10 Cheap Grilling Recipes That Won't Break the Bank

Nothing beats firing up the grill for a budget-friendly meal or side dish that doesn’t heat up your kitchen. These cheap grilling recipes prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to create delicious, satisfying meals that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

From juicy chicken drumsticks to foil packet dinners and grilled corn, you’ll find options perfect for busy weeknights and summer gatherings.

1. Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled chicken drumsticks close up shot. — Photo Credit: Bites with Bri

Skip the long marinade time with this quick lemon garlic drumstick recipe that only needs half an hour of marinating.

The secret ingredient to the marinade is Greek yogurt, which keeps everything moist while creating a coating that won’t slide off during grilling.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

2. Mexican Street Corn

Grilled corns on a tray. — Photo Credit: Blue’s Best Life

Grilled corn gets dressed up with mayo, chipotle chili powder, and Mexican crema for a side dish that’ll be a hit at your BBQ. Pull the husks back and tie them with twine to make your built-in handles, so clever.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

3. Gnocchi Foil Packets

Gnocchi foil packets close up shot. — Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Foil packet dinners are a total game-changer when you want zero cleanup. This recipe has buttery gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, corn, and seasonings.

While the packets cook on the grill, you’re free to prep other dishes or kick back and relax.

Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Foil Packets

4. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Grilled cauliflower with sliced limes. — Photo Credit: Healthy Fitness Meals

Cut cauliflower into thick slabs and brush with homemade chimichurri packed with fresh herbs and garlic. Each “steak” grills quickly and makes a satisfying vegetarian main or easy side that even meat-lovers will appreciate.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

5. Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thighs close up shot. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table

Chicken thighs are budget-friendly and flavorful when marinated in soy sauce, honey, and fresh garlic. The chicken comes out tender with the perfect amount of charred flavor.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

6. Grilled Tomatoes

Grilled tomatoes on griller. — Photo Credit: Eating on a Dime

Roma tomatoes turn incredibly sweet and smoky when they hit the grill. A touch of garlic powder, fresh basil, and a couple of other ingredients are all you need to make this cheap side dish.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Tomatoes

7. Sausage and Veggie Packets

Sausage and veggies in foil packet. — Photo Credit: The Cookin Chicks

This simple foil pack recipe is made with summer sausage, potatoes, zucchini, corn, and more. Toss everything with olive oil and seasonings, wrap it tightly, and let the grill do all the work.

Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggie Packets

8. Grilled Zucchini Parmesan

Grilled zucchinis close up shot. — Photo Credit: Wholefully

Fresh zucchini gets a major upgrade on the grill with a mouthwatering honey balsamic glaze and Parmesan. Bring this to a summer BBQ and watch it disappear right off the plate!

Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini Parmesan

9. Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers on white plate. — Photo Credit: Two Cloves Kitchen

Kielbasa gets the perfect amount of char and is so tasty with grilled bell peppers, not to mention incredibly inexpensive to make. Throw everything on buns with mustard or sauerkraut for a classic combo that never gets old.

Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

10. Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes

Close up shot of grilled cheesy potatoes. — Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

These cheesy garlic potatoes cook up tender and flavorful in their own little foil packets. Two types of cheese melt together with butter and garlic for a tasty side dish you’ll want to make all the time.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes