Shawarma Bar for Game Day: How to Feed a Crowd

Guide · About 5 minutes to read

A shawarma bar is one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd on game day: cook the meat ahead, set out bread, sauces and toppings, and let everyone build their own.

How much to make

• About 1/3 to 1/2 lb (150 to 225 g) of raw boneless meat per person.
• 1 to 2 pitas or wraps per person.
• About 1/4 cup of sauce per person across all sauces.

Make-ahead timeline

1. The day before: marinate the meat and make toum and tahini sauce. Pickles like pink turnips need a few days, so start early.
2. Two hours before: roast the meat on sheet pans (see shawarma in the oven).
3. At kickoff: slice and crisp on a griddle, then keep warm in a low oven.

Set up the bar

• Bread: warm pita or flatbread, wrapped in a towel.
• Meat: chicken and beef, or add cauliflower shawarma for vegetarians.
• Sauces: garlic sauce, tahini, hot sauce.
• Toppings: pickles, tomato, cucumber, onion, parsley, fries.

Want a showpiece?

A countertop vertical shawarma oven lets guests watch you carve from the spit. Read is a home shawarma machine worth it? before you buy.

FAQ

How much shawarma meat per person?

As a rough guide, plan on about 1/3 to 1/2 lb (150 to 225 g) of raw boneless meat per person, more if shawarma is the only main.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Marinate the day before, cook an hour or two ahead, then crisp slices on a griddle or in a hot oven just before serving.

What is the easiest way to cook for a crowd?

Sheet pans in the oven. Use two pans so the meat roasts instead of steaming, then crisp it in batches.

Keep going

• Shawarma in the oven
• What to serve with shawarma
• Grilled shawarma skewers