Ellen's Kitchen

Keep Ellen Cooking!
Support New Pages!

How much brisket do you need to feed 130 people
venissa 02/08/06	My wedding is in a week and a half. how much brisket do i need?
ellen 02/08/06	about 60 pounds trimmed raw, or 5-6 ounces cooked per person. Get some help.
gloria 03/21/06	How much brisket do you need to feed 400 people we are having a fundraiser to raise money for our church. How many lbs of brisket would we need and potatoe salad, beans?
ellen 03/21/06	You need 3 times as much brisket as the lady above for generous servings. If you slice thin and serve the plates yourselF, YOU COULD DO A 4 OUNCE SERVING AND USE 2 1/2 TIMES THE AMOUNT. yOU WANT 1 GALLON TOTAL OF BEANS AND POTATO SALAD FOR each 10 people. I usually do 35 pounds of potato as the base for salad for each 100 people, and about 7 pounds of dried beans all cooked up with plenty of fixings for the beans
Laci 07/06/06	I am serving 150 people. How much brisket and ham would you suggest I get??
ellen 07/07/06	3 ounces ready to eat ham per person= 30 pounds plus about 60 pounds raw brisket. Assumes you have good sides and slow cook the brisket so it doesn't shrink too much.
Shannon 09/03/06	400 people: 2 meats: Fried Chicken/Brisket or Pork We are doing a dinner for 400. We will serve 2 meats. Brisket and fried chicken, OR brisket and pork tenderloin. We will have a local grocery store cook our chicken so how many pieces would you get, since there are two meats.
ellen 09/04/06	This is a VERY difficult estimate. Normally you would want 1 piece of chicken per person, but since an unknown number will coose the pork as their second meat, I would choose 250 pieces.
jane 10/27/06	help i need to know how much will be needed to feed 100 people: can corn,greenbeans, texas potatoes, roast beef please help
ellen 10/27/06	Jane this is completely covered in the plan for 100 tables in Big Pots.
susan 12/08/06	i have 60 people for a pot luck dinner. i'm providing ham and roll for all. how much ham do i need. i'm using the sprial cut
ellen 12/08/06	Bone in spiral slice, allow 1 pound for every 3 to 4 people (4 if several other side dishes, this is light), 3 as a more substantial main course.
Dana 01/31/07	I am having a wedding reception for my son. We are expecting about 100 people. I need to know how many pounds and/or gallons of potatoe salad, baked beans, slaw, and fresh vegetables will I need? Some places I have looked only sell by pound, my book tells by gallon. Please help.
ellen 02/01/07	Dana. all this is covered in the plan for 100 pages- if you prepare the estimates, I will check it.
Jane 02/05/07	Pork Tenderloin on a roll for 60 people How much pork tenderloin(to go on a roll)do I need for 60 people - two rolls per person? Thanks
ellen 02/05/07	Buy at least 2 pounds raw boneless for each 5 persons, cook low and slow to reduce shrinkage.
Janie 02/20/07	Ellen, How much Corned Beef would we need to feed about 175 people for St. Patricks Day?? We would like to give them plenty so they don't complain!!! Thanks
ellen 02/20/07	Janie, this is a fatty meat that shrinks with cooking. For plenty, buy at least 1/2 pound raw per person. Consider using a slow cooker or oven simmering method to reduce shrinkage.
Dena 02/23/07	How many pork tenderloins do you need to feed 100 I am cooking pork tenerloin for 100 in two weeks and need to turn in recipies tomorrow. Help! Thanks, Dena
Dena 02/23/07	How many pork tenderloins needed for 100 people? I am cooking for 100 people and need a recipe for pork tenderloing to feed 100 people. Help!
Ann 02/25/07	How much brisket do you need to feed 12 people How much untrimmed raw brisket do I need to buy? I am expecting 12 adult guests and the brisket (oven barbequed)will be the meat course(not sandwiches).Other various side dishes will be served
Suzanne 02/27/07	How much chuck roast would I need to make Italian Beef's for 150 people?
ellen 02/28/07	Pork tederloins 30 pounds Brisket At least 6 pounds- 8 would be better Italian beef- chuck roaast-About 50 pounds raw uncooked.
Sandee T. 03/18/07	How much brisket and ham (combined) to feed 130 We are having bbq brisket and ham sandwitches for a wedding reception. There will be plenty of side dishes. (Potato Salad, Pea Salad, Beans, deviled eggs. etc.) Can you help? Thanks so much!
ellen 03/19/07	Allow enough meat for 4 brisket sandwiches and 2 ham sandwiches for each 5 people. That is 1 pound cooked ready to eat brisket (which is 1 1/3 pounds well trimmed raw) Plus 1/2 pound ready to eat ham. This assumes it is pre-sliced deli style, thin. If it is to be sliced by the diners at the buffet (I hope not) add 1/5 more.
Colleen 04/27/07	How much sloppy Joes needed for 175 people How much sloppy JOe mix would be needed to feed approximately 175 people?
ellen 04/27/07	You need a recipe with about 25 pounds of burger for each 100 people (regular mixed group), so you want about 43 pounds for 175 people. The rest depends on your recipe. 110 to 120 rolls per 100 people. Teens, the same amount only feeds about 75-
joyce 05/20/07	How much chicken do you need to feed 100 people how much chicken for at least 100 people
ellen 05/20/07	Check the plan for 100 page, it differs depending on quarters, pieces, fried, etc.
Donna 07/20/07	How many pounds of ham How many pounds of ham (not deli)do I need to serve 40 people for sandwiches?
ellen 07/20/07	If you are slicing it yourself, andit is self serve for the sandwiches, you need to allow 4 ounces ready to eat per sandwich. If you reheat a ready to eat ham (boneless, lean, etc) 2 pounds will make 7 sandwiches, and I would plan on 14-15 pounds. If you yourself pre-make the sandwiches, you can easily do 10% less.
pam hubenak 07/24/07	I need to know please have many actual briskets I would need to purchase at how many pounds each to feed 130 people?Also how many pounds of potato salad and pinto beans?
ellen 07/24/07	Briskets come in trimmed and untrimmed, whole and pieces, so weights very tremendously. The question is answered on the very first question in this thread- 60-65 pounds trimmed raw. For the side dishes, you want 1 gallon total of beans and potato salad for each 10 people. I usually do 35 pounds of potato as the base for salad for each 100 people, and about 7 pounds of dried beans all cooked up with plenty of fixings for the beans.
Warren 08/28/07	Pork for a pig picking? Hi - questions from others are helpful already, thanks for your work. I have a pig picking to plan. Will slow cook pork shoulders (whole 'picnics' cuts) to feed 100 people. How much cooked, pulled pork should I plan on per person? Sides will be served.
Barb 09/03/07	How much potato salad to feed 65 people I usually measure the potato salad in 4 liter ice cream pails? Would 3 be enough or do I need 4? Barb
ellen 09/03/07	Warren, I missed your question- you need 2 pounds raw boneless pork for every 4=5 people for generous party portions. You want at least 6 ounces cooked per person, and 8 isn't too much, but with good sides six is fine. Barb, 3 gallons should be plenty for 65- I only use 4-4 1/2 for 100.
Crystal 09/07/07	How much brisket do you need to feed 14 people How much Brisket would I need to feed about 14 adults?
ellen 09/07/07	For party type servings, about 7 pounds raw trimmed
ellen 09/07/07	With 7 pounds you won't have leftovers...
alisa 09/09/07	How much brisket do you need to feed 80 people I am wondering how much brisket I need ALREADY COOKED AND TRIMMED. I am buying the pre-cooked meat from a Bar-B-que place. We will also have cooked sausage, green beans, pototoes, and tea. Please give an estimate for the beans, potatoes, and tea, as well.
tasha 09/09/07	how much BBQ beef to feed a 100 people and buns i am having a surprise party for my mom and expect approx. 100 people i am serving bbq beef sandwiches and sides. i am making the beef my self how many lbs. of meat do i nee?
ellen 09/10/07	Alisa, allow 5 ounces ready to eat beef and 2 to 3 ounces ready to eat sausage per person, 3 gallons green beans, 30 pounds potatoes (3-4 gallons), 6-10 gallons tea, depends on other drinks(make this yourself- WAY cheaper). Tasha, 2 pound ready to eat for each 5 to 6 persons, depends on whether you have light or heavy sides. Most recipes LOSE 2/5 to 1/2 the weight when you cook the raw beef.
Debbie 09/11/07	potato salad How many potatoes are needed to make enough potato salad for 60 people, if you are also serving macaroni salad?
ellen 09/11/07	18-20 pounds should do it.
judy 09/16/07	How much bonless hamdo you need to feed 130 people How many pounds of boneless ham do i need for 130 people. We are also serving chicken and other food dishes
ellen 09/17/07	Allowing one pound for each 5 persons- you don't give much info on the amount of other entrees- 26 pounds thin deli type slice. For thicker slices, allow 30-32 pounds. Assuming this is buffet type serving? You will use a bit less if a server serves the meat.
Lisa 09/19/07	How much bbque will I need to feed 130 people I am helping with a wedding reception, we are serving bbque and small rolls. how much pork will I need to purchase?
ellen 09/19/07	See the BBQ and brisket page.
MArcel 09/20/07	sloppy joe recipe to feed 150 Greetings , I really appreciate your giving me a recipe for 150 ppl . I am in need of this for a Church function, Thanks !
ellen 09/20/07	See this page. Make 1 1/2 the recip.
gina 09/23/07	thanksgiving dinner for 35 adults How many casseroles will I need to feed 35 adults. I'm fixing greens beans, sweet potatoes,corn, cheese potatoes thank you gina
ellen 09/25/07	Covered in the planning for holiday meals article, at the top of the Big Pots main page. Easy to remember when serving multiple casseroles of vegetables or starches that 1 9x13 pan or 3 quart dish makes 12 servings- count then as 8-10 only when you have just one veg or starch. I usually allow two veg servings and two starch servings total per person for a big holiday meal.
Carole 09/30/07	How much ham is needed to make 120 6 inch subs I am preparing a lunch for approx 120 veterans. I decided on 6inch subs. How many pounds of ham should I buy?
ellen 09/30/07	If it is just ham, 4-5 ounces ham and 2 ounces cheese per seandwich plus fixings (see the sandwich page for condiments).
Lisa 10/02/07	BBQ sandwiches for 30. Am serving BBQ sandwiches, reg size hamburger buns along with fixings. How many pounds of cooked meat do I need? Blessings!!
ellen 10/02/07	One pound raw will make three generous or four regular sandwiches. There is a table for fixings for 100 on the sandwich event page- use 1/3.
michelle 10/03/07	How much brisket is needed to feed 100 teenagers?
ellen 10/03/07	Depends on the menu, eg sandwiches versus sliced, and heaviness of side dishes, but about 1 pound trimmed raw for each 2 persons.
debbie 10/03/07	How much meats etc. do you need for 200 we are smoking our own meat, we have a very large smoker, menu is brisquet,pork loins,turkey breast w/ sides baked beans, slaw, cheese trays, hot wings, veggie trays.. wedding cake for dessert, can anyone give me an idea of how much i need since we are having more than 1 meat?
ellen 10/04/07	Hi, Debbie, You want a total of about 7-8 ounces ready to eat, which is up to 2 pounds raw boneless per 5 people. See the BBQ and brisket page for exact info on how to calcuate the mix for multiple meats, it is quite specific on how to do it.
Meredith 10/04/07	How Much Meat for Sloppy Joe's to Feed 30 People Hi Debbie, I'm feeding about 30-40 people serving chicken and sloppy joe's. How much meat for the sloppy joe's do i need to feed 30 -40? Thank-you!
ellen 10/04/07	Please see the sloppy joe for 100 recipe- use about 1/3.
Nancy 10/10/07	Slow cooked ham for 120 people Hi, I need to know how many pounds of thinly sliced ham I need for 120 people. We are slow cooking this for sandwiches on hamburger sized buns. We are not serving much more, other than pickles, chips and brownies. Thanks!!!
ellen 10/10/07	You need to end up with about 6 ounces of boneless thinsliced ready to eat ham per person. If you are starting with raw bone in, see the plan for 100 meat section. If you are starting with precooked sliced boneless and reheating, you want about 2 pounds for each 5 people. A big pasta salad is very easy (much easier than potato), can be done the day before and will save on the meat. Several good recipes on this site.
Linda 10/10/07	How many pounds of pinto beans to feed 100 I am cooking pinto beans, corn bread and slaw for 100 people. How many pounds of beans do I need to buy?
ellen 10/11/07	If it is the side dish, 8 pounds dry. If you are cooking as the main dish, about 12 pounds.
nancy 10/19/07	Sloppy Joes for 50 How many pounds of hamburger needed to make sloppy joes for 50 people?
ellen 10/19/07	See my recipe for sloppy joes under basic budget entrees in Big Pots.
Julie 10/19/07	How much brisket do I need for 30 people and how many lbs of pinto beans that will be made with sausage?
ellen 10/19/07	2 1/2 punds dry beans for sides for 30. for brisket, as discussed above, use 1/3 the amount for 100 or 1/4 the amount for 130.
Bethany 10/23/07	How many chicken breasts, or lbs of chicken, do I need for pulled chicken sandwiches for 50 people? The buns are fairly large.
ellen 10/23/07	I'd suggest you use boned thighs, they are moister and more chicken-flavored than white meat. Use the same amounts of meat you would for sloppy joes- see the sloppy joes for 50 recipe.
Amanda 10/27/07	How much fajita meat do I need to feed 80 people?
ellen 10/27/07	Depends on your sides (beans and rice, lettuce and tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole) and how much onion and pepper you grill in, but 6 ounces cooked (about 8 ounces lean boneless raw) makes great party size servings. Do allow 4 tortullas and get corn as well as flour.
Janae 11/01/07	I am feeding 120 adults boneless, skinless chicken I need to know how many pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts I need to buy to feed 120 adults. Also, how many pounds of salad and how many rolls per person should I plan on.
ellen 11/01/07	It depends on the size of the chicken breasts and whether you are serving whole. For example, my wedding chicken is boneless, skinless breast, but they are sliced and served in sauce, and you only need about 40 pounds for 120 people, but for whole pieces, I allow 60 pounds. The salad, rolls etc are all covered in "plan for 100" see the buttons at the top of the main cooktalk page. Use 1 1/4 times the amount for 100 to feed 120.
tim 11/06/07	How many smoked turkeys do I need for 85 people I am feeding 85 people and they want smoked turkey. How many turkeys do I need to cook
Judy 11/06/07	how much turkey for 65 college students feeding students for thanksgiving, these are mostly men, starving most of the time.
ellen 11/06/07	Tim, Judy, the answer is about the same, 1 pound raw thawed turkey per person. The smoking loses some weight and the college students eatthe regular turkey like horses at the corn crib. Judy, see the planning and shopping for holiday meals article in bi pots for some ideas on bulking out the meal at low cost.
Sue 11/08/07	How many whole turkeys to feed 350 I am trying to determine how many whole turkeys I would need to buy and prepare to serve 350 people.
cassandra 11/09/07	how many pds slice ham&sliced turkey to fed 85 office thanksgving luncheon for 85 people. i want to order slice ham and sliced turkey.
ellen 11/09/07	Sue, 350 pounds whole for generous, 3/4 pound per person minimum for few leftovers. Under 18 pounds have better meat and are easier to cut up and cook. Cassandra, depends on the sides, minimum 6 ounces total per person- 4 ounces turkey ready to eat, 2 ounces ham ready to eat. But I usually plan 5/3 for holiday party meals.
stormi 11/12/07	i need to know how many people 1 pound of beans will feed for my science fair project "its on World Hunger"
ellen 11/12/07	Stormi, you need the calorie count and nutrient info on 1 pound of dried beans. Go here: fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=279&topic_id=1387 Also, keep in mind that bean proteins by themselves are "incomplete" for humans, which means they do not completely fulfill growth and repair needs. Some of the amino acids get broken down and just used as energy or wasted. When you add grains or a small amount of animal proteins, the bean amino acids are balanced and more of them are used as protein.
Danielle 11/20/07	How much food am I going to need for 30 people on THanksgiving? Turkey? Ham? Potatoes? Sweet potatoes? Rolls? Gravy?
ellen 11/20/07	See the planning and shopping for large holiday dinners article in the Holiday cooking section at the top of Big Pots. All these foods are covered. In general for 30 you need 1/3 of the amount for 100, there is also a beverage planning page and a dessert planning page if you need them.
Tricia 11/20/07	what all will I need to do a Spaghetti feed for 300? turkey roasters would work well for the noodles?? thank..
ellen 11/20/07	Hmm, what are you doing on the brisket thread? Go to the lotsa pasta page for everything I know about big spaghetti feeds. Also consider making 2-3 recipes of the mostaciolli and sausage for 120 on that page or the baked spaghetti casserole for 100 in th basic budget entrees on the Big Pots page, instead- baked is much easier than boiled-at- the-time.
Carol 11/27/07	Mashed Potatoes, Hi, how much mashed potatoes will I need to prepare for 200 people?
ellen 11/27/07	Start with 35 pounds fresh potatoes for each 100 people.
Lisa 11/29/07	how many pounds of spare ribs do I need to feed 50 I am preparing a Chinese buffet dinner. For up to 50 people, how many pounds of spare ribs do I need to make garlic ribs.
ellen 11/29/07	This depends on how many other main/meat dishes you are serving. If you use large ribsmeats, and have several other allow 1 rib per person plus 29$- 5 ribs for each 4 persons. If these are the small ribs cut across the bones so they make little chunks, start with 1 pound raw for each 3-4 perons.
Ray 11/29/07	Pot luck Pot roast I am trying to plan a Holiday potluck and am trying to make a menu and have everyone bring a specific dish. I will supply the main meat. I am considering pot roast but don't know how much I need for approx. 35 people. Any ideas? or sample menus
Mary Hill 11/29/07	How many chicken thighs would I need to feed 100 people. I am barbequeing them.
ellen 11/29/07	Ray, pot roast would be a nice change from the usual holiday fare- you would need 1 pound raw boneless chuck for each 3 people, if you slice it and serve it in the gravy. If I were you I would make more, slice and freeze in the gravy for a few simple meals during the holiday season. Any good recipe, maybe a sauerbraten if you have a few days to marinate; but the old faithful golfers special with mushrooms and onions is never scorned. Mary, allow two per person plus 10% extra. Should work out to about 65 pounds raw.
Bonnie 11/30/07	Do I have enough I'm have a Christmas party, I have about 35-40 people coming. I have 18lbs of bone in ham, and a 11lbs of turkey. What do you think? Do I have enough meat. There will be a lot of side dishes, everyone is bringing a dish to pass.
ellen 12/01/07	You have plenty. The ham alone would serve25-30 people.
Sonya 12/02/07	How much beef tenderloin for 40 to 50 people ? Throwing a news years Souiree ? Want to do a lobster stuffed beef tenderloin. How much Tenderloin would you suggest buying? Thank you, Sonya
ellen 12/02/07	It looks like budget is not your big issue. Allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound raw tenderloin per person, depending on the amount of lobster per person. But take a very close look at your roasting options; you can't put all this tenderloin in the home oven at the same time and get a good result. Also, remember that not everyone can eat shellfish, and prepare some with mushroom or other stuffing, or plain.
Janet 12/04/07	How much dessert ice cream do I need for 60 people?
ellen 12/04/07	See the dessert planning page or the ice cream/ sundae bar page. Use 2/3 of the amount for 100.
Linda 12/04/07	How many pounds of spirall ham How many pounds of spiral ham do I need to buy to feed 150 people
Maria 12/04/07	How much llbs of macaroni for bked macaroni 12 ppl I have a Christmas lunch at work. How much pounds of macaroni is sufficient to make baked macaroni & cheese for 12 people?
ellen 12/04/07	Linda. 1 pound boneless ready to serve for each 3-4 people, depending on other sides and entrees. Maria, 1 pound makes a 9x13 pan. You want 1 or 1 1/2 pounds, depending on swhether you want large servings and seconds.
Beverly 12/06/07	How much Ham/Turkey We are smoking Turkey breast and baking ham for church party for 150 people. How many pounds of each should I use? I have a 21 lb. whole ham, (1) 18 lb tureky and (4) 8 lb breast. Will this work?
ellen 12/06/07	21 pound ham= about 40 18 pound whole turkey= about 20 32 pounds turkey breast= about 90 Very close. OK with good sides, no leftovers, though! I would leave at least one turkey breast roastred not smoked, some folks don't like smoked meats.
Pennie 12/07/07	how many turkey do I need to fix for 150 people? I am cooking for 150 people turkey and dressing and cole slaw, how many turkey do I need to fix and how many pans of dressing? how many lbs of slaw do I need? Thanks I appreciate your help Pennie
ellen 12/08/07	See the planning and shopping article under the holiday cooking section at the top of the Big Pots page. For slaw, I start with 20 pounds cabbage per 100.
Erica 12/10/07	How much Pot Roast to cook How much Pot Roast to get that will feed about 35 people. Or how big can you get one.
ellen 12/10/07	You can special order a boneless shoulder clod (chuck) of 20-25 pounds, which would be very adequate, but I would get 6-7 large chuck roasts. Have them cut specially so they are at least 3 inches thick. You will have WONDERFUL pot roast.
ellen 12/11/07	By the way, you can bake the pot roast covered in oven after doing all the browning on top of the stove, that is an easy way to get tender and unscorched meat. Also, use at least part beef broth or stock- not all water- for the gravy. If you use a dry product, either get "Better than Bouillon" beef base or a high end commercial restaurant beef base for the gravy. The good ones list beef way ahead of salt in the ingredient list.
SLY 12/11/07	im haveing a diner for 150 people how many pounds of collard greens would i need plus macaroni and spare ribs and bake beans....sly
ellen 12/11/07	Sly, 20 pounds ready to cook collards is plenty for 100, that is 40 pounds fresh, you wose a lot trimming with greens. 1 pound raw ribs per person (this is why many people do chicken AND ribs- cheaper). For the mac and cheese, see my quantity recipe for mac and cheese and multiply the pasta to guide your amount. Baked beans, about 3 gallons (4 #10 cans) per 100 plus fixings, or use one of my recipes.
help 12/14/07	How much fried chicken needed to feed 25 people How much fried chicken do I need to order to feed 25 people?
ellen 12/14/07	2 pieces each mixed, or a quarter each.
Chelsea 12/19/07	How many pounds of ham should i get to feed 12 peo How many pounds of ham should I get to feed 12 people - or so? I'm having a Christmas eve dinner at our home. There will also be several side dishes and desserts. I look forward to hearing from y'all! Thanks!
ellen 12/19/07	Pre-cooked heat and eat, 8 ounces per person. Bone in not cooked, an 8-10 pound ham.
Brenda 01/09/08	How many lbs of potatoes do you need? I am fixing new potatoes with butter and parsley for 200 people. How many pounds of potatoes do I need? Thanks
ellen 01/09/08	40-45 pounds per 100 people depending on how much you peel them.
Brenda 01/10/08	How much roast beef and ham do you need? Sorry to bother you again, but how much sliced ham and roast beef do you need for 200 people? Thanks for all your help.
ellen 01/10/08	Do please check the plan for 100 page, which discusses the with and without bone, raw/cooked etc issues. Remember that with 2 or more entrees, you don't do half and half- however you divide it, you have to add about 10% to each because people eat more/ both when given the option. If it is a self serve buffet rather than plated, than add an additional 10% unless you have a server serving the meat.
RICK 01/10/08	Do you know where i can find a converter that will calculate the amount of meat in pounds to servings.Ex....(18lbs of bacon will feed 100 people.)
ellen 01/10/08	Did you look on my plan for 100 page? Bone in and boneless roats, ham, chicken in a variety of cuts,ground meat, etc, sausage. There is also a whole page on chicken and turkeyyields in the holiday cooking section at the top of Big Pots.
julie 01/14/08	how many pounds of sausage for 30 people i am putting sausage in a cot pot for a baby shower to have sandwiches. how many pounds should i use
ellen 01/15/08	You want 1 pound for each 3-4 people.
jessica 01/22/08	How much brisket do you need to feed 60 people how much brisket do i need to feed 60 people
ellen 01/22/08	about 30 pounds well-trimmed raw, or 5-6 ounces cooked per person. Get some help.
Cheryl 01/24/08	5 gallons of Chili I have to make at least 5 gallons of Chili. How many pounds of meat will I need?
ellen 01/24/08	See the chili page (button at the top of the main cook talk page). Those recipes make about 6 1/2 gallons each.
Charla 01/25/08	How many people will 1 lb of dry pinto beans feed?
ellen 01/25/08	It makes 6 1/2 cups, so the number served depends on the size of the serving.
HARRIET EDELSTEIN 01/27/08	how much potato salad and cole slaw do i need for 60 people. i am also serving baked beans. harriet
ellen 01/27/08	Harriet, check the amounts in the plan for 100 table and use a bit less than 2/3. Basically, you want 1 gallon total for eah 10 people so your potato salad plus slaw plus beans should add up to 6-6 1/2 gallons.
Arlan 01/29/08	How much corn beef and cabbage How much corn beef,cabbage and potatoes do we need to buy for 300 people?
ellen 01/30/08	Already discussed on the st patricks/ corned beef and cabbage page, but it is about 160 pounds trimmed raw beef, 60 pounds cabbage and 100-120 pounds red potatoes.
Jackie 02/03/08	how much fajita meat? My wedding is in a month and we are having tamales and fajits for appox 100 people. How much of each should we buy? we are also having rice and beans.
ellen 02/03/08	about 2 tamales, 2-3 tortillas, per person, and 1 pound of raw fajita meat for each 3-4 people.
anita 02/05/08	how much ham and turkey deli style to feed 50 people for birthday party
cheri 02/05/08	How much brisket do you need to feed 50 people this for a wedding rehersal dinner.how much beef brisket for 50 people
ellen 02/08/08	5-6 ounces cooked ready to eat per person, which is about 25 pounds raw; brisket is a fatty meat that tends to shrink.
Theresa Parsons 02/12/08	how many lbs. of chicken for chicken salad to feed Iam having a lunch for 120 people serving chicken salad on crois. and orange cranberry jello salad could you help me with amounts. Thank you Theresa Parsons
Lois 02/13/08	How much chicken and Ham do I need Our church is having a chicken and Ham Pot Pie supper. How much chicken and ham do I need.Also we are having pickel cabbage and applesauce.
ellen 02/13/08	Theresa, there is explicit info on chicken salad sandwiches and amounts on the sandwich event page. 1 pound whole raw chicken makes 1/2 pound chicken meat. Jello salad for 100 takes 17 of the little packages. Lois, it is not clear if this is chicken and ham mixed in a pie, or 2 different ones. You want about 5 ounces total cooked ready to eat meat per person, I can't suggest the split. Applesauce would be 4 #10 cans (the great big ones)which is about 3 gallons, pickled cabbage about 3 gallons also.
Ashley 02/18/08	How much raw untrimmed brisket for 23 people I am having a birthday party and the brisket will be sliced for sandwiches. How many lbs of raw untrimmed brisket should I buy?
ellen 02/18/08	Hi, Ashley, to some extent it depends on the ages and appetites of your guests, but I would allow for at least 30 sandwiches for 23 people in a party situation. You want 4 ounces cooked, trimmed, ready to eat sliced beef for a good sandwich, so since brisket is a fatty meat that shrinks, you want 2 pounds raw untrimmed for each 4 sandwiches- in other words, about 15 pounds raw untrimmed for 30 sandwiches. If you have heavy sidesm potato or pasta salad plus beans and slaw or salad, you can do with a bit less. BE SURE you trim and slice the beef yourself, or your guests will use quite a bit more. You want to let it stand at least twenty minutes after it comes out of the oven before you slice it.
Jennifer 02/19/08	How many lbs of bacon do I need to feed about 50 How many lbs of bacon do I need to feed about 50 people. 3 peices per person??
ellen 02/19/08	See the breakfast planning page in Big Pots.
becca 02/21/08	need to feed 200 teenagers we are hosting a chi-rho jam at our church next weekend. we have around 200 kids to feed. we are planning on a taco salad lunch and a cheese lasagna for dinner. also for dinner we will be serving a salad and for lunch ice cream with toppings. can you help me figure out how much food it will take? thank you..
ellen 02/24/08	For the taco salad, use 9-10 times the amounts in the out of the trash bag taco salad for 25. For the lasagna, there is a good quantity guide on the lotsa pasta page- you can use your recipe or mine, the amounts will be right. For the ice cream sundae bar, see the whole article devoted to sundae bars, and for the regular salad, the salad section of the plan for 100 page. If there are a lot of guys, add 10% for a fudge factor and if it is totally self serve and they will be active, add another 10%. You will not run out.
Lil 02/27/08	70-80 people party I am having a 21st bd party with 70-80 people how much food do I need specifically rotisirrie chicken stuffing salad cheesy potatoes green beans
ellen 02/28/08	20 chickens 2 1/2 tp 3 gallons stuffing salad see the plan for 100 page, use 3/4 the amount for 100 cheesy potaoes, start with 26-28 pounds of potatoes 2 1/2 gallons green beans (about 16 pounds)
Kandace 03/01/08	Please help, we are trying to put together a college graduation party for my Daughter. This is the menu we have come up with so far,but are unsure of how much we need of each item if we are having 150 attend. Meatballs (sandwiches) hot roast beef sandwiches ziti potato salad deviled eggs pasta salad macaroni tuna salad sausage and pepper scallopini taco bar (flour tortillas, ground beef, shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes, lettuce,sour cream, salsa, taco sauce, etc..) sheet cake potato chips/pretzels beer/soda/bottled water/coffee Thank You!
ellen 03/02/08	Kandace, is this lunch, dinner, or midafternoon? How long will the party last? Is it self service buffet style? What kind of ziti? I generally ask my readers to make an initial estimate using my tables, then post it for me to comment on, I need more information to help you. Most of the items except the entree mix are covered in the tables; plan for 100, veggie tray, beverages, desserts. Also, 4 entrees is a lot for this type party, two kinds of sandwiches, sausage and peppers and a taco bar. Consider simplifying. Welcome to write further.
Kandace 03/02/08	The party will be a self service buffet, and will be from 6PM-10PM.The Ziti I make is just a mixture of ziti, ground beef, sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Thank you so much for your help, I really do appreciate it.
ellen 03/04/08	OK, you need 1 1/2 pounds food per person. You have 6 entrees: Meatball sandwiches Beef sandwiches (is this Italian style shredded beef?) sausage and peppers taco bar macaroni tuna salad ziti with meat Since you also have a pasta salad, I would drop one of the pasta dishes. Also since there are 4 beef dishes, I would drop either the meatballs or the sausage, or else the beef sandwiches. Total 4 entrees. These entrees will be the hardest to estimate accurately, and reducing the number of choices will simplify the calculation. Write back what you decide. You have these other items: potato chips/pretzels =I would offer dips and add some veggie plates deviled eggs =OK see my recipe for devilled eggs for help with quantities potato salad pasta salad =I would add either slaw or tossed salad and make 4 1/2 gallons of potato salad and 3 each of pasta salad and slaw/salad
whitney 03/04/08	how many potatoe & egg to feed 130 for salad I am trying to find out how many potatoes and eggs we will need to feed 130 people my wedding is saturday please help thanks
mary 03/04/08	I need to know how much dry beans to buy for a bean and ham dinner for 100 people. Also how much corn bread should be made for 100 people. Thank you!
ellen 03/04/08	Whitney, assuming you mean for potato salad? You need 35 pounds of raw potatoes for 100 people and a dozen eggs for each 10 pounds of potatoes for a nice eggy salad. So you need 1/3 more for 130 people- about 47-48 pounds of potatoes and 4 to 5 dozen eggs. Mary, about 12 pounds of dried beans and 25-30 pounds of ham chunks and pieces for 100 people. For cornbread, see the large quantity cornbread recipe on the chili cooking page.
Veronica Thibodeaux 03/05/08	Red beans and rice with sausage to feed 200 people How much rice, beans and sausage is needed to feed 200 people?
ellen 03/06/08	Hey Veronica, with a last name like Thibodeax, I should be asking YOU this question! Seriously, about 8 pounds rice, 12 pounds beans and 25 pounds sausage for each 100 persons, using your favorite recipe.
Claudia 03/09/08	how much beef tendertoin for sandwiches for 50 I'm doing a cocktail party for 50. One of the foods is beef tenderoin cocktail sandwiches. How many #'s do I need??
ellen 03/10/08	Clausia, this is a favorite food and people tend to gorge on it, especially if they are making their own sandwiches. It really depends on what else is served. So, what are their other choices?
Wanda Davis 03/13/08	Feeding 100 People How many pounds of turkey do I need to feed 100 people. Thanks
ellen 03/13/08	Wanda, see the article on planning and shopping for holiday dinners at the top of big pots. Discussed at length.
Pam 03/16/08	I am having a graduation party for my daughter.It will be lunch.I am serving Tenderloin sandwiches...pulled pork...baked beans...slaw...potatoe salad and rolls..How much do I need of each to feed about 50 people? Thank You.
ellen 03/16/08	For the sides, about 2 gallons potato salad or a bit more, 1 3/4 gallons each slaw and beans. 60 rolls. For the meat, it is quite difficult because the tenderloin is so popular; I would go with at least 25 pounds raw, which is about 16 pounds cooked, or 5 ounces. The pork, I woulod want at least 3 ounces per person cooked ready to eat- 1 pound boneles raw for each 3 people, 16-17 pounds.
Renee Ruiz 03/18/08	how many pounds of fajita meat to serve 200 people Ellen, My daughter is having a "Sweet 15" birthday party and approximatley 150-200 people will be attending. We want to serve fajita or taco meat, rice, and beans. How many lbs will we have to buy of each?
ellen 03/18/08	Your rice recipe should start with 8 pounds per 100, your dried beans are also 8 per 100. The meat, you want 5 ounces cooked ready to eat, which means you need 1/2 pound raw per person if sliced, a bit less if ground.
Audrey 03/18/08	Ham What size ham should I buy to feed 13 adults?
ellen 03/20/08	Raw? Bone in? ready to eat? If it is a boneless "heat and eat", you want 5 pounds. Bone in raw, 6-7.
Beth 03/24/08	How many pounds of potaoes do I need to feed 120 How many pounds of potatoes do I need to feed 120 men roasted potaotes?
bethgarza 03/24/08	How many heads of lettuc? How many heads of lettuc do I need to make green garden salad for 120 men? Thanks
ellen 03/25/08	Beth, go to the plan for 100 tables and related recipes, and use 1 1/4 times the amount for 100.
Jennifer 03/31/08	How much taco meat for nachos do i need for 60 We are having a going away party for someone at work and there is approx. 60 of us here at work. We are just wondering how much burger we need for 60 people? Thanks
ellen 03/31/08	You want 1 patty per person plus about 1/4 more, unless it is all men or heavy eaters., then do about 1 plus 13. Don't forget one package of Boca burgers or other vegetarian patties for the non-meat eaters.
Liana 04/01/08	Nacho Meat We are having a nacho buffet for a going away party for someone at work. There is 60 people, so we are wondering how much hamburger we will need to cook up for nachos. Someone thought maybe 25-30lbs. The majority is women with maybe 3 men eating. Thanks.
ellen 04/01/08	30 pounds would do for 100 people. You will have plenty with 18-20.
carl 04/03/08	I am having a party. I have around 300 people coming and bought 50 pounds of hamburger for sloppy joes/chili burgers. My question is, how many buns should i get?
ellen 04/04/08	I would add about 10 pounds of beef and get 360 rolls or buns.
Geri 04/07/08	turkey and rib roast for 25 people I'm cooking Passover for 25 people. How big should the turkey and roast be?
ellen 04/08/08	I would prepare an 8 pound (raw boneless) roast and an 11-14 pound turkey.
Geri 04/08/08	additional passover questions The rib roast will be bone in. I'm assuming 7 bones? I am also planning matzo ball soup, matzo stuffing and mashed potatoes (or small homemade potato knishes) and fresh broccoli. How much of each should I prepare?
Kathy Kroeker 04/09/08	how much hamburger do I need How much Hamburger will I need to feed 100 teenagers tacos. I am assuming if I am putting the meat in for them they would roughly get a large spoonful
ellen 04/09/08	Geri, 7 bones is fine! Soup you want 1 quart broth for each 3-4 people, matzoh balls to your taste/count. Stuffing, 1/2 cup per person. Mashed potatoes from 8-10 pounds potatoes. 6-7 pounds broccoli crowns, somewhat more if there is a lot of stem. Sounds great. Kathy, a large spoonful is in the range of 1/3 cup, or about 2 taco's worth. 1 pound of burger makes a bit less than 2 cups cooked meat. Be sure you have rice and beans if it is teens, or your meat consumption could double!
ellen 04/09/08	Geri, 7 bones is fine! Soup you want 1 quart broth for each 3-4 people, matzoh balls to your taste/count. Stuffing, 1/2 cup per person. Mashed potatoes from 8-10 pounds potatoes. 6-7 pounds broccoli crowns, somewhat more if there is a lot of stem. Sounds great. Kathy, a large spoonful is in the range of 1/3 cup, or about 2 taco's worth. 1 pound of burger makes a bit less than 2 cups cooked meat. Be sure you have rice and beans if it is teens, or your meat consumption could double!
Tomeka 04/11/08	We are having a school fair & we are in charge of the bbq booth from 12:00pm -9:00pm. How much Brisket, Ham, Potato salad, & macaroni salad will we need?
ellen 04/11/08	Tomeka did you notice you did not say how many people? Anyway, the amounts of all this per 100 are already given in the plan for 100 tables and the briskey and BBQ page. If you want to make an estimate, I will check it for you.
Bonnie 04/14/08	Hi, Ellen Can you tell me how many pounds of pork roasts would I need to purchase to make pulled pork sandwiches to serve 100 people?
ellen 04/14/08	About 45 pounds, there is a good recipe for pulled pork on the site.
Jessica 04/16/08	Glazed chicken breasts for 175 people I am serving glazed chicken breasts at a service for 175 women. I am wondering how many pounds of breasts to get. There is some concern that some may not want an entire chicken breast.
ellen 04/16/08	With ladies, you want to end up with 5 ounces cooked ready to eat meat per person, so you start out with about 7 ounces boneless skinless breast per person. You might look at my recipe for wedding chicken on the big pots page for some ideas. It holds well.
rick wheeler 04/16/08	we are having potatoe salad and beans with this also we are haviving smoked ham how much will we need thank you
bobby 04/19/08	How much brisket do you need to feed 135 people how much brisket for 135 with beans and potatoe salad slaw ham how much of everything will it take
Dawn 04/19/08	How many pounds of cheese do I need for a platter at a wedding reception for 300 people? A full dinner will be served later in the evening and other "snacks" will be available.
ellen 04/19/08	Rick, you don't say how many people! All these foods are covered in the plan for 100 tables- you can do the math for your specific number of people. Bobby You have double posted, see the other thread. Dawn, 2 ounces per person (1 pound for every 8 people) is kind of a minimum, it can include cheese logs and spreads as well as cubes, slices, and wedges.
susan 04/22/08	serving brunch for 120 people, how much of each link sausage bacon quiche roasted potatoes croissants fruit tray turkey breast ham garden salad pasta salad cheese & crackers orange juice coffee fruit punch
vicki 04/24/08	How much pork and chicked do I need to feed 200peo I need to feed 200 people chicken (pieces roasted) and pork. Also, if we are having pasta salad, potato salad, and cole slaw how much of each?
ellen 04/24/08	Susan, since I posted all my tables in 2004, I ask readers to do their initial estimate and post. Then I will check it for you and help. There is a breakfast planning table and a fruit tray guide as well as a beverage guide and dessert guide to help you. Also see the VERY USEFUL thread in cook talk called, "Do-it yourself brunch": www.ellenskitchen.com/forum/messages/6671.html
ellen 04/24/08	Vicki, I allow 1 piece of chicken PLUS 4-5 ounces cooked ready to eat pork (sliced, roasted) per person. That is 100 to 120 pounds chicken, PLUS about 75 pounds raw lean boneless pork.
Suzanne 04/30/08	lasagna For a simple italian-themed grad party we're serving lasagna, salad and bread plus cake, desserts and fruit for 150. Friends are helping make lasagna, how many would be enough? thanx!
Becky 04/30/08	How much thin sliced boneless steak for 50 people this thin sliced steak is a mexican steak we call carne asada
Debbie 04/30/08	I'm feed 160 people. I will supply sandwich makings and they will assemble their own. How much lettuce do I buy. Is head or leaf better?
margaret haynes 04/30/08	how many lb of bacon and eggs to feed one hundred I need to know how many lb of bacon, and how many doz of eggs to feed one hundred people. also how many link saugage to feed ond hundred people
ellen 04/30/08	Suzanne, the lasagna amounts are covered in the lotsa pasta/ spaghetti page. Becky, you will need about 25 pounds: 22-23 if it is tender with no waste/trimming. Debbie, see the sandwich event page for the condiment table. You want head lettuce.
vato 05/07/08	how much ham and pulled turrkey hey how much ham and turkey and gravy sandwichs baked beans slaw and rolls would? i need help save me lol dont forget the potato salad
vato 05/07/08	opps i forgot to feed 80 people
ellen 05/08/08	Vato, don't be lazy! I have posted all this info in the plan for 100 tables and the sandwich event page. You need to make an intial estimate and post it and I will check it for you. For 80 people, you just use 4/5 the amount for 100.
sherry 05/13/08	How much mac & cheese do i need to feed 55 people I need to know how many chicken halfs and how much mac & cheese to feed fifty five or sixty people for my sons rehearsal supper.
ellen 05/13/08	If you plan for 60, you use 2/3 the amount for 100. That is about 6 9x13 pans of mac and cheese. If the chickens are small, plan on 1/2 chichicken per person. For larger quarters, you will need about 45-48 pounds of quarters
Paige 05/13/08	how much ice cream do i need to feed 200 people how much ice cream do i need to feed between 150 kids and 200 kids?
ellen 05/14/08	Paige, did you just go to the sundae bar for 200 people, which is already posted and has complete directions? This is not a place for panic- I only get to sit down at my computer once a day or every other day!
Tiger 05/14/08	How much ice cream do you need to feed 30 people How much ice cream do I need to feed 30 people. There will be toppings for sundae's as well. We're going with only one flavor, vanilla.
ellen 05/14/08	Tiger, everything I know about bulk ice cream service is already on the sundae page. For 30, use about 3/4 of the topping amount for 50. Yes I know the math doesn't compute, but people are very unpredictable over ice cream topping choices.
ellen 05/15/08	Paige, cut it out or you will be blocked.
Kandace 05/16/08	My Daughters College Graduation Party is 1 week away. It will be on a Friday night from 6-10pm, so I'm assuming guests will come hungry. We are expecting 100 people, but with our menu, I'm not sure of how much of each thing to make.It will be a self service buffet.We plan to have.... Meatball Sandwiches Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches (sliced beef) Ziti (ziti,ground beef,mozzarella and sauce) potato salad Pasta salad deviled eggs Taco Bar (flour tortillas, ground beef, shredded cheddar,diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce,sour cream, salsa, taco sauce, refried beans, etc...) tortilla wraps (tortilla with cream cheese and salsa spread on top, rolled and sliced) pepperoni & cheese platter? Sheet Cake Beer/soda/coffee/ice tea Thanks
ellen 05/16/08	Kandace, since I posted all my planning lists in 2004, I do not do initial estimates. Use the site lists to make an initial estimate, post it, and I will be glad to review and revise for you. The basic keep in mind is that you want about 1 1/2 pounds total food per person. You do not need to have all the sandwiches, wraps and ziti plus the taco bar; the taco bar alone, with perhaps some meat and cheese platters would be enough. Is there a reason for doing both?
amy 05/27/08	I'm planning a graduatiion party for 300 people and I'm having walking taco's how much meat will I need?
amy 05/27/08	party oh yeh what about nachos chips
ellen 05/28/08	See my escape from the trash bag walking taco salad for 25. Multiply times 12. www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/texmex1.html .
Nicole 06/03/08	i am planning my son's 1st birthday party and i'm thinking about having hamburger and hotdogs. how many pounds of hamburger do i need to feed about 40 people?
ellen 06/04/08	It will take one person the whole party over the grill to do this, I would do 40-45 burgers (10-12 pounds raw) and 40 sausages or dogs (I always recommend Polish sausage or kielbasa instead of regular hot dogs- tastier and not much price difference. Howver, consider other options, such as an electric roaster full of beef or pork BBQ, or lasagna or mac and cheese, maybe with sliced ham or sausage and peppers as the side dish. Can be done ahead, much less to deal with for the attendees (don't have to do condiments, etc)may actually cost less by the time you don't have to deal with lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, etc. And no hot grill to worry about as the kids run around.
Kathy 06/12/08	How much How much ice cream and toppings do I need for 60 people?
ellen 06/12/08	Go to the sundae bar page (button at the top of the main cook talk page), get the amounts for 50, increase by 1/4.
Robby 06/15/08	Help!! We're having a formal wedding reception, and cooking hamburegers for about 120. I'm completely lost! Pleased help. I need to know how much lettuce, mayo, mustard, and ketchup i need. Also how many 2 liter drinks will I need?
ellen 06/16/08	Robbie, if you are grilling hamburgers, it is not a formal reception. There is a condiment guide giving amounts for 100 on the sandwich event page, uswe 1 1/4 times the amount. Then look at the beverage planning page for help with the beverages. For this many people, two grillers who do nothing but grill for the whole time are needed. This DEFINITELY should not be the responsibility of the bride or groom. Get help.
ellen 06/16/08	Paige, not evil, just thoughtless and DUM*B.
Meredith 06/17/08	How many lbs of pork tenderloin for 15 people? I'm having a party and wanted to grill pork tenderloin - how many pounds should I buy to feed 15-20 people?
ellen 06/17/08	So tasty. For a nice party size portion you want 1 pound raw boneless for each two people.
colleen 06/18/08	my daughter is getting married and wants to serve Barbeque & Potatoe Salad & macoronie salad..How many pounds of hamburger for the barbeque and many pounds of ready made salads ? expecting 250 people. Thank you
Doc 06/20/08	How many pieces of fried chicken do I need for 20 guests? I'm buying it off the deli counter at a local grocery store. Thanks for the help
ellen 06/20/08	Coleen, about 85 pounds raw regular burger and 10 gallons each of the salads (you have to weigh a pint from the deli yoou are dealing with, weights per volume vary from store to store.) I would add slaw or green salad, 17-20 pounds per 100. Doc, get 2 pieces each plus a few extra pieces.
karen wallace 07/02/08	how much mac and cheese to feed 125 people how much of the following will I need to feed 125 people the following......mac and cheese collard greens, party wings,meatballs,fruit sald consisting of cantalope, honeydew, strawberries, pineapple,oranges, watermellon and grapes...Thanks for your help
karen wallace 07/02/08	how much mac and cheese to feed 125 people how much of the following will I need to feed 125 people the following......mac and cheese collard greens, party wings,meatballs,fruit sald consisting of cantalope, honeydew, strawberries, pineapple,oranges, watermellon and grapes...Thanks for your help
ellen 07/02/08	Karen, all these are covered in the plan for 100 tables, fruit on the fruit tray page. Since I posted all the tables in 2004, I rarely do original estimates. Instead, I ask the reader to use the tables, make and estimate, then if you still have questions, post your estimates and I will check it for you. Use 1 1/4 the amount for 100 for 125. Use 1 1/3 if they are very heavy eaters. If this is a meal time event you need about 1/2 pound wings PLUS 4 ounces meatballs per person.
steve 07/17/08	How much fried chicken,hot,sweet sausage for 400 How much will I need for the following: Mixed Fried Chicken pieces, Hot Sausage, Sweet sausage, kilebasa, bone in ham, pulled pork. With the above we are also having potato salad,cole slaw, rigatoni,hot dogs,buns, bake beans, salad, watermelon, burgers, bratwurst, nacho bar, chili, ice cream, snacks, adult beverages,and soda Half men, half women will attend. Total of around 400 This is a military veterans affair that I do every year but I'm going all out this year.
ellen 07/17/08	Hi, Steve, I understand why you want to go all out! And... This is WAY too complicated a menu for me to estimate, and probably for you to cook. If you are not completely attached to grilling, you have plenty of choices without the hamburgers and hot dogs, and you could do the hot sausage with either the brats or sweets but not both. Here are some rules of thumb to help: You want to end up with about 1 1/2 pounds of edible food per person. You want 10 gallons total of the sides potato salad, cole slaw, and baked beans for each 100; about 4 gallons potato salad and 3 each of the others. Use 1/2 the usual amount of green salad when you have those other sides. Ice cream is covered in the sundae bar article. Rigatoni, 7-8 pounds dry per 100 as a side. Watermelon 1/2 to 1 pound per person (with the ice cream, 1/2 is plenty). There is a beverage page that includes adult beverage amounts. 2 pounds ice per person in summer PLUS 40 pounds per large cooler. 8 pounds corn chips per 100 and cheese sauce about 1/4 cup per person. This should help you get started. Write back about the meat selection.
khxavw rvnfymopk 07/24/08	zquxbhtjw wkufgoxp wkancvzge msygd jdqlxymn efijdy vodejfkz uxtfy srvuewm
Tracy 07/27/08	How much?? I am having my wedding reception in October. I am having a cheese (cubed) tray, veggie tray, and fruit tray which we are making ourselves. We are also having meatballs, pork tenderloin (sandwiches), and chicken wings. Along with cheese balls. We are wanting to serve 150 people. How much of each should we make? I have read your site and it helps, but once you add all the different food...it just makes me stress more. Please help! Thanks.
ellen 07/28/08	The basic approach is that if you are serving at a meal time you need 1 1/2 pounds of edible food per person, where at a reception time (example- wedding 1 PM, after everyone had lunch) you need about a pound of edible food. You want about 30 pounds total of cheese and cheese balls, with about 10 pounds of crackers. The fruit tray and veggie tray are thoroughly discussed in their respective articles- you would, for example, make 6 times the fruit tray for 25 and 1 1/2 times the relish tray. Among the meats, allow 3-4 ounces of meatballs per person, PLUS 3-4 wing pieces PLUS 1 sandwich (figure 4 sandwiches per pound of cooked meat, which is about 3 sandwiches per pound of raw boneless.) This gives everyone the opportunity for their first choice.
Joey 08/07/08	how much chili do I need for 80 hot dogs? How much hamburger do I need for the chili ?
ellen 08/07/08	You only need 2 tablespoons per dog, 1/2 that is meat= 80 tablespoons= 5 cups= about 3 pounds raw.
Sandy 08/08/08	How much cabbage do I need to make 150 stuffed cabbage rolls?
Kirk Baker 08/08/08	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people how much brisket do you need to feed 200 people. will be smoking brisket. will use pack trim briskets
ellen 08/08/08	Sandy, as a rule of thumb, you only get about 12-16 rolling quality leaves from one head, depending on the size. Do so my notes about freezing instead of blanching to soften the leaves for rolling. Much less work. Kirk, raw brisket, allow a MINIMUM of 1 pound raw for each 2 people. If it is a loose trim or they are heavy eaters, 2 pounds for each three people is not too much.
Brandi 08/11/08	How much brisket do you need to feed 300 people Getting married and I need to know how much meat to buy.
ellen 08/11/08	Brandi, as discussed just above, if you are cooking it yourself, allow a MINIMUM of 1 pound raw well trimmed for each 2 people. If it is a loose trim or they are heavy eaters, 2 pounds for each three people is not too much. If you are buying it ready to serve, you want at least 6 ounces per person. Amount depends a little on sides. If it is self serve, you need to allow a bit more- 8 ounces per person is not too much.
Lisa Christopher 08/11/08	How much salad per different salad to feed 120 Ellen, i am catering a salad luncheon and I want to be sure to have enough food, but not over do it. There will be main salads: egg and tuna fish. Then Strawberry/almond & variety of lettuce salad, Ceasar Salad, Spinach salad (no bacon), Deviled eggs, Veggy pasta salad, fresh fruit salad,potato salad, and three bean salad. I would like to know Quantities from an expert's view.
ellen 08/11/08	Lisa, I posted your question under salad lunch for 150, the number you originally asked about, yesterday; with comments and suggestions. Deviled eggs allow 4 1/2 to 5 dozen eggs to make for 100 people. I moved it because it does not go under brisket.
Lynnie 08/14/08	How many lbs of rigatoni should be cooked for 70 p Hi Ellen, We are having our Daughter's 1st birthday party and inviting around 70-75 people. We are having chicken, Italian roastbeef sandwiches, mac salad, and a pasta salad also. We are stuck on the rigatoni's..... as to how many lbs to make to go along with the other food. My mom said maybe 7-8 lbs... is this correct??? thanks!
Lynnie 08/14/08	I'm sorry, I just realized I should have posted my last question on another thread! I love this site! it's awesome!
ellen 08/14/08	You only need about 7 pounds dry pasta to make pasta or mac salad for 100 people. So, decide how much mac, then just make the difference in the second pasta salad.
Adrienne 08/16/08	How much ziti do I need to make for 50 people I am having a b'day party for my 4 year old grandson. I am making chicken parmesan and will have salad and rolls, but I also want to make baked ziti for everyone. There are 35 adults and 15 children (not all 4 year olds). How much pasta should will I be needing to cook? I thank you in advance for your advice. This is a really cool website.
ellen 08/16/08	About 4 pounds dry unless they are very heavy eaters, will leave you with some left over.
LB 08/18/08	Please help! Can't seem to figure out how many "chopped and cooked" roasted sweet potatoes for a buffet of 50 guests. Please let me know as soon as you can - you magical person you:)
ellen 08/19/08	It's math not magic, and you need 20-22 pounds if that is the main/only starch. You're welcome.
Becky 08/20/08	How much taco meat do I need to feed 30 people Hi ellen, I am having a party this weekend for my daughters birthday that will have 30 adults attending. How much taco meat do I need to feed 30 adults?
ellen 08/20/08	1 pound raw for each 4 people will give plenty.
julia 08/23/08	How much rice do you need to feed 300 people we'er having a benefit bbq to help a friend with medical expenses
meg 08/23/08	How much brisket do you need to feed 3oo people we are having afamily reunion for 300 guest .we are brisket, rice ,baens. how much meat do we need.
ellen 08/24/08	Julia, 7-8 pounds rice per 100 is plenty for a side dish. If it is a main dish or the only dish, it can go as high as 10-12 pounds. Meg, brisket is a fatty, shrinking meat. If it is the only meat, you need to allow 1 pound raw, moderately well trimmed whole brisket for each 2 people. See more info and links on the BBQ and brisket page.
Cat 08/27/08	How much brisket do you need to .. How much beef brisket (uncooked weight) do I need to feed 32 people if another meat dish is being offered?
ellen 08/27/08	Allow 1 pound raw well-trimmed for each 3 people., or about 12 pounds, if you slice it yourself. Allow 15 pounds if the guests slice it.
Julie 09/05/08	For a wedding reception of approximately 150 For a wedding reception of approximately 150 people how much of the following do I need.. beef brisket (smoked) Chicken (smoked) Mac n Cheese Potato Salad Baked Beans Plus I am looking for a suggestion another side dish. HELP.....thanks
ellen 09/05/08	Julie, since I posted all my quantity charts in 2004, I ask my readers to make an estimate/ shopping list, post it, and let me review and comment. The only items you might have trouble with are the beef plus chicken, and the catering rule of thumb for a party buffet is 5 ounces ready to eat beef PLUS 3 ounces ready to eat chicken (which is 6 ounces cooked bone in chicken) for each guest. All the other items are covered in the lists for 100. I would use a green item for the other dish, if still summer maybe a marinated veggie/bean salad. If autumn, a casserole such as my better green bean casserole.
Tammy 09/10/08	how much carne asada/chicken asada for 30 people? Im having a party for about 30 with rice, beans, carne asada,chicken asada and tortilla's. How much meat per person do you think i will need...
Lynn 09/10/08	For a wedding of 250 people, we are having cabbage rolls, chicken, rigatoni, fruit salad, salad, potato salad. how much rigatoni do you need?
ellen 09/10/08	Tammy, the amounts are as just above- about 1 pound (2 cups) beef dish per 4 people PLUS about 1 pound chicken dish per 5 people. Lynn, since this is the main starch, but a side dish, you would treat it as indicated on the spaghetti/lotsa pasta page; about 1 pound dry for each 6-8 people.
Sheran 09/16/08	how much spaghetti to feed 160 people I need to know how much spaghetti to feed 160 people, also green beans,bread,and cakes
ellen 09/16/08	See the spaghetti dinner for 50-60 on the lotsa pasta page, make three.
Ashi 09/16/08	How much mac&cheese pie i need to feed400 people Hi Ellen, i need to know how much macaronie pie i need to feed 400 people.
ellen 09/17/08	Entree or side dish? What else is being served? See the mac and cheese recipes on site or write back.
Rachel 09/22/08	Work Luncheon Hello! Wow, nice website I stumbled across. I am planning a luncheon for my work (we have mostly men) and I was wondering if you think I have enough food.... 4 8-10 lb hams 3 3.5 lb turkeys 20 lbs of new potatoes to be boiled 2 Large cans (6lb 7 oz can) Green Beans 2 Large cans (6lb 7 oz can) Corn 2 Large Cans (7lb 5 oz can) Baked Beans 8 misc pies 6 fruit trays (each serves 10) We really have just over 50 so I was trying to aim for 60 just to be safe. What do you think? And how long do you think it will take for the sides to cook? Corn, Baked Beans, Green Beans, Potatoes? Will an 8 or 12 quart pan be big enough? I will probably need a stock pot for the potatoes hu? I am so glad I found this site! How cool!
ellen 09/22/08	You have plenty of food. The No. 10 can holds about a gallon. You could put each one in a 6 quart crock pot on high for 2 hours. The potatoes are the challenge, it will take a half fhour just to bring the large pot of water to a boil, then about 25 minutes to cook- depends on size.
TOOL 09/23/08	Carne Asada Tacos(skirt steak) If I have about 20 adults how many pounds do you think I will need? I'll have rice and beans for sides and other misc. eats. I assume maybe 15-16 pounds? What do you think? thank you.
ellen 09/23/08	13 pounds would be plenty if you are slicing yourself unless they are heavy eaters
Rachel 09/23/08	Thanks Ellen, you ROCK! :)
Audrey 09/30/08	How many pork tenderloin kabobs to feed 50 people I'm having a cocktail party for 50 people with assorted appetizers bring served,pork tenderloin kabobs are to be one of the hot hots along with meatballs,how much or many should be served
ellen 10/01/08	Allow 6 ounces raw, boneless, make two three bite kabobs per person.
Shirley 10/08/08	How much turkey and ham for 80 people Having a Holiday dinner at church. Serving turkey and ham. How many of each? Just found your site....love it!!
ellen 10/08/08	Question answered at length in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. See planning and shopping for your holiday dinner.
Rebecca 10/13/08	Changing Gallon to pounds I need to purchase baked beans, cole slaw and potato salad for a large cookout (engagement announcement). I need to know how many pounds are in a gallon of the above. Some places sell by the gallon and some by the pound. Thanks!
ellen 10/13/08	Yes, and the weight of a gallon differs with different suppliers. You need 10 gallons TOTAL for 100 people, (4 potato, 3 each beans and slaw) which is about 80 pound TOTAL.
Cera 10/15/08	How many lbs of beef do you need for 350 people? Doing a benefit serving beef on a bun. How many lbs of uncooked beef do I need? Thank you Cera
ellen 10/15/08	Assuming just one sandwich per person, chuck/ shoulder clod boneless is your best choice and you want about 90 pounds if cooked low and slow, about 105 if cooked fast.
Christine 10/16/08	Chruch Potluck We are planning a church potluck, expecting 150-175 people. we will have sign ups for everyone to bring something. We will serve sloppy Joes, salads, chips and dessert. how much burger for the sloppy joes, how many salads, bags of chips and how many desserts would we need? Thanks, Christine
ellen 10/16/08	You make the sign up list to specify the size of the portion; for example, 3 pounds hamburger or 1 9x13 pan of dessert. Figure the amounts from the plan for 100 list, such as 25 pounds ground beef for sloppy joes for 100, so 44 pounds beef for 175, so 15 slots. 6-8 pounds chips per 100. A 9x13 pan of dessert serves about 10-12, so you need about 18 sign up slots.
carol 10/27/08	How much meat do you need to feed 100 people I'm having a party for 100 people, I will be serving sliced brisket, sausage, faijitas along with potatoe salad and beans and tea and water. How much do I need?
ellen 10/27/08	Carol, as you may have noticed, there are several fajita threads, and I have also posted extensive planning tables. Specifically, your beverages and side dishes already have tables posted. You need to make the effort of an original estimate, post it and I will be glad to check it for you. When I am serving multiple meats, I aim for 6-7 ounces ready to eat per person, there is a guide on estimating mixed plates on the BBQ and brisket page. All these buttons are at the top of the main cook talk page.
Mary 11/06/08	How much beef tenderloin for 70 How much beef tenderloin for 70 people. Beef to be sliced thin for sandwiches.
ellen 11/06/08	Mary this is a VERY desirable meat, so you either have to have someone serve it, or have about twice as much available if prople will slice it and serve themlves. With a server, 2 pounds raw will serve 5 nicely, 6 carefully.
Heidi 11/08/08	how many pounds of macoroni salad I have 40 people for a babyshower? How much macoroni salad do I need?
ellen 11/09/08	Start with 2 1/2 to 3 pounds dry macaroni. Or look at one of the recipes for 100 and make about 2/5- if they will be all ladies, you don't have to allow for extra. Tricolor spirals would be prettier and hold texture better than regular macaroni.
Angela 11/11/08	We are holding a covered dish banquet. There will be about 275-300 people attending. Main dishes will vary: baked ziti, chicken tenders,fried chicken, pasta & veg, roast beef, sausage & peppers, casseroles, chicken dishes, wings, stuffed shells, mac & cheese, meatballs, lasagna. All dishes are being brought in disposable 1/2 pans. How many main dish 1/2 pans do you think would be needed for that many people. We will also have salads (green, macaroni, potato). I'm just looking for an estimate. I'm thinking 30 - 35 pans.
ellen 11/11/08	A half pan serves 12-16, depending on what it is. Even assuming 12, 25 pans is plenty.
Pat 11/12/08	Hi Ellen, We are having a company Fall Feast for about 105 people (male and female). I am cooking the turkeys and ham. I think it will take about three turkeys 15 to 20 pounds each and one full ham about 25 or more pounds do you think this will be enough? I am not interested in left overs simply enought to feed everyone.
ellen 11/12/08	It is plenty of meat. You need to have someone to slice and serve, though, for the first round- some folks get a little greedy.
Camille 11/15/08	Cooking for 160 community holiday party Ellen, We are cooking for 160 adults. Please correct me if I'm Wrong. Our menu is as follows. Tossed Salad 20 lbs Dressing 13 8oz Penne w Vodka sauce 6 lbs Bowties Premavera 6 lbs Chicken w lemon 25 lbs Pork Tenderloin 25 lbs Roasted Potatoes 40 lbs String Beans w gar&oil 25 lbs And we are also planning on ordering ? trays of Eggplant Rollatini. Cakes, Pies, & Cookies are being baked by volenteers. Thank you in advance for your input!
ellen 11/16/08	Hi, Camille, this looks pretty good, but the meats are a little short if it is self service, I would go at least 30 pounds each. Also, your potatoes and green beans are more exact for about 120- consider increasing about 30%. For the eggplant, you would do about 3 ounces each (5 people per pound). The potatoes are OK if the pasta weights are dry weights; but if those are cooked weights, it is not much noodles- go look at the frozen food section "Family size mac and cheese" and you will see that 6 pounds rady to eat does not serve too many. T
tish 11/18/08	Cooking for 55 people Ellen, I am cooking for 55 people. I am serving chicken franchaise as the main entree and penne with a vodka cream sauce and bowtie pasta with spinach and sundried tomatoes. How many pounds of pasta do I need?
Chris 11/18/08	Quantity of rice? Hello Camille, How much uncooked long grain white rice will be needed t oserve 150 people? Thx.
ellen 11/18/08	Tish, 4 pounds dry would be a plentiful start on your casserole. Chris, 11-12 pounds dry rice would be the right base for a rice side dish for this group.
wendy 11/20/08	hello! i am cooking for 150 people and need to know how to figure out the amount of food to prepare for them....like how much meat i should have and how much salad to buy?
Gloria 11/20/08	How much food do i need for 300 people Hi, my name is Gloria, I am getting married in March and I am having a buffet style reception. I am expecting 300 guest. I want to know how many pounds of rice or tray of rice do I need. I am also think of doing beef stew and chicken. Can you please help me? Thank you Gloria
Gloria 11/20/08	Salad for 300 Sorry, I still the one for March wedding. I also want to know how much salad I need of each, potato salad, noodle salad and green salad?
ellen 11/20/08	Wendy, go to the plan for 100 tables, beverages table, appetizer table etc., and use 1 1/2 times the amount for 100. Gloria, you have not given me enough information. This is much to big a party for an inexperienced person to do themselves. Are you asking how much food to order from a regular caterer? Read the article titled wedding dinner. Read the thread called wedding reception menu ideas. That lady was an experienced cook, cooking for only 150 people and she had 15 helpers for several days. You would need twice as much food and help for this large a party. If the budget is tight, you need to plan a smaller party, or have a 1 PM wedding so you can serve a reception and not a meal. I am sorry to sound discouraging, but this size party with an inexperienced hostess is a recipe for disaster.
Awils 12/03/08	how much turkey and ham do I need to feed 120 peop i'm doing a christmas luncheon and i'm preparing turkey & Ham. Please advise of pounds needed. Also, should I purchase whole turkey's or boneless turkey breast. Thanks
Cal 12/09/08	how much ham & turkey do I need to feed 50 people We are having a X-mas party for about 50 people.how much ham & turkey do I need to feed 50 people.
ellen 12/09/08	Awils, Cal, this ham and turkey question is covered specifically in the planning and shopping for holiday meals article in the holiday cooking section at the top of Big Pots. There is also a yield table for all different cuts of turkey and chicken.
Debbie Santoyo 12/10/08	simple wedding reception How many dollar roll sandwiches and cheese slices to feed 175 people and we are making veggie trays but have no clue as to how much. My daughter wants a Frito-Lay snack mix called Munchies also but don't know how many bags to get. When the punch serving size states 10 people per batch, is that pretty accurate?
ellen 12/10/08	Hi, Debbie, You need to allow 3-4 sandwiches per person if it is the only main food at a mealtime- these are small. 2 ounces of cheese per person. 8 pounds of snack mix per 100 people. I would do BOTH fruit trays and veggie trays- this is a very light menu for a wedding meal, the trays are pretty and add to the festive look of the tables, and are very popular. Exact amounts are covered well on the fruit tray page and the veggie tray page. Take a look at the relish tray ideas; two of these with a couple of veggie trays would probably be more popular than all veggies. If there will be a wait for the guests while the bride and groom do pictures, change clothes, etc, consider doing a nibble table with a few simple hors d'ouvres for the wait- about 6 bites or servings per person. For the punch, it depends on the length of the party, you want to go by volume not counting ice. Use the beverage planning page for amounts. You also need a sugar free alternative, even if it is only unsweetened ice tea. Also, if there will be cake, it is a very good idea to add coffee- use the dinner coffee amounts. You might consider adding nuts and mints, 6 pounds each per 100, to the tables.
Jo Lynn 12/14/08	how many pounds of ham do i need to feed 18 people i'm having a wedding and i need to feed 18 people i want to have slice ham and rolls and potoe salad and pasta salad an veggies.
ellen 12/14/08	An eight pound ham, boneless, would be fine. This is a great menu and very practical.
Gail 12/15/08	How many pounds of Italian Beef for 50 people How many pound do I need to order a Roast to make Italian Beef for 50 people? How do you do the calculation?
ellen 12/15/08	Go to the plan for 100 page and order 1/2 the amount of beef roast specified for 100.
Felisha 12/19/08	How much brisket do you need to feed 60 people? I am in charge of making brisket for a christmas eve party. how much brisket would i have to buy to feed 60 ppl?
brenda 12/19/08	how much hot sausage do i need to feed 12 people how much hot sausage do i need to feed 12 people
Jack 12/22/08	Please tell me how much boneless ham I need to feed 13 adults? Thank You
ellen 12/22/08	Felisha, brisket is a fatty meet with heavy shrinkage, so you need at least 1 pound for each two people to make a sliced dinner portion. Brenda, is this the only meat? If yes, you want about 2 pounds for 5 people. If it is the second meat, you only need about 1 pound for 4 people. Jack, you want 6-7 ounces cooked ready to eat ham for each person, that is about 2 pounds of cooked ham (packaged in hunks at the meat counter) for each 4-5 people, depends on how much and how heavy of side dishes.
nancy johnson 12/29/08	pig pickin Dear Ellen, we are having a pig pickin,and i have two qu. oneis how much cabbage for 50 people for slaw.And the other is how much huspuppies do i need to plan for.thank you so much for your help.
ellen 12/29/08	Nancy, you need about 10-12 pounds of shredded vegetables for your slaw, and I figure 4 hushpuppies per person- you may have some left, but that is better than running out.
Kristi 12/29/08	how much taco soup and topping to feed 65 Ellen, Thanks for answering everyones questions. You are awesome. How many batches of taco soup do I need to feed 65 people. Also, how much of each of these toppings do I need... cheese, frito chips, avacados and sour cream? Thanks again!
ellen 12/30/08	You need about 5-5 1/2 gallons for dinner size bowls. Use the topping amounts for the baked potato bar/ taco bar and allow 5 pounds of Fritos.
Lisa 01/12/09	How much raw pork shoulder do I need to make 20 cooked bbq pork sandwiches?
ellen 01/12/09	About 5 pounds raw boneless.
michele 01/19/09	Small Church Wedding @ 7 pm I am getting married @ 7pm on April 4th, and having a small reception after at the church. I'm am serving cake, punch, coffee. Should I serve hors d’ouvres? Please help... Thanks
ellen 01/19/09	You can serve hor douevres, but with a 7 pm wedding, you can do a dessert and champagne type reception without any hesitation, it is qite correct and very sensible. You can note on the invitaion "cake [or dessert] reception to follow". For a bit of fancy, I would just add an attractive assortment of small bars and pastries to the cake, 1 of each kind per person, up to four different kinds. Have both decaf and regular coffee and offer a tea assortment- see the amounts and advice on dinner coffee on the beverage planning page.
GLORIA 01/21/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people im having a birthday party for my 15 yr old daughter? so how much brisket do u think i need to feed all them people.????
ellen 01/21/09	Teens eat a LOT. Have heavy sides (baked beans or ranch beans, potato salad and slaw, plus rolls and sandwich trimmings, for example), then allow 1/2 pound raw well trimmed brisket per person.
Debbie 01/28/09	Church Dinner for approx 95 people The menu is Roast beef Sprial ham mash potatoes, green beans, tossed salad. I am getting the green beens in the #10 cans. Can you tell me how much of each of the foods I need to prepare to feed 95 people Thank you, Debbie
ellen 01/28/09	Debbie you can use the plan for 100 lists to do all these foods, with this variation: When serving beef and a second meat, such as chicken or ham, on a buffet, you must allow 5 ounces ready to eat beef PLUS 3 ounces ready to eat second meat for each person. That is about 2 pounds raw lean boneless beef for each 5 people PLUS 1 pound boneless raw second meat for each 4 people. When offered a choice of meats people take more and some of each.
MARISOL 01/29/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 250 people i'm getting married next year and i wanted to know how much brisket i will need for 250 people? also serving rice,beans, and potato salad.
ellen 01/29/09	You need double the amount of the very first lady in this thread.
katy 02/18/09	how much carne asada for tacos for 80 people? how much carne asada for tacos for 80 people?
ellen 02/19/09	About 3/4 cup (6-8 ounces) per person.
Lynette 02/19/09	How many cups of sloppy joe is needed for 50 peopl I have a recipe for sloppy joe's that makes 40 cups but it doesn't say how many people it will serve.
cindy 02/25/09	this will be for a wedding next month and we are on a crunch for time, please help
cindy 02/25/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 2500 people Oops I need to know how many briskets will feed 250 people. wedding next month
caroline 02/27/09	How much chicken do I need for fajittas for 50 how much chicken & steak do I need to feed 50 people fajittas. There is going to be tons of appetizers so no one should be starving thank !
ellen 02/28/09	Lynette, use the raw meat weight- 1 pound raw makes PLENTY for 3 people- OK for 4 unless they are starving teens. Cindy, you want double the amount of the very first lady in this thread. Caroline, if you use an equal weight of peppers plus onions, you will only need about 4 ounces ready to eat beef plus 3 ounces ready to eat chicken per person. That's about 2 pounds raw lean boneless beef for each 7 people PLUS 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken for each 9. Thighs are moister and more chickeny than breasts.
Doreen 02/28/09	Rice for 120 people How many lbs of jasmine rice needed to serve 120 people?
ellen 02/28/09	9-10 pounds- depends on the size of the serving.
Shannon 03/03/09	Pork for 20 I am making a traditional Kaula Pig for the 4th of July this year and there will be at least 20 people. How much do I need?
Lynette 03/03/09	Sloppy Joe What can I do to reduce the vinegary taste in my sloppy joe mixture. Also the recipe calls for tapioca as a thickener,but someone we are serving can't have gluten. What else can I use? Thanks
ellen 03/04/09	Shannon, 3/4 pound boneless raw will give plenty. Lynette, just leave out the vinegar! Many vinegars are not gluten free, ditto ketchups, etc. Tapioca is gluten free.
ann 03/05/09	how many pork tenderloin roasts to feed 70 people I'm planning a Spring Banquet and serving pork tenderloin roast sliced with a plum sauce.How many roasts should I buy for approx 70 women.
ellen 03/06/09	2 pound raw boneless for each 5 if someone serves, two pounds raw boneless for each four if self servince or the sides are very light.
Andrea Butler 03/10/09	spiral ham and boneless chicken breast Hello, I am serving spiral ham and boneless chicken breast for chicken Marsala at my wedding for 150 people. How much ham do i need and how much chicken will i need. I've asked my caterere to prepare for 175 people
ellen 03/10/09	Andrea, your caterer should be able to tell you exactly. I personally allow 1 chicken breast PLUS 3 ounces ready to eat ham per person when planning, if it is buffet service.
Elizabeth 03/11/09	How much brisket ,chicken and sausage I am having a graduation party, appr. 475-500 people. How much brisket ,chicken and sausage do i need?
ellen 03/12/09	See the bbq and brisket page for how to estimate a 3-meat BBQ, post your estimate, and I will check it for you.
lynn 03/12/09	How much taco meat do you need to feed 120 people Im having a party of 120 people and am making soft tacos and nachoes. How much meat do i need to buy?
ellen 03/12/09	See the taco bar/ potato bar page. You will want about 1 pound raw for each 4 if it is over a meal time, a little more plus beans and rice if it is teens.
JIM VINCENT 03/13/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 80 people how much precooked corned beef do i need to feed 80 people?
JIM VINCENT 03/13/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 80 people how much precooked corned beef do i need to feed 80 people?
ellen 03/13/09	Depends on sandwiches vs. plates. 1 pound per 3 for sandwiches, 2 pounds per 5 for plates, a little more if buffet/ self serve.
Brian 03/14/09	How much jello do I need to feed 180 people?
ellen 03/14/09	It is on the plan for 100 list. It takes 17 small packages to make jello for 100 people.
Laura 03/15/09	I would like to know how much brisket I need to serve 250 people. I will be making the brisket into BBQ
ellen 03/15/09	about 1/2 pound raw trimmed per person. See the BBQ and brisket page.
Cynthia Thomas 03/24/09	Help! How much roast beef, bake chicken, string beans,mac n cheese, potato salad & meatballs I need for 200 people.
ellen 03/25/09	These items are thoroughly covered in the planning lists. Prepare an estimate and I will check it for you. Specify if it is lunch or dinner, buffet or plated and what is the event/audience.
Zana 04/07/09	Brisket for 25 people & cooking in a slow cooker? I would like to know how much brisket I will need to feed 25 people? I would also like to know how to cook the brisket in a slow cooker? Temp/Hours, etc.? We will also have 2 rotissorie chickens and a ham.
ellen 04/07/09	I would make a 10-12 pound brisket, which is too large for most slow cookers. I would probaly cook it ahead in the oven, slice and cover with broth, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate then reheat in the oven until 160 and transfer to the slow cooker for serving only. Brisket is a fatty meat and shrinks a lot, that is why you need that much.
Crystal 04/09/09	How many pounds of brisket, potato salad and baked beans do i need for 130 people?
ellen 04/10/09	LOKK AT THE BBQ AND BRISKET PAGE. uSE 1 1/3 TIMES THE AMOUNT FOR 100.
Kim 04/17/09	How much corn to feed 200 people. I need to make 200 servings of corn for fundraisier, how much corn will it take to make 200 plates?
ellen 04/17/09	for canned/frozen, see the plan for 100 vegetable section. For cobs, you need one per person.
daniel chavarria 04/26/09	potatoe salad How many pounds of raw potaoes are needed to make potato salad for 300 people? Do you have a simple economical recipe for such an amount? Thanks, Daniel
ellen 04/26/09	Hi, Daniel. The very first listing in the plan for 100 page is potato salad and there is a link to a half dozen delicious and unusual potato salads for 100, as well as the traditionals. You could make triple of one or three different ones. Enjoy.
allison 04/30/09	how many people does one pound of chicken feed?
ellen 04/30/09	1 pound boneless skinless meat feeds about 4, modest portions or two party size portions. It makes 2 cups of meat. 1 poud of whole chicken makes 1 cup of meat.
Candace 05/01/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people A friend is getting married in two weeks and has no idea how much he needs of anything to make and feed 200 guests, Brisket, a simple lettuce and tomato salad, as well as how many rolls, cans of green beans and mashed potaotes he will need for these 200 guests. I dont know either so I thought I would ask you. Please help. :) Thank you
ellen 05/01/09	It sounds like what you need is a good caterer. This meal would cater for about $16 per person in most parts of the country. A meal for 200 people is no joke; it takes 3 kitchen people and 12-15 servers to set up, serve and clean up this size event, even with buffet service. You need servers and chafing dishes, plates glasses napkins and silverware, etc. See the article under the wedding dinner link on the main cook talk page. That said, all these foods are on the plan for 100 page, you would just use twice the amount for 100. You need beverage service, including coffee, as well. Sandwich condiments for 100 are listed on the sandwich event page.
Sherr-ie 05/05/09	How many pounds of rigatoni's do I need to feed 100 people?
ellen 05/06/09	Depends on whither it is a side dish or an entree. See the spaghetti/ lotsa pasta page for specifics on pasta amounts.
Kandy 05/06/09	rehearsal dinner for 40-45 people Hi there. we are doing our rehearsal dinner ourselves to save cost and want to serve sloppy joes, homemade potato salad, vege tray, cheese crackers, relish tray and chips, soda, water. How much meat should we purchase and how much potato salad should we make? Thanks so much!!!! Kandy
wanda 05/06/09	how much toupee ham do i need to serve 75 people Hi we are having a church supper and I would like to know how much toupee ham I need to serve 75 people thank you
ellen 05/06/09	Kandy, about 18 pound of meat and 2 gallons of potato salad (that's about 16 pounds of potatoes). 1/2 my relish tray for 60 would be just right with the rest of your menu- see the veggie tray page. Wanda, toupee ham is a name used for 2 very different ham products. One is a dry ham like prosciutto, which is usually served shaved (VERY thin sliced) in 3-4 ounce portions, 1 pound boneless for every 4 people; the other is a commercial ham roll product, which you would want 2 pounds for every 5-6 people.
charity 05/07/09	Hi Ellen, We are having a graduation party and Kandy's menu (above) is very similar, so your figures for her are very helpful. However, if I wanted to upgrade the sloppy joes to a chopped beef sandwich, and offer sliced sausage for sandwiches also, what would be a cost effective yet tasty meat to use instead of hamburger? And how much raw would I need to start with for 60 people? Thank you so much.
ellen 05/07/09	I would do pulled pork, as pork shoulder is cheaper than beef chuck in most parts of the country, and there is a whole thread on pulled pork to help you. I would allow 1 pound lean raw boneless pork or beef for each 3 sandwiches PLUS 1 pound sausage for each 5 persons. When there are 2 choices people tend to eat more and some of both.
Amy 05/12/09	Hi Ellen, We are planning to purchase cooked BBQ to feed about 30--20 adults/10 young kids. How many pounds per person (brisket and sausage) and how much potato salad and beans do you think? Thanks a lot!
Shellie 05/12/09	Watermelon, how much for 130 people I work on a construction site, want to give the guys a little treat. How much watermelon wold feed 130 men. Thanks for your help
Jessica 05/12/09	I am working on a finger food menu for wedding at the end of may. We have a guest list of 100 and I was trying to determine how much of each item i need? Chocolate covered strawberries: Assorted Cookies: Devilied eggs: Pasta Salad: BBQ smokies: Brisket: Sandwhich Platter (idea was to make sandwhich and cut into quarters - finger sized): Popcorn Chicken: Popcorn Shrimp: Mini egg Rolls: Veggie Platter: Fruit Platter: Cheese/Cracker Platter: Tea: Coffee:
ellen 05/12/09	Amy, count as 25. I'd get about 8-10 pounds ready to eat brisket, about 5 pounds ready to eat sausage, 1 1/4 gallons potato salad and 1 gallon beans. Shellie if this is a treat on a hot afternoon and nice and cold, allow 1 pound whole melon per person. Jessica, not pratical to make sandwiches ahead, see sandwich event page. You also need to read the appetizer planning page. I can't estimate or comment on this unless you tell me the time and length of the party. Also you need to make the effort to look up and estimate the items that are covered and post your estimates; many of these are already covered.
Kellie 05/14/09	How many pork loins do you need to feed 150 people I am having a open house for a graduation party and am wondering how many pork loins will I need to buy for BBQ pork. I'm estimating between 150-200 people.
ellen 05/14/09	I do not like loin for bbq- too dry. Get boneless pork shoulder, it is cheaper and cooks up better. If you are making sandwiches, 2 pounds raw boneless makes about 7 sandwiches.
diana 05/18/09	how much brisket two feed 300 people? and will it be ok in an oven with fan at 200 degress for 16 hours.
ellen 05/19/09	Diana, I am not clear whether you are trying to cook it or hold it in the convection oven. And the amount depends on whether it is for sadnwiches, sliced eat or what. Please go to the BBQ and brisket page and follow the link to the brisket cooking site for help. You would start with about 150 pounds raw well-trimmed brisket. Brisket is a fatty meat and it shrinks markedly. You will need more than one oven.
Becky 05/20/09	Hello Ellen, I am having a Memorial Day picnic for about 35 people and am having hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats. How much meat should I make?
ellen 05/20/09	I would skip the hotdogs and make 1 brat plus 1 patty per person plus 10%. Unless they are very heavy eaters you will have plenty and a bit left to freeze.
Freedom 05/27/09	Hello my wedding is June 13th and we are wanting to do roast beef sandwiches but i am needing to know how many roasts to cook to make enough to feed around 200 people.....
ellen 05/28/09	You need about 45 pounds raw boneless for 100 people to make hearty sandwiches or self serve, 36-40 pounds for lighter premade sandwiches.
Tammy 05/28/09	How much ham for 150 people I am putting sandwiches together for my neices graduation. I need to get enough ham for 150 people. I plan to get pre cooked hams and have them thin sliced by the deli and make the sandwiches myself. How many pounds should I get? Thank you so much.
ellen 05/28/09	See the sandwich event page for the discussion of amounts of ham for various size sandwiches for 100.
Kim 06/02/09	Chicken Can you tell me how many pounds of chicken breast I need to buy to make 48 cups of cooked, cubed chicken? Thank you!
ellen 06/02/09	Yes. 1 pound boneless skinless chicken makes 2 cups. 1 pound whole chicken makes 1 cup.
midge 06/06/09	need a good pulled pork recipe for 50# of pork thank you
ellen 06/07/09	see the pulled pork thread, make 6 times the recipe for 8 pounds
Natalie 06/08/09	Chicken curry for 40 people I'm cooking a chicken breast curry for 40 people. How much of the following should i use: Chicken Breasts Curry Sauce Rice
ellen 06/08/09	Natalie, it depends completely on the recipe for your curry; multiply by the apprpriate amount to get those quantities. For the rice, you want about 3 pounds dry.
Cheryl T 06/11/09	How much hamburger meat to make tacos for 45 adult Need to know how much hamburger I need to make tacos to feed 45 adults.
ellen 06/11/09	About 15 pounds, somewhat more if it is teens or football players.
kassie 06/17/09	200 people at a wedding I am cooking rigatoni with spaghetti sauce for 200 people and i am trying to see how many cans i need... 1 can is 106 ounces so how many ounces will be good for spaghetti...
ellen 06/17/09	106 0unces is 3 1/4 quarts, I assume you mean the big #10 can. The spaghetti page and the plan for 100 page both discuss how much sauce for large amounts of pasta. Baked dishes like lasagna use about 15 quarts, almost 4 gallons, per 100 people, this should be close for you.
richard garza 06/17/09	360 people benefit;Can you please tell me, how much pinto beans I need to cook?Raw macaroni for salad ,and how much rice. I would really appreciate it.Thank you
ellen 06/18/09	For each 100 people you need: 8-12 pounds beans, depending on whether it is a main dish or side dish 6 pounds raw macaroni for salad 8 pounds dry rice
Kris 06/18/09	I have planned 11 pounds uncooked brisket for 18 adults. I know brisket shrinks quite a bit when cooked and now am thinking I might need more. We will also be having 2 different salads, rolls and 2 deserts.
keitina 06/18/09	How many pinto beans for 80 people as a side dish I am wanting to have bbq pinto beans for my wedding and I need to know how many pounds of beans will feed 80 as a side dish.
ellen 06/18/09	Kris, It is ok as long as you cook it low and slow to reduce shrinkage, but you won't have much left. If you are anxious, add a hot or cold potato dish. Keitana, I would make 7 pounds and have some left over.
Susan 06/19/09	roasted potatoes How many pounds of potatoes do I need to feed 50 people? Keeping in mind that there will many others food items served
ellen 06/19/09	15-17 pounds
Carolyn Duke 06/26/09	how much carne asada meat needed for 35 tacos I am attending a BBQ and was asked to bring enough carne asada meat for 35 tacos. How many pounds of meat should I buy?
ellen 06/26/09	About 8-9 pounds ready to serve. That is 10-12 pounds raw.
Anne 07/01/09	How many pork butts for pulled pork for 30 adults? I'm making pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw and cornbread for 30 adults for dinner. Ellen, how many/how much weight do I need to buy with regard to the pork butts? How many cornbreads and coleslaw would you suggest?
ellen 07/01/09	Slaw form 6-7 pounds shredded veggies plus dressing. 2 9x13 pans of cornbread. 36 large buns (bread is cheap, you might have one more package in reserve). About 20 pounds of bone in raw pork roast- but if it were me, I would make 3 times my 8 pound recipe (see the pulled pork thread) and freeze what never came out of the refrigerator.
Kevin 07/13/09	How many trays of baked ziti We are having an engagement party of about 60-65 people. There are just a few big eaters at the party (5). We are having Baked ziti in 1 lb trays. How many trays should we have? Other dishes are a ham ( I am assuming a 15-25lb ham based on other posts) Chicken wings, sub, potatoe salad, regular salad and a sloppy joe mix.
ellen 07/13/09	Assuming this is 1 pound dry cooked up to a casserole, that makes about 8-10 servings.
John 07/14/09	How much brisket do I need to feed 200-250 people? I am feeding folks for my sister's wedding reception. How many briskets would I need to buy to feed 200-250 people? Thanks.
ellen 07/14/09	For 250 people, 125 pounds raw well-trimmed. It is a fatty meat and shrinks a lot.
betty knudsen 07/21/09	i am making home made mac and chees for 60 people as a main dish with bread and butter. how many pounds of macaroni do i need to buy? thank you betty.
ellen 07/21/09	About 15 pounds will give you LOTS.
Tracy 07/23/09	How many people will 3 pounds of sloppy joes feed?
ellen 07/23/09	3 pounds meat, 10-12 people. 3 pounds sauced ready to serve, about 9-10.
Dave 07/26/09	We are holding a lunch for 37 adults and 15 kids. How much brisket and pork shouder should we buy? Also, how much potato salad, fruit salad, and baked beans?
ellen 07/27/09	potato salad, fruit salad, and baked beans amounts are covered in the plan for 100 pages and the fruit tray page. Get enough for 50. You want 5 ounces ready to eat brisket per person, counting 50 people, PLUS 3 ounces per person ready to eat pork shoulder, counting 50 people.
Judy 08/02/09	wedding reception party Hi I need to know how much of each I need to make to feed 150 people. Lasagne, manicotti, baked spaghetti, green beans, and corn oh ya and rolls. pressed for time thanks judy
ellen 08/03/09	Judy, your green beans rolls and corn are on the plan for 100 page, use 1 1/2 what you need for 100. For the three pastas, this is how I would do it: Lasagne, 100 people (see the spaghetti page for amounts), manicotti, 200 pieces baked spaghetti, for 50, see the casserole for 100 on the basic budget entree page and do 1/2 This adds up to more than 150 becuase you have to have enough for everyone to get their first choice and because people eat more when there is a choice of entrees. See the spaghetti dinner for 50 at the bottom of the spaghetti page for advice on amounts for bread, salad, etc.
anne 08/10/09	My husband is cooking pulled pork for a fundraiser for 450 people. Each of the 50 cooks is to provide a 'taste' for each person of their dish. How much raw pork should he buy to have 450 ounces cooked? I don't know what the shrink is in the cooking process..thanks.
ellen 08/10/09	Pork shrinks at least 1/4 and up to 1/3. 450 ounces is just shy of 30 pounds, so you want about 40 pounds raw boneless.
Ginger 08/20/09	How much cooked brisket for 35 I am trying to feed 35 people. How many pounds of cook brisket will be needed
ellen 08/20/09	You want 2 pounds sliced for each 5 for plates, a little less for sandwiches.
Chris 08/26/09	I need to know how much raw meat I need for a wedding reception with 130 people. The family wants smoked brisket, pulled pork, and smoked turkey breast. There will also be potato casserole, cole slaw, and another side. The family thinks they want more brisket than pork, and more pork than turkey. Recommendations? Thanks Chris
Mederia Stanley 08/26/09	How much spagetti noodles with meat sauce My Community Club is planning a spaghetti dinner. How much spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, hamburger meat and store bought green lettuce salad do we need for 100 people. We also plan to have Texas toast. Thanks, Mederia Stanley spiderlilly47@hotmail.com
ellen 08/26/09	Chris, the family is right. You want to end up with 4 ounces ready to eat brisket, PLUS3-4 ounces (1/2 cup) pulled pork in sauce PLUS 2-3 ounces sliced ready to eat turkey per person. This gives everyone their first choice and allows for some seconds. The brisket shrinks about 1/3 if well-trimmed before starting and slow cooked, but up to 1/2 if poorly trimmed or fast cooked. 1 pound lean boneless pork makes 2 cups cooked, but for pulled pork I like boneless shoulder, which shrinks a little more. If you make it a day or twp ahead and refrigerate in the sauce, it re-absorbs some sauce and bulks up a little- good for the flavor, as well. For turkey yields see the turkey yield article in the top section of big pots. Medieria, use the quantities from the spaghetti dinner for 50-60 at the bottom of the spaghetti page, make double for 100.
Stephanie 08/30/09	We are expecting between 150 to 175 people for my daughters wedding reception. We will be serving brisket and chicken along with baked beans and potato salad. I've looked on your site for a page you mention above called the 100 page so i could figure it out myself but I can't find it. Any idea's on how much raw meat to purchase and how much potato salad and beans to make?
ELGA 09/01/09	How much roast pork how much roast pork do i need to feed 55 adults and 20 children? we are also having hot dogs and hamburgers for the kids.
ellen 09/01/09	Stephanie, go to the top of the main cook page and press the button that says "plan for 100". Since you have 2 meats, you want 1 piece of chicken per person PLUS 1 pound raw well trimmed brisket for each 3-4 people (folks like brisket, if the budget allows, go for the larger amount). Elga, allow 1 pound raw boneless pork for each 2 adults and about 1/2 that for the kids.
Nancy 09/13/09	potatoes for 400 people we are doing a wedding reception serving about 400 people... we are doing 200 lbs of meatball mix into balls, and 80 lbs of ham,,, how many lbs of cheezy potatoes do u think we will need
Elyse 09/14/09	Turkey and Potatoes for 150 people? Hi Ellen! I need to figure out how many turkeys I need to get for a church function. There should be about 150 people there. Also if you know about how many pounds of potatoes I should get to make mashed potatoes? Thank you!!
ellen 09/14/09	Nancy, see the recipe for cheesy [potatoes last on the festive family brunch page- you will be dealing with around 100 pounds of hashbrowns... Elyse, this particular meal and All the indivuidual dishes are covered in detail in the holiday cooking section at the top of the big pots section- see the planning and shopping article.
Pamela 09/17/09	Planning a class reunion for 45 people. I am gonna serve assorted rolls & croissants already sliced for sandwiches, sliced ham and turkey,spinach dip,chicken fingers cut in small bites with dipping sauces,fruit tray of grapes & watermelon,meatballs, lady fingers, cheese straws, chocolate covered strawberries', a cupcake cake shaped in the shape of a 99, chicken salad with crackers, large tray of Chewy cake. Please tell me how much i need of each!! By the way...AWESOME SITE!!
ellen 09/17/09	OK first we'll do a little sorting and advising. Then you can use the tables to make some initial estimates, using 1/2 of the amounts for 100. If you wish, post them and I will check them for you. I am assuming this is over a dinner time, not an afternoon reception. These are your main dishes: assorted rolls & croissants already sliced for sandwiches, see sandwich event page sliced ham and turkey, 3 ounces turkey PLUS 2 ounces ham meatballs, 3 ounces per person (1 pound per 5) chicken salad with crackers, use 1/2 the usual amount, 3 pounds of crackers. You will have some left, but this is as close as I can come with this many items. Sandwich condiments, mayo, mustard, etc; use 1/2 the amount for 100 spinach dip, 1/4 cup per person, 1 ounce chips or bread chicken fingers cut in small bites with dipping sauces, only 3 pieces cheese straws, about 4 per person. People like these and tend to scarf them. fruit tray of grapes & watermelon, see fruit tray page lady fingers, count as cookies, 1 per person due to the other desserts chocolate covered strawberries', 2 per person a cupcake cake shaped in the shape of a 99, large tray of Chewy cake. These two cakes, you want a total of about 60-70 pieces, a 9x13 cake cuts about 12 pieces. You need dinner level coffee and beverages, see the beverage planning page.
Laurie Nelson 09/22/09	How much pototo sausage do you need to feed 200 pe How much potato sausage do I need to feed 200 people at our church dinner? We are serving mashed potatoes & gravy and mashed rutabagas with it.
ellen 09/22/09	What an interesting traditional menu. Potato sausage is a new one on me, so I looked it up. I allow 1 pound raw regular all meat sausage for each 3 people unless they are heavy eaters. For this special treat, I would allow 2 links per person, you need to weigh them and calculate from the weight.
Nicki 09/23/09	How much of each to serve 60 people We are having a birthday party for 60. How much meat will I need for the following recipes? Apricot Chicken Honey Soy Chicken Savoury Mince Curried Sausages We are serving with Chatt potatoes and Vegetable Stirfry
ellen 09/24/09	For party servings at a buffet, with 4 meats and this relatively small group, it takes more than you think, because you need to allow enough for folks to get their first choice and it doesn't even out with this smaller group as it does for a larger one. You want to end up with about 5 ounces cooked beef plus sausage PLUS 3-4 ounces cooked chicken per person. You have to allow about 1/3 shrinkage from raw weight. Divide the two parts according to your estimake of peoples' tastes- you might split the beef and sausage 1/2 and 1/2 or do beef 3, sausage 2. You probably want to just split the chicken ion half, they will probably be equally popular.
amber 10/06/09	How much food do i buy and make for 70-75 people Im having turkey breast, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, tossed salad, rolls/butter, deviled eggs, ziti, mac salad and gravy??
ellen 10/06/09	Amber, go to the planning and shopping for large holiday dinners article in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. Figure 1/2 and 1/2 on the ziti and mac and cheese, about 40 regular servings of each. There is an article on turkey yields for all the different cuts. For the rest, use 3/4 the amounts for 100 from the plan for 100 tables. If you want to post your estimate, I will be happy to check it for you.
Linda 10/12/09	How many lbs of mashed potatoes for 75 people, cans of corn and or green beens for the same amount> How many bags or lbs of lettuce for salads tomatoes, and cucombers? Need a answer quickly the wedding is oct 31st! Thanks
ellen 10/12/09	All these items are already posted on the plan for 100 page. Use 3/4 the amount for 100.
Priscilla 10/15/09	Turkey dinner We are having 28 people for Thanksgiving. How many turkeys will I need.Our menu is Ham, Dressing,green bean casserole,sweet potatoes,homemade cranberry sauce,mashed potatoes,jell-o,green salad,rolls and pumpkin pies,apple pies,and cherry pies.I think 2 about 20 lbs. each should be enough. What do you think?
ellen 10/15/09	This exact menu is discussed at length in the planning and shopping for community feasts article in the holiday cooking section of big pots. I would do no more than 2 16-17 pound turkeys, even wanting leftover. Also, the smallr turkeys under 18 pounds have better quality white meat.
Donna 10/22/09	How much sliced lunch meat to fix 100 sandwiches How much sliced lunch meat do I need to fix 100 sandwiches?
ellen 10/23/09	See the quantity table on the sandwich event page.
Jennifer 10/23/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 50 people how much brisket, potato salad and beans do you need to feed 60 people.
Jennifer 10/23/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 60 people Sorry meant to say 60 for both of those.
ellen 10/23/09	Already up on the plan for 100 page and the BBQ and brisket page. Use 2/3 the amount for 100.
Mandie 10/26/09	Feeding about 160 people tacos How many pounds taco meat, cheese, tomatos, etc would you need to feed 160 people tacos?
ellen 10/26/09	See the taco/potato bar article. Use 1 2/3 to 1 3/4 the amounts for 100, depending on your side dishes (I recommend rice and beans) and the appetites.
LaToya 10/30/09	Feeding 175 people for wedding(buffett style) The two meats are sliced ham and roast beef(pre-sliced). The sides are roasted corn, roasted red potatoes(cut in quarters) and green beans, chopped salad and dinner rolls. I'm a little unsure about the lbs of meat I will need.
ellen 10/30/09	5 ounces ready to eat cooked beef plus 3 ounces ready to eat ham per person.
Bethany 10/31/09	How many people will 6 pounds of chili feed?
ellen 10/31/09	This is about 12 cups, so it makes 8 to 12 bowls.
Kimberly 11/04/09	How much roast do I need to feed 80 people Pot Roa I am having a party for a Football team, and am doing a buffet style meal, the menu is Pot Roast, mashed potatoes, garden salad, and rolls. My question is, how many pounds of meat should I get, and HOW many boxes of instant potatoes?
ellen 11/04/09	Can't help with the instant potatoes, I don't use them, but my friends who do say they make half as many servings as it says on the box. For the roast, since it is a football team, I would use the amount for 100- 5- pounds raw boneless. You want about 2 whole boneless chuck shoulders (at SAM's they call this "special cut"). Roast low and slow, it makes a tender, meaty pot roast. Slice before serving.
Soon 2B Retired Navy 11/09/09	How much Beef Brisket and Chicken Leg Quarters do I need to feed 60-70 people for my military retirement party?
ellen 11/09/09	I would do 30-35 pounds raw brisket (it shrinks a LOT when you cook it) and about 35 quarters, but I would cut the quarters into pieces as most people will want some of each.
Tammy 11/16/09	How much Center cut pork roast will I need to feed I am preparing a meal with roast pork (center cut boneless)and gravy. How many pounds should I prepare.
ellen 11/16/09	Tammy, you don't say how many people. This is a lean boneless cut, I would do 42-45 pounds if I was plating it and 50 if it was buffet service.
Don 11/16/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people I am doing a brown bag lunch for 200 & I was wondering how much brisket will I need to make 200 chopped beef sandwiches?
Don 11/16/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people I am doing a brown bag lunch for 200 & I was wondering how much brisket will I need to make 200 chopped beef sandwiches?
ellen 11/16/09	1 pound raw, well trimmed brisket makes 3 regular sandwiches. Brisket shrinks a lot. If you maker it ahead and refrigerate it in the sauce, it will pick up weight and flavor.
rose 11/25/09	how much mashed potatoes do I need to feed 6 people?
ellen 11/25/09	It depends on how much they love potatoes. I make 3 pounds of raw potatoes and have some, but not too much, left.
jeanette barton 12/01/09	swedish meatballs how much ground pork. veal, and lean ground beef will i need for swedish meatballs for 50 people
ellen 12/01/09	You need about 18 pounds total meat for the meatballs. Mix depends on your recipe.
mary k 12/02/09	How much corn do you need to feed 200 people feeding 200 people frozen corn, how much do i do?
Kris 12/02/09	Boneless pork tenderloins for 35 people I have 2-(approximately 10 lbs each) boneless pork tenderloins. Each is about 2 feet long. Do you have a nice recipe for that and can you tell me how long to roast them for and at what temperature?
ellen 12/03/09	Mary K. about 45 pounds. Kris, pork tenderloin benefits from brining, just like a chicken or turkey, but just 6-8 hours. Then you might want a dry rub, and this can go any direction for flavors, from French herbes provencal to jerk. Or a sweet glaze of orange marmalade or cherries. Serve a really good fruit chutney, fruit salsa or spiced/baked apple dish as a side. The tenderloin is a long, thin, lean cut that it dries out if cooked too slowly or too long, so I don't use the 325-350 temps that I use for other roasts. Use your meat thermometer for doneness, pull out when 145 to 155 in the center of the thickest part; you let it stand after roasting for 20-30 minutes to redistribute the juices and finish cooking from the retained heat. Depending on the shape it can take a bit more or less time. Here is the high heat method: # Preheat oven to 500-550 degrees. Remove tenderloin from refrigerator. Season meat as desired. Place seasoned meat in an uncovered roasting pan. #Bake EXACTLY 5 1/2 minutes PER POUND. Adjust +/- according to your oven's accuracy and heat retention. Turn oven OFF and DO NOT open oven door for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Roast will be done, very slightly pink in the center, and very moist. #For anyone questioning this method of cooking, it really does reach the proper internal temperature on a thermometer. If you have a thermometer that has a wire that goes through the side of the oven door, by all means use it and set alarm for 140-145 degrees. It should go off before the hour is up. After resting 5-10 minutes, the roast should reach 145-150 degrees. According to Sara Moulton on FoodTV, salmonella is killed at 138 degrees, and 145 is a safe temperature for pork, although the USDA recommends 160 degrees (meat will be drier).
viola 12/03/09	How much brisket do you need to feed about 45 peop How much brisket do I need to cook to feed about 50 people?
VIOLA U MAY 12/03/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 50 people convert 5 to 6 oz. per person for 50 people
Pris 12/03/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 70 -100? How many pounds of brisket, pinto beans and potato salad to feed anywhere from 70 to 100 people?
ellen 12/03/09	Viola, you need at least 1/2 pound well-trimmed raw brisket per person to get a 5 ounce cooked serving, which is 25 pounds, and 30 would not be too much. Pris, calculate meat using the figure just above, add an additional 10% if it is buffet/ self service. For the sides, see the last table on the plan for 100 page.
Pris 12/04/09	Ellen, Thanks so very much for your help. I'm sure my daughter's wedding reception will be wonderful.
debby 12/07/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 50 people how many pounds of brisket do you need to feed 50 people
ellen 12/08/09	Look at the plan for 100 page use 1/2.
ashley 12/08/09	i am getting married in june and i am trying to get an idea of the dinner. We are looking to serve about 200 people. we want to cook brisket and sausage mashed potatoes and pinto beans. how much uncooked to you think i will need?
ellen 12/08/09	If I were preparing this meal, I would allow 80 pounds raw well trimmed brisket plus 40 pounds sausage. But do read my article on planning wedding dinners so you can start thinking about help needed, rentals, etc.
Stephanie 12/09/09	Three meat/fish dishes for 20 persons I'm preparing a dinner for 20 persons, serving chicken breast, broiled salmon and steak kabobs. How much of each will I need (there will be side dishes of rice, noodles, salads as well). Thanks!
Travis 12/09/09	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people We are smoking brisket for my wedding reception this summer. How much brisket, potato salad, beans, bread do we need for 200 people?
ellen 12/10/09	Stephanie, this is too many entrees to do an accurate estimate for this small of a group, and you do not say if it is plated or buffet service. I would allow about 1 pound raw beef for ea3 PEOPLE plus 1 POUND salmon for each 4 people PLUS 1 pound chicken (raw boneless skinless) for each 5 people provided it is cut into 3 ounce servings, because almost everyone will take some of each. Travis all of these items are on the plan for 100 page, you just double. Because brisket is a fatty meat that shrinks, I allow 1 pound raw well-trimmed per each 2 people.
John 12/11/09	Feeding 40 How many pounds of brisket, ribs, sausage do I need to feed 40 people. Each plate will have the three meats. I am planning on plating 1/2 pound of meat per person as well potato salad and beans. What amount do you suggest for the sides?
ellen 12/11/09	Hi, John; raw ready to cook per person, 1/2 pound ribs, 1/4 to 1/5 pound sausage, 1/3 pound raw well trimmed brisket. About 9 quarts of potato salad, about 7-8 quarts of beans.
Jewell 12/18/09	How many pounds of collard greens feed 55 people How many pounds of fresh collard greens should I purchase to feed 55 people? Thanks.
ellen 12/19/09	They are on the plan for 100 vegetable list, both fresh raw and frozen.
Michelle 01/05/10	How much brisket do you need to feed 80 people I'm ordering brisket already cooked and sliced and am expecting about 80 people. How much should I order if I'll also have pastalaya to serve?
ellen 01/06/10	For party size portions, I allow 1 pound ready to serve for each 3 people plus 10% for seconds and big eaters. Assuming the pastalaya is a meat and pasta dish, you could skip the 10%; but I would not go much less on the total count.
jean dauvin 01/18/10	how much ham per pound would equal approx 120 slic we are having a tournement and will be serving a ham and egg english muffin. I am in charge of ordering the ingreds for these. I figure we will serve 120 of them. how do I know how much ham to get?
ellen 01/18/10	You don't want ham, you want Canadian bacon- 15 pounds=120 2 ounce slices.
nick 01/29/10	How much brisket do you need to feed 5 people this is a small amount of people but I have never smoked a brisket before & I don't want to have weeks & weeks of leftovers.
ellen 01/30/10	It shrinks a lot in cooking. You want at least 3 pounds raw, and I personally would start with 4.
Heather 02/08/10	Taco Salad I am having a surprise party for my husbands bday and want to have taco salad. I was wondering how much of lettuce, tomatoes, meat, chips and cheese I need to feed 30-40 people...
ellen 02/08/10	See the recipe for "escape from the trash bag walking taco salad": www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/texmex1.html You will want about 1 1/2 times the recipe.
Mrsrakowitz2be 02/09/10	we are needing to know about much is needed to feed 80 to 100 people. we are wanting to serve brisket and sausage, beans and potato salad... how much do we need??
ellen 02/10/10	See the brisket and BBQ page. I would allow 1 pound raw well trimmed brisket for each three people PLUS 1 pound sausage for each 4.
Lynnette 02/24/10	How much bacon, eggs, sausage, bagels, biscuts I am making breakfast for 100 people.. my menu is scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, bagels, fruit, muffins, toast, biscuts and gravy.. please help.
ellen 02/24/10	Hi, again, Lynette, You know there is a breakfast planning page? You want 2 pieces of thick or 3 thin bacon per person, one sausage, 2 eggs per person. bagels, large, 1/2 per person (don't forget butter, cream cheese and jam) muffins, 1 small per person toast, 1 slice per person biscuits- 1 large plus 10% or 2 small per person gravy- assuming you mean sausage gravy? 1/4 cup per person Fruit, see the fruit tray page. Consider adding a few quarts of yogurt. Juice and coffee, see beverage planning page
Karissa 03/01/10	How much brisket do you need to feed 60 people We are having a get together with family around 60 people. This will be a 2 night event. We will be grilling all the meat ourselves so we need raw meat amounts. Night 1 Hambugers/ hotdogs / chips How much hamburger meat and hot dogs do I need? Night 2 Brisket / sausage / chicken jalapeno wraps everyone is bringing side dishes we just are responsible for the meat. I need to know how much raw brisket and sausage do I need to get?
ellen 03/02/10	Assuming a party mode? Night 1-1 burger PLUS 1 hot dog per person plus 10%. I encourage Polish sausage instead of dogs, tastier. A couple of packs of tofu pups or oother veggie burgers unless you are certain there are no vegetarians. Night 2-1 pound raw brisket for each 3 PLUS 1 pound sausage for each 5.
Kathleen 03/02/10	How much Corn Beef should I puchase to serve 30 How much corn beef should I buy to serve 30 people.
ana 03/05/10	How much brisket do you need to feed 60 people need to know how many pounds to buy for 60 people....brisket...ill have sasuge, patatoe salad, cole slaw and baked beans...pleas help
ellen 03/07/10	Katleen, 10 pounds cooked sliced ready to eat or 15-18 pounds raw (brisket is a fatty meat that shrinks a lot). Ana, 15 pounds cooked sliced ready to eat or 22-25 pounds raw (brisket is a fatty meat that shrinks a lot).
JOEY 03/09/10	Bbq benefit HOW MANY BRISKETS DO I NEED TO MAKE 360 CHOPPED BEEF PLATES FOR A LOCAL BENIFT. i WILL BUY 10-12LBS UNTRIMMED BRISKETS.
ellen 03/10/10	You will be astonished at the shrinkage on untrimmed brisket- 50% or 1/2. 12 pounds will yield only 6 pounds of beef, or 18 plates. Thus you need 20 12 pound pieces or 240 pounds. Look into the price of the shoulder clod, which is boneless shoulder about 20-25 pounds. Shrinkage is only about 1/3. You would need about 180 pounds.
Belonda 03/12/10	Bagged lunches for 175 people for 4 days I am working with a non-profit group to feed 175 people for 4 days bagged lunches. How much bread, ham or bologna, cheese, peanut butter/jelly will be needed daily?
Beth 03/14/10	How much cabbage to make cole slaw for 400 people Thanks for your help
ellen 03/14/10	85 pounds shredded veggies, approximately. There are several pages of excellent slaw recipes for 100 on site. There are a lot of tricks given to keep it crisp and delicious.
Crystal 03/15/10	How much food do i need to feed 175 for a wedding I am have trouble with it all.I need to know how much ham,rigatoni,meatballs,scalloped potatoes,corn,beans and rolls i will need to feed everyone
ellen 03/16/10	5 Ounces ready to eat ham PLUS 3 ounces ready to eat meatballs per person. 6 pounds dry pasta per 100. 30 pounds potatoes per 100. Veggies, rolls, are covered at the bottom of the plan for 100 page. I would add fruit trays or salad.
Sharon 03/17/10	How much brisket do you need to feed 40 people How much raw untrimmed brisket, potatoe salad and home made pinto beans do I need to feed 40 people?
Sharon 03/17/10	How much cole slaw do you need to feed 40 people Also how much cole slaw
ellen 03/17/10	20 pounds, just under 2 gallons, 1 1/2 gallons, 1 1/2 gallons.
PhillipBenedick 03/19/10	How much ribs do i need to feed 100 people How much pork ribs do I need to feed 100 people ??
ellen 03/19/10	Unfortunately, they are very bony and people love them. You will need about 1 pound raw per person for a party size serving if this is the only meat, especially if it is self- serve.
Ingrid 03/19/10	How much chicken do I need to serve 15 people How much chicken do I need to serve 15 people.
ellen 03/19/10	Ingrid, if it is 15 adults, use a bit less than 1/5 the amount for 100 on the plan for 100 page. You will see there that the amount/weight varies according to the recipe and the cut of chicken (pieces, quarters, 1/2's, etc.
Roger 03/22/10	How many pounds of meat do i need to make 10 gallons of chili?
ellen 03/22/10	Depends on beans or no beans. See the old-fashioned church supper chili recipe at the top of the chili page; it makes 6 gallons with beans. It will help you with the quantities.
Jodie 03/25/10	wedding reception I am catering a wedding reception for 60 people. Menu is Beef Brisket Potatoe Salad Cole Slaw Green Salad Rolls Fruit bowl How much of each per person Beef Briskett - 1/2 lb per person Rolls - 2 per person I tried to figure it out but with there being multiple salads I am a little confused.
ellen 03/25/10	You are doing fine. For 100 people, I allow 4 gallons potato salad, 2 1/2 gallons cole slaw; you would use 2/3 that Because of the slaw, you need a little less green salad; use the plan for 100 and make 1/2, you will probably have some left over. For the fruit, may I suggest trays instead of a bowl- looks better, keeps better and leftovers are more usable. Do 2 times the tray for 25 on the fruit tray page with an extra couple pounds of strawberries.
Andrea 03/26/10	How much brisket do you need to feed 100 people This brisket is fully cooked and 3 lbs. How many do I need for 100 people? Also how many chicken breast will I need for 100 people. It will be a beef OR chicken selection not both.
Sherri Pope 03/26/10	How much meat do I need for beef and chicken kabob We are doing a dinner theatre for our church and I am serving beef and chicken kabobs. I am also doing the vegetable kabobs seperatly. Any help is appreciated.
Sherri Pope 03/26/10	beef and chicken kabobs Sorry I didn't tell you how many. We will be serving 200 people.
ellen 03/27/10	Very good to do the veggies separately, since they cook differently. You need 250 beef and 200 chicken at 4 ounces per kabob. Chicken thigh meat holds better than breast. Marinate the beef overnight in the fridge unless you can afford really tender beef. 2 veggie skewers per person. Do a big baked rice pilaf as one of the side dishes.
Rena 04/05/10	How much food? My wedding is in September. Our guest list is approx. 250 people. We want to serve Brisket Sandwhiches along with potato salad, mexican style rice and cooked pinto beans. How much of each do I need to feed every guest?
ellen 04/05/10	1 pound raw brisket for each 3 people. 1.2 rolls if buffet service, plus condiments. Other items are covered in the plan for 100 table. I would add fruit trays for color and flavor.
Sandy 04/18/10	I want to make beef brisket sandwiches for 60 poeple. Do I slow cook it in the oven then on the grill pull it off and barbque it?
ellen 04/19/10	This is an OK way to do it if you don't want to do the overnight smoking thing. Just be sure it is cooled quickly and stored refrigerated if you break in between oven and grill.
Niki 04/19/10	I am hosting salad bar for 150 people? How much greens will i need and eggs, diced ham, tomatoes, etc.
ellen 04/20/10	Niki, I moved you to your own thread, you don't belong under brisket.
Barb 04/27/10	Taco Meat & Chicken Nachos Our daughter is graduating from college and wants to have nachos at her reception. She wants to have taco meat (ground beef) and chicken available for her guests. How much meat-both kinds, chips, cheese sauce, sour cream, lettuce, tomaotoes, sliced black olives and shredded cheese should we have available to serve 50 people. They will be making their own nachos.
ellen 04/27/10	Use the taco amounts on the baked potato bar/ taco bar article , 1/2 the amounts for 100. 2 #10 cans of nacho cheese sauce, or make chili con queso. I pound raw burger per each 4 (it cooks down a lot- you need less if you get extra lean) PLUS 1 pound boneless thigh meat for each 5, and you will have plenty of meat. The Borracho beans on this website would go GREAT with this, I would make them with black beans.
Dawn 04/28/10	Ellen We (American Legion) are planning on feeding the new recruits AF Band along with our local veterans & Girl Scouts (ages 7-12yrs) lunch after the parade, approx 130 +/- people. Could you please confirm (or fix!) the amounts I have planned? Brisket (raw 8 lbs ea plan 5 = 40 lbs) Chicken (quarters cut 120 lbs) Sausage (cut in 3" pcs 25 lbs) Mashed potatoes (50 lbs) Pinto Beans (10 lbs) Corn (100 4" ears & 20 lbs loose) Reg Salad (18 lbs) Rolls (260 ct) Cake (2 @ 24"x36") 2 gal BBQ sauce 1 gal ranch dressing 1 gal Italian dressing 15 butter The AF Band & Girl Scouts will be meeting at the Legion Hall for the parade so drinks/water are a must: bottled water (7 cases 36 ct) Coke (4 cases 36 ct) Pepsi (4 cases 36 ct) Sprite (4 cases 36 ct) Tea (20 gal) Lemonade (20 gal) The sodas & water wont go to waste if any left over as we can sell them on our Bingo nights. am I on target? last year a few of the recruits were unable to get seconds - ran out of food! I dont want to this year.
Dawn 04/28/10	perhaps I should add the brisket will be machine sliced (we have a slicer).
ellen 04/28/10	This looks pretty good- the band will definitely be inhaling food and beverages. Get diet/ sugar free for one case of each soda. I would only do about 6 gallons of tea. Plan on at least 1` pound ice per person. You may run out of brisket, you lose almost half the raw weight when it cooks. I might double it and cut back 20 pounds on the chicken. I might have 2 #10 cans of baked beans unopened in reserve. If you get really good rolls, it cuts down a bit on the meats. Slaw instead of salad is an option, more nutritious, keeps better, and no dressing issues. Goes with this menu, too. Lots of good recipes on site. You might do potato or pasta salad instead of the mashed potatoes. They will be sweaty, and you would not have to heat up the potatoes. About the same amount of potatoes.
paul 04/29/10	i need to make finger sandwiches for 60-65 people i need to know how much meat and how much cheese to get pound wise?
ellen 04/29/10	There is a whole article on tea sandwiches with all this info and many tips: www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/recep2.html?
ellen 04/29/10	Paul, PS, brisket is not usually served in tea sandwiches...
Janet 05/02/10	How many chicken breast do i need to feed 50 peopl hi, how many boneless chicken breast will i need to feed 50 people and how many veal cutlets for chicken fried steak for 50 people .
ellen 05/03/10	Chicken breasts vary in weight from 3 to 7 ounces. You need 23 -24 POUNDS boneless skinless raw chicken breasts for party size entrees for 50 people. I have never used veal for chicken fried steak, I use top round. Same weight as the chicken.
rachele 05/04/10	How much fajita meat & chicken do i need for 80 please help!! I'm getting married in 3 weeks & we are going to have about 80 people there and I have never cooked for that many people before...I need to know how many lbs of fajita meat & chicken I need to buy..... were also Going to have side dishes too..
rachele 05/04/10	How much fajita meat & chicken do i need for 80 please help!! I'm getting married in 3 weeks & we are going to have about 80 people there and I have never cooked for that many people before...I need to know how many lbs of fajita meat & chicken I need to buy..... were also Going to have side dishes too..
Anne 05/06/10	How much bake potatoes to feed 150 people I am preparing for a graduation reception and feeding about 150 people. I need to know how many pounds of ribeye, bake potatoes and corn on the cob are needed.
ellen 05/08/10	Rachele, you really can't get married and cook on the same day and stay sane, even with 80 people. Fajitas are a last minute dish. Either get others to handle the meal or make something you can make ahead. Anne, the ribeye depends on steak, boneless roast or bone in roast. There is a whole article on roasting beef in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. For steaks or boneless, about 1/2 pound per person, for bone in about 1 pound per person (3/4 is the bare minimum). Corn on the cob, 100 pieces plus another 10% if it is self serve. Baked potatoes, see the baked potato bar article for both potatoes and toppings.
Brenda 05/13/10	How many party potatoes to feed 100? I'm making bbq pulled pork sandwiches and party potatoes to feed 100. How much do I need?
ellen 05/14/10	This is a recipe I call cheesy hash browns and the recipe is at the end of the festive family brunch page. You need 20-24 pounds frozen potatoes to start, depending on other sides.
Jillian 05/16/10	italian beef I am making italian beef for a birthday party we are having. We have 60 people coming. How many pounds of meat will I need?
ellen 05/18/10	For sandwiches, 20 pounds raw boneless, for plated, about 28-30.
Helen 05/18/10	Lunchmeat trays Need to feed 150pp. Want to serve ham, turkey, roast beef, american and swiss trays as the main entree. Rigatoni, some sides (not sure of yet). How many pounds of each meat and cheese do I need?
ellen 05/18/10	Go to the sandwich event page, look at the amounts, use 1 1/2 times the amount for 100. If it is not sandwiches, add about 10%.
vickie williams 05/19/10	how much pulled pork (boston butt) and split chicken breast do i need to feed 60 people?
Susan 05/19/10	How many pounds of Roast are needed to feed 300 How many pounds of Roast are needed to feed 300 people? We are making shredded hot beef sandwiches. Thanks!
Loren 05/19/10	How many salads to feed 45 adults? I am having a party in which there will be roughly 45 guests. We will be serving burgers and brats from the grill. We are going to cook 40 burgers and roughly a dozen brats. How many salads should we serve as side dishes, and how much of each salad? I was looking at Taco Salad and Potato Salad as 2 options. Thanks!
ellen 05/19/10	Vicki, 1 piece of chicken plus 4 ounces ready to eat pork for each person. 1 pound raw boneless pork makes 3 4 ounce servings. Susan, you need at least 4 pounds raw boneless chuck per 100.
Roxann Matrau 05/22/10	How many potatoes in potatoe boil with carrots,cel How many pound of potatoes do I need to feed 200 people. We are making a potatoe,celery,corn on the cob, onion boil.
ellen 05/23/10	about 60-70 pounds, depending on appetites and other starches.
John Marston 05/26/10	How many pounds of sliced beef to feed 20 adults? Having a graduation party with 20 guests with plenty of sides and fixings to go with. We will be making BBQ sandwiches.
ellen 05/26/10	At least 1 pound for each 3- so 7 to 8 pounds. If it is teens. go with a bit more.
Katie 05/27/10	How many lb. cooked chicken for a casserole for 24 How many pounds of cooked chicken do I need to make 24 servings of King Ranch casserole?
ellen 05/27/10	1 pound of chicken meat is 2 cups. 1` pound of whole chicken makes 1 cup after stewing or roasting. Just convert your recipe from cups to pounds using these figures; I bet you come out in the 6-7 pound range.
Becky 05/30/10	Serving 130 How much do i need to serve a two meat bar-b-que plate (brisket & sausage)w/trimmings for 130 guests
ellen 05/30/10	You need 4 ounces ready to eat brisket and 3 ounces ready to eat sausge per person if you are plating it yourself, about 10% more if it is self serve. Brisket shrinks a lot; you need 2 pounds raw trimmed to get 7 servings this size. Sausage doesn't shrink much; you need 2 pounds to get 9 servings this size.
Renee Giallombardo 06/01/10	How much pork should do you need to feed 50 people We are also having baked beans, potatoe salad, fruit salad, cole slaw...desserts..munchies veggie trays...Also any other good ideas? this is for a family reunion and I did not want my husband on the grill all day I wanted him to enjoy his family. Do you have a good recipe for the pulled pork also? Look forward to hearing from you.. Renee
ellen 06/01/10	See the BBQand brisket page for an excellent pulled pork recipe. You could make ahead and freeze in sauce, then just reheat- husband could get off grill duty day of completely, or just add some chicken... For generous party portions, start with 1/2 pound raw boneless per adult, 1/3 per kid under 12. People do like chips and dips with this type meal...
Ramona 06/03/10	How much brisket & pulled pork for 60 Hi Ellen. How much brisket and pulled pork for 50 people for graduation party? will have potato salad, pasta salad, beans, green salad. Would adding fried chicken be too much meat/choices?
pamm 06/03/10	Hi there. If you could tell me how many pounds of chicken salad I would need for 40 women, I would appreciate it. There are other sides and salads being served as well. thanks a bunch
ellen 06/03/10	Ramona, 5 ounces of ready to eat brisket plus 3 ounces ready to eat pulled pork per person. If you also do chicken, reduce beef to 4 ounces and add 1 piece chicken per person. Pamm, You want to check the sandwich event page or the plan for 100 page for the chicken salad info, use the redception info. You will buy 1 pound per pint.
Lisa 06/03/10	Hot dogs and sloppy joes for 150 people Wondering how many lbs of hamburger for sloppy joes and how many hot dogs also for 150 people?
samantha h 06/05/10	How much taco meat i need to feed 60 I need to feed about 60 guests for a bridal shower...I will be hosting this evebt and I would like to have the exact amount so evryone will beable to eat...thanks you
ellen 06/05/10	Lisa, you need about 18 pounds ground meat per 100. When I deal with hot dogs as second choice, I get 1 per person, but only open half to start; the rest can be frozen if not used. Samantha, About 18 pounds raw.
mat 06/07/10	How much mushrooms ado you need to feed 50 peopl e how much mushrooms & onions do i need for a bbq as a side dish for 50 people (ADULTS)
ellen 06/07/10	I would do 3 pounds of onions and about 8 pounds of fresh mushrooms- I do like mushrooms...
Hillari 06/09/10	How much steak and chicken for kabobs to feed 50? I am having a surprise anniversary party for my in-laws and we are making steak and chicken kabobs. How much meat do I need to do this?
ellen 06/09/10	Get tender beef. 1 pound raw beef for each 4 PLUS 1 pound raw boneless chicken for each 4-5, depending on the other dishes.
Lori 06/09/10	How much pulled pork do I need? I am having a anniversary part for my parents. We are having perogies, cabbage rolls, coleslaw, meat balls, mushroom sauce buns,...my question is how much pulled pork for about 150 people?
Michelle 06/10/10	I am catering a wedding with 75 people. The bride wants hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken legs. How much do I need for everything?
ellen 06/10/10	Lori, this is a little difficult with all the meats/entrees, but I would not do less than 1 pound ready to eat for each 5. Michelle, I would supply 1 patty Plus 1 hot dog (and I would get Polish sausage or kielbasa) per person PLUS about 100 legs, as those will get eaten more or less as appetizers. PLUS 1 pack of veggie burgers (boca, Morningstar) to accommodate the non-meat eaters, and there will probably be some.
toni 06/16/10	Ruby anniversary buffet Hi Ellen. My sisters and I are planning a buffet formy parents anniversary.We are going tocookoff the food ourselves to cut down on costs. There will be approx 120 people. We decided on egg mayonnaise platters, sausage rolls,cocktail sausages, vol au vents and salad.We also decided to cook a pasta bolognese and chicken korma dish with rice. Afters will be ready made gateaux. Sandwiches tea and coffee will also be provided. My job is to workout how much this will cost and how much of each we need. I went to local cash & carrys and retail outlets for prices but I dont know how much of each to buy. Can you help please Thanks Toni
ellen 06/17/10	Hi, Toni, This is a rather unusual mixture for a menu and I am going to have to work on it this weekend. You need to send me additional information, what time of day, and how long is the party? Also if this is not the entire menu, what else will be served? I suggest you consider a baked pasta dish, lasagna, baked spaghetti, mostaciolli or macaroni. The prep is MUCH simpler and it is easier and less messy to eat.
Robin 06/17/10	How much chicken fried steak (beef0 do you need to How much Chicken Fried Steak do you need to feed 8 adults adn 6 children??
Jodie 06/17/10	How much chicken and pork do I need to Hello Ellen, I am planning my own wedding for 250 people and my fiance is going to cook the meat,and shred it (chicken and pork) for barbequed sandwiches. How much meat should we buy of both? Thanks, Jodie
ellen 06/18/10	Robin, I start with 1/2 pound top round steak per adult. With the kids, it depends on the age; about 4 ounces up to 7 y/o, 6 up to high school, adult or even a bit more for hs and college. Jodie, you want to end up with about 8 ounces total ready to eat meat per person, split 5 ounces cooked beef and 3 ounces cooked chicken. Can be made ahead, frozen in sauce, thawed in fridge and reheated. 2 pounds raw boneless beef for 5, 2 pounds raw boneless skinless chicken or 4 pound whole chicken for 8-9.
Jeanette 06/19/10	How much jello do I need to feed 120 people I need to prepare a jello salad for a graduation party of 120 people. How much do I need to make, I plan on putting cool whip in it also.
Linda 06/19/10	Wedding Rehearsal Dinner for 65 people Hello Ellen, I am so thankful to have run across your website! I am planning a wedding rehersal dinner for 65 people. The menu is the following: Pulled Pork Sandwiches on Homemade White & Cracked Wheat Rolls; Homemade Salsa & Tortilla Chips; Strawberry Romaine Salad; Macaroni Salad; Spaghetti Salad, Potato Salad; Brewed Iced Tea; Fresh Squeezed Lemonade; Brownies: White Texas Sheet Cake; Peanut Butter Sheetcake & Chocolate Sheet Cake. Can you advise on the amount of pork tenderloin to purchase, amount of salsa to prepare & the amount of each salad to prepare? Also, the amount of Lemonade to make??? Thanks so much!
ellen 06/19/10	Linda, all these foods are covered in the plan for 100 tables, the beverage planning page, the dessert planning page. You want 2/3 the amount for 100. For your pulled pork you use about the same as for sloppy joes. You need a non-meat choice for vegetarians and other folks who don't eat pork, a big bowl of good egg salad would be a fine choice. You want a total of about 6-7 gallons of these three salads: Macaroni Salad; Spaghetti Salad, Potato Salad. The potato will be most popular, the spaghetti the least. I allow 1/4 cup salsa and about 2 ounces of chips per person. So make an estimate and if you are not sure, post it and I will be glad to check it for you.
sarah 06/22/10	How much beef will I need to get to feed 75 people I'm having around 75 people over and not sure how much beef and sausage to get. I'm also have other people bring food as well.
ellen 06/22/10	sarah, what kind of meal and event, is this the only meat, and is it an all adult crowd? Write back.
mark 06/23/10	How much hamburger & sausage do i need how much hamburger & suasage do i need to make ziti(real meaty)for 100 people
Debbie Watson 06/25/10	How much to feed 65 people My son's rehersal dinner. I figured 1/2 pound of meat per person of brisket & pulled pork. 2 gal. cans of green beans. We are having chessey potatoes graham cracker pudding homemade icecream. How many cake pan size of potatoes do I need? How much pudding & how many frezers of icecream? Thank you for your help
ellen 06/25/10	Hi, Debbie, you posted twice, see the other one.
steve 06/30/10	How much raw pork butt and boneless chicken breast is needed to feed 125 people?
ellen 06/30/10	I allow 5 ounces ready to eat pork PLUS 3 ounces ready to eat chicken per person. That is 2 pounds raw boneless pork for each 5 people PLUS 1 pound boneless skinless chicken for each 4 people.
steve 06/30/10	what percent of a bone in pork butt, on average, would you factor in as bone.30%?
Dezarae 07/06/10	How much Carne Asada, chicken legs, beans, and spanish rice do I need to feed 40 people? Lets say everyone takes chicken and carne asada.
Judy 07/07/10	How much chicken salad do I needto feed 80 people How much chicken salad do I need to feed 80 people 1/2 cup servings?
Susie 07/09/10	Pulled vs. sliced brisket If choosing between pulled and sliced brisket, which goes further? Still half pound raw per person?
ellen 07/10/10	Steve, I allow 30% just for meat shrinkage. I would figure 1/2 the raw weight for the serving weight. Dezarae, 10 pounds beef, 50 legs, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds each dry rice and beans. Judy, see the plan for 100 page, use 4/5 the amount for 100
ellen 07/10/10	Susie, pulled You need 1 pound cooked for 4 sandwiches, that is about 1 3/4 pounds raw.
Melody 07/10/10	How much uncooked brisket and sausage should I get for mixed 60 people? Also having beans, potato salad, and bread. Thanks.
ellen 07/11/10	1/2 pound raw trimmed brisket per person PLUS 1 pound of sausage for each 5 people.
Erika 07/22/10	How much brisket do you need to feed 180 people We're having a 80th Birthday party for my mom and we have 180 people scheduled to attend. We've bought 8 10 lbs of chicken leg quarters, 8 briskets (9-10 pounds each untrimmed), 11 racks of pork ribs, 4 gallons of green beans, 3 gallons of baked beans. Is this enough? We plan to cut the leg quarters in half, so the person will only get a leg or a thigh. We also plan to have potato salad, macaroni, coleslaw, meatballs, deviled eggs, tuna sandwiches, lil smokies, fruit, crackers, cheese, etc.
ellen 07/23/10	The meats look OK, but I would have someone serve them, especially the ribs. You need 7-8 #10 cans of green beans (consider adding a #10 of diced tomatoes?), and at least 5 gallons of baked beans, I would go 6 if you are pretty sure of the 180 number.
laura 07/28/10	how much carne asada do i need to feed 35 tacos how much carne asada do i need to feed 35 people tacos please help thanks
ellen 07/28/10	If this is the only meat, you need 3/4 cup per person, about 6 1/2 quarts.
Isabel 07/30/10	how much cooked rice is needed to feed 300 people How much of the following vegetables are needed to feed 300 people? Thank you for your help. Green Beans Rice abd Gravy Corn
ellen 07/31/10	See the plan for 100 pages for all the foods, use three times the amount. For the gravy, 1/4 to 1/3 cup per person- about 5 gallons.
Tana 08/01/10	how to feed 75 at "Mexican Cocktail" party I am giving my daughter a PhD graduation reception, billed as a Mexican Cocktail party. I want to do quesadillas ahead of time for 75. How many pieces do I need per person. The menu is: quesadillas, chips/salsas, Texas cheesecake (which is a cooked cheese spread), fruit tray, beer and sangria, coffee and Mexican tea cakes. I am doing all the food myself, because the logistics and time are so difficult on that day (also hosting a weekend with 22 for the celebration!) Lastly, do you have tips to make the quesadillas ahead and serve them as they should be served which is slightly crispy. I cannot be at the food set up. I have two large chaffing dishes to serve the quesadillas in.
Tana 08/01/10	how to feed 75 at "Mexican Cocktail" party I am giving my daughter a PhD graduation reception, billed as a Mexican Cocktail party. I want to do quesadillas ahead of time for 75. How many pieces do I need per person. The menu is: quesadillas, chips/salsas, Texas cheesecake (which is a cooked cheese spread), fruit tray, beer and sangria, coffee and Mexican tea cakes. I am doing all the food myself, because the logistics and time are so difficult on that day (also hosting a weekend with 22 for the celebration!) Lastly, do you have tips to make the quesadillas ahead and serve them as they should be served which is slightly crispy. I cannot be at the food set up. I have two large chafing dishes to serve the quesadillas in.
ellen 08/01/10	In this situation, I absolutely would not do quesadillas, as there is no way to make them ahead and achieve the combo melty-crispy effect that makes them so good. Trays of enchiladeas, which can be made ahead, would be a possibility- 8 9x13 pans. Flautas, which can be obtained frozen and baked on site would be a great choice- finger edible, about 4 per person. A "taco bar" using the tiny 4 inch crispy round tortillas would also be appropriate, and very easy to set up.
rita 08/04/10	wedding reception for 300 beef brisket potaote salad pinto beans How much food will i need
ellen 08/05/10	Hi, Rita, See the BBQ and brisket page. This is a DIY site, you make your calculation and if you want me to check it, just post it.
Sheri 08/06/10	How many heads of lettuce for 500 hamburgers? Working on a BBQ client appreciation day for work and need help with ordering please. Also, I'm planning on serving hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken breast and maybe pulled pork. Could you please advise how much of each I would need?
Teri 08/09/10	How much carne asada do I need for 25 people? to barbeque?
ellen 08/09/10	Sheri, see the condiments section of the sandwich page, not just lettuce but onions, pickles, tomatoes, ketchup and mustard for burgers. I am not able to figure out your second piece; is this instead of the burgers, or in addition, and how many people total? Terri, if it is the only meat, you want to end up with at least 5 ounces cooked meat per person, which is 2 pounds raw boneless for each 5 people.
Vanessa 08/17/10	How much pork and beef ribs need to feed 40 people would also like 2 know, how many lbs of apples needed to bake pies for 30 peoples. How much need for cabbage,yam's for 30 people. Iwill be shopping 8/18/10.
ellen 08/18/10	Use the plan for 100 list for the cabbage,yam's, 1/3 the amount for 100. You need 5 pies, check the recipe and multiply. 1 pound beef ribs per person, PLUS 1/2 pound pork ribs Or if you meant roast pork, 1 pound raw boneless for every 3 people.
dedra 08/20/10	Im doing a taco bar for a party a few weeks. Expecting close to 70 guests, probably 50 adults and 20 kids. How much ground beef, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream do you suggest?
ellen 08/20/10	See the taco bar page, use 2/3 the amount for 100 and you will have plenty.
tony 08/24/10	how much chicken carne asada for 150 people is req My daughter is having her 16th b-day and im am serving 150 people (60 teens, 30 children & 60 adults). How much chicken carne asada is required to feed 150 people. We are also having all the fixins ( beans,salasa,rice ect.)
ellen 08/24/10	The kids and teens will about offset each other, so count as 150. You want 7 1/2 gallons per 100, so about 11 gallons. Measure the volume on your recipe and multiply.
Mel 08/24/10	How much Potato and Macaroni salad for 30 people? How much Potato and Macaroni salad for 30 people? Please help!
ellen 08/24/10	1/3 the amount for 100; start with about 12 pounds of potatoes and 2 pounds of pasta.
Krista 08/25/10	How much pork roast do I need to serve 70 people I need that amount plus how much cabbage for cole slaw to feed 70 people
ellen 08/25/10	Go to the plan for 100 page, use 3/4 the amounts for 100, you will have plenty.
Donna 08/28/10	How many untrimmed raw briskets should I buy to serve about 150 people?
ellen 08/28/10	For well-trimmed, I recommend 1/2 pound per person raw; for untrimmed, it depends on the fat layer, but you want 1/10 to 1/5 more.
Kristina 09/04/10	How much brisket do you need to feed 500 people My wedding is in 2 weeks and I need to know how much brisket I am going to need to feed 500 people?
Chris 09/12/10	Wedding Reception BBQ Wedding Reception BBQ Menu for 250 guests. Bride wants equal amounts of Brisket and Pulled Pork, baked beans, and hashbrown casserole. Since whole briskets shrink about 5o% with trimming and smoking, and Pork Butts shrink about 50% with smoking and deboning, at 1/3 lb total per person I am thinking a little over 80lbs of each raw meat, and 10 full chafing pans of casserole, with 7.5 gallons of baked beans. What do you think?
ellen 09/13/10	Kristina, if this is the only meat and it is buffet/ self service, you need 2 pounds raw trimmed brisket for each 5 people.
ellen 09/13/10	Chris, explain to the bride that when you have 2 meats and one is beef, if it is self service, you need more than 1/2 and half, because people take more and almost everyone takes some beef; so you are OK for the pork, but you need at least 100 pounds beef and if it were me, I would do 120. Beans probably OK, but I might do 9. Potatoes, depends on the depth of the pan, you would want to start with about 60 pounds frozen potatoes.
Chris 09/20/10	How much do I need to feed 65 to 80 people Hi Im geting ready for Christening. how much will I need to accomodate my guests(65 - 85 people)? I plan on: Sausage & Pepper Meatballs Baked Ham (sliced) Green bean almondine Pasta w/broccoli I have other friends helping with other dishes. but Iam tackling these. Please help
Karen 09/21/10	How much cooked meat needed? Hello and thanks for the site. I am doing a Mexican Fiesta next weekend for about 100 guest overseas. I am planning on two kinds of meats for soft tacos, (restaurant purchased cooked bristket) and cooking chicken breast myself. How much of each meat should I have (how many ounces of meat per taco if I am using 8 inch tortillas) I also have five 1/2 pans of mexican rice, two #10 cans refried beans (I will fix these up), 2 #10 cans queso, salad with pasta,beans and corn, all the fixins for the tacos as well as five types of appetizers (devilled eggs, bruchetta, chili bites, chili and artichoke dip and taquitos) plus salsa, quacomole and chips. Dessert is a chocolate fountain and 300 pieces of other small pastries (tres leche bites, banana cheesecake, Chocolate mouse served on spoons, and mexican wedding cookies) Thanks for all of your help and encouragement with our cooking.
ellen 09/22/10	Chris, this is too big a range for a good estimate. Sausage & Pepper 1 pound sausage per 4 PLUS equal weight mixed peppers and onions Meatballs-1 pound per 5 Baked Ham (sliced)-1 pound per 4 ready to eat Green beans, 22-24 pounds ready to cook for 100 Pasta, 608 pounds dry per 100 (depends on bread and what other starchy dishes)
ellen 09/22/10	Karen, you want 1 pound raw boneless beef per each 3 and 1 pound raw boneless chicken per each 4. I would open 3 cans of beans and have a 4th in reserve; 2 cans is only 1/4 cup per person. Rice, 8 pounds dry.
Karen 09/22/10	Our church hosts a free 'Come for Supper'..need h My husband and I have volunteered to be the "host chefs" for our church's free "COME FOR SUPPER" We expect around 150 (give or take)people. We need suggested amounts for making meatloaf, buttered new red potatoes, butternut squash, butter and dinner rolls. Shall I make the meatloaf in a cake pan or have it free style into loaves? Thanks...what a site!!! :)
ellen 09/22/10	Hi, If you use chuck or round so there is less grease, you can do 3-4 loaves on a big cookie sheet. You want about 50 pounds of ground meats, then add your onions and fillers. Have someone sevre the meat for the first round. For the other items, just 1 1/2 times the amount for 100 on the plan for 100 lists. Consider adding a second veg (22-24 pounds per 100) to fill the plates.
LANE 09/28/10	We are have a dinner next month and I need to know how many pounds of slice briskt will feed 70 people
ellen 09/28/10	It depends on the side dishes and whether it is self serve. Minimum 24 pounds ready to eat, but 30 would not be too much if it is self serve and the sides are light.
LaTasha 10/01/10	I want to plan a program for an apartment complex and have the residents bring in 4 canned goods as an admission ticket for the following meal: Sliced Turkey Sliced Ham Cut Green Beans (6lbs 7 oz cans) Mashed Potatoes (3.24lbs instant Idahoan boxes) Gravy and Rolls About how much of everything should I get if I want to prepare for about 300 people? Thanks a million!
ellen 10/01/10	Latasha, see the plan and shop for community feasts in the holiday cooking section at the top of the Big Pots section. The Navy uses 4 3/4 pounds flakes for 50 cups of potatoes.
Paula 10/03/10	How many pounds of brisket would i need to feed 24 adults and 21 children?
ellen 10/03/10	About 20 pounds raw well trimmed for no leftovers.
Mary 10/13/10	how many pounds of potato wdges to feed sixty peop Thanks
ellen 10/13/10	I do 50 pounds of fries for 100 people-generous. You might do 25 pounds, 30 would probably leave leftovers.
Cindy Maynard 10/14/10	Pork Tenderloin I am cooking for a wedding. Buffet style. 175 people. How many 1bs of Pork Tenderloin do I need. I am making a Cinnamon Apple Pork Tenderloin. Also how many 1bs of Potatoes do I need. I am making Garlic and Herbed potatoes. They will be quarted. Thank you.
Cindy 10/14/10	Cranberry Spinach Salad I forgot to ask this question also. I am making a Cranberry Spinach Salad. It calls for Baby Spinach Fresh, chooped pecans, dried cranberries. How would I figure for 175 people.
Margy 10/14/10	how much cole slaw do i need to serve 12 people, how muc slaw do i need to serve 12 people, our menu is bbq chicken thighs, baked beans, corn muffins,desert. thanks so much
ellen 10/15/10	Cindy, you need to go to the plan for 100 page and ake a first estimate based on 1 3/4 times the amounts for 100, post it, and then I can check it for you. Margy, I would allo 2 quarts and probably have no leftovers. You might add 2-3 quarts of potato or pasta salad.
BJ 10/21/10	King Ranch Casserole for 50 How many chickens do you need to make the King Ranch Casserole for 50?
ellen 10/21/10	1 pound whole chicken makes 1 cup meat. 1 pound boneless skinless chicken makes 2 cups meat. Calculate based on your own recipe.
Stephanie 11/01/10	How many briskets do i need to feed 70? How many briskets and how many pounds of sausage do i need to feed 70 people?
ellen 11/01/10	For this mixed plate, if it is buffet/self serve, you need 2 pounds raw well-trimmed brisket per each 5 plus 1 pound sausage for each 4.
Ruben 11/01/10	How many Brisket do I need to feed 400, I am have a funraise for our church, how manybriskets would i need to feed 400 people, and how many pounds of potatoes do i need for the potatoes salad?
ellen 11/02/10	Ruben, brisket is an relatively expensive meat, because it is so fatty and shrinks so much. You would need 40 pounds raw well trimmed per 100 if you are serving/plating it, 50 if it is buffet/self-serve. 35 pounds of potatoes per 100. There arte a lot of good recipes for potato salad for 100 on this site.
TYSON 11/13/10	Cooking for 180 Soldiers for the Holidays!! HELP! After reading the above posts. Ellen you rock!!! I am in the National Guard and I have been tasked with feeding 180 Soldiers. How much do I need of each product so each person can get 1 serving of each item on their plate?? Ham: Turkey: Green Beans Casserole: Jellied Cranberry Sauce: Sweet Potato-Marshmallow Casserole: Stuffing: Waldorf Salad: Dinner Roll: If you are confused, so am I. Thanks! :)
ellen 11/13/10	This is easy. Go to the planning article and the shopping article in the holiday cooking section at the top of the Big Pots page. Plan for 200, soldiers really eat. All these foods are covered, even the ham/turkey combo. If you want to post your estimate, I will check it for you. Also, use the link to the army quartermaster's recipe service if you need any odd estimates. Just keep clicking make and exception when the certificate questions come up the first time you try to access it.
Joy 11/14/10	I have been tasked with figuring how much meat to use for an Ox Roast at our church. We have never done this and are expecting 250-300 people. We plan to use this meat for sandwiches. I have no idea where to start.
ellen 11/15/10	Since you are on the brisket page, can I assume you are planning on brisket? If it is self serve, 1 pound raw per 2 people. If you have someone serve the meat, 2 pounds raw per 5 people.
"D"eborah 11/15/10	How Much to feed 400? Meat Loaf, Mashed potates, corn or green beans & rolls with simple dessert. What's better corn or green beans? How much of each? Thanks, "D"eborah
ellen 11/16/10	Use the plan for 100 tables, for example, it tells how much ground meat to allow for, to make meatloaf for 100 people; how much potatoes for mashed for 100, and the veggies. With this menu, I would do both vegetables, approx 20 pounds ready to eat of each per 100.
Annette 11/27/10	How many dozen tamales do you need to feed 100 I am planning a graduation party for my son. How many dozen tamales would you figure to feed 100 people? I will also be serving the traditional rice and beans to go with the tamales.
ellen 11/28/10	Annette, teens easily eat 6-8 tamales each! May I suggest you add either tacos, or a big batch of chili/carnitas/adobo?
Pam 11/29/10	How many turkey breasts should I cook for 70people Our family Christmas party is this Saturday. I am cooking Turkey breasts. We are also having ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, corn, carrots, tossed salad, rolls, and cranberry sauce. I was going to make whole turkeys, but bought (4) 10-15 pound breasts instead. Will that be enough? Thank you for any guidance you can provide. Merry Christmas!
ellen 11/30/10	See the turkey yield tables- you only need 23 pounds cooked, so 3 would actually be enough.
Becky 12/02/10	Roast beef for 80 people Hi Ellen. I am having a surprise 60th birthday party for my mother-in-law and am making shreaded roast beef sandwiches. How much beef should I buy? We are also having assorted chips, pickles/olives, bars and cake.
ellen 12/02/10	Is this ready to eat? You want 1 pound ready to eat for each 3 people. Have a non=meat choice (egg salad? pimento cheese?} for the non-meat eaters.
Beth 12/03/10	Bridal shower for 75-100 people Hi Ellen- We are having a bridal shower for approx. 75-100 ppl. With having 2 entrees (meatballs, roastbeef or chicken-trying to figure out which would be the most affordable/crowd pleaser) how much would I need to make for each in order to have enough for all? We will also have a baked ziti for the vegetarians, potato salad, pasta salad.
ellen 12/04/10	With chicken and xbeef. you want 3 ounces (1 piece) chicken plus 5 ounces ready to eat beef.
Robert 12/05/10	Brisket Haveing people over for a potluck supper. Plan on serving precooked brisket, how much do I need for 20 to 30? How much do ya figure per person?
ellen 12/06/10	You need at least 1 pound ready to eat per each 3 people., with no leftovers or seconds- so add a couple of pounds-
Tammy 12/08/10	How many pds of Rigatoni do I need to serve 600 I need to cook rigatoni for a banquet of 600 people. How many pounds of rigatoni do I need and how much sauce should I get?
ellen 12/08/10	See the spaghetti page for help on quantities. Amount depends in part on whether it is a side dish or entree.
Debbie 12/14/10	How much ham & turkey for 40 people? I'm having a Christmas party, serving Spiral bone-in ham & Turkey. How much of each do I need?
Denise 12/15/10	How much beans and hamburger for 150 people
Denise 12/15/10	How much beans and hamburger for 150 people? I am having a party and making burger beans for 150 people. How many cans of beans and how many lbs of hamburger will i need?
ellen 12/15/10	Debbie, go to the planning and shopping for large community dinners section for full guidance. Denise, it depends on the size of the burgers, whether it is self serve and whether it is teens or mixed, as well as the sides. More info, please.
ellen 12/15/10	Denise, If you just mean one of the baked bean with ground beef side dishes, per each 12 I allow 4 pounds cooked and sauced beans and 1 1/2 to 2 pounds beef.
Ms Que 12/20/10	Pasta Salad Hello Ellen, I need to prepare pasta salad for 9 people for the holidays. I'd like to have left overs for the 9 people. How many boxes of pasta should I purchase to make enough. Thanking you in advance.
ellen 12/20/10	Hi. when I make for 100 with lots of extras in it (about 1/2 pasta), I only do 6 pounds dry. 1 pound dry feeds about 16 with additions, about 10 if mostly pasta, like the old fashioned mac salads.
Justin Boudreau 12/20/10	How much brisket & Sausage for 350 people We are having a wedding and will be cooking our own food. We want to do Sausage and Brisket. The sides will beans and popato salad with jalapenos and pickels with bread. What do you recomend?
ellen 12/20/10	Justin, to serve this many people. even casual buffet style, you need 16-20 people setting up, serving and cleaning up, 4-5 people in the kitchen (not counting any grillers) and a manager, non of whom should be in the wedding party. You also need at least 6 serving lines, as one line can only handle about 50 people. In addition, for a wedding, you need nibble tables (at least 4 for this size group) with punch and several appetizers (fruit, cheese, dips) so the guests have something to eat during the hour after the ceremony when you are doing pictures, changing clothes, etc.. I NEVER recommend that inexperienced couples undertake more thane 60-100 self catered. Please do look into drop off catering at least, where the food is delivered to the site ready to eat on time,, and you at least only have to deal with the serving. You will want 1 pound raw brisket per two people, or 1 pound ready to eat for 3 PLUS 1 pound smoked sausage for each 4 to 5. Both for everyone. The sides are covered on the plan for 100 list and the BBQ and brisket page. Beverages on the beverage planning page. You want about 1/4 cup BBQ sauce per person. Please read the wedding dinner article and get some help.
Cindy 12/21/10	How much brisket do you need to feed 12 people Having a welcome home dinner for my niece. There will be a total of 12 people (adults) and I am not sure I have enough brisket. I have about a 5 pound brisket, I am having fried potatoes, baked beans and hot rolls, as well as a cake. Thanks for your help..
ellen 12/21/10	I might either add a second brisket or 3 pounds of smoked sausage or 2 roast chickens so there would be lots and some leftovers. 5 pounds raw just barely feeds 10 with no leftovers.
Karen 01/03/11	how much soup how much soup would you prepare for funeral dinner to serve 175+ people?
ellen 01/03/11	For 100 people, as a full bowl, at least 7 gallons per 100.
Jamie Chambers 01/08/11	I am feeding 800 construction workers I am feeding 800 construction workers. The menu is pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, & rolls how much of each do I need
ellen 01/08/11	These are serious eaters. Allow 2 sandwiches per person- 2 rolls- 2 pounds ready to eat pork for 5 people- 4 gallons potato salad per 100- 3 1/2 gallons baked beans per 100. ADD 3 1/2 gallons per cole slaw per 100, or you will need more of the others. It woul;dn't hurt ot add fruit trays, and several trays of veggie patties for the non-pork eaters.
Rachel 01/09/11	Buffet Style Rehearsal Dinner for 65 65 should attend our rehearsal dinner. I would like for our guests to have homemade egg rolls as an appetizer (my friend will handle these). For the main part of the meal we would like to have grilled chicken breasts, black beans, rice, and salad. Should we buy 17 pounds of chicken breasts for 65 people? How much dried beans and rice should we buy? Also, how much salad and salad dressing? Thank you for your time and help!
ellen 01/09/11	I would do at least 22 pounds of chicken. 6 pounds each dry beans and rice. 2/3 the amount for 100 for salad- see the plan for 100 tables.
Rachel 01/09/11	Thanks!
molly 01/10/11	How much brisket & chicken for 20 people? Hi Ellen! Is 6 lbs. Of brisket & 3 whole chickens (eight pieces) enough for 20 people?
ellen 01/10/11	Yes, and you won't have much left over.
Leslee 01/11/11	Brisket/Sausage question How many pounds of raw brisket & smoked sausage do I need to purchase to feed 235-250 people? I want to give an even portion of both.
ellen 01/11/11	I suggest you plan on a 3 ounce sausage portion and a 4-5 ounce brisket portion if you want to do the typical popular plate. You need 32 pounds raw well trimmed brisket to get 5 portions, 1 pound smoked sausage to get 5 portions.
Phyllis 01/20/11	Brisket/Sausage We are planning a lunch for 250 - 300 people. We will be serving brisket, sausage, beans and cole slaw. I figured we would need to have 120 pounds of brisket and 75 pounds of sausage along with about 25 gallons of beans and 25 gallons of cole slaw. Can you please tell me if I am close to being correct on the amounts I need?
ellen 01/20/11	You have enough meat. You have way to much beans and slaw; you only need about 10 gallons total for each 100. I would probably add potato salad, do 4 gallons potato salad and 3 each slaw and beans for each 100. Most people want bread or rolls with this meal, and you need 1/4 cup BBQ sauce per person
Ms. Que 01/21/11	Grillers We are planning to feed 25 ppl with grillers. We are going to stew them as a meal. How many packs of grillers we will need to purchase. There are 12 grillers in 1 package. Thanking you in advace.
ellen 01/21/11	There are a lot of different meats called grillers, from vegetarian burgers to 1/2 chickens. What are you planning to cook, is it plated, family style or buffet, and what else will be served?
paula 01/31/11	How much brisket do you need to feed 150 people i am having a sweet 16 and i would like to serve brisket but i neeed to know how much i need to buy.
ellen 01/31/11	If this is the only meat, you need 1 pound raw for each 2 for plates or 2 pounds raw for each 5 fat sandwiches.
Robert Barone Sr 02/10/11	How much brisket do you need to feed 30 people Ellen, How many briskets do I need to feed 30-35 people.I will be making reubens...Please advise
ellen 02/12/11	You want 5 ounces ready to eat for fat sandwiches( 1 pound per 3) or 1 pound per 5 for more modest. The raw brisket, 3 pounds well trimmed makes just under 2 pounds ready to eat.
Shellie Lewis 02/15/11	Hi Ellen, I hope you can help me. I'm planning on around 120 for my wedding reception. The plan is premade "mini-sandwiches" on rolls consisting of meat and cheese and then trays with the "extra fixins" on the sides. I guess we are thinking of this as our main dish with several sides consisting of veggie trays, potato salad, baked beans, pasta salad, maccorroni and cheese, corn bread casserole, lil smokies in bbq sauce and chips. I was thinking of throwing in a dessert salad, but hadn't decided on that yet. Can you give me some guidance how much of these items I would need? Thanks, Shellie
Shellie Lewis 02/15/11	On a side note Just in case it makes a difference the potato salad & baked beans will be pre-made store bought from the deli or canned. Does this make a difference in amount I need to purchase? Thanks, Shellie
ellen 02/19/11	premade "mini-sandwiches" on rolls consisting of meat and cheese- 3-4 per person trays with the "extra fixins"- see condiments info on sandwich page veggie trays, see veggie tray page. Add dip. potato salad, 4 gallons per 100 baked beans, 3 gallons per 100 pasta salad, 6 pounds dry pasta macaroni and cheese, 8 pounds dry pasta corn bread casserole, WHY? too much starch; go for a marinated cold veggie, or a roasted veggie or casserole, or skip it. lil smokies in bbq sauce 1 pound per 5 people chips 8 pounds per 100. Need dip, 1/4 cup per person. I would put the chips and dips, the veggie tray and fruit trays(see the fruit tray page) out on a nibble table with punch for the guests for the hour between the service nad the meal, while you do picturesa, change clothes, whatever.
jnet 03/05/11	I need to know if 40 lbs. of cornbeef is enought for 45 people?
ellen 03/05/11	Plenty, even if that is the raw weight, and too much if it is ready to eat weight- 30 would be plenty.
Bonnie 03/05/11	How much pulled brisket to feed 30 people How much pulled brisket will I need for 30 people. Sides will be served.
ellen 03/05/11	If sandwiches, 1 pound ready to eat for 4, if plates, 2 pounds per 5-6.
georgie 03/07/11	How much brisket do you need to feed 70 people how many pounds of skirt steak do i need to adequately feed 70 people? we are also having refried beans, fiedo, salad, dips, chips and salsas.
ellen 03/08/11	People love this cut, I allow 1/2 pound raw per person for self serve.
Scott 03/08/11	70 people have said they are coming to my wedding. We want to feed them smoked brisket, ham and fried chicken tenders. How much of each do I need?
ellen 03/08/11	3 meats for 70 people is a little hard to estimate. I would do 1 pound raw brisket per 3 people PLUS 1 pound ready to eat ham per 5 people, PLUS 2 tenders per person (about 4 ounces).
Karla 03/15/11	I'm planning a grad party for 200 people. I'm having chicken fricassee, jerk pork and pasta alfredo as my staple foods. How much do I need of each to feed 200 guests?
ellen 03/16/11	If you do not have another starch, most people will take a meat plus the pasta, so I would have a rice pilaf as a side dish. 16 pounds rice for the party. 12 pounds dry pasta. If no rice, twice as much pasta. 1 pound raw pork per 4 PLUS 1 pound boneless chicken per 4 PLUS the alfredo. Have at least one serious side veg, such as a broccoli casserole.
Laurie 03/16/11	HELP! I'm catering a wedding for 75 people. I'm having 3 different Buffet stations. Pulled pork, potato salad, pasta salad. Baked Ziti and Chicken Marsala using Chicken tenerloins. Chicken Enchilada's and yellow rice. How much should I be making since there are so many "main" dishes?
Tammy 03/16/11	I'm planning a 50th Birthday party for my husband.looks like there will be 100-140 people.I'm have Brisket, Sausage links, Beans, Pasta salad, maybe potato Salad and Bread. thinking about a fruit tray too. ( since it's a Hawaiian theme)After reading above this it what it looks like I might need.. can you confirm Brisket 32 pounds or 4-5 ounce portion Sausage 1 pound for 5 portion (if that's links would I say one per person?) Beans 10 gallans per 100 Pasta 6 pounds dry pasta potato salad 4 gallons. and Fruit tray.. no idea Bread I'm guess 2 per person? Any help will be great! Thanks, Tammy
ellen 03/16/11	You are doing great, you only need 3 gallons of beans per 100, 6 pounds dry pasta per 100, 4 gallons potato salad per 100. Fruit tray is covered in detail- look at the article, especially the deluxe fruit tray for 100. I would add sandwich fixings (pickles, etc) see the sandwich article for a table.
Laurie 03/17/11	HELP! I'm catering a wedding for 75 people. I'm having 3 different Buffet stations. Pulled pork, potato salad, pasta salad. Baked Ziti and Chicken Marsala using Chicken tenerloins. Chicken Enchilada's and yellow rice. How much should I be making since there are so many "main" dishes?
ellen 03/17/11	Laurie, congratulations on picking a sane-sized wedding to cater. The problem with this menu is, with 3 entrees and no RSVP on choices with this small a group, you have to prepare extra of all three because the group doesn't "even out" like a larger group would. I will think about it and see what I would suggest. You also need a nibble table for the hour between the service and the meal- 3 appetizers and punches to keep the guests occupied. With these menus, I suggest fruit trays, cheese trays with bread or crackers and 1 dip or spread.
Amy 03/21/11	For Small Ham sandwiches I would like to have spiral hams.. and make up small ham biscuits. Approx how many hams do I nee to feed 150 guests??
ellen 03/21/11	Amy what are the other meats/entrees? The rest of the menu affects this estimate. Write back.
Andrea 03/23/11	Making sure I have enough to feed 200 people Ellen I'm catering my brother's wedding this weekend. The menu is as follows starters: buffalo chicken dip w/celery & veg crakers. crab dip w/tortilla chips & crackers. spinach dip w/french bread toast. fruit trays middle dish: antipasta- tri color pasta with pepperoni cubes, sharp cheddar cubes, olives, cherry tomato halves, grated parmesan italian dressing. main course: surf & turf guest have a choice of 1 piece of fish & 1 piece of chicken. if they don't want fish they can have 2 piece of chicken, or if they dont want chicken they can hve two piece of fish. 1 vegtable 1 starch. garlic scampi talapia parmesan crusted chicken breast oven fried chicken california blend veg fine string beans mashed red potatoes wild rice. please help.
ellen 03/23/11	see your other thread.
Holly 03/26/11	How much boneless pork do i need to feed 300. I'm planning my son's graduation party and need to know how much boneless pork butt i'll need to feed 300 guest.
ellen 03/26/11	Sliced for dinner plates? About 140 pounds.
Yovela 04/01/11	How much fajit do I need to feed 150 people My husband and I are redoing our vows and I need to know how much chicken and steak I'm going to need to feed 150 guests fajitas. Thank you
ellen 04/01/11	Assuming it is buffet service and you are serving beans and rice on the side, you want about 5 ounces ready to eat beef PLUS 3 ounces ready to eat chicken per person for generous servings. That is 2 pounds raw beef for each 5 PLUS 1 pound raw boneless chicken for each 4.
Holly 04/04/11	How much sloppy Joe for 40 teens 30 adults How many pounds of sloppy joes do I need to feed about 40 middle school kids and 30 adults?
ellen 04/04/11	Middle school kids mostly eat the same amounts as adults; 8th graders eat more. Treat this as 75 and do 3/4 the amount for 100 (see the plan for 100 page).
Emma 04/10/11	How much brisket and mashed pot. for 10 people? Hello Ellen, This may seem like a small request, but we are hosting our first family party for 10 people. We also have a new baby so we'd like to try to make the planning process go smoothly. How much brisket should we get for 10 adults? Also, for mashed potatoes- how many potatoes should we buy? We'd like to have leftovers for both dishes if possible. We didn't plan any side dishes yet- but probably salad and steamed broccoli/carrots. Thank you, Emma
ellen 04/11/11	If you want plenty of leftovers and they are serious eaters, get 10 pounds of raw brisket. 4 pounds of potatoes to mash. In addition to the salad and broccoli (good choices), how about a crock pot of baked beans (2-3 quarts) and a loaf good rye bread and some mustard?
Emma 04/17/11	Thank you Ellen!
Karen 04/19/11	Serving Turkey and beef tenderloin to 14 I am having 14 for dinner, some who eat red meat and some who don't. I am roasting a turkey and a beef tenderloin. How much of each should I make?
ellen 04/20/11	Tenderloin is very popular,and people tend to eat a lot of it. I would probably do about 10 pounds for this party, plus a full breast, rather than a whole turkey, unless I wanted turkey leftovers.
laura 04/26/11	How much rice do you need to feed 150 people I volunteered to make the rice to feed 150 people. But also for a party I am having in june I need to now how much brisket, smoked sausage, chicken, potato salad, bread(loaves) and beans do I need to feed approximatly 250 people? The guest list is 400 but only half will be on time for dinner.
Laura, the rice, 04/26/11	Laura, the rice,potato salad, bread(loaves) and beans are on the plan for 100 lists, just multiply by 1 1/2 or 2 1/2 for 150 or 250 people. \ When I do a mixed BBQ with these meat items, I plan for: brisket, 1 pound raw per 3 PLUS smoked sausage, 1 pound per 5 PLUS chicken, 1 piece per person
jim edwards 04/28/11	i'm vending at this event coming up and i;m serving brisket,pork butt,potato salad,baked beans expecting about 300+ how much food is going to be needed i have 22 briskets and 15 pork butts
ellen 04/28/11	Jim, as mentioned elsewhere, this is a site for volunteer and family cooks, as I can't take on the responsibility of pros- for them, I recommend: cheftalk.com chef2chef.com Also for events, you need to state how long you will be serving, whether the food is free or paid, and whether you are the only server or what if any other food choices/ vendors are available, as all these things affect amounts. Also type of event and whether alcohol is available. Your raw meats will make about 3 plates or fat sandwiches per pound of raw brisket, about 4 per pound of raw boneless pork.
Bubba 05/04/11	serving 100 round two just saw your email to Jim 4/28, the event is a free car show/1Pm till 3Pm, May 21, advertised to a select crowd, expect 1000, mixed crowd adults and kids, no alcohol, just cold drinks and SWEET tea here in Texas, no other food served, food is free, first year for event, so that may be high/low, I have BBQ cook team and we volunteered to be their cooks, they provide meats, we just don't have experience in cooking this large, so thought I would ask your opinion, thanks
ellen 05/04/11	Hi, Bubba, think you posted separately, which I answered. Do have 1/4 unsweet tea for us diabetics and dieters.
Jing 05/11/11	Green beans, hamhocks and potatoes I'm making green beans with hamhocks and potatoes for a group of approximately 150. Can you tell me how many cans of green beans, hamhocks and potatoes I will need. Thank you.
eve 05/11/11	how much kg of rice please, how many kg of rice do i need to feed 250 persons at my wedding reception
ellen 05/11/11	Jing, you need at least 32 pounds drained weight (ready to cook weight) green beans, about 20 pounds of potatoes and 6-10 ham hocks (they vary a great deal in size). Eve, I allow about 3 1/3 kg per 100 for a side dish of rice, but about 5 kg per 100 for a main dish, such as biryani.
sharon 05/13/11	Hi, I am having a party with 75 guest, I am serving pulled pork (from a restraunt) and hot wings (from restraunt). Potato salad, pasta salad and baked beans. How much prepared meat should I purchase?
ellen 05/13/11	About 22 pounds of pork and 30 pounds of wings.
Paul Martin 05/13/11	I'm serving pulled pork for 14 people. How many pounds of pork do I need?
ellen 05/13/11	For sandwiches, assuming sides and they are not starving, about 5 pounds.
Demarco Guice 05/14/11	How many turkey do buy you need to feed 500people i'm planning my wedding and wanting to know how many i need to buy? to feed 5000 people
ellen 05/14/11	See the planning and buying guide in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. It will be 350-500 pounds whole, depending on what else is served and whether there is a second meat.
denise 05/16/11	how much chicken breast for 250 people Hey Help! Reception for 250 people how much boneless chicken breast rice salad string beans do I need
ellen 05/16/11	Denise, these foods are covered in the plan for 100 lists, you would use 2 1/2 times the amounts for 100.
Lauren 05/22/11	Brisket and Sausage for 65 Hi Ellen. We are making smoked brisket, smoked turkey and smoked sausage for 65 people. Estimates? Thanks.
ellen 05/22/11	smoked brisket, 1/2 pound raw per person smoked turkey 1/2 pound bone in raw per person smoked sausage 1 pound per 4 people
Beth 05/23/11	Approx. 250 guest list - help with amts. on amts. I am overwhelmed, I have been using your 100/150 chart and I am still not certain if I am figuring the amounts correctly. HELP. Graduation Party Approx. 250 - Length 5-6 hours. Menu: Hot Wings (30 lbs.? ) Sweet and Sour Meatballs (30 lbs.? ) Roast Beef Shredded for rolls (30 lbs.? ) Pulled BBQ Pork for rolls (30 lbs.? ) Turkey sliced (30 lbs.? ) Rolls (300 rolls) Macaroni and Cheese (20 lbs.? ) German Potato Salad (20 lbs.? ) Regular Potato Salad (20 lbs.? ) Macaroni Salad (20 lbs.? ) Toss Salad (-Garden-equal parts mixed spring greens, Cucumber, Cauliflower,Carrots, Pepper, Radishes, Onion, Tomato (Grape),Celery) (15 lbs.? ) California Rolls Vegetable Tray (Celery, Carrots, Cauliflower, Cucumber) Fruit Tray(Watermelon,Cantaloupe,Honeydew,Grapes Pineapple) Dips for both trays and for chips Chips/Pretzels Crab Dip w/Crackers Blue Cheese Dressing (Hot Wings) (1/2 gal.? ) Ranch Dressing (Hot Wings) (1/2 gal.? ) Italian Dressing (Salad) (1/4 gal.? ) Thousand Island (Salad) (1/4 gal.? ) Ranch (Salad) (1/4 gal.? ) Balsamic (Salad) (1/4 gal.? ) Chocolate Chip Cookies Brownies Graduation Cake Soda Juice Coffee Hot Tea Need help adjusting the amounts I figured and for the ones not figured how much do I need. Hopefully you can help, looking forward to hearing from someone. Thank You.
ellen 05/24/11	Hi, Beth, Don't know if you are the graduate or a mom, but if you are trying to do this all by yourself, no wonder you are feeling overwhelmed. As you will read on my wedding dinner article, I do not recommend inexperienced folk take on self catering any more than about 100 people, and you are way over that. You need help; a couple of other cooks; about 10 people day of to set up, serve and clean up. Now let's take this list in parts. From you note, I assume that you expect most of the people to stay most of the time and eat a full meal's worth. Chocolate Chip Cookies-2 per person Brownies-2 smallish per person Graduation Cake-2 full 2 layer sheet cakes, if you want some for everyone. A single layer sheet cake serves about 50. Soda- see beverage planning page, depends on whether you are pouring liters or chilling cans. Do not forget ice. Juice- why? a punch, iced tea or lemonade would be preferable; 6 gallons per 100, since you also have soda Coffee and Hot Tea Use the dinner coffee guideline for the amount of people you estimate might be coffee drinkers- this depends on the mix at the party- most people under college age don't drink coffee Hot Wings (30 lbs.? )- for 250 people, need at least 80 pounds... Blue Cheese Dressing (Hot Wings) (1/2 gal.? )-4-5 quarts Ranch Dressing (Hot Wings) (1/2 gal.? )4-5 quarts (you will run out as it is also popular for salad and for veggie dip) Sweet and Sour Meatballs (30 lbs.? )-50 pounds Roast Beef Shredded for rolls (30 lbs.? )-40 pounds Pulled BBQ Pork for rolls (30 lbs.? )-40 pounds Turkey sliced (30 lbs.? )-40 pounds Rolls (300 rolls)- get medium size, at least 450- most people will want 2 sandwiches You need sandwich fixings- see the sandwich page Macaroni and Cheese (20 lbs.? )-start with at least 15 pounds dry pasta German Potato Salad (20 lbs.? ) Regular Potato Salad (20 lbs.? )- for the two salads for 250 people, I would START with 80 pounds of potatoes Macaroni Salad (20 lbs.? )- I would start with 12 pounds dry pasta Toss Salad (-Garden-equal parts mixed spring greens, Cucumber, Cauliflower,Carrots, Pepper, Radishes, Onion, Tomato (Grape),Celery)- You need 25 pounds for this many people, total of 2 gallons dressing or 24 8 ounce bottle- double all your salad dressings California Rolls- 3 pieces per person (you could skip this, with the hot wings and meatballs...) Vegetable Tray (Celery, Carrots, Cauliflower, Cucumber)- see veggie tray page 30-35 pounds ready to eat veggie pieces, about 2 gallons dip Fruit Tray(Watermelon,Cantaloupe,Honeydew,Grapes Pineapple)- 8 times the amount for the pineapple fruit tray for 25, about 1 1/2 gallons dip Chips/Pretzels-12 pounds, 3 gallons dips Crab Dip w/Crackers- you could skip this, about 5 gallons dip plus 15 pounds crackers
Dana 05/25/11	pot roast How much beef- chuck pot roast would I need to feed approx. 80 - 90 people? I will have three other side dishes to go with this also.
ellen 05/26/11	45 pounds raw boneless would not be too much.
Libby 05/27/11	graduation party Having a graduation party. I need to know how much brisket I need to feed about 100 people?!
ellen 05/28/11	If it is the only meat, 45 pounds raw well trimmed for sandwiches, 50 for sliced.
Cynthia D. 06/02/11	Having a wedding for about 125-150 ppl I'm getting married in Oct, having between 125 to 150 ppl. More than likely will be around 130. I'm wanting to have my mom cook brisket, sausage, and chicken. How much do you think we will need. Can you help me estimate it for every 25 people? Will be back for questions about sides too. :) this is an awesome site!!!!
ellen 06/03/11	You can probably find all the information you need about sides in the tables already. Here is what I suggest for party meals for the combination of brisket, sausage, and chicken brisket, 2 pounds raw well-trimmed per 5 PLUS sausage, 1 pound per 4-5 PLUS chicken, 1 piece per person However, Cynthia, I specifically recommend the bridal party, esp you and your mom, NOT be responsible for any cooking day of. See my article on wedding dinners for why.
beraleday 06/05/11	Very Interesting Post! Thank You For Thi Post!
Linda 06/16/11	Baked Chicken legs & thighs/ Roast Beef Having a wedding reception for approx 80 people - how many lbs of chicken (legs & thighs) will I need and how many lbs of roast beef will be enough? thanks
ellen 06/16/11	You need 26 pounds ready to eat roast- that is around 40 pounds raw, PLUS 40 quarters, which is 4-5 8 pound bags. Most meat suppliers do 40 pounds chicken as a case, with a discount.
Kevin 06/20/11	Ellen! how many pounds of meat and cheese do i need for a 60 person lunch? Guests will be invited to make your own sandwiches with a variety of standard and more artisanal style of meats (e.g black forest ham, sun dried tomato turkey breast, prosciutto) and cheese (e.g. 2 year old cheddar, provolone, local brie, blue). Your help is MUCH appreciated! Thank you!
ellen 06/20/11	Hi, Kevin, covered in some detail in the sandwich article, use 2/3 the amount for 100. Very nice sandwich makings, have some interesting sides (greek salad, tabouli, etc.)
Trisha 06/27/11	how much do I need I am catering my moms reunion 60 people bbq beef baked beans coleslaw macaroni salad, lettuce salad potatoe salad homemade buns dessert white cake strawberrys or saskatoons sauce and dream whip how much do I need
ellen 06/28/11	Trisha, use 2/3 the amounts for 100 as discussed on the plan for 100 pages. If you want to post your estmates, I will check them for you. For the cake amounts, see the dessert planning page- 2/3 the amounts for 100. I allow 1 quart of strawberries for 8 people for strawberry desserts, 1/3 cup topping per person.
Bridget Chandler 07/06/11	Ingredient Amounts We want to do a Chinese Chicken Salad for 100 people. Using: Romaine Lettuce Napa Cabbage Bean Spouts Cucumbers Carrots Red Bell Pepper Mandarine Oranges Won Ton Chips Need amounts of each item Thank You
ellen 07/06/11	Use your recipe and multiply, you want about 20 pounds total cabbage plus lettuce. The wonton chips don't hold, serve them on the side.
ellie 07/26/11	Please heIp i am having a wedding recpt in 11 days I am having 180 people could u please advise me how much of each I should have. We are having bbq chicken, meatballs, bolagna, cheese, vegetable tray, relish tray, pasta salad, snd potato salad. please need amt for each item. Much Appreciated!!
ellen 07/27/11	I do not have to tell you you are very late starting, and may have big troubles getting this arranged. You need all of this. bbq chicken, 12 pieces for each 8 people meatballs, 1 pound for each 5 people bologna, Is this cold cuts or chunks for appetizers? About 1 pound per 5 people. cheese, 16 pounds sliced/cubed per 100 people, about 3o pounds all together, 12 pounds of crackers vegetable tray, use veggie tray table, do not forget Ranch dressing for dip relish tray do 2 times the classic relish tray on the veggie tray page pasta salad, start with 12 pounds dry pasta potato salad. start with about 55 pounds raw potatoes. Many recipes for both the above on this site. Also you need bread and butter, possibly sandwich condiments - see the sandwich page- beverages, see the beverage planning page. Also, here is an excerpt from an upcoming article: Before the Buffet; Why You May Need an Appetizer Table A self-catered buffet is a real challenge to the organizers, and things don't always come together as smoothly as hoped. By planning and setting up an appetizer area or "nibble table" which is ready when the guests begin to arrive, the cooks and servers have time to complete the arrangement of the dinner buffet. This is especially critical if there are children among the guests, or there is a wait before dinner, as at a wedding reception. This does not have to be complicated. Three items, including a fruit tray, a cheese tray and an attractive dip or spread, plus a punch, or two if one is alcoholic, are sufficient. One appetizer service area is needed for each 100 guests.
Tricia 07/27/11	WOW!! you are really good. Can you help me with amounts for wedding of 125: Chicken and steak shishkabobs Rice Cinnamon pinnapple Pasta salad chicken nuggets for kids soda water beer wine apps: cheese fruit cheese ball and crackers rum punch
ellen 07/28/11	Chicken and steak shishkabobs- 2 pounds raw boneless beef per 5 PLUS 1 pound raw boneless chicken per 4 Rice-about 8 pounds dry per 100 Cinnamon pineapple-?? One pineapple makes about 4 servings, depending on size Pasta salad-6 pounds dry per 100 plus fixings chicken nuggets for kids- everyone will eat these! Allow 1 pound for every 5-6 people and count everyone. soda water beer wine Use the beverage planning page to calculate these amounts and for ice apps: cheese and cheese balls, total 16-20 pounds per 100 fruit- use fruit tray page crackers-6 to 8 pounds per 100 rum punch- about 7-8 gallons Add lemonade or light colored fruit punch for kids and non-drinkers, about 5 gallons
Susie H 08/01/11	I will be doing my own wedding meals. I will have 150 people. I will be doing cold plates. I will be putting 2 pieces of meat on each persons plate. The meat will be cooked deli style ham and turkey roll. The meat will be the same size that is put on a sandwich. So my question is how many hams do I need? The hams are 4x4 and the turkey rolls are the same size. So I want to give 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of turkey roll. How many hams and turkey roll would i need? Please help
ellen 08/01/11	Susie, a party portion is usually 5-7 ounces of ready to eat meat, which is 2 rather thick slices. Do this by weight. You need 1 pound of ready to serve meat for each 3 people. Also, please read the article on wedding dinners and get enough help.
Bea 08/06/11	How many raw 15-lb. boneless rib eyes do I need to feed 230 people?
ellen 08/07/11	It depends on how you are serving, but assuming it has a server, or is plated, and you want full party portions, about 175 pounds. The bare minimum would be 125, if you had plenty of other foods and you are serving it.
James 08/13/11	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people I am doing a charity in April of 2012 and will be making chopped brisket and pinto beans served with buns and a small bag of chips for 200 people some are children. you may suggest another side if it cuts down on the portions
ellen 08/13/11	A pasta salad is easy, can be made ahead, travels well,and is popular.
Gary 08/22/11	Adult BD Party: Brisket, Potato salad, green bean For 60 people
ellen 08/22/11	Use 2/3 the amount for 100 from the plan for 100 tables.
JLo 08/25/11	How Many dozen of eggs will I need to feed 300 peo Having a breakfast at church
ellen 08/25/11	Covered in detail on the breakfast planning page-
Cindy 08/29/11	How much brisket do you need to feed 300 people Cooking for a wedding, there will also be mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls
ellen 08/30/11	I allow at least 1/2 pound well-trimmed raw brisket per person; it is a fatty meat that shrinks a lot. Please consider that you will have up to 30 non- beef eaters and offer a vegetarian option for the entree. Also, I strongly recommend appetizers for this size wedding, here is an excerpt from an upcoming page: Before the Buffet; Why You May Need an Appetizer Table A self-catered buffet is a real challenge to the organizers, and things don't always come together as smoothly as hoped. By planning and setting up an appetizer area or "nibble table" which is ready when the guests begin to arrive, the cooks and servers have time to complete the arrangement of the dinner buffet. This is especially critical if there are children among the guests, or there is a wait before dinner, as at a wedding reception. This does not have to be complicated. Three items, including a fruit tray, a cheese tray and an attractive dip or spread, plus a punch, or two if one is alcoholic, are sufficient. One appetizer service area is needed for each 100 guests.
Maggie G, 08/31/11	how many lbs of potatoe salad,and how many lbs of beans nd rice do i need to feed 125. and how many lbs of brisket do i need also, let me know ASAP.!!
ellen 08/31/11	Maggie, all of these items are already covered in detail in the plan for 100 tables. You just use 1 1/4 times the amounts for 100 to cover 125. If you are serving the rice and beans and potato salad at the same meal, you only need potato salad for 100.
laura chavez 09/13/11	How much brisket do you need to feed 300 people I am having a wedding how much brisket do I need for 300 people. And do I buy it trimmed or untrimmed?
ellen 09/13/11	You need 50 pounds raw trimmed per 100 people if it is the only meat.
matt 09/18/11	how much turkey and brisket I am having a reception for around 200 people. Can you please help me with estimates on how much meat i need? Fried turkey for 100 and smoked brisket for 100. or should those numbers be different? help me please
ellen 09/18/11	Matt when you serve people two very desirable meats, they tend to take more and many take some of each. So you need 1 pounds whole turkey for every 2 and 2 pounds well-trimmed raw brisket for every 5, and you should have someone serve the brisket for the first round, to make sure you don't run out.
ellen 09/21/11	All ladies church function BBQ lunch Please give give me amounts to prepare for 150 ladies: BBQ chicken - thighs & breast(halves) BBQ turkey sausage(halves) Green Salad Pasta Salad Fruit Salad Rolls & or bread sticks
ellen 09/21/11	BBQ chicken - thighs & breast(halves)- 1 piece per person, about 60% breast BBQ turkey sausage(halves)-1/2 per person, you will probably have some left Green Salad Pasta Salad Use the plan for 100 pages. If they are light eaters, decrease 10% Fruit Salad- suggest you do fruit trays instead; prettier, easier, keep better and leftovers are more usable. See fruit tray page. Rolls & or bread sticks If you get good ones, they will eat 2 each, plus about 3 pounds of butter per 100.
Joe 09/24/11	chicken tortilla casserole Can you tell me how much of chicken tortilla casserole in lasagna pans will I need to feed 30 people or more?
ellen 09/24/11	For 30 people, self-serve, I would make 3 full pans if these are the larger lasagna pans, 4 in they are 9x13.
annemarie 09/26/11	meat choice/quantity planning summer wedding 400 people - serving smoked brisket, bbq sauce, rolls, beans, sweetcorn, coleslaw, pickle. What is your opinion on offering a second meat option, roasted turkey breast or smoked porkchop or sliced ham? And which one would you suggest? would rather do only brisket, but wonder is this is too narrow an option? If doing 2 options, which 2 and how much of each. Thinking meat only would be served by a server, buffet style. concerned about uncontrolled meat portions enlarging if meat is self served. Comments? thank you
ellen 09/26/11	Meat has to be served if you need to control portions. Brisket is expensive and a second meat helps with that. I would choose turkey or ham, 3 ounces per person ready to eat. The brisket, 1/2 pound raw well trimmed per person with a second meat, no second meat 3 pounds raw per 5 people.
annemarie 09/26/11	part 2 of meat choice/quantity 9/26 thank you for response. we have a good and reasonable family source for brisket. apart from the expense issue, do you think the 2nd meat option should be offered - the turkey or ham? Is offering brisket only, too narrow of a menu, excluding peoples preferences?
ellen 09/26/11	If you do not want to offer a second meat, my suggestion is that one of your other dishes be satisfactory to eat as an entree. If you do a second meat, the turkey is more unusual and interesting than the ham.
Lisa 09/27/11	Please confirm my math for hot dinner of 200 ppl. We are preparing a hot dinner (6pm) and late lunch (11pm) for an anniversary with 200 guests. I used your 'Dinner for 100' chart and was hoping you could confirm my math, please and thank you. 100 lbs bone-in prime rib roasts 60-70 lbs ground beef for meatballs (with crumbs) 80-90 lbs roasted potatoes 18 dozen dinner rolls 50 lbs carrots & 10 lbs onions (cassarole) 40 lbs coleslaw (in addition to ethnic side dishes). If we were to also offer hot bone-in ham leg for dinner, how much would we need? And how much would that reduce the amount of beef roasts necessary?
ellen 09/28/11	Lisa, are you planning to serve both the roast beef and meatballs at dinner, and if yes, do you really think half the people will choose meatballs? I would expect more like 150 pounds raw roast and 40 meatballs. Having ham would not reduce the roast too much, many people will have some of each. I would do 2 pounds bone in roast per 3 people (about 120 pounds) plus 1 pound bone in ham for 4 (50 pounds). Everything else looks OK
Lisa 09/28/11	Yes, we are having both the beef roast and meatballs for dinner. I've discussed it with a few friends, and we all think that a minimum of at least half would choose meatballs in addition to the beef. If the ham isn't going to change the amount of beef roast needed, I think we'll skip that for dinner and just serve it at the late lunch. I appreciate your quick response! Have a great day!
Toya 10/13/11	Hello, I'm feeding about 70 football players - Chili dogs. How many cans of chili (hormel no beans) would you suggest I would need? The cans are 50 oz. Thank you
ellen 10/13/11	About a half cup (4 ounces)per person- so 6 cans, but don't open the last 2 till you see how it is going.
Liz 10/18/11	How many pounds of Chuck Roast do I need to make Red Chili for 150 people.
ellen 10/18/11	For a really meaty chili with beans, about 40-45 pounds.
Chef Happy 11/07/11	How much bone in shoulder pork roast to feed 22ppl Hi Ellen, First, thanks for all your wonderful info. It has come in very handy. I am cooking dry dubbed shoulder pork roast (topped with an espresso BBQ sauce, yum!) for 22 people. How many pounds of bone in shoulder roast should I need. Thank you!
ellen 11/07/11	MMMMM. 3/4 pounds raw, minimum, per person; more if you want some left.
Ivonne 11/07/11	How many turkeys to serve 175 people? The same question for mash potatoes, stuffing and gravy. There will be many people helping with this church dinner. I just have to purchase the ingredients. THANKS, Ivonne
Sylvia 11/25/11	How many pounds of carnitas and carne asada for 80 How many pounds carnitas and carne asada would I need for a party of 80 people. I wll also have spanish rice and beans, corn tortillas,salsa, and fresh fruit. Thank you!
ellen 11/25/11	Ivonne, see the article on planning and buying in the holiday cooking section at the top of Big Pots. Sylvia, 40 pounds of meat total for both- divide according to the local taste.
Camille 11/27/11	coffee can you tell med how many cups of coffee is needed to make 90 cups of coffee. Thank you
ellen 11/28/11	1 pound usually is considered to make 50 6 ounce cups.
Jeff 11/29/11	I plan on smoking brisket, ribs & pork shoulder for 15 adults, how much of each do I need in order for all 15 to have some of everything?
ellen 11/29/11	1/2 pound of ribs per person, 2 pounds raw brisket per 5 (it shrinks almost 1/2), Pork shoulder bone in, 1 pound per 2.
Camille 12/06/11	how many people does 1 lb of green beans feed? how many people does 1 lb of green beans feed?
ellen 12/06/11	4-5.
kimie 12/08/11	how many pounds of meat do you need how many pounds of meat do you need to make a dozen tamles
ellen 12/08/11	Not much- about a pound, ready to use.
katie 12/29/11	How much pork and be do you need to feed 60 people Hi I am having a party new years eve and serving hot beef and pork rolls. How many kg would I need of each to feed 60? Thanks in advance.
ellen 12/29/11	For most beef and something party situations in the USA, you allow about 1 pound ready to eat beef for each 3 people plus about 1 pound other ready to eat meat f0r each 5. I am not clear whether this split would apply where you are; but the total should be about the same- a total including both of about 1 kilo per 5-6. You will find that outside the USA you need about 10% less (we eat larger portions here). You will have to estimate the split- I don't know your local/regional preferences for beef versus pork.
Heather 01/02/12	How much brisket and ham would I need to feed 400 people?
ellen 01/03/12	Buffet party dinner servings? 160 pounds raw boneless beef plus 80-90 pounds ready to serve ham. Yes that is a lot, but with these choices, people tend to take both.
kathy huneycutt 01/05/12	How much brisket do you need to feed 25 people How much corn beef brisket,cabbage,carrots,and potatoes and bananas pudding do I need. Thanks
ellen 01/06/12	13 pounds corned beef, 5 pounds each veggies, 2-3 9x13 puddings.
Amanda 01/09/12	Wedding reception for 250 Needing to know how much brisket, rice, potato salad, & beans(I usually buy dry 1lb bag)I need to feed 250 people for my wedding reception??? Please & Thank You!!
ellen 01/09/12	Please read the wedding dinner article. It takes about 4 kitchen people and 15 servers to do this size party/buffet. brisket, 125 pounds raw rice, 8-10 pounds per 100 potato salad, 4 1/2 gallons per 100 beans, 8 pounds dry per 100 (up to 12 if this is a bean-eating bunch) You need bread, and an entree for the non-meat eaters (a few dozen veggie burgers at least). Also, please consider an appetizer plan: Before the Buffet; Why You May Need an Appetizer Table A self-catered buffet is a real challenge to the organizers, and things don't always come together as smoothly as hoped. By planning and setting up an appetizer area or "nibble table" which is ready when the guests begin to arrive, the cooks and servers have time to complete the arrangement of the dinner buffet. This is especially critical if there are children among the guests, or there is a wait before dinner, as at a wedding reception. This does not have to be complicated. Three items, including a fruit tray, a cheese tray and an attractive dip or spread, plus a punch, or two if one is alcoholic, are sufficient. One appetizer service area is needed for each 100 guests.
Felicia 01/21/12	How many tamales and enchiladas for feed 170? I'm planning a wedding for 170 people and we plan on serving tamales, enchiladas, beans and rice. How many tamales and enchiladas do I need to make?
ellen 01/21/12	Hmm, why is this in the brisket column? One tamale of each kind per person, if there are 3 kinds or more; one dozen per 5 if all the same. 3 enchiladas per adult- 2 per kid.
Britny Butler 02/27/12	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people For my wedding we are having brisket and I would like to know how much trimmed and how much untrimmed brisket will feel 200 people?
ellen 02/27/12	If it is the only meat, 1 pound raw well-trimmed brisket per 2.
Denise 03/08/12	I am involved in a fundraiser and we are doing rigatoni for @800 people how much rigatoni should we purchase...This is all they are eating beside salad and bread
ellen 03/10/12	20 pounds dry per 100, minimum.
dalelyn 03/11/12	How much smoked turkeys to feed 100 people how much smoked turkey would I need to feed 120 people? we will be having beans , pasta salad, cole slaw, roll and fruit tray
ellen 03/11/12	3/4 pound raw whole turkey per person, or 1 pound sliced ready to eat for 3.
?? 03/15/12	Jesus Loves you Do you believe in Jesus? Jesus Loves you soo much!!
Gary Bryant 03/30/12	Reunion for 300 How much Brisket, Chicken Thighs, & Sausage do I need to feed 300 folks. We will have everyone bring a side dish.
ellen 03/30/12	This is what I would offer for 300 peopel for a buffet meal: Brisket, 2 pounds raw well trimmed per 5 Chicken Thighs, 1 per person Sausage, 1 pound per 5-6
Jocelyn 04/04/12	Need to serve 175 for a picnic How many lbs of each meat do I need to feed 175 people? Ribs Brisket Chicken Thighs or legs Hamburger Sausage Catfish Also how many lbs for side dishes baked beans, potato salad, pasta salad, broccoli salad cole slaw. Thanks!
ellen 04/04/12	You posted twice, see the questions on the other one. Also, counting kids under 10 as 1/2 how many adults are you serving? baked beans, potato salad, pasta salad, broccoli salad cole slaw, see the plan for 100 pages. broccoli salad/slaw is the same as cole slaw.
Catherine 04/18/12	At my wedding we want to serve pulled pork and chicken (drumsticks, thighs bone in meat. There is about 120 people. We are planning on having baked beans, green bean casserole, lots of pasta and potato salad variety, and rolls or buns. Plus I was going to have vegtable tray and fruit trays. How much meat do I need? How many pounds of other sides? Thanks!!
ellen 04/20/12	OK, 1 pound ready to serve pork per 4 plus 1 piece chicken per person, 5 buns per pound of pork The rest, use 1 1/4 times the plan for 100 list. If you want to post, I will check your estimate.
Dub 05/01/12	Ellen, just wanted to say,U ROCK, ive been here about 5 plus times and i have never posted , just looked and read, i found this about 3 years ago on our 3rd family reunion, and im still poping on to see whats new, thanks for all the great help that u have gave us, ur methods have helped me out numous times, KEEP UP THE GREAT COMMENTS, THANKS AGAIN, the first reunion was about 45 and last years was 250,
ellen 05/01/12	Thanks. If it has saved you some money and trouble, consider a donation to support the site.
Kim 07/09/12	Party for 150 people I am throwing a party for approx 150 ppl in 2 weeks Menu list is: 18lb brisket 1 24lb turkey 100 piece of chicken 50 hambergers 50 hot dogs nacho dip spinich dip granola fruit mix broccoli salad sheet cake 1 keg of beer sodas (I'm thinking 10 cases) 2-1/2 gallons of long island tea I have asked others to bring side dishes also My question is do I have enough meat and drinks??
ellen 07/10/12	You might think you have enough meat, but you will run out of brisket, especially if this is self serve- it is VERY popular. I would not do less than 45 pounds raw, even with the other meats. I would add good rolls, sandwich fixings (see sandwich page) and at least one starchy side dish- could be potato or pasta salad, or beans. If they are big beer drinkers, a keg is 160 beers, and most beer drinkers drink 4... Have someone pour the Long Island tea over plenty of ice. one layer sheet cake is only about 50-60 servings- consider 2 layer.
Darby 08/09/12	Hi Ellen: My wedding is next week. I have 135 guest. How many pounds of potatoe salad, jello (I am serving both ambrosia and raspberry parfait jello salad), zesty rotini with button mushroom pasta and mashed potatoes with gravy will I need? I have already bought the meat: 70 pounds of prime rib and 2 eighteen pound turkeys (just in case people don't want beef). Thanks for your help!!!
ellen 08/09/12	pounds of potato salad, about 40 (5 gallons) jello (I am serving both ambrosia and raspberry parfait jello salad), I use 17 small packs per 100 zesty rotini with button mushroom pasta, hot? 10 pounds dry pasta mashed potatoes with gravy, 40 pounds potatoes, about 2 gallons gravy I would add rolls and butter. Don't forget the cranberry sauce- there is a good relish recipe on the Big Pots page. If this saves you time, trouble, or money,m consider a donation to support the site.
Lori 08/10/12	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people My wedding is next month and I need to know how much brisket I need to feed 200 people. I also need to know how many pounds of uncooked beans and rice I will need. What would be a reasonable amount of oz. of brisket to serve per plate?
ellen 08/10/12	Because brisket has so much fat and shrinks so much, I allow 1 pound raw per 2 people. This makes about a 5 ounce cooked serving. Make 8 pounds dry beans and 10 pounds dry rice per 100.
esmy 09/03/12	Fund Raiser Please I need your help! Having a fund raiser and we are serving 250 plates of chopped brisket. How many brisket do I need and do I hand chop the brisket or use the food processor? Thank you...
ellen 09/05/12	Food processor makes mush of this dish. You need 5 ounces ready to eat per person for a party size serving. Because brisket is a coarse, fatty meat, it shrinks very much. I allow 1/2 pound raw per person to get this size portion. If this saves you time, trouble or money, consider a donation to support the site.
vicente 09/15/12	How much brisket do you need to feed 130 people how much brisket and ribs do I need to smoke for 100 people. Its for my dads 70 birthday
ellen 09/16/12	1/3 pound ribs and 1/2 pound raw brisket per person is what I do.
tammy 01/10/13	cattering wedding Catering a wedding for 200 people having Polish sausage and qraut, chicken and meatballs and noodles 3 sides how much polish sausage do I need and how much meatballs and noodles to make
ellen 01/10/13	It is harder to estimate 3 entrees than 2, as you have to have more- since you don't know which will be favored by any given group- with just 2, you can usually figure it. That said, with this collection, I would do: Polish sausage, 1 pound per 4 kraut, 1/4 cup per person chicken, 1 piece per person meatballs, 1 pound per 4 noodles- this depends on whether there are other starches and/or breads. See the spaghetti page for a detailed discussion of amounts for various uses and types of pasta.
agda 02/15/13	I am cooking corned beef and cabbage for a church fundraiser. Number unknown but expecting 100, we are selling tickets and people can also buy at the door. I have seen that you suggest 5 to 6 ounces cooked per person but how much is that for un-cooked? I am going to try and do most of the meat in slow cookers. I am serving over a three hour period. Will the meat hold at warm if in water for that time and how to I keep the veggies fresh cabbage carrots and potatoes. Some sights suggest that I precook the meat and rewarm it but i am nervous about that a bit. Any advice appreciated. All proceeds go to helping others. Thanks
ellen 02/15/13	1 pound raw for 2 is a party size serving. 1 pound for 3 is OK for fund raising if you have good sides- pumpernickel/ rye bread, mustard, potatoes, carrots and cabbage. Do the meat in advance in large roasters baked in the oven, chill, then slice. Save some of the cooking water. Reheat by wrapping tightly in foil with a small amount of the cooking water, baking hot in the oven. DEFINITELY weigh the servings at service- 4 ounces- if you do not, people will over-serve. The vegetables will overcook if held for more than an hour. Consider precooking almost done, chilling, and resubmerging in boiling cooking water- cabbage and carrots take just a few minutes, potatoes about 10. Use red potatoes.
ellen 02/15/13	cook the corned beef in a 350 degree oven tightly covered for 4 hours. Cool for 1 hour or overnight, then slice. Slaw is a great side dish, too. You might enjoy this article explaining corned beef in detail. www.seriouseats.com/2011/03/how-to-make-corned-beef-st-patricks-day-simmering-brisket-meat-the-food-lab.html
Sol 06/05/13	How much brisket do you need to feed 200 people Brisket Potato Salad Baked Beans Bread Getting ready for wedding and need to know how many briskets to cook to feed 175-200 people. Thanks
Michelle 06/05/13	How much would 12.5lbs of cooked brisket feed? How many lbs of cooked brisket would be enough to feed 160 people?
ellen 06/05/13	Sol this is not a full menu, you need salads, veggies, appetizers. You have to plan for 200 if you think there might be 200. For these items, Brisket- 1 pound raw per 2 persons, or 1 pound cooked ready to eat per 3 Potato Salad- 8 to 9 gallons Baked Beans- 6-7 gallons Bread- 24 to 28 pounds See the sandwich page for help on sandwich trimmings. See the plan for 100 page for salads, chips, dips. etc.
Heather 09/10/13	How much to feed 125 people 7:00 p.m. Wedding Reception for 125 people, Are my numbers close? Brisket - 50 lbs raw weight Pork Tenderloin - 30 lbs raw weight Rolls - 150 Mashed Potatoes - 50 lbs raw Gravy - 2 gallons Dirty Rice - 4 gallons Baked Beans - 3 gallons Green Beans - 4 gallons Bottled Water - 75 bottles Soda - 140 cans regular - 60 cans diet - 60 cans Sprite - 60 cans Dr. Pepper
ellen 09/10/13	Hi, Heather, You need an appetizer arrangment, here's why: Before the Buffet; Why You May Need an Appetizer Table A self-catered buffet is a real challenge to the organizers, and things don't always come together as smoothly as hoped. By planning and setting up an appetizer area or "nibble table" which is ready when the guests begin to arrive, the cooks and servers have time to complete the arrangement of the dinner buffet. This is especially critical if there are children among the guests, or there is a wait before dinner, as at a wedding reception. This does not have to be complicated. Three items, plus a punch, or two if one is alcoholic, are sufficient. Typically, include a fruit tray, a cheese tray and an attractive dip or spread; or you can go with a dinner theme such as TexMex with chips, salsas, Texas caviar and guacamole; Italian with bruschetta or antipasto; maybe shrimps or other cold seafood, if budget permits. One appetizer service area is needed for each 100 guests. Now, on to dinner: Brisket - 50 lbs raw weight Pork Tenderloin - 30 lbs raw weight Meats are fine Rolls - 150- depends on the rolls, but if they are good, I do to smallish or 1 1/2 larger per person, also you need 5 pounds of butter Mashed Potatoes - 50 lbs raw-OK Gravy - 2 gallons- I would do 3 Dirty Rice - 4 gallons- OK Baked Beans - 3 gallons- I would do 4 Green Beans - 4 gallons- plenty Bottled Water - 75 bottles- I usually allow 2 per person, buying from where I can return unopened cases Soda - 140 cans regular - 60 cans diet - 60 cans Sprite - 60 cans Dr. Pepper Unless this is an exclusively young crowd, add 6-8 gallons of iced tea, 1/3 unsweetened. Also, many people like dinner level coffee with dessert, see the beverage planning page. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a dime per guest, to support this site. Thanks.
Crystal 05/26/14	How much brisket to serve 240 people I am having a wedding at the end of June. I have been trying to find out how much uncooked brisket i need to buy in order to feed all of the guests. We are going to have green beans, corn with cream cheese and jalepeno, potatos, potato salad, bread, etc. Can you please help me out and give me some estimates on the following... Uncooked Briskets for 240 people Potatos (diced and roasted) Potato Salad I would greatly appreciate all your help.
ellen 05/26/14	120 pounds brisket, well trimmed, slow roasted (it shrinks more under high heat) 90 pounds roasted potatoes 10 gallons potato salad You need a non-meat alternative, such as a crock pot full of veggie sausages (Field Roast is a reliable brand) for the non-meat eaters. In 240 guests, there will be some. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a nickel or dime per guest, to support this site. Thanks.
Linda 05/28/14	Graduation Party Hi, I am having a graduation party for my son. 35 adults and 5 kids under the age of 10. Everyone is bringing a dish to share. I am ordering a deli tray that feeds 25-30 people. It has 3 types of deli meats along with cheese, lettuce, onion and tomatoes included. I plan to order an extra 4 lbs of deli meats. Also want to order fried chicken pieces. Will this be enough deli meats? How many pieces of chicken do I need and how many rolls should I get? Thank you very much for your help.
ellen 05/30/14	Order 1 piece of chicken per person. 2 smallish rolls per person, 1.5 large. I would add another pound or 2 of sliced cheeses. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a dime per guest, to support this site. Thanks.
mary 07/27/14	How may enchilada casseroles will I need to serve 150 people
ellen 07/27/14	I prepare 1 9x13 pan for each 8- 6 if they are heavy eaters. This assumes beans, rice, tortillas as well.
Tatum 11/02/14	How much smoked brisket How many pounds of smoked brisket would I need to feed 120?
ellen 11/02/14	ready to serve weight about 45 pounds, raw, about 65.
Jorge Martinez 02/03/15	About how many briskets do I need to feed about 180 people
ellen 02/04/15	Plated or sandwiches or tacos and what is the rest of the menu? Write back.
Jorge Martinez 02/04/15	Plated, with rice and beans.
ellen 02/04/15	I would allow 2 pounds raw for every 5 servings for moderate portions with no seconds.
Chris 02/18/15	How much Beef brisket (as in corned beef and cabbage) to serve 65-75 people?
ellen 02/18/15	For party size portions, buffet, 1/2 pound raw per person
steve 02/24/15	corned beef dinner for 125 people
ellen 02/24/15	See any of the brisket or St. Patricks day threads or do half the amounts for 250 on the question just below yours. www.ellenskitchen.com/forum/messages/51179.html
Sergio 02/27/15	How much brisket do you need to feed 120 How much of the following do I need for 120 guest -Brisket -sausage -beans -potato salad -rice It will be out for about 4hrs and it's self serve. I will carve the brisket and let them serve them selfs. Thanks
ellen 02/28/15	Food safety, all the platters are replaced after 2 hours to prevent food poisoning. -Brisket- 55-60 pounds raw -sausage-24 pounds -beans- 4 gallons (5-6 #19 cans) -potato salad- 4 gallons -rice- 8 pounds dry 3 pints mustards Strongly suggest you add slaw (2 1/2 gallons per 100) or salad (1 1/2 times the amount for 100 from the plan for 100 tables), and consider also adding a green veg, about 24 pounds. You will save some meat and have a better balanced meal. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a dime per guest, to support this site. Thanks.
Linda 03/22/15	How much chopped beef for 100 chopped bakers How much chopped beef is needed to make 100 chopped bakers?
ellen 03/22/15	Allow 1/2 cup sauced meat per person, so it takes a pound of cooked meat (that's about 21 ounces raw) plus sauce to make 5 servings. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a nickel or dime per guest, to support this site. Thanks.
Nita Valdez 04/07/15	How much brisket would i to feed 120 people.
ellen 04/07/15	60 pounds raw trimmed.
Amanda 04/07/15	How much brisket do I need to feed 200 people How much brisket do I need to feed 200 people?
ellen 04/07/15	100 pounds raw trimmed
Bailey 04/19/15	How much brisket do you need to feed 400 I'm having a benefit and I'm selling 400 tickets and I need to know how many briskest I need to buy
ellen 05/05/15	For plates you serve, 1 pound raw will make 3 servings. Cook it low and slow to reduce shrinkage.
Beverly 05/27/15	How much raw sausage do i need for 120 people. We are also having brisket.
ellen 05/27/15	Usually this is a smoked sausage and I recommend 1 pound per 4-5 as a second dish. If it is all the way raw, at least 1 pound per 4.
Marci 06/11/15	How much BBQ do I need I am having a bbq reception for 80 guests. We are having pulled boston butt and pulled chicken sliders. How many lbs of each do I need?
ellen 06/13/15	You need about 24 pounds, split to taste/pref of your crowd. 5 regular buns or 12 slider buns per pound. 6 pounds sliced onion, 3 quarts pickles, 2 gallons slaw. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, a nickel or dime per guest, to support this site. Thanks.
Ford Geno 01/10/16	How much brisket do you need to feed 100 people How much corn beef do we need to feed 100 people
ellen 01/10/16	For sliced plates, party size portions, 35 pounds ready to serve, which is about 50 pounds raw.
Earlene Gordon 01/12/16	How may pounds of brisket would I need to feed 100 people?
ellen 01/12/16	Same as corned beef, 50 pounds raw, cooked low and slow to reduce shrinkage.
Earlene Gordon 01/27/16	How much brisket would I need to feed 120 people?
ellen 01/27/16	Earlene, about 60.
Michelle Walker 03/09/16	How many 10lb. boxes of sausage do I need to feed 300 people, if everyone gets 2 links?
ellen 03/09/16	How much sausagedo you need to feed 300 people If this is breakfast sausage, small links, about 15 pounds per 100, as not everyone will take some. So- 5 boxes-
Colleen 06/21/16	I am having a picnic for about 35 adults. I am having pulled pork, pulled chicken, and beef brisket. How many pounds of each, and how many buns? Also having mac & cheese, baked beans, and cole slaw, how much of each?
ellen 06/21/16	How much brisket do you need to feed 35 people pulled pork, 4 pounds, 24 buns ready to serve, 1-2 quarts pickles, 2 pounds sliced onion, quart table sauce; with brisket, prob some left pulled chicken, 2 pounds, could skip beef brisket, most popular, 12 pounds raw trimmed Maybe consider skipping or doing fried or baked chicken, about 18 pieces, instead? mac & cheese, 4 pounds dry, 4 quarts sauce, 1/2 to 1 pound cheese per pound pasta baked beans, 1 gallon, a #10 can holds only 3 quarts cole slaw, 1 gallon Now I have a favor to ask of you. For years, I've been helping make weddings & other large events a success and I've loved every minute! We've got major changes in the works to remodel EllensKitchen.com- in order to fund the new website, better searches and more help for your events, we need to raise nearly $20,000 within the next three months! Even if you can only afford $10-$20, every penny helps! Thanks again.
Lolo 06/14/17	I need help need to no hoe much brisket to do for a port roast for 130 people
ellen 06/16/17	I do 1 pound per 2 for self serve; the meat shrinks badly and people take a lot.
Marvin 11/05/17	I'm cooking for 350 people. Brisket, ribs, chicken and links with various sides. Can you please help me determine the pounds needed per meat. Thank you in advance for your input.
ellen 11/05/17	Marvin, it partly depends on what the sides are and if you are plating the meats or if it is self serve. Also whether/ how much they are paying. Can you tell me a bit more about your event?
Marvin 11/05/17	I will be plating the meats. The sides are potato salad, coleslaw and mac and cheese. It's a corporate event and with the behind the scenes prep time and all thing included, I'm thinking $23.95 at a minimum.
ellen 11/06/17	OK. You will be putting together a "three meat" plate for each person at that price. That's 3 of the servings below. I would let them pick any two or three meats, for example some folks would double up on brisket, but you would not want to serve a lot of brisket only plates. brisket, almost everyone will want some, allow 2 pound raw per 7 people and limit serving to 2 ounces (2 nice slices), 100 pound raw ribs, 1 pound per 2 persons, 2 ribs is a generous serving; you have to decide how "high end" to go in the ribs- baby back, loin, st louis. chicken, leg quarters, split after cooking. Serving is a leg or a thigh. 150 quarters, 160-180 pounds links, 1 pound per 6, serving is 2 ounces and you get about 6 per pound, the full rings cut up are a better buy and plate more attractively. Look for all beef, or make sure they are marked with pork. 60 pounds Strongly suggest you consider adding a really good green salad with dressings on the side, since some people definitely prefer a salad with meats on top- ask the folks at Wendy's. Amounts and dressing guidance on the plan for 100 page. Do for 300. If you do this, you will only need 2 1/2 gallons of slaw per 100. 8 pounds sliced onions and 1 gallon sliced pickles per 100. Table sauce, at least 1/4 cup per person Consider really good rolls- people will make sandwiches and eat less meat- The chicken thighs slice nicely for chicken sandwiches or salads. One roll per person. If you are in a part of the country that eats beans, borracho beans, black beans, or baked beans are a popular side option you might add- about 9 gallons. f made without meat they can be delicious while adding an option for the non-meat eaters. You will need at least 4 serving lines with dedicated meat platers to serve in under an hour. All the other items including bread, go ahead of the meats in line- then the meats pile up on the plate and look extra abundant and delicious! Have one line with a labeled vegetarian option, with a crowd this size, 24 servings. I really like Field Roast vegetarian sausages , quorn unchicken nuggets or Boca or Morning Star patties. You might check what's popular at local veg restaurants. You can write back, or check with me on the contact link. Marvin, the usual fee for this kind of pro consult is about $1 per person. Please make a generous donation to support the site upgrade. Thank you.
Marvin 11/06/17	Ellen, thank you so much for you input and expertise. If (when) I land this, I will surely send you your pro consult fee. If not, I will send you a donation. You are awesome and a great resource for people like me who want to do a good job but do not have all the needed knowledge yet. Bless you

Re:
Name:
E-Mail:	(optional)

Message Body