Barbecuing or grilling food is a fun way to feed a crowd. When catering a barbecue for a large group, it’s important to have enough food so everyone gets their fill. So how much barbecue per person should you plan for catering? Here are some tips and guidelines to ensure you order the right barbecue catering quantities.
Introduction
Barbecues make for great catered events, whether it’s a summer party, corporate event or wedding. The sweet smoky aroma and casual vibe take the formality out of events. Plus, the variety of grilled meats, sides and desserts means there’s something for everyone.
When ordering barbecue catering, the main factors to consider are:
- Type of barbecue meal – Buffet? Sit-down? Heavy appetizers?
- Meat and other entrée selections
- Number and demographic of guests – Adults, kids, big eaters?
- Sides being served
- Any appetizers, salads, desserts to complement
- Length of the event – Will people be eating over 2+ hours?
- Budget
Getting the right barbecue quantities for catering requires planning ahead. You want guests satisfied, not stuffed. But you also want to avoid not having enough. Striking that balance means factoring in the menu, guests and event duration.
This guide will explore barbecue catering quantities for a variety of meats, side dishes and scenarios. Let’s start with the main course – the juicy grilled stuff.
How Much Meat Per Person for Barbecue Catering
The meat – and how much of it – is the focal point of any barbecue. Here are some guidelines for common proteins.
Hamburgers
- As a meal: 1/3 to 1/2 lb patty per person
- Allow 1/3 lb for lighter appetites
- Up to 1/2 lb for heartier appetites
- As a lighter offering: 2-3 slider-size patties per person
With condiments like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and sauces served on the side, burgers can fill up guests without overstuffing them. Offering a build-your-own bar is interactive and fun.
For large groups, include veggie burger options. Figure 1 veggie patty for every 4-5 meat patties.
Hot Dogs
- As a meal: 2-3 standard hot dogs per person
- As an appetizer: 1-2 cocktail-size hot dogs each
Hot dogs are already on the smaller, lighter side. But they make a tasty grilled meal with sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, chips and dip.
Plan on at least 2 standard dogs per adult if hot dogs are the main dish. Up the quantity for big eaters.
Miniature cocktail franks work nicely as starters – figure 1-2 per person.
Steak
- As a meal: 10-12 oz per person
- As an appetizer: 6-8 oz portions
A juicy grilled steak is a highlight of any barbecue. Though expensive, a little goes a long way, especially when paired with sides.
For a steak-focused catered dinner, allow 10-12 oz per person – a hearty serving without waste. Offer at least two cuts, like ribeye and sirloin.
As a lighter barbecue option, serve 6-8 oz portions of top sirloin, flank or hangar steaks. Slice thinly and pair with chimichurri or other sauces.
BBQ Chicken
- Whole chickens: 1 small or 1/2 large chicken per person
- Boneless breasts: 1/4 to 1/3 lb per person
- Wings: 2-3 wings each as an appetizer
Chicken lends itself well to the grill. Guests can enjoy barbecue chicken as breasts, wings, quarters or a whole bird.
For a whole BBQ chicken meal, allow 1 average sized chicken for every 2-3 guests. Or offer 1/2 a large chicken per person.
Boneless, skinless breasts provide lighter fare – plan on 1/4 to 1/3 pound per guest.
Chicken wings make great barbecue starters – allow 2-3 wings per adult. Provide wet naps!
BBQ Ribs
- As a meal: 1 – 1 1/2 racks per person
- As an appetizer: 1/3 – 1/2 rack each
Succulent barbecue ribs are pure Messy BBQ Bliss. Cater with care as they’re heavy, rich andpricey.
For a ribs-focused barbecue feast, plan on 1 average rack per guest – up to 1 1/2 racks for big eaters. Offer wet wipes!
As a lighter starter, figure 2-3 ribs per person. Slice racks into smaller portions and serve with sauce on the side.
BBQ Pork (Pulled Pork, Smoked Shoulder)
- As a meal: 1/3 – 1/2 lb per person
- As an appetizer: slider-size portions
Nothing says barbecue like tender, smoky pulled pork. Luckily it’s also budget-friendly for feeding a crowd.
Figure 1/3 lb of pulled pork or smoked shoulder per average eater as an entrée. Up to 1/2 lb for big appetites.
For lighter appetizers, pile pork into mini buns or tenderize in sauces. Portion into bite-size servings.
Kebabs and Skewers
- As a meal: 2-3 skewers per person
- As an appetizer: Allow 1-2 skewers each
Grilled shrimp, steak or chicken skewers make awesome, interactive barbecue fare.
If kebabs are the main event, allow each person 2-3 skewers for ample portions.
Offer 1-2 skewers per guest as starters – create a visually stunning spread by varying proteins and veggies.
Sausages
- As a meal: 2-3 sausages each, plus buns
- As an appetizer: Allow 1-2 sausages per person
From brats to plant-based links, sausages sizzle on the barbecue.
Serve 2-3 full-size sausages as an entrée, along with buns and sauces.
Cut sausages into bite-size pieces and provide toothpicks for easy hors d’oeuvre-style eating. Figure 1-2 pieces per guest.
BBQ Sandwiches
- As a meal: 1 full sandwich per person
- As an appetizer: Slider or small portions
Pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey – piled high on a bun, what’s not to love?
For a sandwich-focused barbecue meal, figure one full sandwich per person. Offer deli rolls and pretzel buns to up the novelty.
Slice full-size barbecue sandwiches into halves or thirds for appetizer portions. Or serve bbq meats piled onto slider buns.
Veggie Burgers/Kebabs
- As a meal: 1-2 patties or skewers per person
- As an appetizer: offer slider-size or 1 skewer each
Don’t forget your vegetarian guests! Add grilled veggie burgers, portobello caps, and vegetable kebabs to the mix.
Allow 1-2 veggie patties or skewers per non-meat eater as a main dish.
For starters, offer a single slider-size veggie burger or grilled veggie skewer per guest.
BBQ Baked Beans
- As a side dish: 1/3 – 1/2 cup per person
- As an appetizer: 2-3 tablespoons per person
No barbecue is complete without a dish of saucy baked beans. Here’s how much to serve:
- As a side, allow 1/3 to 1/2 cup of baked beans per guest.
- As a lighter starter or reception nibble, plan for 2-3 tablespoons per person. Provide mini cups or spoons.
BBQ Potato/Pasta Salads
- As a side dish: 1/4 -1/3 cup per person
- As an appetizer: 1-2 tbsp per person
Creamy potato and pasta salads round out a barbecue meal. Portion sizes include:
- As a side dish, allow 1/4 to 1/3 cup of potato or pasta salad per guest.
- For appetizers, serve 1-2 tablespoons per person in mini cups, if possible.
Coleslaw
- As a side: 1/4 – 1/3 cup per person
- As an appetizer: 1-2 tbsp per person
Tangy coleslaw adds welcome crunch to a barbecue spread. Here are good serving sizes:
- Side dish portions are around 1/4 to 1/3 cup per guest.
- As a starter or nibble, allow 1-2 tablespoons of coleslaw per person.
Corn on the Cob
- As a side: 1-2 ears per person
- As an appetizer: N/A
Grilled corn on the cob makes a fun, hand-held side. Figure:
- 1-2 ears of corn per person as a side dish. Shuck beforehand for easy eating.
- Avoid corn on the cob for appetizers. Kernels could get messy!
Bread/Rolls
- As a side: 2-3 per person
- As an appetizer: N/A
Provide buns and dinner rolls so guests can make sandwiches or soak up sauce. Allow 2-3 rolls or buns per guest.
Rolls don’t work well for appetizer portions. Offer grilled bread slices instead.
Grilled Veggies
- As a side: Approx. 1/2 cup per person
- As an appetizer: 1-2 oz portions
Grilled veggies like zucchini, squash, peppers and eggplant make healthy sides and appetizers. For portions:
- Side dishes are around 1/2 cup grilled veggies per guest.
- As apps, allow 1-2 oz portions per person – cherry tomatoes, mushroom caps, zucchini rounds.
Green Salad
For backyard barbecue events, offer simple green side salads with vinaigrette and dressing on the side:
- As a side: 1-2 cups per guest
- As an appetizer: 2-4 oz portions
When serving salad as a starter course for a catered barbecue meal, provide small 2-4 oz servings of mixed greens on individual plates.
Barbecue Catering Quantities for Specific Events
How much barbecue you’ll need for catering also depends on the type of event you’re hosting. Here are some barbecue quantity recommendations for common catered occasions:
Backyard BBQ Party
A casual backyard barbecue for friends is all about laidback fun. Plan on:
- Appetizers: Allow 2-3 pieces per guest. Things like wings, sliders, skewers, franks in blankets.
- Main Course: 1/3 lb burgers or chicken breasts, 1 rib, 2-3 skewers. Plus generous sides.
- Sides: At least 2 selections like salads, beans, slaw, pasta salad. 12-16 oz portions.
- Dessert: 2-3 cookies or 1 slice cake/pie per person. Or s’more fixings!
Corporate Event or Office Party
Feeding an office team? Stick with crowd-pleasing classics. Just enough to avoid heavy stomachs:
- Appetizers: 3-4 bite-size portions each. Examples: wings, meatballs, caprese skewers.
- Mains: 1/4 lb burgers or boneless chicken breasts. Or 2-3 chicken wings each.
- Sides: One salad like coleslaw plus one hot side such as beans or potatoes. 8-12 oz portions.
- Dessert: 1-2 bite-size cookies, brownies or bars per guest.
Wedding Reception
Make sure guests don’t go hungry on the big day. Allow for second helpings with generous portions:
- Cocktail Hour: 4-6 pieces per guest. Mix proteins like shrimp skewers with veggie bites.
- Dinner: Hearty portions – 10-12 oz steak or 3/4 rack ribs. 2-3 sides servings at 12-16 oz each.
- Late night snacks: Mini sandwiches or sliders.
Kids Event
Planning a backyard birthday party for the little ones? Keep it simple but interactive:
- Main course: Slider burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips/fingers or 2-bone chicken wings
- Sides: Favorites like mac n cheese, fries, fruit salad.
- Drinks: Juice boxes, water bottles, soda/lemonade
- Dessert: Sheet cakes, cupcakes, cookies.
- Activities: Lawn games, bubble machines, water balloons!
Restaurant-Style Catering
For a more upscale barbecue catering menu, add starters, salad course and plated dishes:
- Appetizers: Guests will expect 3-4 unique appetizers like bison skewers, bacon-wrapped scallops, avocado toast.
- First course: A light salad – watercress, arugula, cucumber ribbons.
- Entrees: Offer two proteins, each portioned generously at 10-12 oz servings. Include premium sides like grilled veggies, loaded mashed potatoes.
- Dessert: Mini dessert shooters – key lime pie, s’mores mousse, etc.
How to Calculate Barbecue Catering Quantities
Figuring out barbecue food quantities takes a little math. Here are some tips:
- Start with the meat: Choose 2-3 meats and decide on portion sizes per person. Allow for extra portions in case of miscalculations or hungry guests.
- Add on sides: Estimate 1-2 side dish selections, factoring appropriate portion sizes.
- Appetizers and salads: Calculate lighter starters, salads and reception snacks separately from main dishes.
- Think allergies: Add extra meatless/vegan proteins and sides for guests with dietary restrictions. Don’t forget gluten-free options.
- Order extra: Overestimate slightly on quantities to ensure enough food. Extra barbecue keeps well refrigerated for leftovers.
- Use guest count: Guests who don’t RSVP make estimating hard! Build in cushion for no-shows.
- Know your crowd: Are you feeding light eaters or hearty appetites? Teens or seniors? Adjust accordingly.
- Consider event duration: Guests attending 2+ hour events need more sustenance than quick receptions.
- Check serving ware: Are plates small or oversized? Will cups hold 6 oz or 12 oz? Factor that into portions.
- Do the math: Multiply all portion totals by number of guests. It’s fine to round up slightly.
With the right calculations, your catering quantities will satisfy guests without leaving you swimming in leftovers. Next let’s look at…
Tips for Ordering Barbecue Catering
Choosing the right barbecue caterer is key. Here are some helpful pointers:
Look for Specialties
Seek out caterers who focus on barbecue. Check if they smoke meats in-house and grill onsite. BBQ should be their culinary passion.
Read Menus and Reviews
Peruse online menus and read reviews. Get a feel for their barbecue style – Kansas City ribs? Carolina pulled pork? Texas brisket?
Detail Event Particulars
Provide headcount, event duration, venue restrictions and any other relevant details. Be clear on your budget parameters.
Discuss Menu Options
Talk over proteins, sides and quantities. Be open-minded – experienced caterers know how to properly feed a group.
Request Sample Menus
Ask to see sample barbecue menus and their per person prices. Compare several caterers.
Confirm Order Details
Recap all menu components, quantities, delivery time/place, equipment rentals, etc. Get contact info for event day issues.
Arrange Leftover Donations
Check if extras can be donated to shelters following the event. Most caterers accommodate this.
Get it in Writing
Secure catering agreements in a written contract. Outline menus, guarantees, deposits, final payments, cancellation policy, insurance, etc.
Pay Deposits
Put down deposits on caterers ASAP after booking. Follow up near the event date to reconfirm headcounts for final payment.
FAQs About Barbecue Catering Quantities
Still unsure about ordering enough barbecue for your catered events? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How much barbecue should I order for 50 guests?
For 50 adults, here are approximate totals to order:
- Meat: 25 lbs burgers, 40 chicken breasts, 4 whole smoked briskets
- Sides: 25 lbs potato salad, 30 lbs baked beans, 10 heads lettuce
- Buns/bread: 100 buns or rolls
- Apps: 100 wings, 100 meatballs, 100 skewers
How do caterers estimate quantity per person?
Experienced barbecue caterers have formulas to calculate per person portions. They factor the menu, demographics, event style and other details into quantity estimates.
Should I order more food than guests?
Yes, it’s wise to overestimate slightly just in case all guests attend or eat heartily. Ordering 5-10% extra barbecue is recommended. Any extras keep well refrigerated.
What if we run out of food at an event?
First see if any reserve food ordered can be brought out. If not, send someone to pickup more supplies, or have pizzas delivered. Maintain a positive, proactive attitude – guests will be understanding.
Is it better to have too much vs too little barbecue?
Having too much leftover barbecue is better than running short on