Cook Talk

BBQ for 350
YM
08/31/15
Hello,

Can you help me with how much food I will need?
Here's the menu for 350 people:
Pulled Pork
BBQ Chicken (Thigh and leg)
Burgers (Beef & Turkey)
Baked Ziti
Tossed Garden Salad
Roasted Potatoes
Baked Beans
Baked Cookies
Fruit Salad

I know I will not need enough for 350 for each dish. Can you give me an idea of how much I will need of each?

Thank you so much!

ellen
09/02/15
Hello, YM,

You know that if this is a wedding, you have to have an appetizer plan as well, here is why:

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 serves about 100 guests.

Can you help me with how much food I will need?
Here's the menu for 350 people:
Pulled Pork
BBQ Chicken (Thigh and leg)
Burgers (Beef & Turkey)

Baked Ziti
Roasted Potatoes

Baked Beans, 3 gallons per 100

Tossed Garden Salad, use plan for 100, do 3 times the amount for 100 (don't skimp) and you will have enough

Baked Cookies, I do 4 small bars and/or cookies per person

Fruit , See the fruit tray page, 3 times the deluxe tray for 100 wouold be way plenty, its a big tray.

If this saves you time, trouble or money, please make a donation, a nickel or dime per guest, to support this site. Thank you.

YM
09/04/15
Hi Ellen,

Thank you for your response. This menu is for a corporate bbq. Just trying to get an idea of how much food I will need.

Please help!!!!!

ellen
09/04/15
OK.

Pulled Pork
5 rolls or 10-12 slider rolls per pound.
8 pounds sliced onions per 100
1 gallon pickles per 100
BBQ Chicken (Thigh and leg), 150 quarters, cut many in half after cooking
Burgers (Beef & Turkey), Grilling for this many is a drag. Would you consider beef and turkey meatballs instead? MUCH easier to prep and serve and less food safety issues with this size crowd.
20 pounds meatballs or patties per 100, 6 quarts sauce or gravy per 100 if you do meatballs. Sandwich condiments per 100 are on the sandwich planning page.

If you want t o make a big hit, also have a crockpot full of vegetarian sausages or patties (such as my favorite, Field Roast) for the non-meat eaters in the group. A dozen or two gluten free rolls would also be a wise addition. There are some.

Baked Ziti
Roasted Potatoes

Consider doing just the ziti, it goes better with the menu and holds better, fewer leftovers. Full pan per 20-24 (20 more usual for self serve). Have again 1 pan gluten free noodles. Consider switching out the potatoes for mixed roasted veggies, which can be served Italian style, room temp, and will balance the plates better; full pan per 30

It still wouldnt hurt to do at least chips and dips- 1 pound per 15, 1 pint per pound of dip or salsa.

If this saves you time, trouble, or money, especially if this is a paid gig, please make a donation, maybe a dime per guest, to support this site. Thank you.

YM
09/04/15
I think what's difficult about this event is that it's only 2 hours long. People probably will not eat that much because they won't have that much time. As for as apps, the menu is already set.

I highly doubt that we will have to prepare enough food for 350 of each entree.

ellen
09/04/15
The amount of pulled pork would be about 45 pounds.
ym
09/05/15
I think we'll be ok with 250 hamburgers. 2 large trays of ziti, baked beans and potatoes.

If you were catering this event, how much food would you buy? How many rolls,? They wants rolls for both the burgers and pulled pork.

It's hard to take everything, look at a recipe and multiply it by 3. It will be way too much food left over.. they're only office workers haha.

ellen
09/05/15
YM, a large tray makes at most 24 servings, what do the other 200 people do?
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