Hosting a party and panicking over how much food to make? (Been there. Done that!) So I created this quick appetizer portion guide to save you from both overfeeding and underwhelming your guests.
It doesn't matter if you’re planning passed apps for 50 or just a bite-sized little get-together, I’ll help you calculate exactly how many appetizers to serve per person, based on the type of party, time of day, and your guest list size.
How Many Appetizers to Serve Per Person?
The number of appetizers per person can vary depending on several factors, including the type of event, the length of the event, the size of the appetizers, and the presence of other food options. But here are some general guidelines to help you plan:
- Cocktail Parties or Receptions: Plan for 8-12 appetizers per person per hour if apps are the main food.
- Buffet-Style Events: Offer 3-5 appetizers per person if other food is served.
- Sit-Down Dinners: 2-3 appetizers per person are plenty before the main course.
- Heavy Hors d'Oeuvres: For meal-replacing appetizers, aim for 5-8 pieces per person.
- Event Duration: Longer events = more apps per guest.
- Guest List Size: Larger guest counts may need rounding up on portions.
- Type of Appetizers: Sliders fill faster than caprese skewers.
Tip: Trust your gut (and your guest list). If you know your cousin Greg can demolish a tray of shrimp cocktail, plan accordingly.
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Catering your party? Here is a list of appetizers perfect for catering!
How many hors d'oeuvres per person?
It depends on the event type and duration:
- No Dinner? 6-10 hors d'oeuvres per person.
- Dinner Included? 4-6 per person should do.
- Larger Bites? Serve fewer (think mini crab cakes over cucumber bites).
Consider The Size & Type Of Appetizers
Hearty bites (meaty, cheesy, bready): Stick to the lower end. Try serving my Grilled Lamb Lollipops or my Mini Burger Skewers.
Tiny Bites (canapés, skewers): Plan 12-15 per person. Try one of these Mini Canapé Toasts.
Veggie or carb-free bites: Less filling = more needed (People love my Veggie Pinwheels!)
Consider The Size & Type Of Appetizers
If you're serving small bites like canapés, Hors d’œuvres or skewers, plan on serving about 12-15 pieces per person . These tend to be light and easy to eat, so guests will likely snack on them throughout the party.
If you are serving vegetables or carb-free bites, they will not be as filling as meats and breads. One bite appetizers are very small and often go down much easier and quicker. You
How Many Appetizers Do I Need For 50 Guests?
At 4-5 bites each, you’re looking at roughly 225 appetizers. If there’s no meal being served? Bump that number up.
Remember: most standard appetizers = 2-3 bites.
Appetizers To Serve By Dietary Need
Before finalizing your menu, you want to make sure you ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions or allergies. If you don't have the chance to do this, play it safe and err on the side of caution.
To do this, serve vegetarian options as well as gluten free and or dairy free appetizers. You can of course throw a nice filet appetizer in there too. Mixing it up is the key to happy guests.
Vegetarian Options:
Vegetarian Eggplant Party Sandwiches
Easy Vegetarian Empanadas
Creamy Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
Leftover Management Tips
Made too many apps? That's OK! Better too much than not enough. Here’s how to handle the extras without tossing them:
- Store Smart: Keep leftover appetizers in airtight containers. Meaty or cheesy bites should go in the fridge within 2 hours.
- Freeze It: Many baked or hearty apps like meatballs, quesadillas, and empanadas freeze beautifully. Wrap individually before freezing for easy grab-and-reheat snacks.
- Repurpose Leftovers:
- Add skewered bites to salads or grain bowls the next day.
- Use leftover dips as sandwich spreads or sauce bases.
- Chop extra apps into omelets or pasta dishes.
- Send Guests Home Happy: I always have a pack of THESE take-home containers for friends to grab a few extras on their way out! They always appreciate it and I'm not stuck feeling guilty tossing it all.
Final Tips
Of course, these are just general guidelines - you may need to adjust depending on the specific appetizers that you choose. Always use chafing dishes to keep your appetizers warm!
And don't forget about dessert! If you're serving sweets as well as savory snacks, account for one or two additional desserts per person.
Now that you know how many appetizers to serve per person, it's time to start planning your menu!
If you're not sure what type of appetizer to serve, check out these posts below!
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!