How Many Pounds Of Bbq For 20 People

So, there I was, last summer, standing in my backyard, surrounded by a cloud of smoke, and my neighbors staring at me like I'd just landed a UFO. Why? Because I'd decided to feed my entire extended family with what I thought was a reasonable amount of BBQ. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. I ended up with enough leftovers to feed a small army, and my poor grill worked overtime.

But you know what they say, "Once burned, twice shy." I've learned my lesson, and now I'm here to share my wisdom with you, dear BBQ enthusiast. Today, we're tackling the age-old question: How many pounds of BBQ do I need for 20 people?

First things first: What's on the menu?

Are we talking about a full-blown BBQ feast with all the trimmings, or a more modest spread? The type of meat and sides you're serving can greatly affect how much you'll need. For instance, ribs are usually served in half-rack portions, while burgers and hot dogs can be eaten in multiples.

Let's assume you're going for a mix: some chicken, burgers, ribs, and a couple of sides. That's a pretty standard BBQ, right?

Now, let's do some math.

As a general rule, you should plan for about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of meat per person. This should give you enough to satisfy the hungry ones and leave some for seconds. But remember, this is just an estimate. Some people might be light eaters, while others could be competitive eaters in disguise.

So, for 20 people, you'd need around 6.6 to 10 pounds of meat. I'd recommend rounding up to be on the safe side. Trust me, you don't want to be the one who ran out of BBQ.

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But wait, what about sides?

Don't forget about those! Sides can fill up space in your guests' stomachs, so you might not need as much meat as you think. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of sides per person. That could be anything from coleslaw to baked beans to corn on the cob.

For 20 people, that's another 10 pounds of sides. So, in total, you're looking at around 16 to 20 pounds of food. That's a lot of BBQ!

Alright, let's talk budget.

I know, I know, you're thinking, "That's a small fortune in meat!" Well, it doesn't have to be. You can always opt for cheaper cuts, like chicken thighs instead of breasts, or ground beef for burgers instead of steaks. And don't forget, you can always ask guests to bring a dish to share.

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Also, remember that BBQ leftovers are a beautiful thing. They make for excellent lunches the next day, or even a quick dinner if you're feeling lazy. So, don't be afraid to buy a little extra. Your future self will thank you.

Last but not least: The art of the BBQ.

This isn't just about the quantity, folks. It's about the quality too. Make sure your meat is marinated, your grill is hot, and your sides are delicious. And don't forget the drinks! Nothing ruins a BBQ like dehydration.

So, there you have it. My guide to feeding a small army. I hope it helps, and remember, the key to a successful BBQ is planning, planning, planning. Oh, and maybe a little bit of luck. Now, go forth and grill!