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It doesn't have to cost you a fortune to make your barbecue memorable. Remember -- most people expect burgers and macaroni salad. So any change is good. And if you follow our cheap barbecue party ideas you can impress your guests for very little money.
First off I must state that there is certainly nothing at all wrong with burgers and macaroni salad. I love them both and all weekend griller's barbeque parties should have a good selection of these and other basics. But just a few other cheap barbecue party food ideas during planning can save your food -- and your parties -- from boring repetition.
Here are five cheap and easy food ideas you can try immediately to make you next barbeque party memorable and fun:
1) One word -- Condiments! Everyone has mustard and ketchup. Occasionally you see a lonely bottle of Frank's. But for very little money or effort you can add a rainbow of taste to your table and impress your guests. Visit a specialty store or good supermarket and pick up some bottles of unusual barbeque sauces or hot sauces for the table. Do not just paint the meat on the grill -- give your guests a choice on the table. Today's barbeque and hot sauces come in a wide variety of flavors and heat levels and there is something for (almost) everyone. Consider the food you are serving and other sauces that may complement it. If you are serving pork consider a white BBQ sauce or horseradish sauce. If you are serving fish consider a sweet barbeque sauce or a Vietnamese or Japanese fish sauce.
2) Salsa -- Not just for corn chips anymore! Several years ago salsa took over the number-one-selling condiment spot in America from ketchup but most people still think of it as just a dip for chips or a covering for Mexican foods. Salsa is -- and can be -- so much more. Consider visiting a Farmers' Market or specialty food store the morning of the barbecue and picking up a fresh salsa. Or better still,yet spend a little time the night before the party and make a batch of homemade salsa. It's really very easy. And don't just stick to the basic tomato/pepper salsa -- be brave and try a fruit or a veggie based salsa. Choose your salsa based on the meat and vegetables you will be serving and invite your guests to cover these foods for a new taste experience.
3) It's almost embarrassing how much good will and praise can be produced by a simple salad. As cheap barbeque party ideas go, this is one of the best. Everyone does potato and macaroni salad. Ask your friends to bring a dish and you'll probably get 3 of each. You can impress everyone to no end by making up a colorful and easy pasta or fruit salad that not only looks great but tastes great, too. Incorporate some items off the grill into it at the last minute for a very special touch.
4) Sides -- Go beyond the salad! So you've brought your impressive (though cheap) salad. But now think further to other side dishes. What springs to mind? If you are like most people - corn on the cob comes to mind. There is nothing wrong this. But to really impress your guests think of adding one or two other unusual sides that will complement the main course. And remember that sides don't have to be just veggies. Think of the possibilities of fruits, shellfish and even meats.
5) Desserts - Why not use the fire? Okay, you gotta do desserts. You'll probably want something cool (homemade ice cream, maybe?) and some sweets for the kids. But since the fire is still warm why not consider really impressing your neighbors by making an additional dessert or two on the grill. Make homemade ice cream (always a reasonably cheap choice) AND grilled dessert to go with it and you will be considered a party god for many years.
Since most barbeque parties feature the same basic foods, these cheap party food ideas will help any weekend griller to impress their guests. Do it well and your neighbors will invite you to every party and beg for an invitation to yours.
Mark Hester is the co-creator of The Weekend Grillers along with Jamie Clark of Derby City Sauces. If you love Grilling and BBQ and want more fantastic party ideas and recipes visit them at The Weekend Grillers
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