How Many Pounds Of Bbq For 20 People

How Many Pounds of BBQ for 20 People? Your Ultimate Guide to BBQ Success

Planning a BBQ for 20 people can seem daunting, especially when it comes to figuring out how much food to buy. Underestimating leaves your guests hungry, while overestimating leads to waste and unnecessary expense. This comprehensive guide will help you calculate the perfect amount of BBQ for your gathering, ensuring everyone gets their fill and you avoid unnecessary leftovers.

Understanding BBQ Portions: More Than Just Meat

Calculating the amount of BBQ needed isn't simply about pounds of meat. Consider these factors:

1. Appetites of Your Guests:

• Big eaters vs. light eaters: Are your guests known for their hearty appetites, or are they more delicate diners? This significantly impacts your calculations. A group of competitive eaters will require considerably more food than a group of light snackers.
• Other food offerings: Will you be serving appetizers, side dishes, salads, and desserts? If you have a substantial spread beyond the BBQ, you can slightly reduce the amount of meat per person. A buffet-style setup allows guests to self-regulate their portions.
• Activity level: A group engaged in strenuous activities (e.g., a post-hiking BBQ) will generally consume more food than a group relaxing by the pool.

2. Types of BBQ:

• Variety is key: Offering a selection of meats, such as ribs, brisket, chicken, and sausage, ensures a wider appeal and caters to diverse tastes. Don't just rely on one type of meat!
• Bone-in vs. boneless: Bone-in meats (ribs, whole chicken) weigh more but yield less edible meat compared to boneless options (chicken breasts, steak). Account for this difference in your calculations.
• Serving styles: Will you be serving pulled pork sandwiches, sliced brisket, or whole chicken pieces? The serving style affects portion sizes. Pulled pork, for instance, can be served in generous portions, while sliced brisket might be a smaller serving.

Calculating BBQ Quantities: A Practical Approach

A general rule of thumb for BBQ is to plan for 1-1.5 pounds of meat per person. However, this is just a starting point. Let's refine this based on the factors discussed earlier.

Scenario 1: The Hearty BBQ Feast (1.5 lbs per person)

If you anticipate big appetites, or if your BBQ is the main event with limited side dishes, aim for 1.5 pounds of meat per person. For 20 people, this means you'll need:

1.5 lbs/person * 20 people = 30 lbs of BBQ

Consider a variety of meats to distribute the weight:

• 10 lbs: Ribs (bone-in, requiring more weight)
• 10 lbs: Chicken (a mix of bone-in and boneless options)
• 10 lbs: Sausage and brisket (provides a good balance of flavors and textures)

Scenario 2: Balanced BBQ with Sides (1.25 lbs per person)

If you're serving plenty of sides, salads, appetizers, and desserts, you can slightly reduce the meat per person. 1.25 lbs per person is a reasonable amount for a well-rounded BBQ. For 20 people:

1.25 lbs/person * 20 people = 25 lbs of BBQ

A possible distribution could be:

• 8 lbs: Ribs (allows for a generous portion without overwhelming the meal)
• 7 lbs: Chicken (a combination of drumsticks, thighs, and breasts)
• 10 lbs: Sausage and brisket (provides variety and flavorful options)

Scenario 3: The Casual BBQ (1 lb per person)

For a casual get-together with plenty of other food options, 1 lb of meat per person might suffice. This is suitable for a BBQ that’s part of a larger event or where guests are expecting other food options. For 20 people:

1 lb/person * 20 people = 20 lbs of BBQ

A suggested distribution:

• 6 lbs: Chicken (mostly boneless breasts for ease of serving)
• 7 lbs: Sausage (a crowd-pleasing option)
• 7 lbs: Brisket (can be sliced thinly for easy portioning)

Beyond the Meat: Essential BBQ Considerations

Remember, the success of your BBQ goes beyond just the quantity of meat. Here are crucial points to ensure a memorable event:

Side Dishes: The Unsung Heroes

Don't underestimate the importance of side dishes! Plan for a variety to complement the BBQ flavors. Include options like:

• Classic coleslaw: Creamy and tangy, it cuts through the richness of the meat.
• Potato salad: A BBQ staple that's always a crowd-pleaser.
• Corn on the cob: Sweet and satisfying, adding a touch of summery freshness.
• Baked beans: A hearty and flavorful option.
• Pasta salad: A refreshing and versatile side dish.

The quantity of side dishes will depend on your guests' preferences and the amount of meat you’re serving. Aim for enough for everyone to have multiple servings.

Drinks: Hydration is Key

Keep your guests hydrated with plenty of beverages. Offer a selection of options, including:

• Water: Essential for hydration, especially on a warm day.
• Lemonade or iced tea: Refreshing and non-alcoholic choices.
• Soda: A classic BBQ beverage.
• Beer: If appropriate for your gathering.

Plan for at least one drink per person per hour, adjusting based on the weather and activity level.

Dessert: The Sweet Ending

End the meal on a sweet note with a delicious dessert. Consider options like:

• BBQ-themed cupcakes or cake: A fun and festive touch.
• Fruit salad: A light and refreshing dessert.
• Ice cream: A classic crowd-pleaser.

The quantity of dessert will depend on the size of your portions and the overall sweetness of the other foods.

Conclusion: BBQ Success is in the Planning

Planning a successful BBQ for 20 people requires careful consideration of your guests' appetites, the types of BBQ you'll serve, and complementary side dishes, drinks, and desserts. Using the guidelines provided in this article, you can confidently estimate the amount of BBQ to purchase, ensuring a satisfying and memorable event for everyone. Remember, it's always better to slightly overestimate than to underestimate – a little extra BBQ can always be enjoyed later! Enjoy your BBQ!