My husband and I met when I was 19 and he was 18. We were in college loving the freedom of being away. I thought it would be fun to cook out. We didn’t even have a grill.
I was living with a friend at the time so we hit up Walmart and bought a tiny Weber grill. My dad would have been pretty upset if I didn’t buy Weber.
My dad is also a charcoal guy. I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a gas grill. My husband didn’t know anything about charcoal.
Trying to impress me, of course, he used lighter fluid. He had no idea that you should let it burn off. He made us burgers. My first taste of a burger from my boyfriend. When my dad was a grilling master, seriously, everyone always came to my parents’ house for their cookouts. It still rings true to this day.
I immediately said it tasted like lighter fluid. My husband said, “What? No, it doesn’t. I think it’s good.”
Since we were just “dating” I stayed quiet, but I ended up throwing the burger in the woods. He choked the thing down. I brought up my dad’s burgers, and well, that was something we had to get through, as you do in the early years.
I thought I would NEVER eat a burger again. I teased him for a long time about it tasting like lighter fluid.
Oh, the joys of first dates right? Anyways, my husband is better on the grill now. He, too, has come a long way and prefers charcoal.
We all start somewhere. He is a great griller now, years later!
If you’re new to grilling or dating someone who is, let me share some tips on how to grill on a budget.
Setting the Scene on a Budget
The vibe of your BBQ can set the tone for the whole event, and the great news is that you can create a party-perfect atmosphere without spending much. Here’s how to decorate and set up without splurging:
1. DIY Table Decor
Use what you already have at home first. Grab mason jars and fill them with wildflowers or herbs from your garden for table centerpieces. Wrap a ribbon, twine, or burlap around the jars for that rustic summer look. Scatter tea lights or string up fairy lights (many dollar stores sell affordable ones!) to instantly add ambiance when the sun sets.
2. Paper or Fabric Banners
Create your own banners out of colorful paper or fabric scraps. You don’t need fancy materials; an old pair of jeans can become hanging denim flags, while bright cardstock can easily be cut into festive triangles.
3. Thrift Store Finds
Check your local thrift store for quirky dishes, vintage pitchers, or candleholders. These add charm to your BBQ setup and are much cheaper than buying new. Mismatched plates and mugs are part of the charm!
4. Nature Is Free Decor
Take advantage of what nature offers. Use large leaves (like hosta leaves) as food platters, stack firewood or logs for a rustic look, and decorate picnic tables with lush greenery or potted plants you already own.
5. DIY Seating Stations
No fancy outdoor furniture? No problem. Use throw blankets or old cushions to create a picnic-style seating arrangement. Add a few crates as makeshift tables to complete the cozy feel.
The Food Menu That Won’t Break Your Budget
The food is the heart and soul of any BBQ, but it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be delicious. Here’s a roundup of budget-savvy ideas:
1. Affordable Proteins
Some of the best BBQs don’t revolve around pricey steaks. Focus on these more affordable (but equally tasty) options:
- Drumsticks & Thighs: Chicken thighs and drumsticks are cheaper than breasts and ideal for marinades.
- Hot Dogs & Sausages: Classic crowd-pleasers, these are affordable and great for both kids and adults.
- Pulled Pork: A slow-cooked pork shoulder can easily feed a crowd and tastes incredible out of the smoker or served with BBQ sauce.
- Skewers: Alternate between meat, vegetables, and even pineapple chunks to stretch your protein further.
2. Grill-Friendly Vegetables
Grilled veggies are versatile, tasty, and easy on the wallet. Try:
- Zucchini slices
- Corn on the cob (leave the husks on for that smoky flavor)
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Potatoes wrapped in foil
3. Quick Appetizers
Before the grill kicks off, serve up crowd-friendly bites like:
- Chips and salsa
- Veggie sticks with homemade hummus (chickpeas are super cheap!)
- Watermelon wedges (always a summer favorite)
- More appetizer ideas here.
4. DIY Salad Station
Set up a build-your-own-salad station. Offer a big leafy base (like spinach or romaine), and lay out toppings like croutons, shredded cheese, and cucumber. Dressing? Whisk up a simple vinaigrette with pantry staples you already have.
5. Grilled Desserts
Skip the supermarket cakes and opt for grilling fruit instead! Pineapple rings, peaches, or bananas sliced in half lengthwise are affordable and easy to cook on the grill. Sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
6. Cheap & Cheerful Drinks
- Make a Big-Batch Lemonade: Add fresh mint or berries for flavor.
- BYOB Rule: Encourage guests to bring their favorite beverages, while you provide a simple signature drink, such as iced tea or fruit punch.
Pro Hosting Tips to Keep Costs Down
Now that you’ve got the decor and menu sorted, here are additional tips to make hosting smooth and stress-free:
1. Stick to a Theme
A theme can add excitement and help streamline planning. Popular budget-friendly ideas:
- “Backyard Fiesta” with tacos, grilled corn, and colorful decorations.
- “Retro Diner BBQ” featuring burgers, fries, and vintage-inspired decor.
- “Farmers’ Market Feast” showcasing in-season, local produce.
2. Batch Cooking
Cook things like pulled pork or grilled chicken in larger quantities at once to save time and charcoal/gas.
3. Potluck Style BBQ
Hosting on a budget doesn’t mean you have to shoulder all the costs. Ask guests to bring sides or desserts while you handle the mains.
4. Set a DIY Drink Station
Instead of buying a variety of drinks, create a “hydration station” with pitchers of water infused with lemons, cucumbers, or strawberries. Add a big tub of ice for guests to keep their own drinks cool.
5. Plan Around Sales
Base your menu on what’s on sale. Buy meat and buns in bulk, use frozen veggies, and prioritize in-season produce for the freshest taste and best prices.
6. Keep the Activities Simple
Don’t feel like you need to entertain people with hired help or extravagant games. Keep it simple:
- Outdoor classics like bag toss, frisbee, or kickball.
- Set up a photo booth with DIY props.
Bonus Budget-Friendly Hacks
Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose
Hold on to glass jars, ribbons, and tins throughout the year to reuse for party decor or food displays.
Shop Dollar Stores
From grilling tools to disposable plates and napkins, you can find affordable hosting items on the cheap.
Prep Ahead
Prepping as much as possible before guests arrive will help you save time (and reduce stress), so you can enjoy the BBQ, too!
Throwing a summer BBQ isn’t about flashy spending or gourmet spreads; it’s about the simple joy of outdoor gatherings, good company, and great-tasting food. When you focus on saving costs without skimping on creativity, you’ll build memories that linger long after the last burger is eaten.
Old Barns Have History & Life Lessons to Tell
Great advice