Walmart Summer Cookout Staples Sale: Delicious Recipes for Budget-Friendly Gatherings
Summer is here, and that means one thing: cookouts! But hosting a memorable summer cookout doesn’t have to break the bank. Walmart’s summer cookout staples sale offers incredible deals on everything you need to create a delicious and affordable feast. From grilling essentials to refreshing sides and desserts, you can find fantastic discounts on high-quality ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore some mouthwatering recipes that utilize Walmart’s sale items, helping you plan the perfect budget-friendly cookout.
Planning Your Budget-Friendly Cookout
Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about planning. A successful budget-friendly cookout starts with a smart shopping strategy. Here’s a breakdown:
* **Check Walmart’s Weekly Ad:** Regularly browse Walmart’s weekly ad and online deals to identify the best prices on cookout staples like ground beef, chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers buns, condiments, produce, and beverages.
* **Make a List and Stick to It:** Once you know what’s on sale, create a detailed shopping list and resist the temptation to buy unnecessary items. This helps prevent impulse purchases and keeps your budget in check.
* **Buy in Bulk (When Appropriate):** If you’re hosting a large gathering, buying in bulk can often save you money. However, only buy what you can realistically use or store before it expires. Items like hamburger patties, hot dogs, and soda are often cheaper when purchased in larger quantities.
* **Utilize Store Brands:** Walmart’s Great Value brand offers a wide range of products at significantly lower prices than name brands. Don’t hesitate to try them out – you might be surprised by the quality.
* **Plan Your Menu Around Sale Items:** Be flexible and adapt your menu based on what’s on sale. For example, if chicken thighs are heavily discounted, consider making grilled chicken tacos instead of burgers.
Delicious Recipes for Your Walmart Summer Cookout
Now, let’s get to the fun part: the recipes! These recipes utilize common cookout staples available at Walmart and are designed to be both delicious and budget-friendly.
1. Classic Grilled Hamburgers with All the Fixings
No cookout is complete without juicy hamburgers. This recipe focuses on creating flavorful patties and offering a variety of toppings to please every guest.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs Great Value Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
* 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 8 Great Value Hamburger Buns
* Lettuce
* Tomato, sliced
* Onion, sliced
* Pickles, sliced
* Great Value Ketchup
* Great Value Mustard
* Mayonnaise (optional)
* Cheese slices (cheddar, American, or your favorite)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Patties:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
2. **Form the Patties:** Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent the patties from bulging in the middle while grilling.
3. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F).
4. **Grill the Patties:** Place the patties on the grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness (internal temperature of 160°F). If you prefer your burgers more well-done, cook for a longer period.
5. **Add Cheese (Optional):** During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty and let it melt.
6. **Assemble the Burgers:** Toast the hamburger buns on the grill for a minute or two until lightly golden brown. Place a patty on the bottom bun, then add your desired toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
7. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the burgers immediately and enjoy!
**Tips for Perfect Hamburgers:**
* Don’t overmix the ground beef mixture.
* Make an indentation in the center of each patty.
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked to the desired doneness.
* Toast the buns for added flavor and texture.
2. Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Chicken skewers are a healthy and flavorful alternative to burgers. Marinating the chicken beforehand infuses it with delicious flavors and keeps it moist during grilling. The peanut sauce adds a creamy and savory element that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs Great Value Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tbsp honey
* 1 tbsp sesame oil
* 1 tbsp rice vinegar
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 tsp ground ginger
* Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
**For the Peanut Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tbsp honey
* 1 tbsp rice vinegar
* 1 tbsp sesame oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup water (or more, to reach desired consistency)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. **Prepare the Skewers:** Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 300-350°F).
4. **Grill the Skewers:** Place the chicken skewers on the grill grates and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside (internal temperature of 165°F).
5. **Make the Peanut Sauce:** While the chicken is grilling, prepare the peanut sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired. Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the grilled chicken skewers with the peanut sauce for dipping.
**Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewers:**
* Soak the wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning.
* Don’t overcrowd the skewers – leave a small space between each piece of chicken.
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* Adjust the peanut sauce ingredients to your liking.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Flavored Butters
Grilled corn on the cob is a quintessential summer side dish. This recipe elevates the classic by offering a variety of flavored butters to add extra flavor and dimension.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Flavored Butter Options:**
* **Garlic Herb Butter:** 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme)
* **Chili Lime Butter:** 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp cumin
* **Cinnamon Sugar Butter:** 1 tbsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Corn:** Remove the husks and silk from the corn. You can leave the stems on for easier handling.
2. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 300-350°F).
3. **Grill the Corn:** Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
4. **Prepare the Flavored Butters:** While the corn is grilling, prepare the flavored butters. In separate bowls, combine the softened butter with the ingredients for each flavor: garlic and herbs, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin, or cinnamon and sugar. Mix well until combined.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Remove the corn from the grill and brush with your desired flavored butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips for Perfect Grilled Corn:**
* Soak the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent it from drying out.
* Don’t overcook the corn – it should be tender and slightly charred.
* Get creative with your flavored butter combinations.
4. Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint
A refreshing and light salad is a must-have for any summer cookout. This watermelon and feta salad is incredibly easy to make and offers a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and minty flavors.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups cubed watermelon
* 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint leaves.
2. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the watermelon and feta mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. **Season to Taste:** Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Chill (Optional):** For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. **Serve Chilled:** Serve the salad chilled and enjoy!
**Tips for Perfect Watermelon Salad:**
* Use seedless watermelon for convenience.
* Choose a high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
* Don’t overdress the salad – a little dressing goes a long way.
* Chill the salad before serving for a refreshing treat.
5. Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Whipped Cream
End your cookout on a sweet note with this simple and delicious grilled pineapple dessert. The grilling process caramelizes the pineapple, intensifying its sweetness, while the coconut whipped cream adds a creamy and tropical touch.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
* 1 tbsp brown sugar
* 1/4 tsp cinnamon
* 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
* 2 tbsp powdered sugar
* 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pineapple:** In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pineapple rings.
2. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 300-350°F).
3. **Grill the Pineapple:** Place the pineapple rings on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are lightly charred and caramelized.
4. **Make the Coconut Whipped Cream:** While the pineapple is grilling, prepare the coconut whipped cream. Carefully scoop out the thick, solid coconut cream from the top of the refrigerated can of coconut milk, leaving the watery liquid behind. Place the coconut cream in a chilled bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and top with a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips for Perfect Grilled Pineapple:**
* Use a ripe pineapple for the best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the pineapple – it should be lightly charred and caramelized, but not mushy.
* Make sure the coconut milk is well-chilled before making the whipped cream.
* Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
More Budget-Friendly Cookout Ideas
Here are a few more ideas to help you plan an amazing cookout without breaking the bank:
* **Potluck Style:** Ask your guests to bring a dish to share. This takes the pressure off you and introduces a variety of flavors and cuisines.
* **DIY Drink Station:** Set up a drink station with lemonade, iced tea, and water. Offer different fruit slices and herbs for guests to customize their drinks.
* **Simple Decorations:** Use inexpensive decorations like balloons, streamers, and paper lanterns to create a festive atmosphere.
* **Games and Activities:** Organize some outdoor games like cornhole, badminton, or frisbee to keep your guests entertained.
* **Leftover Creations:** Plan ahead for leftovers! Grilled chicken can be used in salads or sandwiches, and leftover corn can be added to soups or tacos.
Shopping Smart at Walmart
To maximize your savings during Walmart’s summer cookout staples sale, consider the following:
* **Utilize Walmart’s Online Grocery Pickup:** Save time and avoid impulse purchases by ordering your groceries online and picking them up at the store.
* **Compare Prices:** Don’t assume that every item on sale is the best deal. Compare prices with other stores to ensure you’re getting the lowest price.
* **Use Coupons:** Check for coupons online or in-store to save even more money.
* **Take Advantage of Rollback Prices:** Walmart often offers rollback prices on popular items. Keep an eye out for these special deals.
* **Join Walmart Rewards:** Sign up for Walmart Rewards to earn points on your purchases and redeem them for discounts.
By following these tips and utilizing Walmart’s summer cookout staples sale, you can host a memorable and delicious cookout without breaking the bank. Happy grilling!