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Budget-Friendly Dollar Store Summer BBQ Menu for Six Easy Recipes

budget-friendly dollar store summer BBQ menu - featured image

A simple, affordable, and delicious summer BBQ menu for six people using easy-to-find dollar store ingredients, perfect for last-minute gatherings and budget-conscious hosts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 hot dog or hamburger buns
  • 1 lb (450 g) pre-cooked hot dogs or inexpensive ground beef
  • Basic ketchup and yellow mustard bottles
  • 6 ears frozen or canned corn on the cob, thawed or drained
  • BBQ sauce packet or bottle (store brand recommended)
  • 14 oz (400 g) bagged coleslaw mix (pre-shredded cabbage and carrots)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sugar
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 lb (450 g) frozen potato wedges or fries
  • 1 large can (28 oz / 800 g) canned baked beans
  • Store-brand lemonade or iced tea mix packets
  • Plastic cups and utensils (optional)
  • Fresh lemons (optional, for garnish and zest)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coleslaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bagged coleslaw mix with ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until evenly coated. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat the baked beans: Pour canned baked beans into a medium saucepan. Warm over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm on low heat until serving.
  3. Cook the potato wedges: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen potato wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
  4. Grill the hot dogs or patties: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred. For patties, cook 4-5 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  5. Grill the corn: Place ears of corn on the grill, turning every 3-4 minutes for 10-12 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Brush with butter or oil if desired.
  6. Toast the buns: During the last few minutes of grilling, place buns cut side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Assemble and serve: Set up a serving station with buns, hot dogs or patties, ketchup, mustard, coleslaw, baked beans, potato wedges, and corn. Let guests build their own plates.

Notes

Choose soft buns for better texture. Chill coleslaw for at least 15 minutes to blend flavors. Preheat grill and clean grates for best results. Watch buns closely when toasting to avoid burning. Use vinegar in coleslaw to brighten flavor. Potato wedges can be baked or air fried for crispiness. Leftovers store well in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: budget-friendly, dollar store, summer BBQ, easy recipes, hot dogs, coleslaw, baked beans, potato wedges, grilling, affordable meals