What to Buy for an Argentine Barbecue for 40 Guests

This shopping list is sized for an Argentine barbecue serving 40 guests, with food preparation, buffet service and outdoor setup in mind. Confirm the final guest count before ordering meat and cheese, then separate portions for dietary requirements. Plan chilled storage for the meat, drinks and salads, and check that the grill, gas or charcoal, serving ware and tables are ready before shopping day. The equipment list also covers the details that are easy to leave until the last minute, such as meat thermometers, hot trays and coffee cups.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 44
Buffet tablesqty 2
High tablesqty 4

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Bowlsqty 50
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Water glassesqty 50
Wine glassesqty 44
Coffee cupsqty 40

Equipment

Charcoal grillsqty 2
Plancha
Coolersqty 4
Meat thermometersqty 2
Coffee maker

Kitchen

Barbecue tongsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 3
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 8
Hot traysqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Argentine flagsqty 6
Menusqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Outdoor lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Beef ribs - 8 kilograms
- Entrecote - 5 kilogram
- Chicken thigh fillet - 4 kilograms
- Chorizo sausage - 4 kilograms
- Morcilla - 2 kilogram
- Provoleta - 2 kilogram
- Empanadas - 50 pieces
- Coarse sea salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 100 grams
- Smoked paprika powder - 100 grams
- Dried oregano - 50 grams
- Cumin - 50 grams
- Fresh parsley - 6 bunches
- Fresh coriander - 3 bunches
- Garlic - 8 bulbs
- Red chili peppers - 8 pieces
- Red wine vinegar - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 3 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 3 kilogram
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Corn cobs - 40 pieces
- Potatoes - 6 kilograms
- Iceberg lettuce - 5 heads
- Avocados - 12 pieces
- Red beans - 6 cans
- Canned corn - 6 cans
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salsa criolla - 2 jars
- Sandwiches - 50 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Alfajores - 50 pieces
- Dulce de leche - 2 jars
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Argentine beer - 72 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Charcoal - 20 kilograms
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Freezer bags - 1 box
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Cleaning sponges - 1 pack
- Rubber gloves - 3 pairs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Order or buy the meat and cheese only after recording the final guest count, ideally 2–3 days before the barbecue so dietary requirements and chilled delivery can be checked.
Allow roughly 400–500 g of raw meat per adult when the barbecue is the main meal, then add salads, bread, sauces and side dishes separately rather than reducing the meat allowance.
Prepare chimichurri and other sauces at least 4 hours ahead, and keep salads and cut ingredients chilled until serving instead of leaving them on the buffet from the start.
For 40 guests, check that you have at least 40 dinner plates, forks, knives and water glasses, plus extra tableware for breakages and second servings; count wine glasses and coffee cups separately.
Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive and reserve enough cooler space for the meat. Set out aluminum or hot trays only when food is ready, so cooked portions stay warm without crowding the grill.

Frequently asked questions

How much meat do I need for an Argentine barbecue for 40 people?: Plan about 16–20 kg of raw meat for 40 adults when the barbecue is the main meal, depending on the number of sides and the mix of cuts. Add a separate allowance for children and confirm dietary requirements before placing the order.
How many plates and glasses do I need for 40 barbecue guests?: Start with 40 dinner plates, 40 dessert plates, 40 forks, 40 knives and 40 water glasses. Add 5–10 spare pieces of each frequently used item, and count wine glasses and coffee cups according to who will use them.
When should I buy meat for an Argentine barbecue?: Arrange the meat 2–3 days before the event, but keep it properly chilled until cooking. Receive or collect it close enough to the barbecue that it stays cold, then label portions before preparation.
How much chimichurri should I make for 40 people?: Prepare about 1.5–2 litres of chimichurri for 40 guests if it will be available throughout the meal. Make it at least 4 hours ahead so the flavours develop, and keep it chilled until serving.

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