Brisket and baked potatoes make for a hearty, delicious meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd. But how much brisket per person should you plan for when serving baked potatoes on the side? In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider when determining the right brisket portion size for baked potatoes. We will provide recommended amounts of brisket per person based on appetite and other considerations. Read on for tips and guidelines to ensure you prepare the perfect quantity of brisket to go with baked potatoes!
How Much Brisket Depends on Appetite
The amount of brisket needed per person largely depends on the typical appetite of your diners. Those who tend to eat lighter portions will need less brisket than heartier eaters. Here are some general recommendations for brisket portion sizes based on appetite:
Light Eaters
For guests who have a smaller appetite or like to sample several dishes, plan on serving 3-4 ounces of brisket per person. This provides enough for a few slices along with the baked potato without overstuffing light eaters.
Average Eaters
The typical moderately hungry adult will enjoy a 5-6 ounce portion of brisket with their baked potato. This gives them several slices to complement the potato without leaving them overly full if sides and dessert are also being served.
Big Eaters
Hearty eaters who like to indulge in large servings will appreciate a 8-10 ounce portion of brisket with their spud. This gives them plenty of slices to thoroughly enjoy alongside the baked potato.
Bottomless Pits
For those guests who always clean their plate no matter how much food is served, plan on 10 ounces or more of brisket per person. Supplying extra will prevent having to cut portions small or running out of meat for second helpings.
Brisket Amount Based on Other Dishes
Another factor when determining brisket portion size is what other side dishes and main courses are being served alongside the meat and potatoes. Here are some tips:
Brisket as the Main Dish
If brisket is the star of the meal, served with baked potatoes and just a simple salad, plan for 6-8 ounces of meat per person. You’ll need larger portions since brisket is the highlight.
Multiple Main Dishes
When brisket is one of several main entrees offered buffet-style, like at a BBQ spread, 4-5 ounces per person is usually sufficient. Guests will sample smaller amounts since they’ll also enjoy ribs, pulled pork, etc.
With Additional Hearty Sides
If rich sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, or corn bread are served in addition to baked potatoes, lean towards the lower end of the portion size range. You’ll need less brisket since diners will fill up on other dishes too.
Leftovers Are Ideal
When in doubt about how much brisket to make, it’s always better to have leftovers than to run out of meat and leave guests hungry. Providing ample brisket ensures that even the heartiest eaters can enjoy quality seconds. Refrigerate or freeze any uneaten brisket to reheat and enjoy later.
Here is a helpful chart as a quick reference for determining how many pounds of brisket to buy per person based on typical appetite and menu considerations:
Brisket Pounds Per Person Chart
| Appetite | Main Dish | One of Several Mains | With Hearty Sides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Eaters | 0.5 lb | 0.25 lb | 0.25 lb |
| Average Eaters | 0.75 lb | 0.5 lb | 0.4 lb |
| Big Eaters | 1.25 lb | 0.75 lb | 0.5 lb |
| Bottomless Pits | 1.5+ lb | 1 lb | 0.75 lb |
As shown, buying 0.5-0.75 pounds of brisket per average appetite guest is a good starting point when the beef is the main attraction paired with potatoes. Scale the quantity up or down according to your diners and menu.
Brisket Buying Guide Per Pound
When purchasing brisket for your group, here are some factors to consider per pound:
Raw Brisket
Plan for about 0.5-0.75 pounds of raw brisket per person depending on appetite. Raw brisket loses about 35% of its weight when cooked, so account for shrinkage.
Cooked Brisket
If purchasing fully cooked, ready-to-serve brisket, plan on 0.4-0.5 pounds per average eater. There is no shrinkage to factor in when brisket is pre-cooked.
Leftover Margin
Buy 10-20% extra brisket than your guest count estimates to allow for heartier appetites. Having leftovers is ideal.
Bones and Fat
Leaner flat cuts have less waste than fattier point cuts. Trim excess fat before serving and account for about 20% bone weight if brisket has bones.
Sample Brisket Recipes for Baked Potatoes
To give you an idea of how much brisket to make for your group, here are some sample recipes sized for 6 or 12 people pairing brisket with baked potatoes:
Smoked Brisket for 6
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs smoked brisket, sliced
– 6 medium russet potatoes, baked
– Shredded cheddar, sour cream, chives for topping potatoes
Make 3 pounds of smoked brisket to allow for about 0.5 pounds per person. Bake potatoes and set up topping bar.
Brisket Chili for 12
Ingredients:
– 5 lbs ground brisket
– 2 cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 jar salsa
– Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
– 12 potatoes baked and topped with cheese, sour cream
Brown ground brisket with spices. Add beans, salsa, and simmer. Serve chili over baked potatoes. Allow around 0.4 pounds brisket per person since chili has hearty beans and sauce.
Key Takeaways
Determining the right amount of brisket per person for baked potatoes depends primarily on your diners’ appetites and what else is being served. For average eaters enjoying brisket as the main dish, plan for 0.5-0.75 pounds of brisket per person. Buy extra and have leftovers on hand. Baked potatoes with tender, juicy brisket slices is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for feeding a crowd. With the tips above, you can calculate just how much brisket to buy and cook up for your ideal brisket and potato barbecue.