You know how it is at BBQs – everyone’s eyes are bigger than their stomachs, especially when brisket’s on the menu! It’s good to know how much brisket per person you will need to make sure all your guests will be well fed.
Brisket is not as cheap as it used to be, although it’s still affordable and worth purchasing for its special flavor and texture. This iconic BBQ meat lets you easily feed a crowd, but how big of a crowd?
Various factors come into play when you’re trying to figure out how much brisket you should serve per person and we’ll discuss all of them.
👩👦👦 How Much Brisket Per Person?
⭐Short answer: A good rule of thumb is 1/2 pound of cooked brisket per person. Considering meat shrinks by roughly 50% during cooking, start with a full pound of raw brisket per person.
That way, you’re covered, even after the brisket does its shrinking act.
🍴Factors That Affect The Brisket Serving Size
The Brisket Cut
The three cuts of beef brisket are a little different, and their composition can affect the serving size.
👉The flat, also known as the ‘first cut,’ is the lean mean slicing machine of the brisket world. It’s perfect for those classic, neat slices everyone loves.
Because this is the leanest brisket cut, it will be easier for your guests to consume a slightly larger portion, especially if it’s not accompanied by other main dishes. The lower fat content also means the flat cut brisket will shrink less during cooking.
Serving size for the flat: Approximately 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per person.
👉Then there’s the point. This part is like the wild child of the brisket family, a bit fattier, packed with flavor, and just begging to be pulled or chopped.
I recommend a slightly smaller serving size for a brisket point cut because of its higher fat content. This cut is more satiating and your guests will likely eat a little less meat compared to the flat.
Serving size for the point: About 1/3 to 1/2 pound (5 to 8 ounces) per person.
👉Found below the point, the deckle is the tougher part of a brisket that can still turn out tender and juicy with proper low and slow cooking.
It’s still rich in fat just like the point, which is why a similar serving size will work for most scenarios.
Serving size for the deckle: About 1/3 to 1/2 pound (5 to 8 ounces) per person.
👉The fourth option is not a different cut, it’s the whole cut of meat. A whole packer brisket will include all the smaller cuts of brisket so it will have both leaner and fattier areas. You can use a 1/2 pound serving size even if you have a few guests with bigger appetites.
A whole brisket weighs 12-15 pounds, so you can get 12-18 servings out of it, or even more if you’re planning to serve other main dishes.
Serving size for a whole packer: About 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per person.
Cooking Method
The technique you use for cooking brisket will have an impact on how much it shrinks.
🔥 Smoking | Smoked brisket, which in all honesty is my absolute favorite kind, needs a long and slow cooking process that leads to the highest shrinkage, compared to other cooking methods.
Serving size for smoked brisket: About 1/2 pound of cooked brisket per person. You’ll need 3/4-1 pound of raw brisket to get this serving size after smoking.
🍲 Braising | This is the cooking method that retains the highest percentage of moisture. In other words, braised brisket won’t shrink as much as the same cut cooked using dry heat (oven roasting, smoking, grilling).
Serving size for braised brisket: You’ll need 1/3-1/2 pounds of cooked brisket per person. Use the lower end if serving alongside other dishes.
♨️ Grilling and oven-roasting | Grilled and oven-roasted brisket will also shrink significantly. Smoking yields a little less meat compared to grilling and roasting but the shrinkage still needs to be taken into account.
Serving size for grilled and oven-roasted brisket: Plan for about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of cooked brisket per person. Consider the other factors discussed in this guide to decide the exact serving size.
Tip: Every time you make brisket you’ll get a slightly different shrinkage even if you always cook it the same way. It’s okay to weigh your cooked brisket to see what you’re working with. A kitchen scale is a handy tool to have!
Even if you already figured out the right amount of brisket you need, it might be less than you planned for after cooking, so it doesn’t hurt to check. At the very least you can reduce the serving size a little and perhaps add a few more sides to the mix so there’s enough food for everyone.
Guest Types
Who’s coming? Different types of people will have different appetites.
👩🧑Adults | Got a bunch of hearty eaters? Stick to that 1/2 pound of cooked brisket per adult. This is a good average to base your estimates on.
👧👦Kids | Younger kids (ages 3-10) usually eat less, so you can scale it back to 1/4 pound of cooked brisket per child. But hey, if you’re also serving up a feast of sides or maybe some chicken wings or sausages, you can probably get away with a little less brisket.
Teenagers can be counted as adults for the serving size, especially those with hearty appetites. Calculate 1/2-3/4 pounds of cooked brisket per person.
👵👴Seniors | Older adults usually have smaller appetites. 1/3-1/2 pounds of brisket per person is a good estimate.
Just remember, it’s always better to have a bit too much than not enough – leftover brisket is never a problem, it’s a bonus!
🥗Dietary preferences | A vegetarian or a vegan diet, as well as medical, cultural, and religious dietary restrictions, could lower the number of servings you need.
Ask newcomers beforehand about their dietary preferences to find out if they eat meat or not. You might also have to add some special dishes to accommodate their needs.
👨👩👧👦Mixed groups | More often than not, you’ll be dealing with a mixed group. Create a list, organize them into categories, and write down the serving size for each guest type.
This way, you can get a more accurate estimation of how much brisket per person you will need and any leftovers will be planned for.
📢Event type | Typically, formal events include a larger variety of dishes served in smaller portions. Oppositely, in a casual setting, the portions will be more relaxed and so will the guests.
⭕ Brisket Serving Size Formula
You’ll need a different amount of meat for a barbecue backyard party compared to a large community event, or a small family gathering.
Using the factors above, you might need to adjust your brisket portion size, but for general needs let’s consider the basic scenario.
👩🧑Adults | Serve 1/2 pound of cooked brisket (1 pound raw) per person for adults.
👧👦Children | Estimate around 1/4 pound of cooked brisket (1/2 pound raw) per child.
Taking a 50% shrinkage into account, 1/2 pound of cooked brisket is the equivalent of 1 pound raw. As a result:
10 pounds of raw brisket = 10 adult servings
5 pounds of raw brisket = 10 child servings
The general formula is:
[Raw brisket serving size]x[#Guests] = Total amount of raw brisket needed
If you have a mixed group, it’s not enough to estimate the total number of guests. You might need to find out the types of guests you’re having by appetite (adults, children, seniors…etc.), and decide a serving size for each group.
Then, apply the formula above for each group, and add up the numbers to see how much brisket you’ll need.
⚖️Add a buffer | I recommend you don’t rely solely on the formula. It’s good to add an extra 10-20% to your total calculation to account for bigger appetites, extra guests, and other unforeseen variables.
For large events, an extra 20% will give you a safe margin, while for smaller gatherings you can stay on the lower end.
We already know that 10 pounds of raw brisket = 10 adult servings. Now we need to add the 20% buffer. Here’s the general formula:
[#Pounds raw brisket] + 20% of [#Pounds raw brisket] =Total amount of raw brisket needed
And here’s the calculation for serving a party of 10 with a 20% buffer:
10 pounds + 20% of 10 pounds = 10 pounds + 2 pounds = 12 pounds
If you were to add a 10% buffer, it will add up to only 1 extra pound of uncooked brisket:
10 pounds + 10% of 10 pounds = 10 pounds + 1 pound = 11 pounds
The same formula can be applied for any total amount of brisket so you can easily figure out how much you need to make sure none of your guests will starve.
🥪 How Much Brisket Per Sandwich?
5 to 8 ounces (1/3-1/2 pound) of cooked brisket is the average serving size when using this meat for sandwiches.
The key here is to ensure there is enough brisket for a hearty sandwich while leaving room for other ingredients.
Whether you use the lower or the higher end comes down to several factors.
🍞Bread type | Sourdough, hoagie rolls, artisan bread, and other heavy/large bread will require the upper mark. You’ll likely need to use 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of cooked brisket per sandwich to balance the bread-to-meat ratio.
🥬Additional toppings | If you’re serving a wider variety of toppings such as pickles, onions, and lettuce, 1/3 pound (5 ounces) of cooked brisket per sandwich is the standard amount to use.
Loading the brisket sandwich too much may cause it to become soggy or too difficult to eat.
👥Guest preferences | You know your guests best! Consider their appetite and use less brisket per sandwich, or make smaller sandwiches, if you know they are not hearty eaters.
👨🍳 Brisket Cooking Tips For Optimal Yield
Minimizing shrinkage during cooking is not just money-saving. These tips will also help you cook a tender and moist brisket every time!
🔪 Preparation
✔️Trimming | When trimming the fat cap, I recommend leaving a 1/4-inch layer of fat. Ideally, it should have an even thickness.
This is enough fat to render and keep the brisket moist as it cooks. If you leave a thick fat cap, some of the fat and silver skin might not render and remain tough.
✔️Seasoning | Massage the meat well when applying the seasoning. It’s not just about the flavor!
Getting the spices into all the nooks and crannies helps form the bark or crust, which will seal in the juices.
🔥 Cooking
✔️Low and slow cooking | Whatever cooking method you use, brisket cooks best at a low temperature. This allows the fats and connective tissues to break down without drying out the meat.
The usual cooking temperature range is 225-250°F. I smoked brisket at 400°F and despite my nail-biting anxiety, it turned out great! However, I recommend you don’t try such a high temperature if this is your first time smoking brisket.
For smoking, aim to maintain a consistent temperature and monitor the internal temp of the brisket using a wireless meat thermometer. This way, you won’t need to open the lid too often and keep the smoker temperature stable.
✔️Use a moisture-retaining technique | For dry cooking methods like oven roasting, grilling, and smoking it’s useful to add some moisture to the brisket.
You can add a water pan to your grill or smoker to maintain humidity. For roasting in the oven, add a small amount of water, broth, or apple juice to the baking dish.
We smoked brisket using the wrapping method, also known as the Texas crutch. This not only helps you beat the brisket stall, but it also protects it from drying.
Before wrapping, we sprayed the brisket with water every 30 minutes. This is another method to keep the brisket moist. It will also help form the crust.
✔️Avoid overcooking | You’ll get the most shrinkage if you overcook meat, and it will also end up too dry. Every cut has a perfect target temp it needs to reach. Brisket’s internal temperature is 200-205°F.
Check the brisket’s texture. In this temperature range, it will be easy to pierce with a fork but it won’t fall apart.
⏳ Resting
The minimum time for resting cooked brisket is 30 minutes. I like to let it rest for at least 1 hour because it really makes a difference.
During this time, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat and make it more tender and moist.
Slicing the brisket too soon will cause all those juices to drip. This can only lead to further loss of both flavor and weight.
The best way to store brisket while resting is to wrap it in aluminum foil or butcher paper. If your sides are not ready yet, and the brisket needs to wait for more than 1 hour, place it in a cooler or warm oven to keep it hot.
🍱 Storage Tips
Once your brisket has cooled down to room temperature, you can refrigerate or freeze the leftovers.
Cooked brisket will last 3-4 days in the fridge, or 2-3 months in the freezer, according to the USDA (1,2). This applies to any kind of cooked beef.
❄️Fridge | You can refrigerate the brisket sliced, shredded, or whole. For whole brisket, you’ll need to first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, store it in a resealable bag or airtight container.
🧊Freezer | For freezing, I recommend you slice or shred the brisket first and divide it into smaller portions which you can easily take out and use without wasting any of this precious meat.
Store it in heavy-duty freezer bags or vacuum seal bags. For the regular baggies try to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Don’t forget to label them with the date of freezing.
💧Thawing | The best approach is to plan your use of leftover brisket a day ahead. Let it thaw slowly in the fridge. Depending on the size, this may take up to 24 hours.
If the brisket is frozen in a quality well-sealed bag, you can submerge it in cold water to speed things up. However, avoid simply leaving your brisket on the counter to thaw. This is not a safe practice!
♨️ How To Reheat Brisket
Leftover brisket – it’s like a gift from your past self. But reheating it? That’s where the art comes in. You want it warm and juicy, not dry and tough.
The secret? Reheat it fast. It’s already cooked, we don’t want to dry it out.
Set your oven to 400°F (163°C), wrap your brisket in foil to keep the moisture in, and let it slowly come back to life. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size.
Pro tip: if you have some leftover juices or even a splash of beef broth, add it to the foil wrap. It’ll keep your brisket moist and flavorful – almost like it’s fresh off the grill!
Read our guide on how to reheat brisket for skillet and microwave methods. A word of caution: if you can avoid the microwave, do it. It can easily overcook the meat and make it chewy.
🥘 What To Do With Leftover Brisket
Leftover brisket is like a bonus round in the BBQ game – so many delicious possibilities!
👍Sandwiches and sliders | One of my favorites is to whip up a brisket grilled cheese. It’s like your childhood favorite, but all grown up. Use slider buns to create smaller sandwiches that are perfect as a snack or appetizer.
👍Nachos | And brisket nachos? They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. For those who love to experiment, brisket with a cheesy twist in a sauce is out-of-this-world good.
On cooler evenings, nothing beats the heartiness of brisket chili or the comfort of brisket-stuffed potatoes.
👍Tacos and burritos | Shredded brisket is the most amazing taco or burrito filling. Toppings like salsa, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole will complete your brisket tacos making them the star of your menu!
When you’re craving a special treat, use your leftover brisket to make some grilled taco pinwheels.
👍Chili | One of my family-favorite comfort meals, slow cooker brisket chili is one of those recipes that will cook as you take care of other things, or relax after a busy day.
👍Breakfast hash | Smoked brisket is one of the best protein add-ons for a quick breakfast hash. Even if it’s cooked in an oven, instant pot, or slow cooker, it still makes a fabulous meal with very little effort.
👍Pizza and salad topping | Shredded or thinly sliced brisket, BBQ sauce, red onions, and cheese is my idea of a dreamy pizza! Fresh greens, crunchy veggies, a creamy dressing, and brisket are a simple way to create a balanced salad offering a good amount of nutrients.
👍Quesadillas and enchiladas | The humble tortilla can hold any combination of ingredients and brisket is at the top of my list!
And let’s talk about brisket beans – they might start as a side, but they can easily steal the spotlight. Leftovers? More like a whole new adventure in flavors!
👍Dips | Use leftover brisket for any meaty dip and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that will leave everyone satisfied. This smoked brisket and beer queso is one of my favorite party snacks. The only problem I’m having is I never manage to make enough.
👍Mac and cheese | I was convinced nothing could make this smoked mac and cheese better until I added some smoked brisket to it. Even the name sounds more appealing – brisket mac and cheese!
👍Baked beans | This is not just a comfort meal, it can also save the day when you don’t have the time or energy to cook. When I make Guinness brisket baked beans, I like to freeze a few portions so I have a ready-made meal I can quickly pull out, reheat, and serve.
👍Pies, stews, casseroles | You can use leftover brisket for any pie, stew, or casserole that calls for meat. It’s a simple substitution that not only adds tons of flavor, it will create a variation of your dish and a whole new experience!
There’s always something to do with brisket so you should be happy when you are left with extra. Check out our selection of leftover brisket recipes for even more ways to use this rich and delicious meat.
🍽️ Best Side Dishes For Brisket
Picking sides for brisket is almost an art form – you want to complement that smoky, meaty star of the show. The right sides should marry with your brisket, creating a harmony of tastes that turns a great meal into an unforgettable one.
🌽 Classic BBQ Sides
Classics like a crunchy slaw or grilled baked beans never fail – they balance out the richness perfectly.
Grilled corn on the cob in the husk is another option that pairs wonderfully with any meat.
A pasta salad is a great side dish to bring at picnics, parties, and potlucks, especially because you can make it ahead or meal prep it.
🥔 Starchy Sides
A creamy and rich grilled mac and cheese to go with your smoked brisket will always be a wise choice.
When dealing with picky eaters, you’ll be able to please them easily with a potato side. Make an amazing smoked potato salad, smoked baked potatoes, or some simple grilled baby potatoes, and call it a day!
If you feel like those brisket juices are being wasted, make some cornbread, homemade breadsticks, or soft pretzel bites.
🥕 Vegetable Sides
The rich and satisfying brisket will be perfectly balanced by a lighter vegetable side. I love my veggies grilled or smoked, especially if I’m serving them with smoked brisket.
Smoked asparagus bundles, grilled sweet potato wedges, grilled carrots with balsamic glaze, and grilled broccolini are all wonderful dishes to serve with brisket.
Green beans are another classic option. They will taste great baked, sauteed, or grilled. If you plan to fire up the grill, make these Asian bacon green bean bundles. You won’t regret it!
🥗 Refreshing And Light Sides
You might be dealing with other dishes for your feast in which case you should also consider adding simpler options to your menu.
Onions and pickles, watermelon slices, or a fresh salad will give your guests the option to lighten up their meal.
Most salads are easy to make and they can be scaled up for larger gatherings. I’ll never pass up a coleslaw, classic caprese, or a creamy cucumber salad.
Even a less traditional recipe like this grilled peach and arugula salad is a fast side dish you can make with very little effort.
Did you figure out some interesting brisket pairings? I’d love to try out new combinations so let me know!
❓F.A.Q.
For a party of 10 adults, you’re looking at needing about 5 pounds of cooked brisket. Since brisket shrinks by about 50% during cooking, you’ll want to start with around 10 pounds raw.
A 12-pound brisket, once cooked, should be enough to satisfy a group of about 12-15 people, assuming it’s your main dish. Remember, sides and appetizers can impact how much everyone eats!
Feeding 20 adults? You’ll want about 10 pounds of cooked brisket. This means you should get a 20-pound brisket before it hits the grill or smoker.
A 15-pounder, post-cooking, is perfect for a gathering of about 15-18 people. This estimate is a good guideline if brisket is the star of your menu.
Jason’s been firing up the grill for over 30 years after graduating from the US Coast Guard Academy. His love of finely-grilled steak and chicken led him to buy his first Weber grill to put on his apartment patio in 1992. Each military move led to a new grill (a mixture of gas and charcoal) until he fell in love with the Big Green Egg in 2008. Since then, he has added another 4 grills to the collection. Yes, he has a problem. Jason loves smoking in the ceramic BGE with exotic woods including olive wood from Egypt and hard to find varieties such as sassafras and orange wood. Jason takes the term “foodie” to a whole new level, jumping at the chance to take food tours and cooking classes during foreign travels. These have provided inspiration to incorporate new ideas into recipes when he gets back home. He has been featured in Fox News, Parade, Yahoo News, Kansas City Living and more. After retiring from the military and moving to southwest Florida, he has focused grilling and smoking locally sourced meats and fish (read: he likes to catch his own fish!)
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