By Andre Shammas

There’s nothing quite like firing up the grill on a sunny weekend, inviting friends or family over, and enjoying some good food and conversation. As someone who loves to BBQ in my free time, I know how quickly a backyard cookout can go from affordable fun to unexpectedly expensive. Between the cost of meats, sides, drinks, and supplies, a simple gathering can strain your wallet if you’re not paying attention.

But here’s the good news: with a little planning and creativity, you can host memorable, delicious BBQs without blowing your budget. As an accountant and a backyard chef, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that help keep costs low and the quality high. Let me share some of my favorite strategies for grilling smarter—so you can entertain well without the financial hangover.

Plan Your Menu with Purpose

The first step to a budget-friendly BBQ is a realistic and focused menu. It’s easy to get carried away with multiple meats, five sides, and specialty drinks—but simplicity is your best friend. Pick one or two crowd-pleasing proteins, a couple of sides, and one dessert.

Instead of going big on steaks or premium cuts, opt for affordable but flavorful options like:

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks (cheaper and juicier than breasts)
  
• Ground beef for burgers or sliders
  
• Pork shoulder for pulled pork
  
• Grilled sausages or hot dogs for kids and casual guests
  

Marinate meats the night before to boost flavor without spending more. A simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs can make even the most affordable cut taste gourmet.

Go Potluck-Style

If you’re hosting a larger group, don’t hesitate to ask guests to contribute. Most people are happy to bring a side dish, dessert, or even a bag of chips or drinks. As the host, you can focus your budget on the main course, and let everyone else help round out the meal. It adds variety to the table and takes pressure off your wallet and your kitchen.

Just make sure to coordinate in advance to avoid duplicates—no one needs five macaroni salads.

Shop Smart and Seasonal

When it comes to BBQ, buying in bulk and shopping in-season can make a huge difference. Warehouse stores often have great prices on meat, buns, condiments, and drinks. If you’re grilling for a crowd, that bulk pack of chicken or family-size bag of charcoal is your best friend.

Also, shop local and seasonal for produce. Corn on the cob, watermelon, zucchini, and tomatoes are BBQ staples that are usually cheaper and fresher in the summer months. You don’t need fancy ingredients to create fresh, colorful sides like grilled veggies, fruit salad, or a garden tomato and cucumber salad.

Make Sides That Stretch

Want to feed a lot of people without spending a lot? Sides are your secret weapon. Stick to budget-friendly classics that can be made in large quantities:

• Pasta salad
  
• Baked beans
  
• Potato salad
  
• Grilled corn
  
• Coleslaw
  

These can be prepped ahead of time, don’t require a ton of ingredients, and go a long way toward making the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Drinks: Keep It Simple

Beverages can quietly drain your BBQ budget if you’re not careful—especially if you’re stocking up on alcohol. Instead of providing a full bar, consider offering a single signature drink like homemade lemonade, iced tea, or a summer punch (spiked or not). Then supplement with water and a basic selection of canned sodas or beer.

Again, if you’re hosting close friends or family, there’s no harm in asking them to BYOB to help share the load.

Grill with Efficiency

It’s not just about the food—it’s how you cook it. Grilling efficiently can save you both time and money. Here’s how:

• Preheat your grill for just 10–15 minutes (longer preheating wastes gas or charcoal).
  
• Cook in batches to maximize grill space and avoid overusing fuel.
  
• Use foil trays or skewers to keep small items from falling through and causing flare-ups (which can waste meat and time).
  

If you use charcoal, consider lump charcoal, which often burns hotter and cleaner—so you use less over time.

Use What You Already Have

You don’t need to buy new serving trays, disposable decorations, or themed tablecloths for every cookout. Use what you have on hand—mason jars for drinks, mismatched plates and silverware, or cloth napkins. A casual BBQ doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board to be memorable.

Focus on good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and quality time with your guests.

Leftovers = Future Meals

Always factor leftovers into your budget plan. BBQ meat can be repurposed for sandwiches, salads, tacos, or rice bowls later in the week. Freeze what you won’t eat right away, and enjoy the fact that one day of grilling saved you money on several future meals.

Final Thoughts: Great BBQ Doesn’t Need a Big Budget

As someone who appreciates both the joys of grilling and the importance of financial discipline, I believe firmly that you don’t have to choose between good food and smart spending. The best BBQs aren’t about the fanciest steaks or the most elaborate spreads—they’re about thoughtful planning, simple ingredients, and good company.

So fire up the grill, stick to your budget, and enjoy the season. Your taste buds—and your bank account—will thank you.

And if you ever need help organizing your household budget or finding smart ways to cut costs without cutting quality, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Shammas Bureau, we’re here to help make life more manageable—one burger (and one budget) at a time.