10 Money-Saving Ideas for a Summer Barbecue

Dress Up the Old Standbys

If you’re sticking with the tried-and-true standards (chicken, burgers, hot dogs, bratwursts), add a simple, inexpensive element to elevate the flavor. “There are ways to make the classics taste like much more than they are,” says Rick Browne, author of 1,001 Best Grilling Recipes and former host of Barbecue America. Stuff some blue cheese, chopped bacon, or barbecue sauce inside your burger patties before they hit the grill. Split your hot dogs lengthwise, add some cheddar in the middle and wrap the whole thing in bacon. Or let your chicken steep overnight in your favorite marinade. Get creative.