Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Francis
Cooking for a large group of people can be daunting, especially when you’re trying to feed everyone quickly and efficiently. One of the most popular options for feeding a large group is a brisket. But if you’ve never cooked a brisket before, you may be wondering just how many people a brisket can feed. In this article, we’ll be exploring how to calculate the number of servings a brisket can provide and provide tips on how to ensure everyone is full and happy.
A brisket can feed between 8-10 people depending on appetite and the size of the brisket. For a smaller gathering, a 4-5 lb brisket should be enough to feed 8 people. For a larger gathering, a 6-7 lb brisket will feed between 10-12 people. When cooking, take into account that a full brisket can shrink up to 40% while cooking.
How Much Brisket Should You Serve to Feed a Crowd?
When it comes to feeding a large group of people, there’s no better choice than brisket. Brisket is a large cut of beef that is cooked for a long time, usually in a smoker or slow cooker. This low and slow cooking method gives the beef time to break down and become incredibly tender, making it the perfect choice for a big crowd. But how much brisket do you need to serve to make sure everyone is full?
When considering the amount of brisket to serve, it’s important to take into account the size of the brisket, the size of the crowd, and the other dishes that will be served. A good rule of thumb is to plan on serving 1/2 pound of brisket per person. If you’re serving a large brisket, you might be able to get away with serving closer to 1/3 pound per person. If you’re serving a wide variety of side dishes, you may be able to get away with serving as little as 1/4 pound per person.
Should You Buy a Whole or Half Brisket?
When buying a brisket, you’ll have the option of buying a whole brisket or a half brisket. A whole brisket is the entire cut of beef and can weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. A half brisket is half the size of a whole brisket and can weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. If you’re serving a large crowd, a whole brisket is the best option. If you’re serving a smaller crowd, or want to save some of the brisket for leftovers, a half brisket is the better option.
Factoring in Size of the Crowd
When it comes to determining how much brisket to serve, the size of the crowd plays a major role. Generally, a whole brisket can feed between 12 and 18 people, depending on the size of the brisket and the appetite of your guests. If you’re serving a smaller crowd of 8 to 10 people, a half brisket should be enough. If you’re serving a larger crowd of 20 or more, you may need to buy two whole briskets.
Factoring in Other Dishes
When determining how much brisket to serve, it’s important to factor in the other dishes that will be served. If you’re serving a variety of side dishes and appetizers, you may be able to get away with serving less brisket. If you’re serving just a few sides, you may need to serve more brisket.
Buying the Right Size Brisket
When buying a brisket, you’ll want to make sure you buy the right size. Generally, a whole brisket should weigh between 8 and 10 pounds and a half brisket should weigh between 4 and 5 pounds. If you’re buying a pre-cooked brisket, the weight of the whole and half brisket will be much less due to the loss of moisture during the cooking process.
Storing Brisket Before Serving
Once you’ve purchased your brisket, it’s important to store it properly before serving. A whole brisket can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and a half brisket can be stored for up to 3 days. If you’re not planning on serving the brisket within that time frame, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Preparing the Brisket
When it’s time to cook the brisket, it’s important to make sure you’ve removed any excess fat and season it properly. A whole brisket should be seasoned on both sides and wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. A half brisket should be seasoned on both sides, but can be left unwrapped. Once seasoned, the brisket should be cooked at a low temperature over a long period of time.
Smoking the Brisket
When smoking the brisket, it’s important to start with a low temperature and slowly increase it to ensure the brisket is cooked properly. A whole brisket should be cooked at a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 hours. A half brisket should be cooked at a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 hours.
Using a Slow Cooker
If you’re not able to smoke the brisket, you can also cook it in a slow cooker. A whole brisket should be cooked on low for 8 to 10 hours and a half brisket should be cooked on low for 4 to 6 hours. Once the brisket is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How many people does a brisket feed?
Answer: A typical brisket will feed between 8-10 people. The exact number of servings will depend on the size of the brisket and the size of the servings. A large brisket can easily feed 10-12 people, while a smaller brisket will feed 8-10. For example, a 6-pound brisket can feed 8-10 people with average-sized servings, while a 12-pound brisket can feed up to 20 people.
Question 2: How much brisket should I purchase per person?
Answer: The amount of brisket you should purchase depends on how large the servings will be and how many side dishes or other accompaniments you plan to serve. For a dinner with a side dish or two and average-sized meat servings, a half-pound of brisket per person is a good rule of thumb. However, if you plan to serve larger servings or if you plan to serve fewer side dishes, you may need to purchase more per person.
Question 3: Is it better to buy a whole or half brisket?
Answer: Generally, it is better to buy a whole brisket, as it is cheaper per pound than a half brisket. However, if you are only serving a small group of people, a half brisket may be a better choice. When purchasing a whole brisket, make sure you have enough space in your refrigerator or freezer to store the leftovers.
Question 4: What is the best way to cook a brisket?
Answer: The best way to cook a brisket is to slow-cook it in a smoker or in the oven. Smoking a brisket can take up to 12 hours or more, while oven-cooking a brisket will take around 3-4 hours. Both methods require a certain amount of preparation beforehand, such as seasoning and marinating the meat, and both require close monitoring of the temperature to ensure the brisket is cooked to perfection.
Question 5: How do I know when the brisket is done?
Answer: The best way to tell if a brisket is done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the brisket should be at least 165°F when it is done. Additionally, the brisket should be tender and juicy, not dry or tough.
Question 6: How should I store leftover brisket?
Answer: Leftover brisket should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer. If freezing the brisket, make sure it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
How Much Brisket per Person – For a BBQ, Formal Dinner or Just A Big Crowd
A brisket is a delicious and economical way to feed a crowd. With one brisket, you can easily feed up to 10 people, depending on the size of the brisket and the appetites of your guests. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a family dinner, a brisket is a great way to provide a delicious, filling meal without breaking the bank.
