Blog 8 Host with the Most: How to Plan a Memorable Backyard Barbecue
Choosing Your Menu
With many years of experience catering in Lexington, VA, we’ve seen our share of barbecue celebrations. Nothing says summer like a backyard barbecue. Whether it's a small gathering with your closest friends or an elaborate affair with dozens of guests, a well-planned backyard barbecue is sure to be a hit with everyone. With the right food, atmosphere, and company, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests. In this blog post, I’ll discuss how to plan the perfect backyard barbecue, including food quantities, tips for setup, and more.
Calculating Food Quantities
When it comes to planning the menu for your backyard barbecue, the possibilities are endless. But with so many delicious options, how do you decide what to serve? The key is to choose a variety of dishes that will appeal to all of your guests.
When we talk about a backyard barbecue we're referring to classic barbecue staples like pulled pork, brisket, or chicken. Consider taking it to another level by adding sausages, ribs, or even a whole roasted pig.
Next, think about the side dishes that will complement your main course. A fresh and vibrant salad, mac n cheese, or tangy coleslaw are all great options. Don't forget about the vegetarian guests - grilled veggies, veggie skewers, or a vegetarian jackfruit barbecue can be just as satisfying and is a huge hit with our vegetarian guests.
When it comes to determining the amounts of food to prepare, it's always better to have too much than too little. As a general rule, plan on each person eating about 1/4 to 3/4 pounds of meat, depending on the type and cut.
In addition, it helps to know how much food to buy and what to expect when cooking, and not everything is equal. For example, when you go to the store and buy a whole pork butt that weighs 10 pounds (raw untrimmed), you have to know that the pork butt will likely produce 5 to 6 pounds of edible barbecue. We figure 50% yield for pork butts. When it comes to beef brisket, a 10-pound whole packer once trimmed and cooked will yield about 4.2 pounds of edible meat on average. We figure a 42% yield for raw untrimmed whole packer beef briskets.
Example Food Quantities for 25 Guests
Raw Pork Butts - 16 to18 lbs total (or for a two-meat combo try 12 lbs of raw pork butts and a 14 -16 lb whole packer brisket)
1/2 Foil Pan of Coleslaw
1/2 Foil Pan of Baked Beans
3/4 Foil Pan of Mashed Potatoes (made with 6-7 lbs of potatoes)
2 Dozen Buns (not all will use them)
2 Pints of Barbecue Sauce
Pot Luck Desserts - Many guests like to contribute. Consider allowing them to bring a dessert if they wish. You will often end up with a great surprise dessert spread and take some of the load off of you.
For ribs, I don't recommend trying to serve ribs as the only meat when serving a crowd but if you do, you'll want to figure a half rack per person minimum. It's my recommendation to cook ribs in addition to other meats like pulled pork, brisket, or chicken. I recommend planning for two to three rib bones per person and there are usually 12 bones on a full rack of ribs. With my recommendation, if you cook chicken and 3 rib bones per person, kindly ask guests to only take that many until everyone has been served. Otherwise, guests will have ribs piled on a plate like an all you can eat crab leg buffet and many guests won't get any. These recommendations work well for both pork baby back ribs and pork spare ribs.
Ultimately, the menu should reflect your personal tastes and the preferences of your guests. So don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it. After all, a backyard barbecue is all about good food and good company. Your backyard barbecue sides are a great place to make the meal shine. Sides like potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw tend to stretch further than sides like mashed potatoes, and mac n cheese. So plan accordingly and plan for 6 ounces per person for popular sides like mac n cheese and 4 ounces per person for sides like baked beans and coleslaw. You can prep your sides in a half-size foil half pan which has about 25 4-ounce serving when full (a touch more than 3 quarts) and can be used as a guide to know how much you need to have available.
BBQ Tips For Success
Now that you've got your menu planned and food quantities calculated, it's time to focus on some key barbecue tips for success. These tips will help you ensure that your backyard barbecue is a hit and that you're able to host with confidence.
First and foremost, make sure you have the right equipment. A good barbecue smoker is essential, whether you prefer wood or charcoal. Make sure it's in good working order and clean it thoroughly before the big day. Have all the necessary tools and utensils on hand, such as tongs, fire extinguishers, and meat thermometers. Don't forget to stock up on charcoal, wood, or any other fuel you may need keeping it dry in case it rain.
When it comes to barbecuing, it's important to have patience and be attentive. Preheat your smoker to the desired temperature an hour before adding the food. Keep a close eye on the smoker's temperature throughout the cooking process to prevent temperature fluctuations which extends the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially with meats like chicken and pork.
Another key tip is to marinate and season your meats ahead of time. Marinating can help tenderize the meat and add flavor. Be sure to give your meats enough time to marinate, whether it's a few hours or overnight for large cuts. Seasoning with rubs, injections, or marinades can also add an extra layer of flavor.
Don't forget to have a plan for keeping the food warm once it's cooked. Consider using a cooler or insulated container to keep meats and sides warm until they're ready to be served. You can also use warming trays or chafing dishes for larger gatherings. For large cuts like pork butts and briskets, plan to have those finished several hours before dinner. Sometimes these large cuts can take several hours longer than expected to finish cooking. You can rest them for many hours, just remember to keep the hot food items at a minimum of 135 degrees.
Lastly, make sure to have plenty of beverages and non-alcoholic options available for your guests. Keep them cool in a cooler or beverage tub filled with ice. Consider offering a variety of options such as water, soda, lemonade, and iced tea.
With these barbecue tips for success, you'll be well on your way to hosting a memorable backyard barbecue. Just remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy the delicious food and company of your guests. Happy barbecuing!
Prepping Your Outdoor Space
Now that you have your menu planned and food quantities calculated, it's time to focus on prepping your outdoor space for the ultimate backyard barbecue experience. Creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere is essential to ensure that your guests have a great time.
Start by cleaning and decluttering your backyard. Remove any debris, trim overgrown bushes or trees, and tidy up your lawn. This will provide a clean and inviting space for your guests to enjoy.
Consider setting up different areas for lounging, dining, and socializing. Arrange outdoor furniture, such as tables, chairs, and lounge chairs, to create designated spaces. Add some cozy cushions and throw pillows for extra comfort.
Lighting is another important aspect to consider. Set up some outdoor string lights or lanterns to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Citronella candles or torches can also help keep pesky bugs at bay.
Don't forget to provide some shade for your guests, especially if your barbecue will be taking place during the daytime. Set up umbrellas, canopies, or a portable canopy to offer relief from the sun.
Lastly, make sure you have enough seating and tables for your guests. Consider renting or borrowing extra if needed. Arrange the tables in a way that encourages conversation and easy access to food and drinks.
With your outdoor space prepped and ready, your backyard barbecue is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable event for all.
Adding Fun And Games To The Mix
No backyard barbecue is complete without some fun and games to keep your guests entertained and create lasting memories. Adding interactive activities to your gathering will make your backyard barbecue truly unforgettable.
Consider setting up a variety of yard games to cater to different interests and skill levels. Classic games like cornhole, ladder toss, and horseshoes are always a hit. You can also incorporate more active games like badminton or volleyball for those looking to get their heart rate up.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, provide a deck of cards or board games for guests to enjoy. Set up a cozy seating area with outdoor blankets and pillows, where guests can relax and socialize while playing games.
Don't forget about the younger guests! Set up a kids' activity area with games and toys, like a water table or a mini soccer field. A very fun, cost effective children's activity is to provide a stack of paper and let them build paper airplanes and see who can fly their custom aircraft the farthest. You might have a ton of paper airplanes to clean up and the easy answer is to hold a contest at the end of the night to see which child can pick up the most paper airplanes for a prize.
When planning your games and activities, be sure to consider the space available and the number of guests attending. Also, take into account the preferences of your guests, as not everyone may be interested in playing games. Providing a mix of options will ensure that everyone can find something enjoyable to do at your backyard barbecue.
Dessert Ideas To Wow Your Guests
After enjoying a delicious main course at your backyard barbecue, it's time to treat your guests to some delectable desserts that will leave them craving for more. Here are a few dessert ideas that are sure to wow your guests and provide the perfect sweet ending to your barbecue feast.
For a refreshing and light option, consider serving fruit skewers with a creamy dip. Choose a variety of colorful fruits such as strawberries, pineapple chunks, and watermelon, and thread them onto skewers for an eye-catching presentation. Serve them with a luscious yogurt dip for an extra indulgent touch.
If you want to showcase the flavors of summer, consider serving grilled peaches with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey. Grilling the peaches caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy ice cream.
For a show-stopping dessert, consider making a s'mores dip. Place a layer of chocolate chips at the bottom of a cast-iron skillet or half pan, then top it with marshmallows. Place the skillet on the smoker and let the chocolate melt then toast the marshmallows until golden brown with a small torch or higher heat. Serve it with graham crackers for dipping and your guests will love it.
Here in the South, you can never go wrong with banana pudding or any other delicious family dessert that grandma taught you how to make.
Whether you choose a light and fruity option or a rich and indulgent dessert, these ideas are sure to impress your guests and add the perfect touch to your backyard barbecue. So go ahead and wow your guests with these delicious dessert ideas that will have them coming back for seconds and looking for an invite to the next barbecue.
We hope these tips and ideas help you plan your backyard barbecue. If this all sounds like more work that you would like to take on, you can always hire a caterer like us to do the work and you can relax with your guests. View our barbecue catering packages here! We also teach a beginner level barbecue class usually held in the winter in Rockbridge County, Virginia. If you would like to learn the art of barbecue contact me for info about our next barbecue class.
Enjoy!
Ruben Showalter
Hogback Mtn BBQ Pit Master