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Quick Answer
The best BBQ party combines Texas smoked meats with warm tortillas. Serve brisket, pulled pork, or smoked chicken with flour tortillas for DIY tacos. Plan 3-4 tortillas per guest, keep them warm in foil on the cooler part of the grill, and offer BBQ sauce, salsa verde, and pickled onions as toppings.
In Texas, BBQ and tortillas are a match made in heaven. There's nothing quite like wrapping tender smoked brisket in a warm flour tortilla with some pickled onions and a splash of salsa. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout, 4th of July celebration, or Labor Day party, here's how to do it right.
BBQ + Tortilla Pairings
Brisket Tacos
The king of Texas BBQ tacos. Chop the brisket (don't shred!) to preserve the bark texture.
- Tortilla: 6" flour or 8" flour
- Top with: Pickled red onions, cilantro, salsa verde
- Sauce: BBQ sauce on the side or none at all
Pulled Pork Tacos
Shredded smoked pork shoulder is juicy and flavorful in tortillas.
- Tortilla: Flour or corn, your choice
- Top with: Coleslaw, pickled jalapeños
- Sauce: Vinegar-based Carolina or sweet KC style
Smoked Chicken Tacos
Lighter option that's still packed with smoky flavor.
- Tortilla: Corn tortillas
- Top with: Avocado, pico de gallo, queso fresco
- Sauce: Creamy jalapeño or salsa verde
Sausage Tacos
Smoked sausage links sliced and wrapped in tortillas.
- Tortilla: Flour tortillas
- Top with: Grilled peppers and onions, cheese
- Sauce: Mustard-based or spicy BBQ
BBQ Party Quantities
| Item | 10 guests | 20 guests | 30 guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisket | 5-6 lbs | 10-12 lbs | 15-18 lbs |
| Tortillas | 30-40 | 60-80 | 90-120 |
| Sausage links | 10 links | 20 links | 30 links |
| Pulled pork | 4 lbs | 8 lbs | 12 lbs |
| Sides (each) | 2 quarts | 1 gallon | 1.5 gallons |
Pro tip: Brisket loses about 40% of its weight during cooking. A 15 lb raw brisket yields about 9 lbs cooked meat.
Setting Up Your BBQ Taco Bar
Warm Tortillas on the Grill
Stack tortillas in foil and place on the cool side of the grill. They'll stay warm and pick up subtle smoky flavor. Keep the foil packet closed until serving.
Meat Station
Rest brisket for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Chop (don't shred) for tacos. Keep pulled pork in a foil pan with a bit of its juices to stay moist.
Topping Spread
Set up: pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, diced white onion, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, lime wedges. Keep cold items on ice.
Sauce Selection
Offer multiple options: your house BBQ sauce, salsa verde (pairs amazing with brisket), salsa roja, ranch or white sauce, and hot sauce for heat lovers.
BBQ Parties by Occasion
4th of July Cookout
- • Red, white, and blue decorations
- • Start smoking morning of (brisket takes 12+ hrs)
- • Classic sides: coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad
- • Watermelon and berry desserts
- • Cold beer and lemonade station
- • Plan around fireworks timing
Labor Day Bash
- • Last hurrah of summer!
- • Go all out with multiple meats
- • Pool party + BBQ combo
- • Football-themed if season starts
- • Batch cocktails (margaritas, ranch water)
- • Lawn games: cornhole, horseshoes
Summer Backyard BBQ
- • Casual, relaxed vibe
- • Mix of smoked and grilled items
- • Fresh corn on the cob (make elote!)
- • Kids' activities: sprinklers, slip-n-slide
- • Citronella candles for bugs
- • String lights for evening ambiance
Memorial Day Kickoff
- • Opening of BBQ season
- • Honor veterans with thoughtful touches
- • Weather backup plan essential
- • Mix of crowd-pleasers
- • Patriotic color scheme
- • Family-friendly focus
Classic BBQ Sides
Texas Classics
- • Pinto beans
- • Coleslaw (creamy or vinegar)
- • Potato salad
- • White bread slices
- • Pickles, onions, jalapeños
Tex-Mex Additions
- • Mexican rice
- • Refried beans
- • Elote (Mexican street corn)
- • Loaded nachos
- • Fresh guacamole
Fresh & Light
- • Watermelon slices
- • Corn on the cob
- • Garden salad
- • Cucumber salad
- • Fresh fruit
BBQ Party Pro Tips
Start Early
Brisket takes 1-1.5 hours per pound at 225°F. A 12 lb brisket needs 12-18 hours. Start the night before or very early morning.
Rest Your Meat
Let brisket rest 30-60 minutes wrapped in butcher paper and a cooler. The meat will stay hot for hours and get more tender.
Double Tortillas
BBQ juices can soak through one tortilla. Stack two together street-taco style, or use extra-sturdy flour tortillas.
Make Pickled Onions
Slice red onion, cover with lime juice, pinch of salt. Let sit 30 min. These bright, tangy onions are perfect on brisket tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought BBQ for a taco bar?
Absolutely! Pick up brisket and sausage from your favorite BBQ joint. It's about the party, not proving your pitmaster skills. Just keep it warm and have plenty of tortillas ready.
Should I chop or slice brisket for tacos?
Chop it! Chopping keeps pieces of the flavorful bark distributed throughout and makes it easier to eat in a taco. Save the pretty slices for plating on the side.
What drinks pair with BBQ tacos?
Cold beer (Mexican lagers work great), margaritas, ranch water (tequila + Topo Chico + lime), sweet tea, and lemonade. Keep everything ice cold!
Fire Up the Grill
Get authentic Texas tortillas for your next BBQ.