4th of July catering: what to order and by when
A 4th of July cookout for 50 from trays is $1,050 with lemonade, about $21 a person, before tax. What to order, and how much notice we need.
By the Upper Crust Catering kitchen
For 4th of July catering, order pulled pork, slider buns, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, watermelon and brownies, and place the order at least three days ahead. A cookout for 50 from those trays is $961 in food, or $1,050 with a lemonade order, before 9.25% sales tax. Everything is cooked in our Yorkville kitchen and picked up there, or delivery is quoted when you order.
What to order, and by when
Standard orders need about three days' notice. On a holiday week that is the minimum, not the target. Order as soon as you have a headcount, and call to confirm your pick-up time around the holiday. Our hours are Monday to Friday 10 to 6 and Saturday 10 to 2, so call (630) 553-9533 early in the week to confirm which day works. Staffed events need 14 days.
A cookout menu for 50
Each tray serves about 20, so three trays cover 50 to 60 guests.
- 3 trays BBQ Pulled Pork, $95 each: $285
- 3 trays Slider Sandwich Buns, 24 count, $12 each: $36
- 3 trays Potato Salad, $49 each: $147
- 2 trays Creamy Cole Slaw, $55 each: $110
- 3 trays BBQ Baked Beans, $49 each: $147
- 2 trays Watermelon Wedge Platter, 40 to 45 pieces, $59 each: $118
- 2 trays Brownies, 35 count, $59 each: $118
Food total: $961, or $19.22 a person. Add 1 Iced Tea, Punch or Lemonade, 50 servings, cups included, for $89, and the total is $1,050, or $21 a person. With 9.25% sales tax it is $1,147.12.
If you are grilling yourself
Skip the mains and order the sides. Potato Salad, Cole Slaw and BBQ Baked Beans for 50 are 3 x $49 + 2 x $55 + 3 x $49 = $404. Add the desserts and watermelon and you are only grilling.
A smaller cookout for 20
One tray of each: Pulled Pork $95, Buns $12, Potato Salad $49, Cole Slaw $55, Baked Beans $49, one Brownies $59 comes to $319, or $15.95 a person. Add a Watermelon Wedge Platter at $59 for $378.
Keep it safe in the heat
July is when potato salad goes wrong. Keep cold trays cold and out of the sun. Put the potato salad and cole slaw in a cooler until you serve. Pulled pork is a hot tray, so use a chafing dish. A set is $17 per hot dish and yours to keep. Order two for $34 if you want to keep both the pork and the beans warm. See how to keep food warm for a party.
More menus for a summer party
For more detail on the pork, see pulled pork sliders for a crowd. For a longer party menu, see party food catering for birthdays, picnics and backyard parties. Or browse the drop-off catering page.
If the weather turns, either party may cancel with 24 hours' notice for severe weather, and your deposit may be applied to a rescheduled date within 365 days.
To price your own cookout, ask for a quote.
Questions
How far ahead should I order for the 4th?
At least three days, and sooner is easier. Call us to confirm pick-up for the holiday week.
How much food for a 4th of July party?
Each tray serves about 20. For 50 guests, order 3 trays of the main and of each of two or three sides.
Do you have burgers or hot dogs?
No. Burgers and hot dogs are not on our menu. We have BBQ Pulled Pork by the tray, BBQ Chicken on our buffets, and Italian Beef Au Jus by the tray.
Drop-off catering and party trays, priced per tray
