Celebrating the Fourth of July is the perfect excuse to host a quintessential summer cookout. We’ve crafted a simple, but delicious, menu that will maximize flavor and fun with minimal impact to your wallet. So, light up that grill and get cooking!
Corn on the cob is a summer cookout staple. Luckily, by July, it’s also an in-season produce item, which means it’s readily available and affordable to boot! To prepare grilled corn:
If you really want to impress your friends, serve with a flavored butter made from chopped jalapeños, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Tomatoes are another type of produce that hits its peak in midsummer! This particular take on tomatoes is from the family of a PSECU employee.
Wait until ready to serve to pour on the dressing. Slice up a loaf of crusty bread to serve alongside the tomatoes, because as the dressing sits, the more flavor it takes on, and you’ll want your guests to be able to enjoy every last drop!
The humble baked potato is an oft-forgotten and underrated side dish for a cookout. But because potatoes are inexpensive and hearty, we’re adding them to our menu for the Fourth!
Simply scrub clean russet potatoes (enough for each person to have one), wrap them tightly in foil, and place directly on a medium grill. Roast on the grill until tender, about 1 hour. Serve with classic toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chives. You could use sweet potatoes for this, and it would be just as delicious. Either way, these will definitely be a hit!
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an easy-to-cook and affordable option for your protein. Cooking the chicken on skewers reduces the cooking time and makes for an impressive presentation.
Here’s how to do it:
Pro Tip: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about an hour before using them, so they don’t burn and break on the grill. If you’re not a meat eater or have a vegetarian or vegan in your group, you can easily swap the chicken for extra firm tofu.
While you’ve got the grill lit up, you might as well use it for dessert, too! Peaches are the queen of summer fruits, and they’re super easy to turn into a unique and tasty finish to your meal.
This recipe for Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Butter from Bobby Flay is a stunner and is practically effortless.
To really ramp up the yum-factor, serve the grilled peaches with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Whether you’re just cooking out with the family or hosting a crowd for the Fourth of July, these recipes are affordable options that do not sacrifice flavor! Your guests will enjoy a hearty and seasonal meal, and you’ll be happy because you didn’t spend a ton of money. For more financial tips + tricks to help you take charge of your financial future, visit our WalletWorks page.