Backyard barbecue shopping list for 12
Feed 12 adults at a relaxed backyard barbecue built around grilled chicken, sausages, baked beans, and slaw.
What to get
Bone-in chicken thighs
6 lb
Smoked pork sausages
12 links
Plant-based sausages
4 links
Barbecue sauce
36 oz
Hot dog buns
16
Prepared coleslaw
3 lb
Baked beans
3 28-oz cans
Pickle spears
24
Unsweetened iced tea
1 gal
Lemonade
1 gal
Drinking water
3 gal
Ice
20 lb
Plates
15 10-inch plates
Cups
30 12-fl oz cups
Forks
15
Napkins
36
Labeled grill tongs
Keep raw chicken, raw sausages, plant-based food, and cooked food separate.
4 pairs
Instant-read thermometer
1
Heavy-duty aluminum pans
For hot food and leftovers.
4 half-size pans
Heavy-duty trash bags
6 30-gal bags
Grill fuel
Buy only the fuel your grill uses.
1 full 20-lb propane cylinder or 15 lb charcoal
How to make it
- Check for allergies and vegetarian guests before shopping. Use separate tongs and a clean grill section for the meat-free sausages.
- Cook chicken to 165°F and sausages to the temperature on the package. Hold cooked food at 140°F or warmer and keep slaw at 40°F or colder.
- Move leftovers to shallow containers and refrigerate them within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when it is above 90°F outside.
Who this list is for
This shopping list is designed for anyone hosting a backyard barbecue for 12 adults. If you’re planning a casual cookout centered on grilled chicken, sausages, baked beans, and classic sides, this list covers what you need for the main meal and basic serving supplies.
How to use this list
Start by reviewing the list against what you already have at home. For the proteins, pick up 6 pounds of bone-in chicken thighs, 12 smoked pork sausages, and 4 plant-based sausages for any vegetarians. Make sure you have 36 ounces of barbecue sauce for grilling and serving. For sides, grab 3 pounds of prepared coleslaw, three 28-ounce cans of baked beans, and 24 pickle spears. Drinks include a gallon each of unsweetened iced tea and lemonade, plus 3 gallons of drinking water. Don’t forget 20 pounds of ice for chilling. For serving, you’ll need 15 10-inch plates and 30 cups (12-ounce size). Hot dog buns (16) are for the sausages and plant-based links.
Common mistakes
People often underestimate how much ice and water they’ll need, especially on hot days. Don’t skip counting out enough plates and cups—extras help if someone wants seconds or brings a guest. Avoid buying too few buns; having a couple extra is better than running out. Double-check if you have enough serving utensils and coolers for drinks and ice, though those aren’t on this list.
What is on this list
This list includes main proteins (bone-in chicken thighs, pork and plant-based sausages), sides (coleslaw, baked beans, pickle spears), condiments (barbecue sauce), drinks (iced tea, lemonade, water), ice, and serving supplies (plates, cups, hot dog buns). Cross off anything you already have at home or can borrow, like extra plates or cups.
Before you go
Check your grill fuel and tongs before shopping, as those aren’t on this list. Make sure your cooler is clean and ready for ice and drinks. Review the guest count one last time in case you need to scale up. Once you’re home, keep the chicken and sausages refrigerated until grilling time, and chill your drinks early. Serve food promptly to keep it safe and fresh.
FAQ
Who is "Backyard barbecue shopping list for 12" for?
This shopping list is designed for anyone hosting a backyard barbecue for 12 adults. If you’re planning a casual cookout centered on grilled chicken, sausages, baked beans, and classic sides, this list covers what you need for the main meal and basic serving supplies.
How should I use "Backyard barbecue shopping list for 12"?
Start by reviewing the list against what you already have at home. For the proteins, pick up 6 pounds of bone-in chicken thighs, 12 smoked pork sausages, and 4 plant-based sausages for any vegetarians. Make sure you have 36 ounces of barbecue sauce for grilling and serving. For sides, grab 3 pounds of prepared coleslaw, three 28-ounce cans of baked beans, a…
What should I skip or avoid with "Backyard barbecue shopping list for 12"?
People often underestimate how much ice and water they’ll need, especially on hot days. Don’t skip counting out enough plates and cups—extras help if someone wants seconds or brings a guest. Avoid buying too few buns; having a couple extra is better than running out. Double-check if you have enough serving utensils and coolers for drinks and ice, though tho…
What is on the "Backyard barbecue shopping list for 12" list?
This list includes main proteins (bone-in chicken thighs, pork and plant-based sausages), sides (coleslaw, baked beans, pickle spears), condiments (barbecue sauce), drinks (iced tea, lemonade, water), ice, and serving supplies (plates, cups, hot dog buns). Cross off anything you already have at home or can borrow, like extra plates or cups.
What should I do before I go?
Check your grill fuel and tongs before shopping, as those aren’t on this list. Make sure your cooler is clean and ready for ice and drinks. Review the guest count one last time in case you need to scale up. Once you’re home, keep the chicken and sausages refrigerated until grilling time, and chill your drinks early. Serve food promptly to keep it safe and f…
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.