What To Know
- This comprehensive guide will help you determine the optimal amount of each side dish to serve, ensuring a satisfying and memorable barbecue experience.
- If you’re serving a more substantial salad, such as a pasta salad or potato salad, you can reduce the portion size to 1/3 cup per person.
- Beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that can add a touch of spice to your barbecue.
Planning the perfect barbecue is an art form, and one of the most important elements is the sides. But how much BBQ sides per person should you prepare to ensure everyone has enough to eat without excessive leftovers? This comprehensive guide will help you determine the optimal amount of each side dish to serve, ensuring a satisfying and memorable barbecue experience.
Salads: A Refreshing Start
Salads are a light and refreshing way to kick off your barbecue feast. For a crowd-pleasing option, consider a classic coleslaw. Aim for about 1/2 cup per person, allowing for second servings for those who enjoy it. If you’re serving a more substantial salad, such as a pasta salad or potato salad, you can reduce the portion size to 1/3 cup per person.
Breads: The Perfect Accompaniment
Breads are essential for soaking up all the delicious flavors of your barbecue. Consider serving a variety of options, including dinner rolls, cornbread, and garlic bread. For dinner rolls, plan for 2-3 rolls per person. Cornbread and garlic bread can be served in smaller portions, with 1-2 slices per person being sufficient.
Potatoes: A Hearty Side
Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be prepared in various ways. For baked potatoes, aim for one medium potato per person. If you’re making mashed potatoes, plan for 1/2 cup per person. Potato salad is another popular option, and you can serve about 1/3 cup per person.
Beans: A Flavorful Addition
Beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that can add a touch of spice to your barbecue. Baked beans are a classic choice, and you should plan for about 1/2 cup per person. If you’re serving chili beans, reduce the portion size to 1/3 cup per person.
Corn: A Sweet and Savory Treat
Corn on the cob is a quintessential barbecue side dish. For a generous serving, plan for one ear of corn per person. If you’re serving corn kernels, you can reduce the portion size to 1/2 cup per person.
Vegetables: A Healthy Option
Grilled or roasted vegetables are a healthy and delicious addition to your barbecue spread. Consider serving a variety of vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. For grilled vegetables, aim for about 1/2 cup per person. For roasted vegetables, you can increase the portion size to 1 cup per person.
Tips for Leftovers and Variety
To avoid excessive leftovers, consider preparing a smaller portion of each side dish and replenishing as needed. This allows your guests to enjoy a variety of options without creating a surplus. If you do have leftovers, they can be easily repurposed into other dishes, such as sandwiches or salads.
Final Thoughts: Planning the Perfect BBQ Sides
Planning the perfect BBQ sides per person requires careful consideration of the number of guests, their preferences, and the variety of dishes you’re serving. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your guests have a satisfying and memorable barbecue experience.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What if I have a large number of guests?
A: If you’re expecting a large crowd, consider increasing the portion sizes by 25-50% to ensure everyone has enough to eat.
Q: Can I prepare sides ahead of time?
A: Yes, many side dishes can be prepared in advance and reheated on the day of the barbecue. This can save you time and stress on the day of the event.
Q: How can I cater to different dietary restrictions?
A: Consider offering a variety of side dishes to accommodate different dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options.
