Are you planning a barbecue or hosting a party with pulled pork as the main dish?
Don’t forget about the coleslaw! Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pulled pork, but how much should you make per person?
It can be tricky to figure out, especially if you’re not used to cooking for a crowd. In this article, we’ll break down the serving sizes and provide some helpful tips for making the perfect amount of coleslaw to go with your pulled pork.
So grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!
How Much Coleslaw Per Person With Pulled Pork?
The standard serving size for coleslaw is 3.5 ounces per person. However, if coleslaw is the only vegetable side dish and it’s really good coleslaw, you might want to increase the serving size to 4 ounces per person. This is especially true if you’ll be serving it alongside pulled pork.
To break it down further, for two people, you should serve 16 tablespoons of coleslaw, which equates to one cup of coleslaw for two people or 1/2 cup of coleslaw per person. If you’re not a big eater or have children, you could use less. For children, two tablespoons of coleslaw will be enough, and for women, four tablespoons of coleslaw will suffice.
One of the benefits of using coleslaw in catering is that it is relatively cheap but quite filling. Coleslaw will make your catering budget stretch further, similar to rice and mashed potatoes. The advantage of coleslaw over mashed potatoes is that you can serve it cold, making it great for a picnic or tailgate party.
The Importance Of Coleslaw With Pulled Pork
Coleslaw is the perfect complement to pulled pork, as it provides a refreshing crunch and a balance of flavors to the rich and savory meat. The combination of tender meat and soft bread with the crispness of coleslaw creates a delicious and satisfying sandwich. Coleslaw also adds a pop of color to the dish, making it more visually appealing.
While there are pre-made coleslaw mixes available in stores, making your own coleslaw is easy and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Traditional coleslaw is made with green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots, but you can add other vegetables or fruits to create a unique twist. The dressing can also be adjusted to suit different tastes, with vinegar-based dressings being a popular choice as they are compatible with almost all diets.
Creamy coleslaw can also be an option for those who prefer a richer taste. Adding mayonnaise to the mix will provide a creamy texture and enhance the flavor of the coleslaw.
Seasoning coleslaw is simple, with options ranging from basic salt and pepper to more complex combinations like celery seeds. The seasoning can be adjusted according to personal preferences.
How To Calculate The Amount Of Coleslaw Needed
Calculating the amount of coleslaw needed for a party can be a bit tricky, but with a few simple calculations, you can ensure that you have enough coleslaw to feed all your guests. The general rule of thumb is to multiply the number of guests by half to determine the number of cups of coleslaw needed. For example, if you’re expecting 50 guests, you’ll need 25 cups of coleslaw.
However, there are a few other factors to consider when calculating the amount of coleslaw needed. If your guest list includes mostly adults who are big eaters, you may want to scale up the amount of coleslaw by 20 percent. Conversely, if you have children attending the party, you can scale down the amount of coleslaw by 20 percent since kids typically don’t eat as much.
Assuming each serving size is 1/2 cup, approximately 1 1/2 gallons plus one cup of coleslaw, or 25 cups, is needed to serve 50 people. To make this amount, you’ll need between 10 and 12 pounds of raw cabbage. However, keep in mind that there are many ways to make coleslaw, and the ingredients and ratios can vary depending on the recipe.
If you’re making coleslaw from scratch, a basic recipe that makes enough coleslaw for 50 servings requires 10 to 12 pounds of shredded cabbage, 4 cups of shredded carrots, 2 cups chopped green peppers, 2 cups chopped green onions, 4 cups of salad dressing, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon salt. For creamy coleslaw, you’ll need in addition to the cabbage, 12 chopped green peppers, 3 cups of white vinegar, 3 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper and 3 cups of mayonnaise.
Remember to keep your coleslaw ingredients cold until used and mix them in a cold bowl. With these guidelines in mind, you can calculate the amount of coleslaw needed for your party and ensure that everyone is well-fed and happy.
Factors To Consider When Making Coleslaw For A Crowd
When making coleslaw for a crowd, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you have enough for everyone and that it is enjoyed by all. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
1. Number of Guests: The first thing to consider is the number of guests you’ll be serving. Use the calculator mentioned above to determine how much coleslaw you’ll need per person, keeping in mind the makeup of your guest list. Scale up by 20 percent if it’s all adults who are big eaters and scale down by 20 percent if you have kids coming.
2. Serving Size: The standard serving size for coleslaw is 3.5 ounces per person, but you may want to increase it to 4 ounces per person if coleslaw is the only vegetable side dish or if it’s really good coleslaw. Keep in mind that coleslaw is filling, so you don’t want to overdo it.
3. Vegetarian/Vegan Guests: If you have vegetarian or vegan guests, make sure to use a vegan mayonnaise or substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
4. Allergies: If any of your guests have allergies, make sure to avoid using ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction. For example, if someone is allergic to nuts, avoid using almonds in your coleslaw.
5. Temperature: Coleslaw should be kept cold until ready to serve. If you’re serving coleslaw outdoors, make sure to keep it in a cooler with ice packs to prevent it from spoiling.
6. Finely Chopped Vegetables: To ensure that the coleslaw has a nice texture and is easy to eat, make sure to chop the vegetables very fine. You can use a food processor with a shredding attachment and then finely chop with a sharp knife.
7. Chill Overnight: For optimal flavor, let the coleslaw chill overnight in the fridge. This will give you the absolute best results.
By considering these factors when making coleslaw for a crowd, you can ensure that everyone is happy and satisfied with their meal.
Tips For Preparing And Serving Coleslaw With Pulled Pork
When serving coleslaw with pulled pork, it’s important to choose the right recipe. The key to a good coleslaw for pulled pork sandwiches is in the dressing. A mayonnaise and vinegar-based dressing with a touch of honey and Dijon mustard is a great choice. The dressing should be creamy and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
To prepare the coleslaw, start by shredding green and purple cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Toss the vegetables in the dressing until well coated, then refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This will give the flavors a chance to mingle and marry together.
When it comes to serving size, plan on 1/2 cup of coleslaw per person. However, if coleslaw is the only vegetable side dish or if it’s really good coleslaw, you might want to increase the serving size to 3.5 or 4 ounces per person.
To serve the pulled pork and coleslaw together, place a generous helping of pulled pork on a bun and top it with a scoop of coleslaw. The creamy crunch of the coleslaw pairs perfectly with the tender, smoky pulled pork.
If you’re catering for a large group, consider making a few different types of coleslaw to offer variety. A spicy Chipotle Coleslaw or an Asian-inspired Korean Kimchi Slaw can add some excitement to your menu.
Remember to refrigerate any leftover coleslaw promptly and discard any that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. With these tips in mind, your coleslaw and pulled pork sandwiches are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Delicious Coleslaw Recipes To Try With Your Pulled Pork
Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with many entrees, including pulled pork. Here are some delicious coleslaw recipes to try with your pulled pork:
1. Creamy Coleslaw: This classic coleslaw recipe is made with a creamy mayonnaise dressing and mixed with shredded carrots, white and red cabbage, and green onions. The dressing is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making it the perfect complement to pulled pork.
2. Vinegar Coleslaw: If you prefer a tangier coleslaw, try this vinegar-based recipe. It’s made with cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar for a slightly sweet and tart flavor. The dressing is light and refreshing, making it the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue.
3. Spicy Coleslaw: For those who like a little heat, this spicy coleslaw recipe is sure to please. It’s made with jalapeno peppers, red onion, and a spicy dressing that’s sure to wake up your taste buds. This coleslaw pairs well with smoky pulled pork for a flavor explosion.
4. Asian Coleslaw: If you’re looking for something a little different, try this Asian-inspired coleslaw recipe. It’s made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger for a unique flavor profile. The shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed in the dressing and topped with chopped peanuts for added crunch.
No matter which coleslaw recipe you choose, make sure to serve it chilled alongside your pulled pork for the ultimate barbecue experience.