An Introduction to BBQ Servings
When estimating BBQ servings, the main considerations are:
- Type of meat – Beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, etc. have different serving sizes per pound.
- Side dishes – Sides like cornbread, coleslaw, beans, etc. will help fill up guests.
- Appetites – Men, women, children have varying appetites.
- Leftovers – Hosts often want leftovers, which requires more meat.
Below are some average serving estimates for common BBQ meats:
- Pork shoulder (for pulled pork) – About 4-6 sandwiches per pound
- Chicken – Approximately 3-4 pieces per pound
- Brisket – Around 4-6 slices or 2-3 sandwiches per pound
- Ribs – Usually 1/2 to 1 full slab per person
- Sausage – Approximately 3-4 sausages links per pound
These are just general guidelines – actual yields can vary based on butcher trimming, bone sizes, etc.
Factors that Determine BBQ Servings per Pound
There are several factors that impact how far a pound of barbecue will go in terms of servings:
1. Cut of Meat
- Some BBQ cuts have more edible meat than others. For example, a beef brisket has a higher meat-to-bone ratio compared to pork spare ribs.
2. Cooking Method
- The cooking method can cause meat to shrink substantially. Smoking and low-and-slow barbecue styles result in more moisture loss versus grilling.
3. Appetites of Guests
- Appetites vary greatly by age, gender, activity level. Men and teenagers tend to eat more than women and children.
4. Sides and Appetizers
- Side dishes and appetizers make BBQ more filling. Beans, coleslaw, cornbread, etc. help stretch the meat.
5. Leftovers
- Hosts planning leftovers need to cook extra meat. Having extras is part of the joy of BBQ.
6. Event Type
- Backyard cookouts are often more casual than catered weddings – the event impacts portions.
How Much BBQ Per Person?
As a general guideline for backyard barbecue events, plan for the following BBQ servings per adult:
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: 1/3 to 1/2 pound pork per person
- Chicken Pieces: 2 to 3 pieces per person
- Brisket Sandwiches: 1/4 to 1/3 pound brisket per person
- Spareribs: 1/2 to 1 slab per person
- Sausage Links: 2 to 3 links per person
For children, cut these portions in half. Having a variety of meats and plenty of sides will ensure everyone gets enough to eat. Home cooks should start on the lower end of servings and cook extra as needed.
Helpful Tips for BBQ Meal Planning
- Have a mix of meat types – brisket, ribs, chicken, etc.
- Offer at least 2-3 hearty side dishes – beans, slaw, potatoes, etc.
- Make sure to have buns, barbecue sauce, pickles, onions for sandwiches
- For appetizers, wings, meatballs, and dips are great additions
- When in doubt, make extra – better to have leftovers than run short
- Talk to guests about allergies and dietary restrictions in advance
- Prepare some vegetarian options for non-meat eaters
- Buy meat in bulk or on sale when possible – freezing what you don’t cook
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Servings
How much BBQ is needed for 10 people?
For 10 adults, plan for at least 5-7 pounds of meat total. This could be 2 pounds of brisket, 2 pounds of pulled pork, and 1-2 racks of ribs. Include a variety of sides and appetizers too.
How much should I cook per person for a cookout?
As a baseline, allow for 1/3 pound of meat per person if serving just barbecue. Add another 1/3 pound per person to have ample leftovers the next day.
How many racks of ribs do I need for 4 people?
For a group of 4 hearty rib lovers, plan for 2 full racks of ribs. Or 4 half racks if folks want both pork and beef ribs. Have additional sides and meat in case extra is needed.
How many chicken legs and thighs should I make for 20 people?
For a group of 20, having 10 pounds of chicken legs and thighs would be sufficient. That would provide each guest with 2-3 pieces of chicken.
How much brisket is needed for 50 people?
For a large group of 50, you would want 15-20 pounds of brisket. That allows for 4-6 ounces of brisket per person, with extra for second helpings and leftovers.
Conclusion
Estimating barbecue needs for a crowd can be tricky, but following general guidelines of 1/3 to 1/2 pound of meat per person is a safe starting point. Factors like the type of meat, sides, appetites, and leftovers all impact the total servings. Being prepared with generous helpings of smoked favorites like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken will ensure everyone leaves satisfied. With a little experience and planning, you’ll be a barbecue meal planning pro!