Catering a barbecue is a different game to a normal dinner, people graze, they go back for seconds, and "just one more sausage" is basically a law of physics. Here's how much BBQ meat to actually buy so you don't run out (or drown in leftovers).
The rule of thumb
For a barbecue where meat is the main event, budget around 300 to 400g of meat per adult. That's more than a normal meal portion, because people eat more at a BBQ and like a bit of everything. Lighter eaters and kids bring the average down; a hungry, beer-in-hand crowd pushes it up.
Worked example: a BBQ for 20 people
At roughly 350g per person, 20 people works out at around 7kg of meat total. Spread that across a mix, for example:
- A batch of burgers
- A couple of packs of sausages
- Chicken thighs or skewers
- Something a bit special, steaks, gammon or ribs
Variety matters as much as weight, aim for three or four different things so everyone finds something they love.
Tips to get it right
- More guests = you can budget slightly less per head. Big groups always have lighter eaters who balance out the hungry ones.
- Lots of sides, buns and salads? You can trim the meat back a little.
- Leftovers aren't a disaster. Cooked BBQ meat is brilliant cold the next day, so erring slightly over is no bad thing.
Let us do the portioning
Our BBQ hampers are sized by how many people you're feeding, so you get the right amount and the right mix without the maths. Browse the full BBQ range to fill any gaps.