How to BBQ on a budget

There’s another Bank Holiday weekend coming up, and the weather is meant to be nice. Are you thinking what we’re thinking? That’s right: it’s barbecue time! We’ve scoured the internet for some scorchingly hot budget barbecue tips – read on for everything you need to treat friends and family to a feast and save money while you do it.

Ditch the disposables

Try to avoid disposable barbecues if you can. They’re cheaper upfront, but a proper grill will save you money over time.

And consider skipping the disposable plates and cutlery, too. It means more washing up…but your bank balance (and the planet!) will thank you.

Save on ingredients

Meat can be expensive, but don’t feel like you have to spring for the gourmet option – just remember to check the animal welfare standards on the label.

  • Look online for ideas. Greatbritishbbq.co.uk has some great ideas for making cheaper cuts of meat look and taste extra fancy, including making your own mouth-wateringly tasty marinades. There’s a tasty round-up of budget barbecue recipes on the BBC Good Food website, too: check out these maple-glazed chicken wings!
  • Don’t forget the humble hot dog! They’re the perfect affordable summer meat treat.
  • Save even more by skipping the ready-made burgers: just buy some mince and make your own. They’ll probably be healthier, too.

 

Got veggies or vegans on the guest list? No problem – just pop a cheap foil tray on top of the barbecue and voila, you’ve got a vegetarian section.

The shops are full of vegetarian and vegan burgers and sausages these days, but whatever you don’t spend more on the veggie food than you do on meat – it’s supposed to be cheaper! Save money by opting for more established brands like Linda McCartney or Quorn.

Or opt for the healthiest and cheapest veggie option of all: vegetables! Veggie kebabs are delicious and easy. And with enough delicious plant-based side dishes – see below – you can keep your veggie friends happy and cut down on the number of burgers per person.

Show off your best sides

When it comes to BBQ side dishes the possibilities are almost endless, but you can’t go wrong with three classic staples: pasta salad, potato salad, and corn on the cob. And we found some great ideas for all three on the BBC Good Food website.

 

Check out this list of pasta salad recipes – we especially like the ones you can throw together from store cupboard staples. But there is a huge range of options at that link including healthy and kid-friendly recipes. There’s a mouthwatering list of potato salad recipes too – and some of them are so quick and easy, that you can save money on the pre-packaged versions by creating something delicious at home.

 

Corn on the cob is so simple you don’t really need a recipe – but here’s one anyway, just in case you could do with some tips!

Cut down on food waste

We’re all trying to waste less food – it’s better for the environment and for your wallet. Here’s how:

  • Know your guest list and shop accordingly – try not to panic and buy too much!
  • Don’t open packets of food until you’re ready to use them.
  • Sharpen your grill skills! The odd overdone sausage isn’t a disaster, but you’ll save money, time and food if you perfect your barbecue technique to avoid burning your grub. Have a look online for some tutorials to help you get it right every time.

 

We hope these tips have given you some great ideas for your next barbecue. Have a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend, stay safe, and let us know how you get on!

Share

Sophia is Financial Wellness Group’s Senior Copywriter and is committed to helping people understand and take back control of their financial wellbeing.