The weather’s getting warmer…which means it’s time to resurrect al fresco dining! And not only is barbecue food tasty and a sociable way of eating, but it’s also a good way to cut the ever-increasing costs associated with having to use the oven or hob.
As with any meal with multiple components, though, it’s easy for barbecue costs to mount pretty quickly if you don’t have a plan. I’ve got a big birthday coming up this summer and will be barbecuing for around 20 people, so I’m already trying to figure out how to make sure it’s delicious and there’s enough food without it costing a fortune.
Here are eight tips for a brilliant budget BBQ party.
1. Don’t be scared to ask guests to contribute
Yes, you’re the one hosting and inviting people…but my guess is that people will have asked if they can bring anything. Don’t feel bad about saying no! Whether it’s a dish that you know they excel at, some sauces, bread products or drinks, no doubt they’ll be happy to contribute.
Don’t forget about the logistical side of things, either. If you’re in need of extra plates/cutlery/glasses, an additional barbecue or a gazebo in case of poor weather, you’ll save a fortune by asking to borrow, rather than buying brand new.
2. Take advantage of yellow stickers
Meat is expensive. Fish is expensive. In all honesty, everything is now expensive. Don’t be ashamed of grabbing reduced items at the supermarket or your local shop and freezing them, defrosting them when the day of the barbecue arrives!
A pack of reduced mince can easily be seasoned and shaped into burgers before freezing, so all you’ll need to do is defrost them overnight when the time comes. Meat and fish can be diced into skewerable chunks and tossed in the freezer (more on kebabs later) – and even yellow stickered veg for your side dishes can be prepped and frozen in advance.
In a similar vein, keep an eye out for any multibuy offers or introductory deals on new products in the days or weeks before your barbecue party, too.
3. Look for local freebies/discounts
I wrote a piece last year on why popular food budgeting advice is all wrong: a piece in which I also gave tips for saving money on grocery bills. Some of the advice I included will work perfectly for barbecue prep.
Apps like OLIO can provide you with free food that would otherwise have gone to waste, while the UK’s network of community fridges also help to distribute surplus food. Don’t forget about the TooGoodToGo app either – just remember that while you might have an idea of what food you could be rescuing from local businesses, the contents of your “magic bag” aren’t guaranteed, which could lead to some interesting BBQ dishes!
4. Fill up on side dishes
Side dishes add plenty of variety to the occasion…but if you’re barbecuing on a budget, they have another use too. By serving up an array of irresistible-looking yet affordable sides you won’t need to serve as much meat, keeping your costs down.
Potato salad and pasta or rice salad are hearty, filling dishes that cost very little to make in bulk. Jacket potatoes and corn on the cob can be done on the BBQ and finished in a number of ways. Try a simple homemade coleslaw or grill up some seasonal vegetables, flavoured with whatever you already have in your kitchen.
Cook up a big batch of potato or sweet potato wedges in your oven or air fryer, and consider making your own sauces and dips too. A small tub of supermarket tzatziki, for example, will set you back between £1 and £2 and won’t go far. Make your own instead (there’s a good recipe here) and save yourself some money.
5. Make meat and fish go further
One of the best ways to make meat and fish go further at your BBQ party is to skewer it! Putting homemade kebabs on the menu gives you a massive amount of flexibility. You can choose the protein you want and alternate it with chunks of various vegetables – peppers, onions, courgettes, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes all work well. You can season the skewers in a multitude of different ways. Importantly, you can also keep costs down by limiting the amount of protein on each skewer.
Kebabs are also a great choice for vegetarian and vegan guests, with things like halloumi, paneer and tofu working well alongside the vegetables. To keep things simple you could even have a completely kebab-themed barbecue: cook up various different skewered ingredients and allow guests to build their own using a selection of breads, fillings and sauces.
6. Choose your cuts wisely
You don’t need to go all-out to impress your guests with pricey cuts of meat or pre-prepared BBQ products when it’s so easy – and far more affordable – to do your own. “Cheap” is certainly not a word that can be used to describe any meat in the current climate, but shop around – visit your local farm shops and butchers. Not only could they well be better-priced than the supermarkets, they’ll also have plenty of expertise, meaning they can offer recommendations for your BBQ.
Chicken legs, wings and thighs are all more affordable than breast, and chicken on the bone will turn out far juicier and tastier than off. Try pork belly or ribs or an entire pork shoulder joint, or give beef skirt a go. If you’re making burgers, you could use turkey, chicken or pork mince rather than beef – and if you’re feeding kids, they’ll most likely be more than happy with simple sausages rather than something more gourmet in their hot dog buns.
7. Think about waste
Food can sometimes take a while to cook on the BBQ and, as the host, the last thing you’ll want is your guests getting hungry. It can be tempting to throw everything onto the grill to ensure everyone’s well-fed, but what if it doesn’t all get eaten?
You’ll end up with plates or trays full of cooked meat, fish or veggie dishes – dishes that nobody will want to risk eating, and that you won’t want to save for after your guests have gone if they’ve been sitting out in the sun for hours.
Instead, cook your BBQ food in batches – it’ll make it easier to know when to stop cooking when everyone’s full. If you’ve got nibbles, sides and drinks on the go, your guests will be more than happy to graze and chat while they wait. Any uncooked BBQ food can be put in the freezer (if it hasn’t already been frozen and defrosted) and saved for another day.
8. Check the freezer
Fresh produce can be expensive. Frozen produce can often be cheaper. The next time you’re in a supermarket, have a wander down the frozen aisles and you’ll see all sorts that’s suitable for a BBQ, normally at a fraction of the price of the chilled alternative.
Burgers, sausages, kebabs, prawns, chicken pieces – even specific BBQ ranges during the summer months. Just be sure to defrost them thoroughly and safely before putting them on the grill – the last thing you want is to make your guests ill.
Do you have any other tips for saving money when hosting a BBQ party? Let me know in the comments!