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    Home » Recipes » Entertaining

    How Many Appetizers to Serve Per Person: Your Guide to Perfect Portions

    Published: Feb 21, 2022 · Modified: Feb 21, 2022 by Aleka Shunk · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Planning a party and don't know how many appetizers to serve per person? You're not alone! This can be a tricky question, but it's important to get it right so that you don't run out of food or end up with too much left over.

    In this blog post, we will provide you with a guide to perfect portions for your next party.

    Crostini appetizer being served at a party.
    Contents hide
    1 How Many Appetizers to Serve Per Person?
    2 Consider The Size & Type Of Appetizers
    3 Consider The Type Of Party
    4 Consider The Size & Type Of Appetizers
    5 Consider The Type Of Party
    6 How Many Appetizers Do I Need For 50 Guests?
    7 What Should I Serve?
    8 Final Tips

    How Many Appetizers to Serve Per Person?

    A good rule to follow is to serve 6 appetizers per person for a standard dinner party and 8 to 12 appetizers per person for a cocktail party. Plan on your guests to eat about 4-5 appetizers each during the first hour. After that, you can expect them to eat 3-4 appetizers each, every hour after.

    Catering your party? Here is a list of appetizers perfect for catering!

    Consider The Size & Type Of Appetizers

    If you're serving small bites like canapés 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.

    Save or pin this guide for future reference!

    A guideline graphic for how many appetiers to serve per person at a party.

    Consider The Type Of Party

    A cocktail party or for a wedding cocktail hour, you are going to need more appetizers than a standard dinner party. Guests at a cocktail party are grazing throughout the evening and are not expecting a large meal when they arrive.

    A standard dinner party usually has one or two hours where guests are seated and eating their meal. Plan to have enough food for everyone during that time frame. If you're having an open house-style party, you'll need even more food!

    A spread of appetizers at a party on a table.

    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

    Consider The Type Of Party

    A cocktail party is going to need more food than a standard dinner party. Guests at a cocktail party are grazing throughout the evening and are not expecting a large meal when they arrive.

    A standard dinner party usually has one or two hours where guests are seated and eating their meal. Plan to have enough food for everyone during that time frame. If you're having an open house-style party, you'll need even more food!

    How Many Appetizers Do I Need For 50 Guests?

    For about 50 guests at 4-5 bites per person, we can calculate about 225 appetizers. If you are not serving dinner, this number might be higher. Don't forget to consider how large your appetizers are too. Most standard appetizers are able to be consumed in 2-3 bites.

    What Should I Serve?

    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 andor 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 empanadas on a blue plate and white table.

    Vegetarian Options:

    Vegetarian Eggplant Party Sandwiches

    Easy Vegetarian Empanadas

    Creamy Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

    CRISPY Air Fryer Avocado Fries

    Dairy Free Options:

    Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia)

    Melitzanosalata (Greek Roasted Eggplant Dip)

    The BEST Olive Oil Dip For Bread (with FRESH herbs)

    Air Fryer Scallops with Lemon & Tarragon

    filet and crab with asparagus appetizer over crostini on a plate.
    Steak and Crab Crostini Appetizer

    Heavier Options:

    Filet Oscar Crostini

    Sausage Cream Cheese Balls

    Grilled Carne Asada Quesadillas

    Puff Pastry Pigs In A Blanket

    Skewered Options:

    Skewered Party Appetizers On Mini Toothpicks

    Prosciutto Melon & Mozzarella Skewers (w/ Balsamic Glaze)

    Mini Cubano Sandwich Skewers

    Prosciutto and melon mozzarella skewers on a plate.

    Final Tips

    Of course, these are just general guidelines - you may need to adjust depending on the specific appetizers that you choose. 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!

    59 EASY Finger Foods For Any Party

    21 Holiday Party Finger Foods That Everyone Will Love

    11 Meatball Appetizers Using FROZEN Meatballs

    16 Of The BEST Brie Appetizers

    « 2022 Super Bowl Party Ideas
    17 Appetizers To Serve At Any Pizza Party »

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