How Much BBQ to Make Per Person: The Ultimate Guide

Factors to Consider

Deciding on how many portions of barbecue to make when you are hosting a meal can be the difference between a refrigerator overflowing with food and there not being enough food to go around. Understanding what factors influence choosing the correct portion size is essential when deciding on the right amount.

Let’s explore some of the more common factors that will determine how much food you will want to make.

Type of BBQ

The kind of food that you make for a barbecue is going to play a large role in the appropriate portions. Some food is more dense than other types of food, meaning that people will naturally eat less. For example, ribs can have a moderate amount of meat, but they will still offer less than a large quantity of something like pulled pork or brisket.

Appetite of Guests

Everyone eats differently, and it helps to really know the eating habits of your guests when you are deciding on portions. Adapting to the level of food that the group eats can ensure that you estimate your portions correctly.

Other Menu Items and Sides

Most barbecues offer a lot more than just deliciously cooked meats. When portioning out your dishes, consider what other food will be available and how much people will be relying on that specific dish to fill their plates.

If you are hosting a barbecue that has a significant amount of appetizers and sides, it is generally fine to make a more limited amount of other dishes. It helps to consider what everyone will be eating in addition to the BBQ meats.

Duration of Cookout

The length of an event will absolutely influence how much food should be made. As a general rule, the longer an event is, the more people will eat. This happens for a few reasons.

During a short cookout, it is possible that some people might not be hungry. Ultimately, they might eat very little or not eat at all. However, given more time at the location, they may eat later on. In this case, having more food will be important. If your event is going to span the entire day, it is a good idea to portion for multiple plates per person.

Age and Gender of Guests

Our bodies can influence our eating habits significantly. While a child in their picky eater phase might not eat much, a grown college athlete may eat enough for multiple people. Using what you know about the age and stature or habits of your guests can help you to correctly estimate portions for each person.

Any Dietary Restrictions or Preferences

Barbecue is delicious, and it is popular all around the globe. However, it is not for everyone. The reality is that barbecue food does not suit all taste preferences, and there are many reasons that people might not eat available food. Knowing the dietary habits of your guests can also help you to estimate portions correctly.

Anyone who prefers plant-based eating or who does not eat animal products will not eat meat at a barbecue. Additionally, people eating certain diets, cutting out sugar or salt, or even just changing their habits might not want to eat too many food items at a barbecue either. When you know this, you can factor it into the total quantity of food.

Guidelines for Estimating Quantity

Correctly estimating the desired quantity of food when hosting a barbecue for different amounts of people is an important skill. It helps you to cut down on excess and accommodate the needs of your guests at the same time. Even better, you also save time and effort by not cooking too much food.

How Much Per Person?

There are some general guidelines that are recommended when it comes to portioning meat out correctly for guests at a barbecue.

How Much Pulled Pork Per Person?

For pulled pork, it is typically recommended to plan for ⅓ to ½ pound per person, assuming that there will be other side dishes and appetizers served as well.