Feeding a crowd is a different problem than feeding a family, and it usually comes with a tighter deadline. Golden Corral’s catering menu is built around that reality — everything is priced and portioned by the pan or the dozen, so you can plan a full spread for a reunion, office lunch, or holiday dinner without guessing how many trays you actually need.
This guide breaks the menu down by category, tells you roughly how many people each item feeds, and covers a few planning details — like lead time and dietary notes — that most menu listings leave out.
How Catering Portions Work
Unlike a buffet visit, catering is sold by the pan, tray, dozen, or pound rather than by the plate. A few sizing conventions to know before you order:
- Small pans typically serve 8–12 people as a side portion.
- Large pans typically serve 12–15 people as a side portion.
- Per-pound items (like carved meats or pulled pork) are best estimated at roughly 4–5 oz of cooked protein per adult serving.
- Per-piece items (rolls, muffins, bacon, sausage) are priced individually so you can scale precisely to headcount instead of over-ordering.
A simple rule of thumb: for a mixed buffet-style event, plan on one protein, two sides, one bread item, and dessert per guest, then check the “feeds” count on each pan against your headcount.
Entrées
The entrée lineup covers everyday comfort food alongside heartier holiday-season options like whole turkey and half ham.
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Chicken (mixed, Halal available) | Per piece | $2.60 each |
| Chicken Tenders | Per piece | $1.95 each |
| Baked Chicken (mixed, Halal available) | Per piece | $2.60 each |
| Bourbon Street Chicken with Rice | ~12 | $37.99 pan |
| Meatloaf (3 lb loaf) | ~8 | $31.99 |
| Pot Roast with Vegetables | ~6 | $45.99 pan |
| BBQ Pulled Pork | Per lb | $11.49 |
| Steak | Per lb | $12.99 |
| Carne Asada with Pico de Gallo | Per lb | $12.99 |
| Fried or Baked Fish (tartar & lemon) | Per piece | $1.95 each |
| 4 oz. Burger | Per piece | $3.00 each |
| 4 oz. Cheeseburger | Per piece | $3.50 each |
| Chicken & Dumplings (seasonal) | ~12 | $32.99 pan |
| Sliced Turkey (seasonal) | Per lb | $10.99 |
| Sliced Ham (seasonal) | Per lb | $10.99 |
| Whole Turkey, 10–14 lb (seasonal) | — | $80.00 each |
| Half Pit Ham (seasonal) | — | $65.00 each |
Hot Sides
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mac & Cheese | 12–15 | $27.99 pan |
| Baked Chicken Spinach Alfredo | 12–15 | $32.99 pan |
| Cornbread Stuffing | 12–15 | $19.99 pan |
| Mexican Rice | 12–15 | $24.99 pan |
| White Rice | 12–15 | $19.99 pan |
Vegetables & Starches
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes with Gravy | 12–15 | $27.99 pan |
| Pot Roast Vegetables (no meat) | 12 | $24.99 pan |
| Baked Beans | 12 | $24.99 pan |
| Buttered Corn | 12 | $22.99 pan |
| Green Beans (contains pork) | 12 | $22.99 pan |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | 12–15 | $29.99 pan |
| Carrots | 15 | $22.99 pan |
| Cabbage | 12 | $22.99 pan |
| Collard Greens (contains pork) | 12–15 | $24.99 pan |
| Sweet Potato (cinnamon & sugar) | Per piece | $2.00 each |
| Baked Potato (butter & sour cream) | Per piece | $2.00 each |
| Baked Potato Toppings | Per person | $0.50 each |
| Gravy, Brown or Poultry (24 oz) | — | $6.49 |
| Steak Fries | Pan | $24.99 pan |
| Fried Okra | 12–15 | $26.99 pan |
| Green Bean Casserole (contains pork) | 12–15 | $27.99 pan |
Cold Sides
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coleslaw | 15 | $24.99 pan |
| Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad | 15 | $29.99 pan |
| Seafood Salad | 15 | $40.00 pan |
| Garden Salad (with dressing & croutons) | 12 | $26.99 pan |
| Seasonal Fruit Tray | 12–15 | $32.99 tray |
| Pizza, Cheese or Pepperoni | 8 each | $11.99 |
Breads
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Yeast Rolls with Honey Butter | Dozen | $7.49 |
| Cornbread | 12–15 | $17.99 pan |
| Biscuits with Jelly & Butter | Per piece | $0.85 each |
Beverages
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Iced Tea, Sweetened or Unsweetened | Per gallon | $7.99 |
| Lemonade | Per gallon | $8.99 |
| Soft Drinks | Per can | $2.00 |
| Juice (orange, apple, cranberry, passion/guava) | Per gallon | $8.99 |
| Bottled Water, 48-count | Per case | $22.00 |
| Coffee or Tea Service (minimum 20 guests) | Per person | $2.65 |
Breakfast Catering
Ideal for early meetings, brunch events, or morning family gatherings.
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Scrambled Eggs | 12 | $29.99 pan |
| French Toast with Syrup | Per slice | $2.75 |
| Pancakes, 3 x 4″ with Syrup | Per serving | $2.75 |
| Hashbrowns | 12 | $25.99 pan |
| Pork Bacon | Per strip | $0.95 |
| Pork Sausage | Per link | $0.95 |
| Turkey Sausage | Per link | $0.95 |
| Turkey Bacon | Per strip | $0.95 |
| Grits | 12 | $17.99 pan |
| Muffins (corn, blueberry, chocolate chip) | Per piece | $1.00 |
| Bagels, assorted (with cream cheese & butter) | Per piece | $2.75 |
Desserts
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Peach Cobbler | 12 | $29.99 pan |
| Apple, Pecan, or Pumpkin Pie | 8 | $10.99 each |
| Carrot or Chocolate Cake | 12 | $14.29 each |
| Cookies, Chocolate Chip or Sugar | Dozen | $3.99 |
| Bread Pudding | 12 | $29.99 pan |
| Banana Pudding | 12 | $24.99 pan |
| Strawberry Supreme Cake | 12 | $14.29 each |
| Brownies | Dozen | $13.19 |
| Cupcakes, vanilla or chocolate (min. 24) | Per piece | $2.50 |
| Sheet Cake, vanilla or chocolate | 25 | $49.99 each |
Building a Catering Order by Group Size
Since pan counts don’t always line up neatly with a guest list, here’s a rough starting point by event size:
- 10–15 guests: One entrée pan or 2–3 lb of a per-pound protein, two hot/cold sides, one bread item, one dessert pan.
- 25–30 guests: Two entrée options, three sides, a bread item, plus a dessert and a beverage service.
- 50+ guests: Scale each category proportionally, and consider mixing a per-pound protein (like pulled pork or carved turkey) with a pan-based entrée so you’re not locked into a single serving size.
For events split between adults and kids, it’s usually more cost-effective to under-order desserts slightly and let guests take smaller portions, since dessert pans tend to run larger per-serving than main dishes.
Dietary & Allergen Notes
Several items are marked seasonal, meaning availability depends on the time of year and may not be offered at every location. Pork appears as an ingredient in a few sides that aren’t obviously pork-based — green beans, collard greens, and green bean casserole all list pork as a component, which matters for guests avoiding pork for religious or dietary reasons. Halal options are available for fried and baked chicken specifically; confirm with your location if Halal preparation is needed for other proteins. As with any catering order, confirm allergen and preparation details directly with your local restaurant, since recipes and sourcing can vary slightly by location.
How to Place a Catering Order
- Start your order online or by phone. Use the online catering locator or call your nearest location directly.
- Enter your zip code to find nearby restaurants offering catering.
- Select your restaurant from the list of nearby locations.
- Choose “Start Catering Order” to open the catering menu for that specific location.
- Build your order by selecting items, pan sizes, and quantities.
- Add everything to your cart and confirm your pickup or delivery time.
Because menu availability and pricing can vary by location, it’s worth calling ahead for large orders (50+ guests) or anything needed on a holiday, since prep time and stock can be tighter around peak dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I place a Golden Corral catering order?
Most locations recommend placing catering orders at least 24 to 48 hours in advance, and longer for large events or holiday dates when kitchens are handling higher order volume. If you’re ordering seasonal items like whole turkey or half ham around a holiday, calling a few days ahead is safer than waiting until the last minute, since those items can sell out at busier locations.
Do prices and menu items vary by location?
Yes. Golden Corral restaurants are largely independently operated, so catering prices, pan sizes, and even item availability can differ from one location to the next. The prices listed here reflect a general 2026 overview, but it’s worth confirming exact pricing with your local restaurant before finalizing an order, especially for larger events.
How many people does a standard catering pan feed?
Most hot and cold side pans are portioned to serve 12 to 15 people as a standard side dish. Larger entrée pans, like Bourbon Street Chicken or Pot Roast with Vegetables, are typically sized for 6 to 12 people depending on the dish. Per-pound items like pulled pork or sliced turkey scale more precisely, since you can order the exact weight needed for your headcount.
Are there vegetarian options on the catering menu?
The menu leans heavily toward meat-based entrées, but several sides work well for vegetarian guests, including mac & cheese, garden salad, buttered corn, mashed potatoes, and the seasonal fruit tray. A few vegetable sides do contain pork as a flavoring ingredient (green beans, collard greens, and green bean casserole), so it’s worth checking ingredient notes before assuming a vegetable dish is meat-free.
Can I order Halal food for a catering event?
Yes, Halal preparation is available specifically for the fried and baked chicken entrées. If you need Halal preparation for other proteins or a fully Halal-compliant event, contact your local restaurant directly to confirm what they’re able to accommodate, since this can vary by location.
What’s included with the coffee or tea service?
The coffee or tea service is priced per person with a minimum order of 20 guests, and it’s designed to be added alongside a meal rather than ordered on its own. If your event is smaller than 20 people, ordering by the gallon (iced tea or lemonade) is typically the more cost-effective option.
Is delivery available, or is catering pickup-only?
Availability depends on the individual restaurant — some locations offer delivery for catering orders, while others are pickup-only. Confirm delivery options, delivery radius, and any associated fees when you place your order, since this isn’t standardized across every location.
Can I mix items from different categories into one order?
Yes. Catering orders aren’t limited to pre-set packages — you can combine entrées, sides, breads, and desserts freely to build a custom spread that matches your headcount and budget. Most planners find it easiest to pick one or two proteins, two to three sides, a bread item, and a dessert, then adjust quantities based on the serving counts listed for each item.
Do seasonal items get removed from the menu at certain times of year?
Yes. Items marked seasonal — including chicken & dumplings, sliced turkey, sliced ham, whole turkey, and half pit ham — are typically tied to holiday periods like Thanksgiving or Christmas and may not be available year-round. If you’re planning an event around one of these items, confirm availability with your location ahead of time rather than assuming it’s on the current catering menu.