We are having our first bbq next week I need some ideas for sides that isn't too expensive. People keep asking what they should bring but I don't know what to tell them lol. We are providing the meat.
Just let them bring what they want. I never ask someone to make a particular item. Everyone has a go to dish to bring.
Cole slaw is inexpensive and keeps well in all temperatures. People can make their own or buy it at the grocery store.
"Condiments and burger toppings" is a good category if you don't have that stuff on hand. You'll get an assortment of ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce but also pickles, onions, tomatoes.
Raw veggies and hummus - again, something that keeps well.
Tortilla chips and salsa - something to munch on while the meat cooks.
A crockpot full of baked beans - not expensive, can be homemade or store bought.
You can also do a true "pot luck" which means no assigning of dishes, people get what they get, and it's kind of fun - it makes people be a little more creative. It's almost more work to assign things than to provide everything!
If you suggest pasta salad or potato salad, get one of those large foil pans (that go with chafing dishes) or use a turkey roaster, and put a layer of ice in in, then set the mayo-based dishes on top.
It also helps if someone pre-rolls a bunch of napkins with a plastic knife, fork and spoon inside. Then put them all in a basket or stand them up in a container - people going through the buffet line can just grab a bundle and it's quick and doesn't hold up the line. There's always more food than anyone will eat, so it's okay to assign "supplies" to some people, and it's a great task for someone who doesn't cook or who is coming from a distance and can't refrigerate something. It can also be brought over ahead of time if that works for someone.
Fruit salad can be inexpensive if people just make what's on sale.
Chips and dip, fruit, veggie trays, salad (any kind - green, potato, macaroni), and dessert.
Coleslaw
Pasta salad
Fruit salad
Baked beans
Fresh fruit
Chips and dip
People usually do a salad--tossed, potato, fruit. You can get all kinds of creative with that.
Pasta Salad
Baked Beans
Corn
Dinner rolls
Rice
Potato salad
Chips and dips
Cole slaw
Baked beans
Fruit or veggie trays
Desserts
Beer
Chips
Potato salad
Baked beans
Green salad
Dessert
Bottle water
Beer
Wine
Depending on what you are having you might ask someone to bring ketchup, mustard, mayo, sliced onions, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, cheese. Of course it would depend on what meat you are serving. You could also ask people to bring rolls or bread to match your mail dish. Have fun!
