how much coleslaw per person with pulled pork

How Much Coleslaw Per Person Should You Serve With Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork and coleslaw is a classic barbecue combination. The sweet, tangy crunch of the coleslaw perfectly balances the rich, tender meat. But figuring out how much coleslaw to make can be tricky, especially when cooking for a crowd. You want to make sure everyone gets enough without ending up with loads of leftovers.

So how much coleslaw should you plan per person when serving pulled pork? Here’s a helpful guide to get you started

The Standard Serving Size

The standard serving size for coleslaw is generally around 1⁄2 cup, or about 3-4 ounces per person. However, if coleslaw is the only vegetable side dish, or if you make an exceptionally delicious coleslaw recipe, you may want to increase the serving size to around 1 cup or 6-8 ounces per person.

For reference, 1⁄2 cup of coleslaw is about the size of a generous handful or ice cream scoop It may not seem like a lot when you’re portioning it out into bowls, but keep in mind that coleslaw is very filling thanks to the high fiber content of the cabbage. A little goes a long way!

Factors That Affect Serving Size

When determining how much coleslaw to serve, keep in mind that several factors can cause you to adjust the serving size up or down:

• Type of event – Backyard barbecue vs. fancy catered affair

• Demographic of guests – All adults vs. a lot of kids

• Other sides being served – Coleslaw only veggie vs. multiple salad options

• Personal preferences of guests – Big coleslaw fans vs. non-coleslaw eaters

• Quality and taste of coleslaw – Mediocre vs. 5-star restaurant-worthy

For example, if you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue for some friends, and your coleslaw recipe is just okay, you can probably get away with the minimum 1⁄2 cup serving size. But if you’re catering an upscale event with a top-notch coleslaw recipe, you may want to serve closer to 1 cup per person.

Calculating For a Crowd

When cooking for larger gatherings, you’ll need to scale up the serving size accordingly. Here are some guidelines for parties of different sizes:

• 10 people – Around 5-6 cups of coleslaw total
• 25 people – Around 12-15 cups of coleslaw total
• 50 people – Around 25-30 cups of coleslaw total
• 100 people – Around 50-60 cups of coleslaw total

As you can see, the general rule of thumb is to multiply the number of guests by 1⁄2 cup to determine the total amount of coleslaw needed. Adjust this base number up or down as needed depending on the various factors mentioned above.

It’s always better to make too much coleslaw rather than not enough. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 4-5 days. Just be sure to only leave coleslaw sitting out at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Making Coleslaw for a Crowd

When tackling coleslaw for a big group, keep these tips in mind:

• Make the dressing first and let it chill in the fridge. This allows time for the flavors to meld.

• Shred the cabbage and carrots right before mixing it into the dressing for maximum crunch.

• Use a very sharp knife or a food processor with a shredding blade for quick, even chopping.

• Chill the finished coleslaw in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Overnight is even better.

• Store any leftovers promptly in airtight containers in the fridge.

• Add any extra toppings like peanuts or cranberries just before serving, not when you initially mix it.

Basic Coleslaw Recipe for a Crowd

This simple creamy coleslaw recipe makes enough for around 50 people. The classic combination of mayo, vinegar, and sugar makes for a tangy, sweet dressing that perfectly complements smoky pulled pork. Adjust the ingredient quantities up or down based on your headcount.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 lbs green cabbage, shredded
• 4 cups shredded carrots
• 2 cups chopped green onions
• 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate dressing for 30 mins to let flavors combine.

2. Meanwhile, shred cabbage and carrots either by hand or in a food processor. Chop green onions.

3. Just before serving, add shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions to the dressing and mix well. Adjust seasoning if desired.

4. Refrigerate coleslaw until ready to serve. Top with any additional toppings as desired.

5. Serve chilled alongside hot pulled pork sandwiches. Enjoy!

The Perfect Pairing

The next time you’re planning a backyard barbecue or large gathering with pulled pork as the main dish, don’t forget the coleslaw! Taking the time to make homemade coleslaw from scratch will be well worth the effort. The sweet crunchy coleslaw provides the perfect balance to the savory smoky pork.

With this handy guide on serving sizes and quantities, you can ensure there’s enough coleslaw to go around without going overboard. The general rule of thumb is 1⁄2 cup per person. Scale the quantity up or down based on your crowd size, demographics, and menu.

Follow the tips above for preparing coleslaw for a crowd, and feel free to experiment with fun add-ins and dressing flavors. Just don’t skip this classic side – the barbecue just wouldn’t be complete without it! Dig in to tender pulled pork piled high on buns and topped with mounds of chilled, crunchy coleslaw.