There are plenty of ways to grill this summer while also keeping value in mind. We're here with inspiration for all your summer grilling needs with tips ranging from how to get more out of a whole chicken to styles of serving to make your favourite big meats go further in a crowd-and much more!
Shrimp rolls versus lobster rolls
Save: Shrimp rolls
Transform this East Coast favourite with a simple protein swap! Enjoy these easy Chive-Lime Shrimp Rolls cooked cold-water shrimp dressed up with chives, mayo, and lime juice is all packed into a golden brioche bun.
Spend: Lobster rolls
Bring a taste of the Maritimes to your table with these classic homemade lobster rolls. Serve with wedges of fresh lime, crispy french fries, coleslaw, and loads of napkins!
Sausage bar versus traditional big meats
Save: Hot dog roast
Hot dogs are a summer classic, but you don't have to relegate them to camping trips alone. Set up a hot dog bar at your next BBQ, complete with an array of toppings, and watch the crowd go wild. Our Meat Dept. offers fresh sausages, including mild and spicy Italian, turkey, chicken and herbed.
Spend: Big grilled meats, family-style sharing portions
Your favourite big cuts of meat can stretch at a big family event; it's all about how you serve things up! We suggest doing the mixed grill: cooking an assortment, slicing it up, and serving family style on a generous platter. Pair with dips, drizzles, and sauces-like this Summer Green Sauce-for a punch of flavour and colour, and then it's all about the side dishes. Mix in vegetables, a hearty grain salad and more to complement the spread and have enough more than enough food to fill everyone at the table.
Whole chicken versus chicken pieces
Save: BBQ Pulled Portuguese-style Chicken Sandwich
Some ingredients easily stretch to feed a crowd with a little creativity. We suggest this BBQ Pulled Portuguese Chicken Sandwich, which takes a single flattened chicken and turns it into a meal for six. Grill the chicken, shred the meat, add in some tasty pre-made condiments, plus some homemade quick pickled onions, and pile onto pillowy brioche buns with a fresh slaw for a filling, fast dinner. Tip: Serve in smaller portions on slider buns and add two or three summer salads to the table to suit an even-larger party size.
Spend: Grilled chicken piece
You can't go wrong with a family-size package of chicken thighs. These juicy, flavourful Paprika Grilled Chicken Thighs & Corn are ready in 20 minutes, and this recipe serves six! Perfect for your next summer dinner.
Homemade burgers: Pick your proteins
Save: Deconstructed sausage burgers
Repurpose fresh sausage by turning mild (or spicy, if you prefer) Italian sausage into quick and easy burgers. The meat is pre-seasoned, so all you have to do is take the meat out of the casings, form it into patties, grill, top, and devour. In under half anhour, you've got delicious burgers for the family.
Spend: Salmon burger
Go gourmet with these Japanese-style salmon fillet burgers dressed up with pickled ginger, wasabi, and sesame seeds. A sensational seafood swap to your usual backyard grilling routine. Find 10 more burger ideas for summer here.
