Delicious, stress-free, and affordable backyard feasts for a crowd
Planning a backyard BBQ is one of the simplest joys of summer—but feeding a crowd without blowing your grocery budget? That takes some strategy. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a sunny Saturday cookout, this guide will walk you through exactly how to build a BBQ menu that feeds 10+ guests—without emptying your wallet.
We’ll cover menu planning, smart shopping tips, cost breakdowns, recipe ideas, and time-saving prep tips so your party is big on flavor and small on cost.
Why Budget BBQ Planning Matters
Feeding a crowd can quickly get expensive if you’re not careful—especially when meat, sides, and drinks are involved. But with smart planning, you can:
- Spend less than $10 per guest (often much less!)
- Minimize food waste
- Save time with batch-cooking and make-ahead recipes
- Impress your guests without overworking yourself
Creating a bbq menu that feeds 10+ guests is about balance: choosing hearty, low-cost proteins, stretching your dishes with filling sides, and serving budget-friendly drinks and desserts that satisfy.
Want the full BBQ experience without the price tag? Check out our full guide on How to Host a Budget-Friendly Backyard BBQ—from menu planning to decorations.
Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget
First things first—what’s your total spend? You don’t need to go gourmet to host a great BBQ.
Suggested Budget Breakdown (for 10–12 guests):
- Main protein: $30–$40
- Sides & salads: $15–$25
- Drinks: $10–$20
- Dessert: $10
- Extras (charcoal, condiments): $10
✅ Total goal: $75–$100 or around $7–$10 per person
Pro Tip: Shop store flyers, download cash-back apps like BeFrugal or Rakuten, and stack coupons to save even more.
Step 2: Choose Your Protein Wisely
Meat is often the biggest expense in a BBQ menu, so this is where you’ll stretch your dollar the most.
Best Budget-Friendly Proteins for BBQs:
| Protein | Average Cost (Per Serving) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken drumsticks/thighs | $0.60–$1.00 | Marinate ahead for flavor and tenderness |
| Pork shoulder (pulled pork) | $1.00–$1.25 | Great for sliders or sandwiches |
| Hot dogs | $0.50–$0.80 | Kid-friendly and nostalgic |
| Ground beef (burgers) | $1.25–$1.50 | Go 80/20 for juiciness |
| Tofu or tempeh (for plant-based guests) | $0.80–$1.00 | Grills beautifully with a good marinade |
To keep your bbq menu that feeds 10+ guests affordable, stick to one main protein and add one smaller secondary option if needed. For example:
- Main: Pulled pork sliders
- Secondary: Grilled veggie skewers or hot dogs for kids
Step 3: Bulk Up with Budget Sides
Sides are the secret weapon of any affordable BBQ—they fill people up and make your main protein go further.
Easy, Low-Cost BBQ Sides:
Choose 3–4 sides, with at least one cold dish you can prep a day ahead.
- Classic Potato Salad: Potatoes, mayo, mustard, celery – feeds a crowd for under $5
- Baked Beans: Canned beans + ketchup, mustard, brown sugar – less than $3
- Pasta Salad: Cooked pasta + chopped veggies + Italian dressing – $5 for a giant bowl
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Buy in bulk for $0.25–$0.50 per ear
- Coleslaw: Cabbage + carrots + simple dressing – crunchy and cheap
- Watermelon wedges: In-season watermelon is budget gold and feeds many
Save time on party day! Prep one of our Affordable Make-Ahead Picnic Salads that travels well and holds up beautifully in the summer heat.
Step 4: Include Filling, Shareable BBQ Mains
Not everything needs to be meat-based. Round out your bbq menu that feeds 10+ guests with easy, filling vegetarian options that double as sides or mains.
Ideas:
- Grilled veggie skewers (zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, onions)
- Black bean burgers or BBQ chickpea salad
- Macaroni and cheese bake (crowd-pleaser, can be served hot or cold)
Looking for more low-cost meal ideas? Try our favorite Backyard BBQ Recipes That Feed a Crowd—perfect for big families and potluck-style cookouts.
Step 5: Don’t Overdo the Drinks
Buying individual drinks for everyone can drain your budget fast. Skip individual soda cans—2-liters and pitchers are far cheaper and reduce waste.
Budget-Friendly Drink Options:
- Iced tea and lemonade bar: Brew in bulk and serve with citrus slices or mint
- Fruit punch: Use frozen concentrate, ginger ale, and chopped fruit
- BYOB: Let guests bring a six-pack or bottle of their choice
- Water with cucumber or lemon: Always appreciated on hot days
👉 Keep everyone cool without overspending. Here’s our list of the Best Drinks to Serve at a Backyard BBQ Without Blowing Your Budget.
Step 6: Easy and Cheap Desserts
You don’t need anything fancy—just something sweet to end the meal.
Crowd-Pleasing BBQ Desserts:
- Brownie or cookie tray – Make ahead, costs less than $5
- Watermelon or cantaloupe slices – Seasonal, refreshing, and hydrating
- S’mores station – Graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows = pure nostalgia
- Ice cream sandwich bar – Keep it simple with store-brand ice cream and cookies
Planning dessert? Take your backyard BBQ to the next level with our Summer S’mores Bar on a Budget—fun for all ages and super low-cost to set up!
Step 7: Prep Like a Pro
A good bbq menu that feeds 10+ guests runs on smart preparation. Start 1–2 days ahead to save stress (and sanity).
48–24 Hours Before:
- Marinate meats or tofu
- Prep pasta salad, potato salad, or slaw
- Bake dessert
- Clean your grill and check supplies
Morning of the BBQ:
- Slice fruit and veggies
- Set up a drink station
- Chill drinks and fill water pitchers
- Set up tables, chairs, and shade if needed
Just Before Guests Arrive:
- Start the grill
- Set out sides and desserts
- Assign someone to be your grill co-captain (don’t do it all alone!)
Short on time? Learn How to Prep and Marinate Meat in Advance for BBQ Night so you can enjoy the party instead of manning the kitchen.
Sample Budget BBQ Menu That Feeds 10+ Guests (Under $90)
Here’s an example of a full menu to inspire your next party:
🍖 Main:
- Pulled pork sandwiches (with $3 pack of buns)
- Veggie skewers with peppers, onions, zucchini
🥗 Sides:
- Pasta salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw with homemade dressing
- Corn on the cob
🍉 Drinks:
- Iced tea & lemonade station
- Water with cucumber slices
🍪 Dessert:
- Watermelon slices
- Cookie platter (store-bought dough baked at home)
Estimated total: $85 (for 12 people = $7.08 per guest!)
Hosting a crowd? Don’t miss our post on How to Host a BBQ Potluck Without Stress or High Costs—it’s packed with tips to make feeding a group easier and more affordable.
,Smart Shopping Tips to Stretch Your Budget
- Buy in bulk: Especially for pasta, buns, condiments, and beans
- Use store brands: They’re often 20–40% cheaper than name brands
- Shop sales & plan your menu around discounts
- Use cashback apps like BeFrugal or Rakuten to get money back on purchases
Need to stretch your budget even further? Use our Seasonal Produce Guide to plan your BBQ sides around what’s in season and cheapest each month.
Eco & Budget-Friendly Serving Tips
- Use compostable or reusable plates and cutlery
- Skip paper tablecloths—use a clean sheet or borrow a plastic one
- Serve buffet-style to cut down on waste
- Label everything clearly (allergies, spicy items, gluten-free, etc.)
Need to label your side dishes? Download our Free Printable Salad Labels—perfect for potlucks, food allergy notes, or just making your BBQ look extra cute!
How to Feed a Mixed Crowd (Kids, Vegans, Gluten-Free)
Even on a budget, you can accommodate everyone:
- Vegans/Vegetarians: Grilled portobello mushrooms, chickpea salad, veggie skewers
- Gluten-Free: Lettuce-wrapped burgers, naturally GF sides like coleslaw and potato salad
- Kids: Hot dogs, fruit skewers, macaroni salad, cookies
You don’t need 10 different dishes—just one or two flexible options go a long way in making everyone feel welcome.
Grilling for vegetarians or just cutting back on meat? Don’t miss our guide to How to Grill Tofu, Tempeh, and Veggies on a Budget — delicious, hearty, and affordable.
Wrap-Up: You Don’t Need to Spend Big to Host Big
Planning a bbq menu that feeds 10+ guests is absolutely doable on a tight budget. Focus on:
- One or two affordable proteins
- Several hearty, easy-to-make sides
- Batch-made drinks and desserts
- Smart shopping and prep
With the right plan, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the sizzle, sunshine, and smiles.
Bottom line: Hosting a delicious BBQ for 10 or more people doesn’t require fancy cuts of meat or gourmet sides. With a little prep and smart planning, your bbq menu that feeds 10+ guests will be full of flavor, low in cost, and big on summertime joy.
