Whaley Cooks

Quick Reference Best for: Backyard BBQs, graduation parties, neighborhood cookouts Make ahead: Yes — buy/ice down 24–48 hours in advance Serves: 50 people with mixed drinks and chilled food Key tip: Plan 1.5–2 pounds of ice per person in hot weather How Much Ice for a BBQ for 50 People […]

Quick Reference Best for: Large backyard cookouts, reunions, company picnics Make ahead: Yes — pre-trim and marinate meats 1–2 days ahead Serves: 100 people on 2–3 standard grills Key tip: Plan 1 full 20-lb tank per grill per 4–5 hours of active cooking How Much Propane for a BBQ for […]

Quick Reference Best for: Backyard parties, graduations, tailgates, and casual weddings Make ahead: Yes — smoke 1 day ahead, reheat sealed in au jus Serves: 50 people (about 25–30 lb cooked brisket total) Key tip: Use charcoal for heat and wood for flavor — you’ll burn less wood and hold […]

Quick Reference Best for: Cookouts where you’re grilling burgers, dogs, and a few sides Make ahead: Yes — pre-measure charcoal and prep chimneys 1–2 days ahead Serves: 50 hungry guests with time for seconds Key tip: Start two chimneys early and keep a third batch ready as a hot reserve […]

Quick Reference Best for: Feeding a large group with reliable timing and great flavor Make ahead: Yes — prep rubs, sauces, and sides 1–2 days ahead Serves: 50 people (plan 1.25 servings per guest) Key tip: Use two heat zones no matter the fuel — it prevents overcooking and keeps […]

Quick Reference Best for: Backyard weddings, company picnics, neighborhood cookouts Make ahead: Yes — hold cooked meats 2–4 hours safely Serves: 100 guests with staggered service Key tip: Preheat the cabinet to 160–170°F before the first tray goes in How to Use a Warming Cabinet for a 100-Person BBQ can […]

Quick Reference Best for: Backyard parties, tailgates, weddings, and church cookouts Make ahead: Yes — rest and hold 4–8 hours safely Serves: 50 hungry guests (one full packer brisket ~14–18 lb, plus sides) Key tip: Preheat your cooler with hot water and pack with clean towels to maintain 145–165°F during […]

Quick Reference Best for: Large weddings, reunions, and backyard receptions Make ahead: Yes — smoke 2–5 days ahead, reheat day-of Serves: 100 guests (mix of brisket, pork, and chicken) Key tip: Stagger batches and hold finished meat hot in sealed pans How to Smoke Meat in Batches for a 100-Person […]

Quick Reference Best for: Backyard parties, graduations, tailgates, and neighborhood cookouts Make ahead: Yes — smoke big meats 1–2 days ahead, reheat day-of Serves: 50 people with balanced proteins and sides Key tip: Assign each smoker a job: hot-and-fast vs. low-and-slow Running one smoker is fun. Running two is how […]

Quick Reference Best for: Weekend parties, tailgates, or casual wedding receptions Make ahead: Yes — smoke brisket 1 day ahead; chill wines 24 hours Serves: 30 people with 12–15 pounds cooked brisket and 12–15 bottles wine Key tip: Balance brisket’s smoke and fat with wines that have bright acidity and […]