Corn on the Cob for a Large Group: Exactly How Much to Buy
Corn on the cob is a quintessential side dish for summer barbecues, and ensuring you have enough for everyone can be a challenge. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the quantities you need, share tips for cooking corn for a large group, and provide creative serving ideas. Let’s make your summer barbecue a memorable one!
Corn on the Cob Quantity Guide:
When planning for a large group, it’s essential to estimate the right amount of corn on the cob. Assuming each adult will consume at least one full cob, consider planning for one and a half cobs per adult to accommodate seconds. Here’s a handy table to guide your corn quantity calculations:
Number of Guests | Minimum Cobs Needed | Extra Cobs | Total Cobs Needed
- 10 | 10 | 5 | 15
- 15 | 15 | 7.5 | 23
- 20 | 20 | 10 | 30
- 25 | 25 | 12.5 | 38
- 30 | 30 | 15 | 45
- 35 | 35 | 17.5 | 53
- 40 | 40 | 20 | 60
For children, plan for half a cob per child, with an extra 1/4 cob per child for seconds.
Number of Guests | Minimum Cobs Needed | Extra Cobs | Total Cobs Needed
- 10 adults, 5 children | 12.5 | 6.25 | 19
- 15 adults, 10 children | 20 | 10 | 30
- 20 adults, 15 children | 27.5 | 13.75 | 41
- 25 adults, 20 children | 35 | 17.5 | 53
- 30 adults, 25 children | 42.5 | 21.25 | 64
- 35 adults, 30 children | 50 | 25 | 75
Remember, rounding to the nearest whole number is perfectly fine.
How to Cook Corn on the Cob for a Crowd:
Cooking corn for a large group can be a logistical challenge, but fear not! If your pot isn’t big enough, consider using a cooler. Follow these steps:
- Shuck all the corn and place it in a clean cooler.
- Pour enough boiling water to cover the corn, close the cooler for 30 minutes.
- Drain the water, avoiding sensitive areas, and keep the corn in the closed cooler until ready to serve.
This hack ensures perfectly cooked corn without the need for an enormous pot.
Making Corn on the Cob Go Further:
If purchasing a large quantity of corn isn’t feasible, there are ways to stretch your supply. Since corn is a side dish, cutting cobs in half is a clever strategy. This not only gives the illusion of more but also encourages guests to enjoy smaller portions.
How to Serve Corn on the Cob to a Group:
For efficient serving, pre-butter and salt the corn before the event. After cooking, roll each piece in a butter-salt mixture, wrap it in foil, and keep it warm in the cooler until serving time. Alternatively, consider cutting cobs in half and skewering them for easier handling, especially for kids.
Conclusion:
With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to plan and execute the perfect corn on the cob experience for your summer barbecue. Whether you’re serving a small family gathering or a large crowd, these tips ensure everyone leaves satisfied and looking forward to seconds.
