Throwing a backyard BBQ is one of the highlights of summer. It’s easy to enjoy good food and great friends when you’re sitting outdoors in beautiful weather. However, if you’re not careful, a BBQ can become a very expensive event. The cost of a BBQ shouldn’t make you sweat. Here are our top money saving tips so you can host a fabulous BBQ without breaking the bank!

Skip the pricey cuts of meat

You can make a great meal out of less expensive cuts of meat. Chuck and flank steaks are less costly than a tenderloin steak. Choose chicken thighs and legs over chicken cutlets for a flavorful and inexpensive feast.

Dress up the old faves

Are you staying traditional with burgers, hot dogs and bratwurst? Try some new twists to standard fare. Stuff the burger with cheese or bacon, marinate the brats in beer or split the dog and stuff with cheese and sautéed onions.

Cook extra portions

Leftover barbecue is delicious, and who wants to cook again after hosting a party? Be sure you only make enough for an extra meal or two to prevent food waste. Our Precision Elite Digital Kitchen Scale is an excellent tool for measuring portion sizes.

Make skewers

Kebabs are a great way to make the most of the meat you have on hand. To make a meal that’s filling and attractive, alternate chunks of meat on your skewer with a variety of bright summer vegetables.

Buy seasonal vegetables

In season veggies are cheaper than specialty items. Zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and lettuce are economical, healthy and flavorful side dishes. Vegetables can also be tossed into a pasta salad for a fun and healthy side dish.

Make your own fruit salad

Watermelon, berries and cantaloupe are a light sweet treat at the end of a meal. Though tempting, skip purchasing the $25 pre-cut fruit salad and buy a full fruits and cut them up. This leads to instant savings!

DIY marinades and rubs

Don’t spend money on fancy rubs, sauces or marinades. You can easily make your own blends at home with ingredients you already have on hand. Rubs are just a combination of standard household spices. Here are four easy BBQ marinade ideas from Family Circle.

Don’t waste fuel

Most people use way too much charcoal when grilling. Three pounds of charcoal is enough when cooking for four to six people. When cooking with propane, be sure to shut the grill off after the debris has burned off.

Get to know your butcher

Not only do butchers know when meat will go on sale, they can offer you more affordable “butcher cuts” of meat. Butcher cuts are often not put on display, but they are tasty and less expensive.

Invest in a food thermometer

A quality food thermometer lets you avoid stabbing the meat repeatedly with a fork, allowing delicious juices to escape. Our Precision Elite Digital Food Thermometer monitors the temperature of your meat with a 1.5mm step-down probe that keeps the juices in the meat. You will always be biting into food that’s cooked to perfection.

Buy party supplies in bulk

Party supplies often go on sale at the end of May and the beginning of June. It’s a great time to stock up, especially if you entertain frequently or like the ease of disposable plates and cutlery.

BYOB

Provide soft drinks and let guests bring other beverages of their choice. You will save money and guests will have the beverages they enjoy best. Do you have money saving tips for backyard BBQ’s? Tweet them to us @eatsmartscales.