There is nothing better than planning a BBQ. It’s a time to gather your friends, eat some amazing food hot off the grill, and spend time making memories. While grilling on a weeknight for your family can be quick and easy, throwing a larger barbecue for a group of folks can be pricey. Check out these money-saving ideas for throwing your next BBQ for a group of friends.
The star of a barbecue is most definitely the meat, there’s no denying that. One of the best ways to save money is to choose the cut of meat or main dish wisely. Ribs and steak can become very expensive if you’re feeding a crowd. Instead, opt for brisket, chicken legs and thighs, or sausages. You’ll be able to feed more folks and spend less per person. You can even pick up a pack of one of our five varieties of sausage in your local grocery store. It’s affordable and convenient!
If you’re feeling fancy and highfalutin, you can easily elevate your meat selection by preparing a gourmet dipping sauce. Meyer’s Orange Barbecue Dip goes great with our smoked sausages. You can easily enhance the flavor of any cut of meat with one of our spices or Texas BBQ rubs. Like some sauce with your brisket? Instead of original barbecue sauce, try our honey mesquite or spicy flavors. Dressing up the old standbys will take your gathering to a whole new level. Playing around with flavors can take a boring cut of meat to a flavor explosion in no time.
A mistake we often make is over-buying. This can cause you to break your budget when planning a gathering. Request that your guests RSVP in advance so you can plan to purchase the proper amount of meat or sides. To save money, purchase ½ to 1/3 of a pound of meat per guest. This will ensure that nothing goes to waste and you’ll have plenty to go around.
Another great tip to save money is to have your barbecue as a potluck. Invite friends over and let them know you’ll be supplying the main dish, meat. You can use an online invitation and request that guests sign up to bring either a side dish or dessert when they RSVP. Not only will this save you money, it’s also a great way for your friends to show off their cooking skills and bring one of their favorite dishes.
We hope these helpful barbecue tips will go a long way when you’re planning your next BBQ party!
