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Nothing quite screams summer like a good ol’ BBQ! As the season approaches, you may find yourself planning a barbecue party for your family and friends. However, one question that often comes up is, how much BBQ per person is enough to satisfy everyone’s appetite? 

During the summer, I love to spend my days outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Enjoying a BBQ is great, but ensuring you have the right amount of BBQ is essential for me. It allows me to have enough food for everyone and keep some money in my pocket.

This is why this is an important question to consider, as you don’t want to run out of food or end up with a pile of leftovers at the end of the day.

To help you navigate this question, I put together a guide on how much BBQ per person you should plan for. So, fire up the grill, and let’s get started!

Close up of sausages and chicken kabots cooking in the grill.

How Much BBQ Should I Serve Per Person?

The amount of BBQ per person largely depends on the type and number of dishes you serve. If you’re doing a full-on grilling feast, then plan for 3/4 to 1 pound per person.

If it’s just burgers and hot dogs, then cut that estimate in half. The same is true if you’re making sandwiches or wraps.

If side dishes are also on the menu, plan for about 1/4 pound per person. Remember, if you add lots of sides like salads and chips, people tend to fill up more quickly.

Remember that these estimates are based on average-sized servings; if you’re having a party full of big eaters, you may want to bump up the estimate.

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How many people will 1lb of BBQ feed?

The general guideline for meat per person is around 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound of raw meat. This varies based on the type of meat you’re serving, whether meat is the main part of the meal or not, and the age and appetite of your guests. For example, children under 12 eat about half the amount of an adult, while men tend to eat more than women. 

Boneless meat also weighs less once cooked, so keep that in mind. As for sides, creamy and carb-laden dishes tend to fill guests up more than light salads and grilled veggies. The ideal menu should have a variety of meats, with three varieties being a good target, and a selection of side dishes to match. 

Finally, it’s always better to have some leftovers than to run out of food, so err on the side of excess. 

Female friends enjoying a BBQ party.

How many pounds of BBQ do I need for 10 people?

You should plan on 8-10 pounds of BBQ for ten people. That means 4-5 pounds of meat and 4-5 pounds of side dishes.

You can also adjust your estimates depending on the type of food you’re making. For example, burgers and hot dogs may require less than other types of grilled meats.

If you’re serving a meal with multiple sides like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and salads, then 1/4 pound per person is probably enough.

A good rule of thumb is to plan on 1-1.5 cups of sides per person. However, this can vary based on the types of sides you plan to offer. If you’re serving heavier, starchier sides like mac & cheese or potato salad, plan on serving less per person. 

If you’re serving lighter options like fruit salad or green beans, plan on serving a little more per person. It’s always a good idea to have a mix of both heavy and light sides to keep your guests satisfied. 

Regarding dessert, plan on serving 1-2 desserts per person if you’re offering a limited selection or 0.5-1 dessert per person if you offer a larger variety.

By following these guidelines and considering the factors that can affect how much food you need, you can ensure a successful and satisfying barbecue for you and your guests.

How much BBQ do I need to feed 20 people?

To feed 20 people, you will need approximately 8-10 pounds of BBQ. This should allow for 1/2 pound per person, assuming no one is a particularly heavy eater. However, if you know that your group has a heartier appetite or you prefer to have leftovers, you may want to increase the amount accordingly.

In addition to the BBQ, you’ll want to provide a variety of sides to accompany it. A good rule of thumb is 1/4 to 1/2 cup of each side dish per person. For sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or mac and cheese, you may want to err on the side of larger portions, as these tend to be crowd-pleasers.

Overall, to serve BBQ to 20 people, plan on approximately 8-10 pounds of meat and a variety of sides to complement it. With these quantities, you can be confident that your guests will leave feeling satisfied and well-fed.

Meat grilling on a grill.

How many pounds of BBQ will feed 50 people?

To feed 50 people, you will need about 25-30 pounds of BBQ. This should provide 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person, depending on your guests’ size and appetite.

In addition to the BBQ, plan on providing a variety of sides to accompany it. At a minimum, you should aim for 1/4 cup of each side dish per person. However, if your sides are particularly popular or hearty (e.g., mac & cheese), you may want to increase the portion size accordingly. With these quantities, you can be sure that your guests will be well-fed and happy.

How many pounds of BBQ do I need for 30 people?

It can be difficult to determine the exact amount of BBQ you will need for a given number of people. Generally, it is recommended that you plan for about 1/3 pound to 1/2 pound per person. This assumes you are also serving other side dishes and that your guests will likely not eat all of the meat they are served.

For 30 people, you should plan for between 10-15 pounds of BBQ. To be safe, purchasing a bit more meat than you think you will need can also be helpful. This way, you will have enough food for all your guests.

When purchasing or preparing the BBQ, consider factors such as how much your guests will eat and what dishes you serve. For example, you may need to adjust the amount of BBQ depending on whether it is a buffet or sit-down style meal and if you provide salads or other side dishes.

Additionally, if your guests have dietary preferences such as vegetarianism, make sure there is enough food for everyone by preparing additional items.

Overall, determining how much BBQ to serve per person can vary based on the occasion and individual needs. Planning ahead and accounting for other factors can ensure that all of your guests leave with satisfied bellies!

How many people will 8 lbs of BBQ feed?

How many people will 8 lbs of BBQ feed?

When it comes to deciding how much BBQ per person, a good rule of thumb is to plan for 1/2 – 3/4 pounds of raw meat per person. This amount may vary depending on the type of meat you’re serving and whether it’s the main dish or just part of the meal.

It’s also important to consider other factors, such as the number of side dishes, the age and gender of your guests, and the time of day you’re serving the meal. 

Additionally, it’s a good idea to offer a variety of meats so that guests can choose what they prefer. When it comes to sides, there are endless possibilities, but be mindful of how filling they are when planning your quantities. Keeping these factors in mind will help you prepare the perfect amount of BBQ to satisfy all of your guests.

Close up of two steaks grilling.

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