Planning a barbecue for a crowd of 20? That's awesome! But let's be real, figuring out the grocery list can be a bit of a headache. Don't worry, I've got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to make your BBQ a sizzling success, ensuring your guests are well-fed and happy. Forget the stress, and let's get grilling!

Meat Mania: The Heart of the BBQ

Alright, let's dive into the good stuff – the meat! When planning a BBQ for 20 people, you want to make sure there's enough variety and quantity to satisfy everyone. A general rule of thumb is to estimate about ½ to ¾ pound of meat per person. This accounts for different appetites and ensures there are leftovers (if you're lucky!).

Burgers: Burgers are always a crowd-pleaser. For 20 people, I'd recommend getting about 10-12 pounds of ground beef. Go for a blend that's around 80/20 – this gives you good flavor and enough fat to keep the burgers juicy on the grill. You can also offer a veggie burger option for your vegetarian friends. Don't forget the burger buns! Grab at least 24 buns to be safe, and consider having both regular and gluten-free options.

Hot Dogs: Hot dogs are super easy and always a hit, especially with the kids (and the young at heart!). Get about 20-25 hot dogs to make sure everyone gets at least one, with some extras for seconds. Again, grab the hot dog buns! Same as with the burger buns, get a few extra and consider gluten-free options.

Chicken: Chicken is a versatile option that can be grilled in so many ways. Whether you go for drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, plan on about 2-3 pieces per person. That means you'll need around 40-60 pieces. Marinating the chicken beforehand will add tons of flavor and keep it moist on the grill. Consider a mix of flavors like BBQ, teriyaki, or a simple lemon-herb marinade.

Ribs: If you're feeling ambitious, ribs are a fantastic addition to any BBQ. They do require some extra prep and cooking time, but the results are totally worth it. Plan on about ½ rack of ribs per person, which means you'll need about 10 racks. Baby back ribs are a popular choice because they're tender and flavorful.

Steak: For a more upscale BBQ, consider adding some steaks to the menu. Ribeyes, New York strips, or sirloins are all great options. Plan on about 8-10 steaks, depending on the size and how many other meat options you're offering. A simple salt, pepper, and garlic rub is all you need to bring out the natural flavor of the steak.

Sides That Sizzle: Complements to the Main Event

Okay, now that we've got the meat covered, let's talk about the sides. No BBQ is complete without a delicious array of side dishes to complement the main event. Here are some must-haves, along with estimated quantities for 20 people:

Salads:

• Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a classic BBQ side. You'll need about 2-3 large heads of cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and celery seed. Aim for about 8-10 cups of coleslaw.
• Potato Salad: Another BBQ staple! You'll need about 5-7 pounds of potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, and eggs. Again, aim for about 8-10 cups of potato salad.
• Pasta Salad: Pasta salad is a great way to add some variety to your side dish selection. You'll need about 3-4 pounds of pasta, vegetables (like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes), cheese, and dressing. Aim for about 8-10 cups of pasta salad.
• Green Salad: A lighter option to balance out the heavier BBQ fare. You'll need about 2-3 heads of lettuce, vegetables (like cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots), and dressing. Make sure to have a variety of dressings on hand to suit everyone's taste.

Other Sides:

• Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob is a simple and delicious BBQ side. Plan on about 20-25 ears of corn. You can grill them, boil them, or roast them in the oven.
• Baked Beans: Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that's perfect for a BBQ. You'll need about 2 large cans of baked beans, bacon, onion, brown sugar, and molasses. You can cook them on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker.
• Mac and Cheese: Mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, especially with the kids. You'll need about 3-4 pounds of pasta, cheese, milk, butter, and flour. You can make it from scratch or use a boxed mix.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables are a healthy and delicious way to add some variety to your BBQ. You can grill zucchini, bell peppers, onions, asparagus, and eggplant. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill until tender.

Dips, Sauces, and Condiments: Flavor Enhancers

No BBQ is complete without a selection of dips, sauces, and condiments to enhance the flavor of your food. Make sure you have a variety of options to suit everyone's taste.

• BBQ Sauce: A must-have for any BBQ! Have a couple of different varieties, like a classic sweet BBQ sauce and a spicy one.
• Ketchup: Another classic condiment that everyone loves.
• Mustard: Yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and even a spicy brown mustard are all great options.
• Mayonnaise: For burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
• Relish: Sweet relish, dill relish, or even a spicy relish can add a nice touch to hot dogs and burgers.
• Pickles: Dill pickles, sweet pickles, or even bread and butter pickles are a great side for any BBQ.
• Onions: Sliced onions, caramelized onions, or even pickled onions are all great toppings for burgers and hot dogs.
• Cheese: Sliced cheese, shredded cheese, or even a cheese sauce can add a lot of flavor to your BBQ.
• Dips: Ranch dip, French onion dip, and guacamole are all great options for dipping vegetables, chips, and crackers.

Drinks: Quench Your Thirst

Don't forget the drinks! You'll want to have a variety of options to keep everyone hydrated and happy.

• Water: The most important drink of all! Have plenty of bottled water on hand, or set up a water dispenser with ice.
• Soda: A variety of sodas, like Coke, Sprite, and Dr. Pepper.
• Juice: Orange juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice are all good options.
• Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing drink for a BBQ.
• Lemonade: Homemade or store-bought lemonade is always a hit.
• Beer: If you're serving alcohol, have a variety of beers on hand.
• Wine: Red wine, white wine, or rosé wine are all good options for a BBQ.

Desserts: Sweet Endings

No BBQ is complete without dessert! Here are a few easy and crowd-pleasing options:

• Watermelon: A refreshing and summery dessert.
• Brownies: Homemade or store-bought brownies are always a hit.
• Cookies: Chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, or oatmeal cookies are all great options.
• Ice Cream: A classic BBQ dessert! Have a variety of flavors on hand.
• Popsicles: A fun and refreshing dessert for kids and adults alike.

The Ultimate BBQ Shopping List:

Alright guys, let's compile everything into one handy shopping list. Remember to adjust quantities based on your guests' appetites and preferences:

Meat:

• 10-12 lbs Ground Beef (for burgers)
• 20-25 Hot Dogs
• 40-60 pieces Chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
• 10 racks Ribs (optional)
• 8-10 Steaks (optional)

Buns:

• 24+ Burger Buns
• 24+ Hot Dog Buns

Salads:

• 2-3 large heads Cabbage (for coleslaw)
• 5-7 lbs Potatoes (for potato salad)
• 3-4 lbs Pasta (for pasta salad)
• 2-3 heads Lettuce (for green salad)

Other Sides:

• 20-25 ears Corn on the Cob
• 2 large cans Baked Beans
• 3-4 lbs Pasta (for mac and cheese)
• Assorted Vegetables for Grilling

Dips, Sauces, & Condiments:

• BBQ Sauce (multiple varieties)
• Ketchup
• Mustard (multiple varieties)
• Mayonnaise
• Relish
• Pickles
• Onions
• Cheese
• Dips (Ranch, French Onion, Guacamole)

Drinks:

• Water (lots!)
• Soda (variety)
• Juice (variety)
• Iced Tea
• Lemonade
• Beer (optional)
• Wine (optional)

Desserts:

• Watermelon
• Brownies
• Cookies
• Ice Cream
• Popsicles

Other Essentials:

• Charcoal or Propane
• Lighter Fluid or Charcoal Starter
• Grill Utensils
• Plates, Cups, Napkins, Cutlery
• Trash Bags
• Coolers
• Ice
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray

Pro Tips for BBQ Success:

• Prep Ahead: Marinate your meats, chop your veggies, and make your salads the day before to save time on the day of the BBQ.
• Keep it Cool: Use coolers with plenty of ice to keep your drinks and perishable foods cold.
• Grill Master: Designate someone as the grill master to ensure the meat is cooked to perfection.
• Safety First: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and never leave the grill unattended.
• Have Fun! The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the company of your friends and family.

With this guide, you'll be well-equipped to host an amazing BBQ for 20 people. Happy grilling, guys! Remember to adjust the quantities based on your guests' preferences and appetites. Now go forth and create some delicious memories!