Quick Answer: How do you plan a backyard BBQ party for 8 to 10 people?
To host a successful BBQ this weekend, plan your cook backward from serving time, start long cooks like brisket or pork shoulder early, add ribs mid-morning, rest meats properly, and prep sides the day before so you can focus on fire and guests.
Start brisket or pork shoulder around 4AM for a 4PM party. Add ribs at 9 to 10AM and chicken at 1PM. Prep sides the night before, stock coolers early, set up seating by midday, rest the meat for 1 to 2 hours, and serve when guests arrive. Build a simple menu so you can enjoy the party instead of rushing the cook.
Introduction
If you love firing up your smoker and feeding a crowd, there is nothing better than hosting your own backyard BBQ. The smell of hardwood smoke drifting down the street, the laughter of friends and family, and the satisfaction of seeing people come back for seconds is the heart of real Texas backyard cooking.
Planning a BBQ for 8 to 10 people does not have to be stressful. With a clear timeline, a simple menu, and a little prep the night before, you can host a smooth and memorable cookout.
This guide walks you through everything, including timelines for brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, apps, sides, drinks, and prep.
Quick Answer: BBQ Party Timeline for a 4PM Start
- Brisket or pork shoulder: on at 4AM, rest at 2PM, serve at 4PM
- Ribs: start at 9 to 10AM, rest by 3PM
- Chicken: start at 1PM, finish by 3:30PM
This is the simplest, lowest stress timeline for a Saturday cook.
Step 1: Build Your BBQ Party Menu
Main Smoked Meat Options
Choose one or two based on time and comfort level.
Smoked Brisket
Cook Time: 10 to 12 hours plus rest
The Texas centerpiece.
Pulled Pork
Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours plus rest
Forgiving and crowd pleasing.
Smoked Half Chickens
Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
Easy and perfect for staggered service.
Texas Style Pork Ribs
Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
A reliable favorite for groups.
Pro Tip: Always build your day around the longest cook, usually brisket or pork butt.
Appetizers
- Smoked Cream Cheese with Crackers
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
- Deviled Eggs
Cocktails & Beverages
Side Dishes
- Creamy Potato Salad
- Pinto Beans with Brisket Ends
- Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Casserole
- Grilled Veggies
- Cornbread or Texas Toast
Finish Sweet
Step 2: Grocery Planning & Shopping
Pantry & Equipment Checklist
Gear Check
- Tongs, knives, trays, cutting boards
- Meat and ambient thermometers
- Cooler space & drink storage
Shopping Timeline
- Thursday evening or Friday morning: Build your full list.
- Friday morning/afternoon: Buy meat and perishables.
- Friday evening: Trim, season, and dry brine your meats.
Step 3: Prep the Backyard and Clean Up
Outdoor Prep
- Mow and sweep
- Wipe down chairs and tables
- Set up tents, umbrellas, or lights
- Create a food and drink station
Indoor Prep
- Clean guest bathroom
- Wipe down high traffic areas
- Set out trash and recycling bins
Step 4: Day-Of BBQ Timeline (For a 4PM Party)
This assumes brisket or pork shoulder is your main meat.
Night Before (Friday)
- Trim and season meat For more information: The Ultimate Brisket Guide: From Trimming to Resting
- Prep desserts, sides, dips
- Stage tools near smoker
Early Morning (Saturday) BBQ Timeline Snapshot
3:30AM
Light smoker for brisket or pork shoulder.
4:00AM
Meat goes on. Target pit temp: 225 to 250 degrees.
10:00AM
Prep sides and appetizers.
11:00AM
Check meat temperature. Spritz if needed.
12:00PM
Set up tables, chairs, and serving area.
1:00PM
Wrap brisket or pork shoulder if desired.
2:00PM
Remove brisket or pork when probe tender at 195 to 203 degrees.
Rest in a cooler wrapped in towels. For more information: The Ultimate Brisket Guide: From Trimming to Resting
2:00PM
Reheat sides, prep cocktails, set up trays.
3:00PM
Set out appetizers. Music on. Drinks served.
4:00PM
Guests arrive. Your meats have rested and are ready to slice and pull.
If Cooking Additional Meats
Ribs
Start at 9 to 10AM, rest by 3PM.
Chicken
Start at 1PM, ready by 3:30PM.
Step 5: Enjoy the Moment
You planned. You prepped. You smoked.
Now it is time to enjoy your guests, grab a drink, and soak in the energy of a backyard BBQ.
The best stories are told over a full plate and an empty glass.
BBQ Party Planning FAQs
How early should I start brisket for a 4PM party?
Start around 4AM. Cook time is 10 to 12 hours plus 1 to 2 hours of rest.
Can I rest brisket or pork longer than two hours?
Yes. Rest wrapped in a cooler for up to four hours.
What if my brisket is not done on time?
Raise pit temp to 275 degrees to push through the stall, then rest at least one hour.
I do not want a 4AM start. What should I cook?
Choose ribs or chicken. They fit a later cook schedule.
How much food do I need for 8 to 10 people?
Plan about one half pound cooked meat per adult plus sides and dessert.
Helpful Gear for Your Cook
- Meat thermometer
- Large cooler for resting brisket
- Foil and butcher paper
- Cutting boards and carving knife
- Serving trays and warming pans
- Chimney starter
- Heat resistant gloves
- Outdoor string lights
Keep Learning
- Explore our Smoked Brisket Recipe for full instructions.
- Try our Pulled Pork Recipe with resting and serving tips.
- See more BBQ Appetizer Recipes to start your party off right.
- BBQ Math Guide
We want to hear from you
Did you follow this plan for your own BBQ party? We would love to hear how it played out. Share your wins, your lessons, and any improvements we should add to the guide. And if we left something out, let us know. Backyard BBQ is all about community, and your ideas help make everyone’s next cook even better.
