Sausage sizzles can be tricky things to cater. Especially when you’re working on an unknown number of expected attendees at your event. But fear not! We’re here to help and have put together a guide based on recommendations from the sausage sizzle masters, Bunnings, as well as our fabulous readers and their experiences.
Keep in mind that the more you can get donated, or the better the deal you can negotiate, the more money goes into your bank account at the end of the day. So, let’s crack on with the numbers. Oh, and if you’re wanting a more in-depth guide to organising the whole kit and caboodle of your sausage sizzle, check out our Ultimate Sausage Sizzle Organisers Guide.
This is a rough guide based on and some things to consider when ordering or purchasing will be:
- Time of day – daytime event vs nighttime event
- Length of event – just a few hours or an all-day event
- Number of students at your school or club – smaller schools and clubs should err on the low end of our suggestions
- Will there be other food stalls?
- Predicted weather for your event – sales can be lower on rainy/overcast days. Although your coffee and hot chocolate sales will be up! 😉
- Time of year – drinks sales are like to be higher in the warmer months
- Try to have someone on standby in case an emergency run to the shops for additional supplies is needed
We’ve also included a summary page which will be helpful for your handover notes for future events. You’re welcome! 🙂
One final, and very important point: Where ever you get your onions from, ask for them to be sliced!!! You might have to pay a little extra, but trust me, it’s worth it. I speak from experience, having sliced 10kgs of onion for a sausage sizzle once. Goggles do nothing. Nothing I tell you!!!
PRO TIP: Get to know your local Lions or Rotary group as they can become a real asset, particularly with fundraising like sausage sizzles. Some of these groups will come to your event and not only run your sausage sizzle for you but may supply the sausages, bread and condiments too. That’s extra $$$’s for your group.
| Item | Suggested Number/kg’s to purchase |
| Sausages | 630 – 770 (45-55kg) |
| Onions | 15 – 20kg |
| Bread (loaves) | 30 -35 loaves |
| Condiments | 2ltrs of each |
| Coke Cans | 4 x 30 packs |
| Diet/Zero Cans | 2 x 30 packs |
| Fanta | 2 x 24 packs |
| Lemonade/Squash | 2 x 24 packs |
| Water | 2 x 24 packs |
Hopefully, that will give you a good starting point, particularly if you don’t have previous event info. We have created a template you might find helpful – it’s in our free resources section.
And to finish off here’s a list of ‘other things to remember’:
- BBQ
- Gas bottles (make sure they’re full!)
- Napkins
- Garbage bags
- Bin
- Alfoil
- Foil trays that you can keep cooked food in on the BBQ
- Aprons
- Disposable gloves
- Float and a cash tin
- Price list
- Paper towels
- Tables
- Tablecloths
- Separate eskies for drinks and uncooked food (or easy access to a fridge)
- Ice
- Cooking Utensils: tongs, spatulas, knives
- Oil
- Hand sanitizer
We have written a comprehensive eBook on running a sausage sizzle, that is contained, along with a HEAP of other amazing resources, templates and downloads, in our FREE RESOURCES section, which is free to join Sign up here.
Originally published 11 October, 2018
You may also be interested in:
- What should we charge for a sausage sizzle and bacon and egg rolls?
- Bunnings Sausage Sizzles Fundraiser BBQ
- Sausage Sizzle Organiser eBook