How Much Meat Do You Need for Your Next Spit Roast?

One of the most common questions we hear from both newcomers and seasoned spit roasters is, "How much meat do I need to feed everyone?" Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large event, getting the right amount of meat is essential for making your next party or function a resounding success.
In this guide, we’ll help you answer that question with precision, so you can impress your guests with a perfectly portioned feast.

Calculating Meat for Gyros and Lean Cuts

When it comes to lean meats or Greek-style gyros, you should plan on about 300 grams of uncooked meat per person. This allows for generous servings, ensuring that everyone gets enough to enjoy without running short.

Whole Animals: Understanding the Yield
If you’re planning to cook a whole animal, such as a lamb or pig, it's important to understand that a significant portion of the animal's weight is inedible. Bones, cartilage, and other non-consumable parts can account for 50% to 70% of the total weight. This means that not all of the animal's weight will translate into edible portions.

As a general rule:

A 17 kg lamb will typically cater to about 25 people.
A 25 kg pig can comfortably feed around 37 people.

However, these numbers can vary based on the amount of other side dishes or additional meats you plan to serve. If your menu includes a variety of options, you might find that guests eat less of the main protein, allowing you to stretch the servings a bit further.

Sourcing and Sizing Your Animal

Since you’ll often be limited by the size of the animal available from your local butcher, the first step is to contact them and find out what they can source for you. Once you have an approximate weight, multiply it by 1.5 to estimate how many people you can comfortably feed. For example, if your butcher can provide a 20 kg pig, you’re looking at feeding roughly 30 people, taking into account the inedible portions.

Additional Considerations

Side Dishes and Other Meats: The more side dishes or additional meats you offer, the less of the main protein your guests will consume. Keep this in mind when calculating the amount of meat you need.
Appetite of Your Guests: Consider the appetite of your guests. If you’re feeding a group of big eaters, you may want to increase your portion sizes slightly.
Event Type: For casual gatherings where people may graze over time, you might need more meat compared to a sit-down meal where portions are more controlled.

Recap: Planning for Success

To ensure you have enough meat for your event, start by talking to your butcher to find out what size animal they can provide. Use the guidelines above to calculate how many people that size will feed, and adjust based on your specific needs. By planning ahead, you’ll be well-prepared to host a memorable event with plenty of delicious food to go around.
For more expert tips, recipes, and advice on spit roasting, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Thank you for reading, and we hope this guide helps you plan a successful and satisfying spit roast!

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