Barbecues are a beloved summer tradition. When hosting a barbecue, one of the most important decisions is determining how much food to buy. You want to make sure you order enough barbecue without overspending or having lots of leftovers. This guide will provide tips on how much barbecue meat, sides, and other items to order per person for a successful backyard bash.

Factors That Impact How Much BBQ You Need

Several factors go into determining the right amount of barbecue to purchase for your party. Here are some of the key considerations:

Number of Guests

The number of people you plan to feed is the most basic factor. Are you hosting an intimate gathering of close friends or a huge block party? Estimating attendance can be tricky. To be safe, order for a couple extra people beyond your confirmed RSVPs.

Appetites and Demographics

Appetites can vary based on demographics. Teenagers and men often eat more than women and children. If the majority of your guests are big meat eaters, bump up the quantities. Consider any relatives known for their healthy appetites too.

Menu and Sides

The types of barbecue meat and sides you serve will impact how much you need per person. Brisket and ribs are heavier proteins that fill people up. Including lighter proteins like chicken can allow you to order less meat per guest. Sides like salads, baked beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob also help fill up your guests.

Length of Event

For a quick barbecue of just a couple hours, you may not need to order as much per person as an all-day party. Guests tend to graze over more extended events, so you want the food to last.

Leftovers

Do you mind having leftovers after the event? Some people purposefully order extra as a strategy so they have barbecue ready to go for the next few days. If you want minimal leftovers, use more precise quantities.

Recommended Quantities for Barbecue Ordering

Here are some general recommendations for ordering quantities for a summer barbecue. You can adjust up or down based on your specific guest list and menu.

Main Barbecue Meats

Chicken: 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound per person
Pork Ribs: 1⁄2 to 1 pound per person
Pulled Pork: 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound per person
Brisket: 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound per person
Sausage: 1 to 2 sausages per person
Hamburgers: 1 to 2 hamburgers per person
Hot Dogs: 2 to 3 hot dogs per person

Sides

Potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw: 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup per person
Baked beans, mac and cheese: 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 cup per person
Corn on the cob: 1 ear per person
Corn bread, rolls: 2 to 3 per person
Chips, snacks: 2 to 3 ounces per person
Watermelon, fruit salad: 1 to 2 cups per person
Dessert: 1 to 2 cookies or brownies per person

Drinks

Soda, lemonade, iced tea: 1 to 2 cans/cups per person
Beer: 2 to 4 cans/bottles per person
Wine: 1 to 2 glasses per person

Handy Chart for Ordering Common Barbecue Items

Here is a quick reference chart to simplify your barbecue order. The lowest quantities are for lighter appetites, while the highest amounts are for heartier eaters.

Handy Per Person Estimates for Various Quantities

Another easy way to estimate is to look at per person amounts for different quantities of guests:

For 25 guests:

3 pounds of chicken
5 pounds of pulled pork
2 racks of ribs
1 brisket (8-12 pounds)
4 pounds of hamburgers
3 packs of hot dogs
4 heads of cabbage for coleslaw
3 pounds of potato salad
1 watermelon
5 dozen cookies

For 50 guests:

7 pounds of chicken
10 pounds of pulled pork
4 racks of ribs
2 briskets (16-24 pounds total)
9 pounds of hamburgers
6 packs of hot dogs
9 heads of cabbage for coleslaw
7 pounds of potato salad
2 watermelons
10 dozen cookies

For 75 guests:

11 pounds of chicken
16 pounds of pulled pork
6 racks of ribs
3 briskets (24-36 pounds total)
14 pounds of hamburgers
9 packs of hot dogs
14 heads of cabbage for coleslaw
10 pounds of potato salad
3 watermelons
15 dozen cookies

For 100 guests:

15 pounds of chicken
22 pounds of pulled pork
8 racks of ribs
4 briskets (32-48 pounds total)
18 pounds of hamburgers
12 packs of hot dogs
18 heads of cabbage for coleslaw
13 pounds of potato salad
4 watermelons
20 dozen cookies

Tips for Ordering Barbecue

Keep these tips in mind when determining quantities for your barbecue food orders:

Overestimate rather than underestimate. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers.
Look at RSVPs 1-2 weeks out to get a solid headcount. Reconfirm with guests a few days before the event.
Order meat in large, uncooked pieces rather than shredded or sliced. It gives you flexibility to cut more as needed.
Refrigerate extra coleslaw and salads. They tend not to reheat well.
Let your caterer know 1-2 weeks in advance so they can ensure they have enough supplies. Provide an estimated guest count and discuss menu.
Save leftovers in individual containers you can easily freeze for future meals.
Ask guests with specific dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) to RSVP early so you can order accordingly.
Order a couple extra burgers and hot dogs since they are quick cooking. You can easily make more at the last minute if needed.
Prepare some food yourself rather than ordering everything. Making your own sides like bean salad and desserts can save money.
Offer a kid’s menu with smaller portions of barbecue classics and snacks if you will have a lot of children attending.
Make sure you have enough plates, utensils, cups, napkins, and other supplies for your guest count.
Have coolers stocked with extra ice and beverages so you don’t run out.

Sample Barbecue Menus

Here are some sample barbecue menus for 50 and 100 guests, with estimated quantities to order.

Backyard BBQ Menu for 50 Guests

Meats:

10 pounds pulled pork
2 whole briskets (16-20 pounds total)
4 racks baby back ribs (8-10 pounds total)
9 pounds hamburgers
6 packs hot dogs

Sides:

9 heads cabbage for coleslaw
7 pounds potato salad
3 pans baked beans
2 sheet pans macaroni salad
100 ears corn on the cob
5 pounds tortilla chips
50 dinner rolls

Drinks:

3 cases soda
3 cases beer
12 bottles wine

Dessert:

10 dozen brownies
10 dozen cookies

Big Backyard BBQ Bash for 100

Meats:

22 pounds pulled pork
4 briskets (32-40 pounds total)
8 racks baby back ribs (16-20 pounds total)
18 pounds hamburgers
12 packs hot dogs

Sides:

18 heads cabbage for coleslaw
13 pounds potato salad
6 pans baked beans
4 sheet pans macaroni salad
200 ears corn on the cob
10 pounds tortilla chips
100 dinner rolls

Drinks:

5 cases soda
5 cases beer
24 bottles wine

Dessert:

20 dozen brownies
20 dozen cookies

Key Takeaways

Determining how much barbecue to order per person is part science, part art. Take into account your number and type of guests, menu options, and the general tips provided above. Overestimate slightly to avoid running out. If cost is a concern, choose less expensive meats like chicken and hot dogs. Offering lighter sides and kid options also helps manage portions. With smart planning and these BBQ ordering estimates, you can host an amazing cookout that perfectly meets your guests’ needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Much BBQ to Order Per Person

Barbecues are a highlight of summertime fun. Planning the food can feel daunting, though. Here are answers to some common questions to help you determine how much barbecue to order per person for a successful event.

How much barbecue should I have for 50 people?

For 50 guests, plan on around:

10 pounds of pulled pork or chicken
2 whole briskets (16-20 pounds total)
4 racks of ribs (8-10 pounds)
9 pounds of hamburgers
6 packs of hot dogs (at least 50 dogs)
9 heads of cabbage for coleslaw
7 pounds of potato salad
3 pans baked beans
2 sheet pans macaroni salad
50 ears corn on the cob
5 pounds of tortilla chips
50 dinner rolls
Drinks and dessert for 50

This allows for generous portions of the popular meat items like brisket and ribs along with lighter sides, snacks, and beverages.

How do I estimate meat quantities for 100 people?

For 100 guests, you’ll want to approximately double the quantities for 50 people:

20+ pounds pulled pork or chicken
4 briskets (32-40 pounds total)
8 racks ribs (16-20 pounds total)
18 pounds hamburgers
12 packs hot dogs (at least 100 dogs)
Sides, snacks, desserts, and drinks for 100

Having a mix of heavier meats like brisket and ribs along with lighter proteins like chicken and hot dogs will help feed a larger crowd.

How much should I order per person if kids are coming?

Plan on ordering 50-75% of the normal quantity for children under 12 years old. Provide a separate kid-friendly menu with:

Hot dogs
Hamburgers
Mac and cheese
Fruit salad
Cookies
Juice boxes
Water bottles

You can also offer smaller 1⁄4 portions of the adult menu items.

How do I order enough without wasting food?

Start with rough estimates for your guest count.
Order meat in large pieces rather than shredded or sliced to allow for flexibility in portions.
Refrigerate and freeze leftovers in individual containers to minimize waste.
Let your caterer know if estimates change so they can adjust orders.
Offer a take-home box for guests to bring leftovers.
Repurpose meats for future meals like sandwiches, nachos, tacos, etc.

How much should I get if I’m undecided between meats?

It’s smart to have a protein backup plan in case your main meat runs low. Here are some options:

Order an extra tray of chicken wings or legs.
Get 10-20% more hamburgers and hot dogs than estimated.
Have a pork shoulder or smoked sausage ready to slice up.
Purchase a whole turkey breast or pork loin to roast as a backup.
Make a batch of vegetarian burgers or skewers for non-meat eaters.

Having contingency proteins ready ensures everyone gets fed even if headcounts are off.

What are some good strategies for ordering barbecue?

Overestimate your headcount slightly. Running out is worse than having leftovers.
Reconfirm final numbers with guests a few days before the party.
Order meat in bulk pieces rather than pre-sliced or shredded.
Have lighter proteins like chicken and hot dogs ready as backups.
Refrigerate and freeze leftovers promptly in individual containers.
Be transparent with your caterer or vendor on guest estimates.
Prepare a couple sides and desserts yourself to cut costs.
Have a kid’s menu planned with smaller portions.
Make sure you have enough plates, utensils, napkins, cups, etc.
Keep extra beverages on ice so you don’t run out.

How can I plan a barbecue on a budget?

Choose more affordable main meats like chicken legs, hot dogs, and pulled pork.
Prepare lighter sides like potato salad and coleslaw yourself.
Skip cuts like brisket, ribs, and steak which are pricier per pound.
Purchase ingredients for baking desserts in bulk.
Buy soda, water, and other drinks on sale and ice them down.
Offer disposable plates and utensils to save on cleanup costs.
Purchase condiments, buns, and snacks at warehouse stores to get bulk pricing.
Set up a build-your-own-burger and hot dog bar rather than grilling individual servings.

With smart planning, you can throw a delicious barbecue that won’t break the bank!

What’s better for large groups, buffet style or individual plates?

For groups larger than 50 people, a buffet style spread is usually easier for serving food efficiently. Have guests go through the buffet line once with their plate, then come back for seconds if they’re still hungry. With individual plated meals, you’ll need more staff to coordinate, and food may be cold by the time everyone is served.

For smaller groups under 50, individual plated dinners work nicely and allow guests to customize their menu. Numbered tents at tables help servers identify who ordered what meal. This approach does require more work for you or your catering team though.

In general, buffets are great for informal events focused on mingling, while plated dinners lend themselves to more formal occasions.

Conclusion

Planning food for a barbecue involves a mix of experience, research, and calculations. Take your guest list, menu options, demographics, and other variables into account when ordering. Slightly overestimating is better than underestimating quantities. Lean on your caterer for input if you’re uncertain about amounts. With the tips above, you’ll feel confident ordering the right amount of delicious barbecue for an unforgettable summer cookout with family and friends.

How Much BBQ to Order Per Person: The Complete Guide