No Ho-Hum Burgers: Four July 4th Entrees That Won't Break the Bank

Hosting your family and friends for a Fourth of July party doesn't need to break your budget. You might be tempted to dazzle them with porterhouse or prime rib but in this economy, no one will hold it against you if you cut back on the entree. After all, isn't the point of a holiday party visiting with friends and enjoying the day?

That doesn't mean you have to serve ho-hum hamburgers and hot dogs -- there are a wide variety of sizzling summer entrees from the grill that won't cost a fortune. Reducing portions of meat or building a menu highlighting fresh local vegetables can reduce the hit to your wallet.

Grilled Stuffed Peppers
We love grilling stuffed peppers and they are easy to customize. Larger peppers will be easier to grill and won't turn to mush over the heat. Adding the filling while it is hot means it takes less time to grill the peppers.

You can make the stuffing suit the tastes of vegetarians and carnivores alike. Start with your favorite mixture of rice and vegetables -- you can include tomatoes, celery, carrots, onions and garlic. For the meat lovers, mix in some browned lean ground beef or Italian sausage. We like to finish our stuffed peppers off with a little sprinkling of freshly grated cheese.

You can make the filling as early as the day before your party to save time. Reheat in the microwave or keep it warm in a slow-cooker.

Kabobs
Alternating chunks of marinated meat with vegetables can create a delicious entree. Plus, you can offer a variety of meats to give your guests the option to choose their favorites. Most of the prep work for kabobs can be done early in the day, giving you more time to relax with your friends.

Cut pork shoulder, English beef roast or boneless, skinless chicken breasts into chunks and then marinate with your favorite sauce for at least two hours. Slide the chunks of meat onto the skewers, alternating with cherry tomatoes and mushroom caps along with chunks of sweet onion, bell pepper and summer squash.

Bamboo skewers can be found at most grocery stores. Soak them in water for at least two hours before adding the meat and vegetables.

Grilled Pork Loin
Not to be confused with the much more expensive tenderloin, this cut of pork is flavorful and juicy and perfect for the grill. Plan to serve 6 ounces per person. We brush our loin with a mixture of equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar and then rub it with our favorite seasonings. Granulated garlic and sage are always in the mix with a bit of paprika and ground black pepper.

If you have a rotisserie for your grill, most of the work will be done. Pork is best when it is slow-roasted over indirect heat. If you have a gas grill, turn off one burner once it is preheated and place the pork loin in that spot. If you want a bit of char, sear the loin over the flames before the slow-roasting. Turn the pork regularly to allow even cooking and pull it from the heat when the internal temperature is 135-140 degrees. Wrap the loin tightly in foil and allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Sliders
Sliders or mini-burgers, no matter the name, are so acceptable many restaurant chains offer them on the menu. These little gems can be as fancy or simple as you like and your guests will be thrilled. Some groceries now carry mini-buns but dinner rolls work fine.

When we make sliders, the patties weigh two ounces. To make a large quantity, press your favorite burger mix into a cookie sheet, then cut into 2-inch squares. Cover with plastic wrap and keep very cold until time to grill.

We use a flat-griddle for camping on our gas grill to keep the sliders from falling through. These burgers won't take long to cook over medium heat. The grill master can put the burgers right on the buns as they come off the grill and pile them on a platter for your guests.

Offer the standard burger toppings, but our choice is always a dill pickle slice, a few diced onions and a small dab of mayonnaise.

More from this Contributor:
Homemade Marinades and Rubs

Grocery Savings: 5 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Meat

Grill Roasted Stuffed Peppers