If you have ever found yourself staring at a catering menu thinking, Is this enough food or am I about to embarrass myself, you are not alone. Portion math is the least fun part of planning an event, especially when you are trying to make everyone happy.
That is why this question comes up constantly when people are ordering Dallas barbecue catering. Barbecue is generous by nature, but guessing is not a strategy. The goal is simple. No empty trays. No panic. No mountains of leftovers you did not plan for.
Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.
Before We Get Into Numbers, Here Is What Changes Everything
Portions are not one size fits all. A few things quietly determine how much people eat:
Time of day matters. Lunch crowds tend to eat lighter than dinner crowds.
Event type matters. Office lunches are polite. Parties are not.
Menu variety matters. More options means people pace themselves.
Your guests matter. Some show up hungry. Some are just there for the brisket.
These guidelines work for most events and are especially useful when planning Dallas barbecue catering for offices, parties, and family gatherings around Dallas.
Barbecue Catering for 25 People
This is the sweet spot for small but important events. Big enough that you want it done right. Small enough that every tray matters.
Plan for:
- About 10 to 15 pounds of meat total
- Two meat options works best here
- Three to four sides
- One roll per person plus a few extra
This setup feels abundant without being excessive. Everyone eats well. Nobody wonders if they should wait before grabbing seconds.
Great for team lunches, birthdays, showers, or backyard celebrations where the grill stays off and the hosting stays easy.
Barbecue Catering for 50 People
This is where people start overthinking it. Do not.
Plan for:
- About 22 to 27 pounds of meat
- Three meat options
- Four to five sides
- One to one and a half rolls per person
At this size, balance matters more than volume. Some guests want brisket only. Others are here for ribs and sides. A solid mix keeps the line moving and the mood relaxed.
This is a very common order size for barbeque catering and it is also where experience makes a difference. You want food that shows up ready, stays hot, and disappears at the right pace.
Barbecue Catering for 100 People
Now you are feeding a crowd. This is not the time to wing it.
Plan for:
- About 45 to 60 pounds of meat
- Three to four meat options
- Five to six sides
- One and a half rolls per person
At 100 people, no one eats everything, but everyone expects options. The goal is not perfection. It is confidence. When the spread looks generous, people relax and enjoy themselves.
This is exactly why bbq catering works so well for large events. The food holds. The service flows. The host gets to breathe.
Let’s Talk About Brisket
Brisket is not just another option. It is the main character.
If brisket is the headline, plan for:
- About one third to one half pound per person
If brisket is part of a larger lineup, you can order slightly less, but rememeber: brisket goes first.
When in doubt, add a little extra brisket.
Sides Are Not an Afterthought
Sides do a lot of heavy lifting.
They fill plates.
They stretch portions.
They keep people satisfied without overloading meat.
A good rule is:
- Four to five ounces of each side per person
Mix hearty sides with lighter ones and suddenly the whole spread feels complete. This is one of the quiet advantages of barbecue catering done right.
Should You Order Extra?
Short answer. Yes.
Running out of food creates stress. Extra food creates options.
Leftovers can be packed up, shared with the team, or enjoyed later. Nobody complains about extra barbecue. You can even freeze it for yourself and enjoy at a later date.
Why Barbecue Is One of the Easiest Foods to Cater
Bbq catering is forgiving in all the ways hosts need it to be. It travels well. It holds heat. It satisfies different appetites without special instructions.
That is why barbeque catering works for everything from office lunches to milestone celebrations. You get food people actually want and logistics that do not take over your day.
Final Thought Before You Order
These numbers give you a strong starting point, but every event has its own rhythm. Crowd type, timing, and menu choices all matter. If you want a second set of eyes on your order or help dialing it in, that is part of the process.
Good barbecue should make your event easier, not harder. That is the whole point.
Call us at 214-353-0027 or fill out our online form to get in touch with our catering team. And if you’re in the Dallas area, come visit us at one of Dallas’ oldest and iconic restaurants on Inwood Road, open 24/7/365 for barbecue pickup or barbecue delivery. We cater beyond Dallas – reach out to us for barbecue catering in Richardson, Plano, Fort Worth and beyond!
