You know how many people are coming. You just need to know how much to order. This guide skips the theory and gets straight to the numbers, with quick-reference tables for parties of 10, 25, 50 and 100 guests.
Every number here comes from the serving counts on the Station One Smokehouse catering menu, so you can order straight from these tables at our Plainfield or Yorkville locations.
The Serving Counts Behind Every Table
These are the building blocks. Once you know them, you can size any party.
| Item | Size | Serves |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked meats | 1 pound | 2 to 3 people |
| Smoked meats | Half pan | 10 to 12 people |
| Smoked meats | Full pan | 20 to 25 people |
| Sides | Quart | 4 to 6 people |
| Macaroni and cheese | Half pan / full pan | 25 to 30 / 50 to 60 people |
| Coleslaw or green beans | Half pan | 30 to 35 people |
| Tater tot casserole | Half pan | 20 to 25 people |
| Cornbread with honey butter | Half pan / full pan | 15 / 30 pieces |
| Banana pudding | Half pan | 15 to 20 people |
| Slider buns | Pack | 12 buns |
The full list of meats, sides, desserts and sizes is on our BBQ catering menu.
Quick-Reference Portion Tables by Headcount
Each table assumes two meats, three sides, cornbread and one dessert, a common setup for a catered party. Where a range makes sense, go to the high end for dinner or a hungry crowd.
BBQ for 10 People
| Category | What to order |
|---|---|
| Meats | 2 pounds each of two meats (4 pounds total), or a single half pan of one meat |
| Sides | 2 quarts each of three sides |
| Cornbread | 1 half pan (15 pieces) |
| Dessert | 1 half pan of banana pudding |
| Buns (for sandwiches) | 1 pack of slider buns |
Catering orders must exceed $100, and an order this size gets you there.
BBQ for 25 People
| Category | What to order |
|---|---|
| Meats | 3 half pans (for example, 2 of your most popular meat and 1 of your second-most popular meat) |
| Sides | 1 half pan each of three sides |
| Cornbread | 1 full pan (30 pieces) |
| Dessert | 2 half pans of banana pudding |
| Buns (for sliders) | 4 to 5 packs, about 2 sliders per guest |
How Many Pounds of Meat for 50 People?
| Category | What to order |
|---|---|
| Meats | 2 full pans plus 1 half pan (serves 50 to 62) |
| Sides | 1 full pan each of three sides, or 2 half pans each |
| Cornbread | 2 full pans (60 pieces) |
| Dessert | 3 half pans of banana pudding |
| Buns (for sliders) | 8 to 9 packs, about 2 sliders per guest |
If you’d rather order meat by the pound, the menu’s count of 2 to 3 people per pound puts 50 guests at roughly 17 to 25 pounds of meat. Pans are usually simpler at this size.
BBQ for 100 People
| Category | What to order |
|---|---|
| Meats | 5 full pans across two or three meats (serves 100 to 125) |
| Sides | 2 full pans each of three sides, or add a fourth side |
| Cornbread | 4 full pans (120 pieces) |
| Dessert | 6 half pans of banana pudding |
| Buns (for sliders) | 17 packs, about 2 sliders per guest |
At this size, it’s worth reaching out before you order so we can plan the cook around your date.
Adjust the Tables for Your Crowd
| If your party is… | Adjust by… |
|---|---|
| A lunch or a light-eating crowd | Staying with the tables as written |
| A dinner, or a crowd of big eaters | Planning on the low end of each pan’s serving count and adding a pan of your most popular meat |
| Serving three or more meats | Keeping the total number of meat pans the same and splitting it across more options |
| A grazing event with lots of other food | Trimming a half pan of meat and leaning on sides |
| Hoping for leftovers | Adding one extra half pan of meat; refrigerated leftovers keep up to three days |
For the reasoning behind these adjustments, like how time of day and event type change appetites, see our BBQ catering planning guide.
Don’t Forget the Extras
Portions are only half the order. Our catering add-ons include chafing dishes with Sternos, serving spoons, tongs and spatulas, plates and cutlery sets, pickles, and 16-ounce sauces in House, Texas, Vinegar and Bourbon Peach Sweet. Count one serving utensil per pan and one plate set per guest.
Prefer a simpler format for a smaller group? Our BBQ party trays are another easy way to feed a crowd.
Quick Answers
How much brisket per person for a party?
A half pan of brisket serves 10 to 12 people and a full pan serves 20 to 25. If brisket is one of two meats, divide your headcount between them.
How much pulled pork per person?
The same counts apply: a pound serves 2 to 3 people, a half pan serves 10 to 12, and a full pan serves 20 to 25.
How far ahead should I order?
Catering orders typically need 48 hours’ notice, and orders can’t be cancelled within 48 hours of pickup. Weekend slots go fast, so order earlier when you can.
Order With Confidence
Pick your table, then place your order through our online catering order form. Planning something big or unusual? Contact our team and we’ll help you size it.