BBQ Side Dishes on a Budget: 12 Crowd-Pleasers Under $10

You've been invited to a summer BBQ and volunteered to bring a side dish. Or maybe you're hosting and the budget for burgers and hot dogs is already stretching thin. Either way, you need side dishes that feed a crowd without emptying your wallet.

The good news? The best BBQ sides are often the simplest and cheapest to make. We're talking classic recipes that cost under $10 to prepare and feed 8-10 people. These aren't sad, skimpy portions either—these are the dishes people will actually ask for the recipe.

Skip the expensive deli counter and make these budget-friendly sides that taste homemade because they are.

Why Homemade BBQ Sides Save Money

The Deli Counter Reality Check:

A pound of potato salad from the grocery store deli often costs $6-8 and serves maybe 4 people. Making the same amount at home costs around $4 and serves 8-10. You're paying a 300% markup for convenience.

Bulk Ingredient Advantage:

BBQ sides rely on inexpensive base ingredients: potatoes, cabbage, pasta, beans. Bought in bulk or on sale, these staples cost pennies per serving.

Make-Ahead Efficiency:

Most BBQ sides improve when made a day ahead, meaning you prep when you have time, not in the stressful hour before guests arrive.

For more budget cooking strategies, see our budget meal prep guide.

The Budget BBQ Side Dish Formula

Cost-Effective Ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet, red, or sweet)
• Cabbage
• Pasta
• Canned beans
• Seasonal vegetables
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise-based dressings

Skip These Expensive Items:

• Out-of-season produce
• Pre-cut vegetables
• Specialty cheeses
• Exotic ingredients used only once

Recipe 1: Classic Potato Salad

Serves: 10 | Cost: $6

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs russet potatoes
• 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 2 tablespoons pickle relish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes (no need to peel).
2. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
3. Mix mayo, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine cooled potatoes, eggs, celery, and onion.
5. Fold in dressing gently.
6. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
7. Sprinkle with paprika before serving.

Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance.

Budget Tip: Buy a 10-lb bag of potatoes instead of by the pound—saves about $2.

Recipe 2: Creamy Coleslaw

Serves: 12 | Cost: $4

Ingredients:

• 1 large head green cabbage, shredded
• 2 large carrots, shredded
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Shred cabbage and carrots (or buy pre-shredded to save time).
2. Whisk together mayo, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture.
4. Toss well and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Storage: Keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated.

Budget Hack: One cabbage costs $2-3 and makes enough coleslaw for a party. Pre-shredded bags cost 3x as much for less volume.

This pairs perfectly with our easy grilling recipes.

Recipe 3: Baked Beans from Scratch

Serves: 10 | Cost: $5

Ingredients:

• 3 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained
• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion in bacon fat until soft.
3. Add all remaining ingredients including bacon.
4. Simmer on stovetop for 20 minutes, or bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Slow Cooker Option: Combine everything in slow cooker on low for 4 hours.

Cost Comparison: Restaurant BBQ beans: $8-12 per serving. Homemade: $0.50 per serving.

Recipe 4: Macaroni Salad

Serves: 10 | Cost: $5

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Mix mayo, vinegar, and sugar.
3. Combine pasta, vegetables, and dressing.
4. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Upgrade Option: Add diced ham or cheese for protein (adds $2-3).

For more pasta ideas, check our easy pasta recipes guide.

Recipe 5: Corn on the Cob

Serves: 10 | Cost: $5

Ingredients:

• 10 ears of corn
• Butter
• Salt

Instructions:

Grilling Method:

1. Peel back husks but don't remove. Remove silk.
2. Pull husks back over corn and soak in water for 30 minutes.
3. Grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Boiling Method:

1. Shuck corn completely.
2. Boil in salted water for 5-7 minutes.
3. Serve with butter and salt.

Budget Tip: Buy corn in season (summer) when it's cheapest—often 5 for $2 at farmer's markets.

Recipe 6: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Serves: 8 | Cost: $6

Ingredients:

• 4 large cucumbers, sliced
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour over vegetables and toss.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Best Timing: Make 1-2 hours before serving for best flavor.

Recipe 7: Watermelon Feta Salad

Serves: 10 | Cost: $8

Ingredients:

• 1 small seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Cut watermelon into bite-sized cubes.
2. Toss gently with feta and mint.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
4. Season with a pinch of salt.
5. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours.

Budget Note: Buy whole watermelon instead of pre-cut to save 50% or more.

Recipe 8: Deviled Eggs

Serves: 12 | Cost: $3

Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Hard-boil eggs: place in pot, cover with cold water, bring to boil, cover, remove from heat, let sit 12 minutes.
2. Transfer to ice bath, peel when cool.
3. Cut eggs in half, remove yolks.
4. Mash yolks with mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Pipe or spoon filling back into egg whites.
6. Sprinkle with paprika.

Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance.

Cost Breakdown: 12 eggs = $2.50, other ingredients = $0.50. Total: $3 for 24 deviled egg halves.

Recipe 9: Three-Bean Salad

Serves: 10 | Cost: $5

Ingredients:

• 1 can green beans, drained
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all beans and onion.
2. Whisk together oil, vinegar, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour over beans and toss.
4. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Storage: Keeps for 5-7 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Recipe 10: Baked Mac and Cheese

Serves: 10 | Cost: $8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
2. Make roux: melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until thickened.
4. Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted.
5. Combine sauce with pasta.
6. Pour into 9x13 pan, top with breadcrumbs.
7. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Budget Tip: Buy block cheese and shred it yourself—pre-shredded costs twice as much.

For more budget-friendly comfort food, see our budget casserole recipes.

Recipe 11: Grilled Vegetable Platter

Serves: 10 | Cost: $10

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
• 2 yellow squash, sliced lengthwise
• 2 bell peppers, quartered
• 1 red onion, sliced into rings
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brush vegetables with olive oil.
2. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill over medium-high heat until tender and charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Arrange on platter and serve warm or room temperature.

Money-Saving Tip: Choose vegetables currently in season for the best prices.

Check out our full grilled vegetables recipes guide for more ideas.

Recipe 12: Fruit Salad

Serves: 10 | Cost: $10

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, cubed
• 1 lb strawberries, quartered
• 3 cups watermelon, cubed
• 2 cups grapes, halved
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all fruit in a large bowl.
2. If using, drizzle with honey and lime juice.
3. Toss gently.
4. Refrigerate until serving.

Budget Strategy: Use whatever fruit is on sale. This is the most flexible recipe.

Smart Shopping Strategies for BBQ Sides

Buy in Bulk:

• Potatoes (10-lb bags)
• Pasta
• Canned goods

Check Unit Prices: Sometimes the larger size isn't actually cheaper. Compare unit prices on shelf tags.

Shop Sales: Stock up on mayo, condiments, and canned goods when they're on sale. They keep for months.

Seasonal Produce: Buy tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, and peppers when they're in season and abundant—prices drop significantly.

Avoid Convenience: Pre-cut vegetables, shredded cheese, and prepared dressings all carry huge markups.

For more shopping tips, see our budget grocery shopping guide.

Quantity Planning Guide

How Much to Make:

For a BBQ with 10 people, plan for:

• 3-4 side dishes total
• Each side should yield 10-12 servings
• People will take small portions of multiple sides

Example Budget Menu for 10 People:

• Potato Salad: $6
• Coleslaw: $4
• Baked Beans: $5
• Corn on the Cob: $5
• Watermelon: $5

Total: $25 for 5 sides feeding 10 people = $2.50 per person

Compare that to buying prepared sides from the deli at $8-10 per pound.

Make-Ahead Timeline

3 Days Before:

• Shop for non-perishable ingredients

2 Days Before:

• Shop for produce and fresh ingredients
• Make three-bean salad (improves with time)

1 Day Before:

• Make potato salad
• Make coleslaw
• Make macaroni salad
• Prep vegetables for grilling

Day Of:

• Make fresh salads (cucumber-tomato, watermelon-feta)
• Warm baked beans
• Grill vegetables and corn
• Assemble deviled eggs

Conclusion

Homemade BBQ sides prove that crowd-pleasing food doesn't require a big budget. These 12 recipes show that simple, classic dishes made from affordable ingredients can outshine expensive store-bought versions every time.

The secret isn't fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It's using seasonal produce, shopping smart, and investing a little time in preparation. When you make a potato salad for $6 that feeds 10 people instead of buying one for $15 that feeds 4, you've just saved $9 while serving better-tasting food.

Start with 2-3 recipes from this list for your next BBQ. Notice which ones your crowd devours first, then make those your go-to sides. Before long, you'll have a rotation of budget-friendly favorites that make you the MVP of every summer gathering.

Fire up that grill, prep those sides, and enjoy a summer full of delicious food that doesn't drain your bank account.