How Much Brisket per Person

TLDR

As a seasoned pitmaster who’s catered for large crowds many times, I’ve learned a thing or two about portioning brisket.

First, you’ve got to factor in the shrinkage that happens during cooking – typically, brisket loses about half its weight.

So, for those with a hearty appetite, I recommend allocating a full pound of raw brisket per person.

How Many Oz Of Brisket To Feed People Infographic
How Many Oz Of Brisket To Feed People Infographic

This should yield roughly a half-pound of succulent, cooked brisket each.

Table of Contents

For lighter eaters, half a pound of raw brisket per person is usually sufficient, giving them a nice quarter-pound serving post-cooking.

Now, let’s talk timing.

Brisket isn’t a rush job; it needs its time to reach perfection. A good rule of thumb is about an hour per pound at 250°F.

For example, for 10 adults, you will need 5 pounds of cooked brisket.

This slow and low-temperature approach is key to getting that tender, flavorful brisket everyone craves. So, make sure to plan your cookout schedule with this in mind – you want that brisket ready just in time to wow your guests.

In summary, when you’re planning your brisket feast, remember to account for both the shrinkage during cooking and your guests’ appetites.

How Much Cooked Brisket per person

Quick Guide and Calculator to Serving Brisket and How Much per Person

Brisket Per Person Calculator 2-500 People

The brisket calculator then asks you how many side dishes you are serving with your brisket, enter that amount in.


I like to be able to serve each person 1/2 lb of cooked brisket.

  • For 2 People Serve 1 lb
  • For 4 People Serve 2 lb
  • For 10 Guests Serve 5 lb
  • For a crowd of 20 Serve 10 lb
  • For large groups of 50 Serve 25 lb
  • For very large group of 100 People Serve 50 lb

How Much Does Brisket Cost Per Person

In this article, we have a number of resources to help you determine how many pounds of cooked brisket to serve each person or guest. 

You need up to a pound of uncooked brisket per person.

Smoked Brisket – How Much To Serve

How Many Pounds Of Brisket Do You Serve Each Person?

How much brisket per person cooked – The general rule is about ½  lb of raw brisket per person which yields around ¼ lb. 

In some situations, a quarter-pound might be just fine, for example, if you’re serving sliders with brisket and a few other condiments. 

Video On How Much Brisket Per Person

However, if the brisket is the main meat dish or the focal point of your barbecue or meat platter then you will need more than a quarter-pound in fact you’ll need up to half a pound of cooked brisket per person and that should allow everyone to be satisfied.  Plus, perhaps have a little bit left over for some people to have seconds. This means the before and after trimmed brisket results in close to 50% serving meat loss.

So in summary 1 lb of raw brisket will result in 1/2 lb cooked brisket per guest.

How much brisket for 10 adults

You can either look at our handy table below for the exact amount of brisket to serve per person or use our brisket calculator.

How Many Pounds of Raw Brisket per Person
How Many Pounds of Raw Brisket per Person

How Many pounds of Brisket for 4 people

If you’re cooking for a small family gathering of 4 people you will need:

Big Eaters – use a Large serving size:  4 pounds of uncooked untrimmed brisket to give 2 pounds of cooked brisket or 1/2 pound per person. Teenagers are an example of guests who can eat a lot of brisket, especially after a game.


How Many pounds of Brisket for 10 people

If you’re Smoking or BBQ Brisket for a crowd of 10 people you will need:

Big Eaters – use a Large serving size:  10 pounds of uncooked untrimmed brisket to give 5 pounds of cooked brisket or around 1/2 pound per person. Teenagers are an example of guests who can eat a lot of brisket, especially after a game.

How Many lbs of Brisket per Person
How Many lbs of Brisket per Person

How Many pounds of Brisket for 20 people

If you’re Roasting up Brisket for a crowd of 20 people you will need:

Large serving size:  20 pounds of uncooked untrimmed brisket to give 10 pounds of cooked brisket or around 1/2 pound per person. 


How Many pounds of Brisket for 50 people

If you are cooking  Brisket for a crowd or event of 50 people you will need:

Large serving size:  50 pounds of uncooked untrimmed brisket to give 25 pounds of cooked brisket or around 1/2 pound per person. 

How Many pounds of Brisket for 100 people - Cooking Brisket For A Crowd
How Many pounds of Brisket for 100 people – Cooking Brisket For A Crowd

How Many pounds of Brisket for 100 people

If you are cooking  Brisket for a  big event of 100 people you will need:

Large serving size:  50 pounds of uncooked untrimmed brisket to give 25 pounds of cooked brisket or around 1/2 pound per person. 


 How Much Brisket Do You Need for 200, 250, 300 or 500 Plus People

 Now you are really catering for a huge event – see our brisket per person calculator for exact answers.

How Much Brisket Do You Need to Feed 12 to 15 People?

Basically, the same principles apply when you’re feeding between 12 to 15 people brisket. You will need to start with around 1 pound of raw brisket per person, which will result in 1/2 pound per guest. So for 12-15 people, you will need approximately 24 pounds of raw brisket.

The good thing when you’re feeding this quantity of people you can assume there will be some smaller eaters and some big eaters so you can get away with not being quite so accurate. Unless you’re determined to make sure everyone has enough brisket to have seconds.

How Much Brisket Do You Need to Feed 20 40 People?

You should purchase two entire packed briskets at around 10 pounds each for a total of 20 pounds for 20 people. If you’re serving 40 people, purchase 40 pounds of uncooked brisket. Remember: If you want to have lots of leftover brisket, opt for the bigger size. 

Other Things to Consider When Serving Brisket to a Big Group or a Crowd


Is the Main Course Brisket?

You may want to adjust the quantity of brisket you serve depending on what is on the menu. You don’t want to overfill everyone up with pounds of smoked brisket.

If you’re also offering other proteins, filling sides, or many courses during the event, you can of course decrease the amount of brisket you serve. Use our Brisket Quantity Calculator to get the exact amounts.

Consider what else you’ll be offering and imagine a platter full of your meal.  Picturing in your mind and imagining how you will lay it out on a BBQ platter with your main meats, brisket, sausages, burgers, and chicken nuggets will help you work out the right amount of brisket to buy and cook for your guests.

It’s also critical to get your portions or amounts correct so as not to waste money and not overcook your sides!  The same applies if you are also preparing prime rib, roast lamb, or pulled pork for a gathering.

Plan ahead of time

Although a whole Brisket packet may weigh up to 22 pounds, the total meat yield is far lower. Meat shrinks when cooked due to moisture evaporation. Brisket also has a significant fat cap that extends down the flat side, which we recommend trimming before cooking if it is significant.

Cutting and shrinking will result in you losing around half of the total brisket weight. The loss may be little, but it is better to be safe than sorry. It is better to have too much brisket than too little.

How Do You Plan to Serve the Brisket?


Is the meat going to be diced, shredded, sliced, or chopped? Whereas the meat may be the same weight throughout all the above cases, the appearance may differ. This might have an effect on portion size. For example when making brisket sliders people do not put as much meat in because they also tend to fill up on the bread and other fillings they might add. So it is important how your brisket is actually being used or served as to the quantities needed.


Brisket which has been carved into neat slices degrades faster than the same amount of chopped meat.

Even if you’re making brisket sandwiches, depending on the bread you use then it’s likely you will use sliced brisket because it stays in the sandwich easier particularly if you are going to wrap the sandwich and have it for lunch. If you used chopped brisket you will get little bits of brisket falling out of the side of the sandwich.

In short, buy extra brisket than you think you’ll need if you want to present the beef sliced. 
This makes an excellent display that is suitable for a dinner party. In this case, we only recommend purchasing brisket flats. It’s easier to slice since as the brisket flat end is thinner than the brisket point end as well as the grain is much more visible.


The Hour of the Day To Serve Brisket

People prefer to eat less at early gatherings.

Because most of us are conditioned to think of supper as the primary event of the day, a lunchtime gathering or party will need not as much food than a dinner party.

If you’re anticipating company in the early afternoon, consider lowering the portion sizes you’ve prepared.

The Type of Event

The same rules apply to events like weddings, picnics, Superbowl parties, etc. Expect your attendees or guests to devour more food during a sit-down meal than they would at a casual standup gathering. You will not require as much brisket per person since folks aren’t as focused on the food while moving around and chewing.

Of course, if the event involves tailgating, people are likely to stand around a fixed location so they are likely to eat more brisket at a tailgate event.

How much brisket do you need per person for sandwiches?

How Many People Can a Brisket Serve?

A complete Packer Brisket typically feeds 12 to 18 people, depending on its size. A complete packer normally weighs 12 to 15 pounds.

How Many People Does a Six Pound Flat Brisket Feed

A 6 pound flat brisket will feed approximately 3 to 4 people with a good serving size slightly under half a pound.

Should I buy My Brisket From Costco

Costco has become synonymous with cheap meat prices and quality food. But does Costco really offer the best deals on meat?

Costco is a membership warehouse club chain headquartered in Issaquah, Washington. The company was founded in 1962 by James Sinegal and currently operates over 2,500 stores throughout North America.

It is true that Costco offers some of the lowest meat prices, especially for brisket cuts, with the best value and quality. Most of the best-selling meat at Costco is the prime brisket.

According to the USDA and Canadian systems, prime is the top quality of beef. There is considerably more marbling in prime cuts than in beef grades. It’s also softer than the other grades. Mixing them up with choice cuts at Costco is simple, so keep an eye on the side for the USDA stamp. Unfortunately, the finest grade is also more costly than the lower ones.

How Much Is a Brisket from Costco

The price of a Costco Prime Brisket varies depending on its type. You can get one for $1.99 per pound or more.

Based on meat shrinkage when cooking you should budget about $1.75 per person for a serving of brisket.

However, if you want to save money, you should look into cutting your own brisket or other local grocery stores. Beef briskets are usually sold whole, but they can also come as half-brisket or quarter-brisket. A full brisket weighs between 3 and 4 pounds, while a half brisket weighs 1.25 to 1.75 pounds.

As mentioned, its price depends on the type of meat. For instance, a Wagyu brisket is far more expensive than the others. It can cost up to $399.95 per 12 lbs. However, you can purchase the cheaper ones like the Costco prime brisket, which costs $4.99 per lb.; Costco choice brisket costs $2.99 per lb.; and Costco select brisket costs $1.99 per lb.

Are Costco Briskets Prime Grade

Yes, Costco Prime Briskets are made from 100% USDA-certified prime grade brisket. They have been inspected by USDA graders and passed all tests. This means that it meets the highest standards for wholesomeness. These quality steaks are tender, juicy, flavorful, and well worth the extra cost.

If you are not sure what different grades of beef entail, Select is the lowest grade, Choice is in the middle, and Prime grade brisket is the top. The USDA uses these classifications to determine how much marbling there is in the meat. Tenderness and taste are affected by the amount of marbling.

In order to be labeled “prime”, this type of beef must meet certain requirements. First, it must weigh at least 18 pounds. Second, it must be graded USDA Choice, which means that it has no defects. Third, it must be aged at least 30 days. Finally, it must be processed in facilities that follow strict sanitary procedures.

What Makes Costco Briskets Special

One thing about Costco briskets is that they are very special. They are cut from the center of the animal. Because of this, they have a lot of flavors and are extremely tender. In addition, they are always cooked properly. This makes them perfect for grilling or smoking.

Plus, the Costco briskets are still enclosed in Cryovac and have an expiry date printed on them. Cyrovac and the Pack Date combine to make these briskets ideal for one of the world’s greatest “mystery tricks.” 

They are also very affordable, making them great choices for families who love to cook. If you’re looking for something delicious to make for dinner tonight, you can’t go wrong with Costco briskets.

What is the Difference of a USDA Prime Brisket

A USDA Prime Brisket is the most expensive cut of beef available. It comes from high-quality cattle that have been raised on grass pastures. The beef is then processed at a USDA-approved facility. This process includes the use of steam tables, mechanical refrigeration, and special handling techniques.

When it comes to taste, there is nothing better than USDA Prime Briskets. Its flavor is rich and intense. It has a deep red color and a dark brown crust. It is also very tender.

Moreover, there is a certain type of brisket where the difference in quality between Choice and Prime is significant. Ribeye steaks, for example, profit significantly from being Prime because they have a lot of marbling. The brisket is made up of two muscles. Even in Choice beef, the Point cut has a lot of marbling with more beefy flavor. Despite the Prime grade, the Flat cut is a naturally lean muscle that picks up little marbling and is easier to cook.

How Many Pounds of Brisket Should You Purchase at Costco

You need to buy enough brisket to feed your family for at least two weeks. If you don’t know how many people will eat during this period, you should plan accordingly. Make sure to buy enough for everyone because some may choose to freeze leftovers.

We think the best approach to addressing this issue is in comparison to regular grocery store prices. Costco always has a lower cost for a Prime brisket than I would pay for a Choice or Select at any local neighborhood supermarket.

Costco’s briskets are a great value, even at a 20% premium. The fact that you can acquire higher-quality beef for a 20% discount makes Costco’s briskets an incredible bargain. If you live near a Costco and have been on the fence about whether or not to join, I can assure you that the briskets alone are worth buying.

Does Costco Sells Flat or Point Brisket

The only way to get point or flat brisket at Costco is if you purchase whole briskets and butcher them yourself. Costco rarely or never sells point or flat brisket in the meat section. However, they offer it as pre-cooked and pre-packed meat in the frozen or refrigerated section. The store has pre-cooked smoked brisket flats, which are still recommendable and will save you a lot of time than slicing it yourself.

What Can I Use Leftover Brisket For

  • Brisket Burritos
  • Brisket Tacos
  • Brisket Mac and Cheese
  • Brisket Potato Hash
  • Brisket Chili
  • Brisket Enchiladas
  • Brisket Fajitas
  • Brisket Quesadillas
  • Brisket Reuben Sandwich

Scramble remaining brisket leftovers with onions, garlic, and red bell peppers. Also, serve with home fries, and fried eggs to create a delightful brunch. To make it even more indulgent, shortly before serving, sprinkle it with Parmesan or Pepper Jack cheese.

How Much Brisket Do I Need for 8 Adults?

For a total of eight adults, you will need 4 lbs of brisket. So you will need to buy more raw.

How Much Does a 10 Lb Brisket Cost?

In 2024 brisket of acceptable quality is around 5-6 dollars per pound

How Much Is a Serving of Cooked Brisket?

A serving of brisket is 8 oz per guest. This will allow for some big and small eaters in your guest list

How many people will 2 lbs brisket feed?

2 pounds of brisket will easily feed 4 people

How Many People Does a Pound of Brisket Feed

It will feed 2 people generously, just make sure it is warm and juicy.

Can You Smoke Brisket Ahead of Time For A Crowd

Yes, you can easily make it 24 hours in advance, so it is pre-cooked before people come to the event

How Much Brisket for 75 People at Wedding

You will need 37 pounds of brisket for 75 people at a wedding reception, use our brisket per person calculator to get the exact amount you need. Also taking into account sides and other protein dishes.

How Many Pounds of Burnt Ends per Person

Nothing beats a barbecue delicacy during the lunch rush, after a particularly long day after work, or for a scrumptious dinner night with friends or family. The burnt ends of barbecue are like a meaty version of candy with their tender texture and a sweet but slightly tangy flavorful finish, depending on the sauce. 

How Many Oz Of Burnt Ends Per Guest
How Many Oz Of Burnt Ends Per Guest

Burnt ends are best when they’re smoky and caramelized. You can cook them right away or wait for meat leftovers from your barbecues. When purchasing pre-cooked meat, one-third a pound can fit one person. When burnt ends are already cooked, serve two-fifths to half a pound per person. 

How Many Pounds of Burnt Ends per Person

These meaty cubes of goodness can now be the highlight of every meal. You can purchase a brisket, cook it whole, and then remove the burnt ends or you can cut the ends right ahead and cook them. Therefore, the serving per person depends on how you purchase and cook the meat. 

The table below will guide you more on the calculation of servings per person:

PeopleAmount of Burnt Ends in Pounds Served With Another MainAmount of Burnt Ends in Pounds (Served Alone)
10.333 (one-third)0.4 – 0.5
311.2 – 1.5
622.4 – 3
1244.8 – 6
1556 – 7.5
206.758 – 10
Burnt Ends Table – How Much Per Person For A Crowd

Will People Need Seconds

Highly likely, some people just crave these and will only eat them and no other mains.

How Many lbs Burnt Ends Is a Single Serving
How Many lbs Burnt Ends Is a Single Serving

What To Serve With Burnt Ends

Side dishes such as baked beans, coleslaw, baked or mashed sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, steamed vegetables, corn on the cob, cornbread, jalapeño poppers, and salads work best. 

You can also pair burnt ends with beverages such as a glass of red wine, beer, bourbon, rosé, whiskey, cranberry juice or grape juice, ginger ale, lemonade, and sparkling cider. 

Why Are Burnt Ends So Popular

Burnt ends were popularized in 1972 when a Kansas City resident wrote an article about how intensely good the flavor of the burnt edges of a brisket are. Since then, it has been recognized as a Kansas City delicacy and over the years, has been promoted from being an appetizer to main dish.