Ordering the right amount of barbecue is one of the most common questions we hear when people plan a party. Order too little and the line runs out before everyone eats. Order too much and you are left with trays of leftovers. The numbers below are a good starting point for most events.
How Much Meat Per Person
Plan on about one third to one half pound of cooked meat per adult. Use the lower number for a lunch or an event with plenty of sides and appetizers. Use the higher number for a dinner, a hungry crowd or an event where barbecue is the main attraction.
When you serve more than one meat, the total stays about the same. Guests take a smaller portion of each. For two meats, plan on roughly one quarter pound of each per adult. For three meats, plan on a little less of each.
Children usually eat about half of an adult portion.
How Much Brisket Per Person
For brisket as the only meat, plan on about one half pound of cooked brisket per adult. Brisket is rich, and it is usually the first meat to run out at a party, so it is worth rounding up.
Keep in mind that brisket loses a large share of its weight in the smoker. If you are buying a raw brisket to cook yourself, you will need close to twice the cooked weight you plan to serve. When you order cooked brisket by the pound from a barbecue restaurant, the weight you buy is the weight you serve.
How Much Pulled Pork Per Person
For pulled pork as the only meat, plan on about one third pound of cooked pork per adult. Pulled pork stretches further than brisket, especially when it is served on rolls. As with brisket, a raw pork shoulder loses a good deal of weight as it cooks.
How Much of Each Side
Plan on about four to five ounces of each side per guest, which works out to roughly a half cup. Two or three sides are plenty for most events. Popular choices with barbecue include mac ’n’ cheese, BBQ beans, coleslaw and potato salad.
A Quick Reference
- 25 guests, one meat: about 8 to 13 pounds of cooked meat
- 50 guests, two meats: about 17 to 25 pounds of cooked meat in total (see our full list for 50 people)
- 100 guests, three meats: about 33 to 50 pounds of cooked meat in total
These are estimates. Adjust them for the time of day, the age of your guests and how much other food you are serving.
Let Us Do the Math
Our catering packages are priced per person, so you do not need to work out pounds of meat yourself. Each package includes your choice of smoked meats and homemade sides, plus dinner rolls and our BBQ sauce. Catering starts at 15 guests, and takeout is available for smaller groups.
Tell us your date and guest count through the catering page and we will get back to you within 24 business hours with pricing and availability. We recommend booking at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
If you are serving ribs, see our guide to how many ribs to plan per person.