What better way to celebrate the long weekend than with a holiday cookout? While a Memorial Day BBQ is a great way to kick off the summer, costs can quickly add up. But with a few simple tips and strategies, you can easily throw a Memorial Day BBQ budget gathering that’s equally fun as it is affordable. Most importantly, you don’t have to sacrifice food, fun, or quality to stick to a Memorial Day BBQ budget. Here are ways to throw a great party with friends and family without overspending!
A Memorial Day BBQ Budget Guide: What to Get
Omaha Steaks Top This Pack
When you’re planning how to throw a Memorial Day BBQ on a budget, one of the most strategic moves you can make is snagging a value assortment of meats from Omaha Steaks that covers all your bases without running up the cost. Instead of piecing together different cuts from the store, you’re getting a curated mix of steaks, burgers, and grill ready favorites that are portioned, flash frozen, and consistent every time. Go ahead and shop this now to lock in a bundle that’ll keep everyone happy without stretching your budget too far.
Ball Park Beef Franks
You can’t have a BBQ without hot dogs! Jumbo Franks are made with 100% beef and absolutely no added nitrites, by-products, or artificial flavors or colors. They’re already fully cooked, so you can grill or sear them up as much or as little as you like. In addition, make sure you’ve got a full lineup of toppings ready so everyone can build their own way with favorites, like ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, and pickles.
Value Freezer Filler
If you want to please hungry mouths without spending tons of money on steak, this Value Freezer Filler is a great pick. You’ll get a huge variety of different cuts, from bacon-wrapped filet mignons to top sirloin filets. It also comes with different meat options for non-beef eaters, like salmon fillets, chicken breasts, and boneless pork chops. To complete your BBQ meal, you can upgrade your pack to include burgers, scalloped potatoes, and caramel apple tartlets. That way, you can serve an entire spread without worrying about sides and desserts.
Related: 7 Budget-Friendly Memorial Day Getaways: Save Without Sacrificing Fun
Smoked Pulled Pork
Don’t have a grill or BBQ at home? Don’t worry! This ready-to-go smoked pulled pork can easily be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven. It’s been cooked and slow-smoked for 18 hours using apple and cherrwood. All you have to do is heat, top it with your favorite BBQ sauce, and pair it with a few of your favorite side dishes for a simple and no-fuss Memorial Day BBQ budget meal!
Spare Ribs
Impress your guests by serving up some of the most tender, juiciest ribs they’ve ever had. These spare ribs are made from the meatiest racks of premium, hand-selected pork. They frozen, so all you need to do is thaw them before seasoning or marinating to your liking. You’ll also save more when buying in larger quantities, so it’s worth stocking up since these are guaranteed to be a hit!
Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is a crowd favorite for a reason. Not only does it pair well with smoked meats, but this comforting side dish is filling and easy to make for large groups. For your Memorial Day BBQ budget menu, we recommend sticking with good old-fashioned boxed Mac and Cheese, as it’s quick and affordable (especially if you buy in bulk).
Pinwheel Party Tray
Just because it’s a BBQ doesn’t mean your whole menu has to be grilled food. Offering party tray food, like this assorted pinwheel wrap tray, is a smart way to fill bellies while saving money. Not to mention, it also saves on prep time! Trays are served per pound, so you can order just enough for your group. Any leftover wraps can be saved and stored, helping cut down on food waste while allowing you to have a delicious meal to enjoy over the next day or two.
Related: Smoked BBQ for Memorial Day: Best Meats and Tips for Backyard Perfection
Memorial Day BBQ Budget – Tips to Save Even More Money
- Have a guest list: Knowing how many people are coming ahead of time can prevent overspending by helping you plan how much food to buy.
- Ask guests for help: Make your Memorial Day BBQ a potluck or ask guests to bring sides, drinks, or desserts. Here are some simple food ideas that they can bring to a potluck.
- Take advantage of sales: Shop during sales and stock up on freezer-friendly foods when they’re discounted so you can take advantage of lower prices.
- Think about tableware: Use your own plates, glasses, and cutlery to cut down on buying disposable items that will be thrown away.
- Buy in bulk: Purchasing condiments like BBQ sauce or mustard in bulk will lower your overall cost per serving and ensure you have enough for all your party guests!
- Have everything prepared: Make sure you have the best BBQs and accessories for summer to ensure you don’t need to make any last-minute purchases before your party.
Common Questions About A Memorial Day BBQ Budget
Throwing the Best Memorial BBQ Budget Party
When you focus on good food and good company, you can easily throw a Memorial Day BBQ budget gathering that everyone will enjoy. To make the most of your time outdoors, it’s also important to plan ahead for the weather. While Memorial Day is usually nice and sunny this time of the year, it can be cold in some places around the country. Don’t worry, as you can still throw an amazing Memorial Day BBQ budget party with these cold weather grilling recipes, too! If you’ll have a lot of kiddos in attendance, it’s worth noting that they may not eat the same type of BBQ that adults prefer; luckily, we’ve compiled a list of kid-friendly BBQ for Memorial Day cookouts!
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