How Much Meat Per Person For BBQ Would You Need For Your Next Summer Party?

Mei 09, 2023 5 min read

how much meat per person for bbq

Perhaps the best part about summer is planning exceptional barbecue parties with the people you love so everyone can enjoy a delectable meal. After all, the weather is pleasant, the kids are off from school, and there is no better time. However, one thing you need to understand when planning a barbecue party is how much to buy. 

You need an estimate of how much meat per person you would need so everyone can satisfy their cravings. So, if you love having barbecue parties at your home, you are in the right place. Keep reading for an answer. 

How Much Meat Per Person For BBQ: Some Things To Keep In Mind 

barbecuing brisket

Before you understand how much meat you would need per person, you have to keep in mind a few things that will determine this. These include the following:

1. What The Spread Will Look Like 

The first thing you need to consider is the spread you want to do. This includes the types of meat you want to go for if you will have any side dishes, and other such things. For example, if you plan on keeping side dishes, then you must ensure that it is in proportion with the meats you serve. 

So, think about what kind of spread you want. Once you do, it will become easier to gauge the quantity you would need for each item. 

2. Who Will Your Guests Be, And How Many?

The guests will also determine the meat you allocate to each person for the BBQ. For example, if you have kids and families coming over, then you must take into account the fact that kids will enjoy less meat and more sides. On the other hand, if you have football players or athletic people coming in, they will eat more meat. 

Besides that, the number of guests will also determine the amount of meat you need. So, think about the kind of people you invite and how many will show up. 

3. Will There Be Alcohol?

If you are planning to serve alcohol at your gathering, then you should keep in mind that the consumption of meat will increase. This is because people eat more when they are consuming alcohol, which is why you need to take this important factor into account. If this is the case, you will have to increase the quantity you serve per person. 

How Much Meat Will You Serve Per Person For The BBQ: Types Of Meat 

barbequing different types of meat

Now that you have some idea after asking the important questions, you must remember that the type of meat will determine how much meat you serve. Here are some estimated guidelines, depending on the meat type:

Type of Meat 

How Much You Will Need Per Person

Brisket

½ pound 

Ribs

Two or three short ribs 

Pulled Pork

Between 1/3 and ½ pound 

Steak

Half a pound 

Ham

Half a pound 

Whole Turkey

A pound

Hot Dogs 

Two each 

Chicken Breast/Thigh/Drumsticks

One/One/Two 

Burger Patty 

One patty each with it being ½ pounds

We have estimated the type of meat you can serve per person by considering that adults will be consuming the meat. It is also best to have some vegetarian or vegan options, depending on the guests that are coming. You can also create heavy side dishes if you want people to consume less meat to save money and effort. 

Top Tips To Help You Plan The Best BBQ Party 

enjoying a BBQ party in summer

By now, you have all the meat sorted out for your needs. So, it is time to incorporate the best tips that will help you plan an amazing BBQ party. These include the following:

1. Create The Perfect Menu 

People might forget everything else but will always remember the food they consumed at a party. This is why you need to have the perfect menu for your BBQ party. You can select recipes that you are a pro at making so people can enjoy some of the best food. 

On the other hand, you can stick to the main meat and then plan the rest of the party around it. The perfect sides, vegetables, and drinks will complement the meat and elevate the flavor of the food. 

2. Prep The Meat Beforehand 

The more you let the meat marinate, the juicier it will be when you cook it. This is why you should prep the meat at least a day before your party. This will allow the meat and vegetables to soak up the marinade and burst with flavor when you barbecue them. 

Think about your guests and create different marinades that will go best with the meat you have chosen. Once you do, it will help you save time and effort on the day you want to have the barbecue. 

3. Keep Drinks 

The meat and food will be incomplete without the right drinks. You can keep a few coolers and fill them with beer. On the other hand, you can keep juice and water for the kids. If you want to go fancy, you can also create signature cocktails for your adult guests. 

Such cocktails can elevate your party to another level, but you will have to spend more effort and resources in creating these cocktails. If you don't want to do this, filling a cooler with beer will be perfect. 

4. Keep Some Games 

Everyone loves playing a good game at a backyard BBQ party, be it kids or adults. So you can set up a few games that everyone can choose from and enjoy. For example, you can keep hula hoops, Twister, and other such games for the kids to enjoy. 

On the other hand, you can keep badminton, table tennis, and these types of games for the adults. It will give everyone something to do, and they will remember your party and all the unique things it has to offer. 

5. Have A Dessert 

Your BBQ menu will be incomplete without ending it on a sweet note. This is why it is important that you keep a dessert everyone will enjoy. You can keep a dessert bar with different types of things that people can choose from. 

On the other hand, you can also serve ice cream with different toppings of your choice. If you plan to serve ice cream, you can take out scoops the day before and keep it in the freezer. Then, you can take them out when it is time to serve to save time. 

6. Keep The Pests Away 

When you have a barbecue party in your backyard, you have to control different pests that might want to have a bite of the good. You should keep mesh covers for all the serving dishes so that nothing can harm the food. On the other hand, you can keep mosquito repellents throughout the backyard to keep these annoying flies away. 

Many people forget to take this factor into account and plan for it. However, if you want your guests to have the best time, then you must protect them and the food from pests. All of these tips will help keep bugs and insects at bay. 

Final Thoughts 

That was everything you needed to know about how much meat you will need per person for the barbecue you keep in your backyard. Now that you have all the details, you can have the perfect backyard BBQ party that your guests will enjoy the most. Make sure that you plan everything beforehand so that nothing is left to the last minute. 

Don’t forget to make the atmosphere festive so that people can have a great time and remember your BBQ party for a long time. After all, summer is all about BBQ parties in the neighborhood.


Also in Cooking

What to Smoke on Traeger: Top Recipes and Tips
What to Smoke on Traeger: Top Recipes and Tips

Juni 20, 2024 2 min read

Read More
How to Cook Perfect Traeger Pork Spare Ribs
How to Cook Perfect Traeger Pork Spare Ribs

Juni 20, 2024 1 min read

Read More
Delicious Smoked Chex Mix Recipe for Your Next Gathering
Delicious Smoked Chex Mix Recipe for Your Next Gathering

Juni 20, 2024 3 min read

Read More
RuffRuff App RuffRuff App by Tsun