Hey, fellow BBQ fans! Are you excited for the holidays and grilling for a large group? We all know how it feels. Hosting a year-end bash with a crowd wondering what delicious treats to serve. Well, fret not because we’ve got your back with some BBQ food ideas (along with how much you should expect to need per person) that will satisfy the largest groups of people. 

Tips when cooking for large groups:

Main Courses: Meats, Sausages, Wings, and Veggies

Let’s kick things off with the star of the show. The meat! When you’re feeding a crowd, we say go big or go home. Make a grand impression. Think about serving up a brisket or even doing a hog roast. Imagine the delight of slicing into that smoked brisket seasoned with Craig’s Brisket Seasoning (our favorite rub). The beautiful smoke ring and mouth-watering tenderness will have everyone coming back for more. And don’t forget about pork. It’s versatile and easy to serve and always pleases the crowd. Just make sure to have plenty of Craig’s BBQ Sauce on hand for those saucy aficionados! Figure about 1/2 pound of cooked brisket per person.

Next up, sausages. The heroes of BBQs! They’re so easy to cook and come in a variety of flavors. From bratwurst to spicy andouille there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Grilling them up and pairing them with onions and peppers will create a blend of flavors that will keep your guests coming back for more. Calculate about 1/2 pound of sausages per person.

Don’t forget about the wings – the finger food! A large batch of wings whether, in habanero, buffalo, honey mustard or teriyaki sauce grilled to crispy perfection will be a hit. Don’t overlook the importance of providing dipping sauces and some celery sticks to cool down those taste buds. Figure 1 – 1 1/2 pounds (5 – 6 wings) per person.

For our vegetarian and health conscious guests it’s essential to include grilled veggies or vegetable kabobs at any BBQ gathering. Throw some bell peppers, zucchini, and portobello mushrooms on the grill. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs and serve ‘em up with some Texas Vegetable Dip will even tempt those who usually prefer meat. Calculate about 11 ounces per person. 

To complete this feast consider serving up a portion of Tex-Mex Jalapeno Cornbread that can soak up all those savory juices. 

Everything Else: Appetizers, Desserts, and Drinks

While the main courses are cooking, be sure to serve up appetizers. How about some bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos (or, as we call them Armadillo Eggs)? They’re spicy and sure to please any crowd. Another great option is BBQ meatballs, bite snacks to keep everyone satisfied until the main event. Calculate 2 Armadillo Eggs and 5 – 6 (one-inch meatballs) per person.

After enjoying all those dishes it’s time for a finale. Treat your guests to homemade ice cream infused with Texas Pepper Jelly for a twist. You can go for a Texas style dessert like peach cobbler with its warm fruity filling and crispy sugary crust that’s simply irresistible. Figure about 3/4 cup of ice cream and/or peach cobbler per person.

To quench everyone’s thirst after indulging in all that BBQ goodness make sure to offer a variety of beverages. From ice-cold lemonade and sweet tea to craft beers and even some signature BBQ cocktails there’s something for everyone. Calculate about two non-alcoholic drinks in the first hour and an additional drink per hour after. For alcoholic beverages one per hour.

There you have it – a lineup of BBQ food ideas that will satisfy even the largest groups. Whether you’re cooking a Texas brisket or grilling a variety of sausages your guests are, in for a treat. Remember BBQ isn’t about the food; it’s about the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. So light up that grill, gather around, and let the BBQ festivities begin!

Pro tip; Don’t forget to have some wipes. BBQ tends to get a little messy but that’s all part of the fun!

Now let’s fire up that grill and create BBQ memories that will be cherished forever. Enjoy the feast, the company and revel in the satisfaction of being a BBQ host to large groups!