How to Make an Inexpensive Fourth of July Meal

This article will give readers some interesting ideas for inexpensive Fourth of July meals that will feed six to ten people, all on a budget of $100 maximum. Well the coals are hot, so let's get this cookout fired up.

Pasta Salad
A simple, easy pasta salad is a great way to fill up folks without busting your budget. The meal is fast and easy to make and can be altered to include whatever the preparer desires.

Your local Wal-Mart or grocery store probably carries these variety pasta mixes all for somewhere in the neighborhood of $1 each. Three or four of these packages will be enough to accommodate six to ten people with healthy appetites.

Corn
You always want to serve a vegetable with every meal and corn has always been a favorite in my household. Whether you fry it, leave it on the cob and boil it or cook it on the grill, it works either way. I prefer to leave it on the cob for large groups of company so I can break them in half and double the amount before serving.
For groups of 6 to 10 people, eight cobs should do the trick. Remember, breaking them in half will double your amount. Eight cobs should cost you about three dollars depending on where you live and if you think you need more, a full dozen would be approximately two or three dollars more.

Meats
Chicken on a grill is always a big crowd pleaser and add a few hamburgers and hot dogs and you have yourself a genuine cookout. You can find hamburgers and hot dogs in almost any grocery store or supermarket, but for a Fourth of July meal it would probably be best to buy them in a large quantity at a reasonable price. Check your local Wal-Mart, Sam's Club or grocery store for these jumbo packs of hot dogs or hamburgers and you should be able to fine some for less then ten dollars.

Add in a two or three whole chickens and you should have plenty of meats for your party.

Cut the whole chickens in quarter sections, season to taste and grill. Total cost of your meats should be somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 to $35 depending on where you live.