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

Coleslaw is a classic accompaniment to pulled pork sandwiches and barbecue. The cool crunch of the cabbage provides balance to the tender, saucy pork. But how much coleslaw should you allot per guest when serving a crowd? Here’s a guide to getting the right coleslaw portion sizes with pulled pork

Typical Coleslaw Serving Size

The standard serving of coleslaw as a side dish is generally around 1⁄2 cup, or about 3-4 ounces. However, when served alongside hearty main dishes like pulled pork, smaller portion sizes are more appropriate.

Coleslaw acts as a flavorful accent rather than a major component of the meal. Too much can overwhelm the other foods.

Recommended Portion Size with Pulled Pork

A generous 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 cup of coleslaw per person is ideal when accompanying pulled pork sandwiches or plates. This comes out to:

• 1.5 to 2 ounces
• 40 to 60 grams

This smaller portion provides enough coleslaw to add crunch and flavor contrast without overpowering the pork. Those who want more can take extra.

Since pulled pork is often served in slider-style sandwiches, the coleslaw truly acts as a condiment or garnish in this case. A teaspoon or two of coleslaw on a mini bun is sufficient.

Serving Styles for Pulled Pork and Coleslaw

There are a few different ways to present pulled pork and coleslaw to your guests:

On sandwiches or sliders – Pile pork onto buns and add a dollop of coleslaw on top.

Open-faced – Serve pulled pork heaped on plates with coleslaw spooned over the top. Provide rolls on the side.

On the side – Offer small cups or side dishes of coleslaw alongside plated pork and buns

Build your own – Set up a serve-yourself station with pork, coleslaw, and buns so guests can customize.

Allowing people to portion out their own coleslaw gives them control over the amount. Just be sure to provide appropriate serving utensils for hygiene.

Factors That Affect Portion Sizes

The ideal coleslaw portion size can vary a bit depending on certain factors:

• Other sides – If there are fewer sides, larger coleslaw portions may be warranted. With lots of sides, scale back.

• Leftovers – More coleslaw may be served if you need to use up leftovers.

• Preferences – Adjust amounts if you know your diners love or hate coleslaw.

• Meal size – At a large event with pulled pork as a main dish, serve more coleslaw than at an appetizer buffet.

• Budget – Cabbage is inexpensive so feel free to serve extra if desired.

Even at a generous 1⁄3 cup per person, one 16-ounce tub or bag of coleslaw mix will feed about 15 to 20 people when paired with pulled pork.

Tips for Making Coleslaw for a Crowd

When serving coleslaw to a large group, here are some tips:

• Make it ahead – Prepare coleslaw the day before and chill overnight so there’s less work the day-of.

• Toss with salt – Lightly salt the cabbage before dressing it to draw out moisture and prevent sogginess. Rinse and pat dry before dressing.

• Buy preshredded – Save time and effort by purchasing bags of shredded cabbage and carrots.

• Mix small batches – Divide dressing between several smaller bowls of slaw rather than one huge batch. This prevents the cabbage from getting watery and limp.

• Chill serving bowls – Store dressed coleslaw in serving bowls in the fridge to maximize chill time before guests arrive.

• Drain before serving – If any liquid accumulates in the coleslaw, drain it before transferring to serving bowls.

• Provide tongs – Use tongs, spoons, or small ladles for sanitary self-service.

With crowd-sized portions and some advance preparation, you can feel confident your coleslaw will be the perfect crunchy accompaniment to pulled pork for all your guests.

Buying Shredded Cabbage for Coleslaw

When making coleslaw for a lot of people, it’s easier to skip the cabbage shredding and buy preshredded:

• Cabbage mix – Sold in 16 ounce or 24 ounce bags, contains shredded green and/or red cabbage and shredded carrots.

• Green cabbage – Select heads that feel heavy for their size with crisp leaves.

• Red cabbage – Has bolder flavor and color than green. Goes well with pork.

• Napa cabbage – Delicate and slightly sweeter flavor. Shreds easily.

Allow 1/2 small head or 1 bag per 6-8 servings. Cabbage is inexpensive so round up when uncertain.

Coleslaw Flavor Pairings for Pulled Pork

While classic creamy coleslaw is always a winner, consider these flavor combos that complement pulled pork exceptionally well:

• Carolina style – Tangy cider vinegar and mustard dressing.

• Memphis style – Smoky dry rub spices in the dressing.

• Apple – Shredded apple and celery seeds add sweetness.

• BBQ – Add BBQ sauce or dry seasoning to the dressing.

• Jalapeño – Spicy kick pairs great with rich pork.

• Cilantro lime – Bright zesty lime cuts through the fat.

The acidic tang of coleslaw cuts through the rich fattiness of pulled pork – a match made in heaven!

Tasty Pulled Pork Recipes

Here are some fantastic pulled pork recipes to pair with creamy, crunchy coleslaw:

• Easy Oven Pulled Pork
• Pulled Pork Nachos
• Pulled Pork Shepherd’s Pie
• BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
• Pulled Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches
• Pulled Pork Stew
• Pulled Pork Casserole
• Pulled Pork Enchiladas

Serve up heaping helpings of tender pulled pork with the perfect amount of refreshing coleslaw for a surefire crowd-pleasing meal.

How Much Coleslaw for X Number of People

To see specific quantities tailored to your guest count, use the calculator below:

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You can customize the portion size, or use the preset 3.5 ounce serving amount. The calculator will tell you how many pounds, ounces, grams, and bags of shredded cabbage you’ll need based on the number of guests entered.

Handy when planning potlucks, cookouts, and big events where you need to scale up a coleslaw recipe.

Coleslaw Goes Great with Other Barbecue

While it’s especially suited for pulled pork, coleslaw also pairs deliciously with:

• Pulled chicken sandwiches
• Chopped brisket sandwiches
• BBQ beef ribs
• Smoked turkey breast
• Bacon cheeseburgers
• Hot dogs

Next time you fire up the smoker or oven for barbecue, don’t forget the coleslaw. The contrast of cool and crunchy brightens and balances the rich smoked and sauced meats. Adjust portion sizes to let the slaw complement rather than compete.

The Perfect Amount of Coleslaw with BBQ

When serving pulled pork or other barbecue to a crowd, plan on 1/4 to 1/3 cup of coleslaw per person. Cabbage is affordable, so round up if you’d rather have too much than run short. With the right recipes and portion sizes, you’ll have the ideal creamy, tangy crunch alongside your tender smoky meat.