The Party Planner: Cooking for a Crowd

Chart of Food Estimates: How Much Food Do You Need?

September 15, 2023

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Family reunion? Big cookout? Cooking for a crowd? If you’re planning a big meal, this handy chart can help you determine how much food you should buy—from meats to sides to condiments. Make sure you have enough food for everyone!

These cooking estimates are based on “average” servings; adjust quantities upward for extra-big eaters and downward if children are included.

How Much Food to Serve at a Party

FOOD	SERVE 25	SERVE 50	SERVE 100
Meats
Chicken or turkey breast	8–9 pounds	16–18 pounds	32–36 pounds
Fish (fillets or steaks)	7-1/2 pounds	15 pounds	30 pounds
Hamburgers	6-1/2–9-1/2 pounds	13–15 pounds	26–30 pounds
Ham or roast beef	10 pounds	20 pounds	40 pounds
Hot dogs	4 pounds	7 pounds	13 pounds
Meatloaf	6 pounds	12 pounds	24 pounds
Oysters	1 gallon	2 gallons	4 gallons
Pork	8–9 pounds	16–18 pounds	32–36 pounds
Miscellaneous
Bread (loaves)	3	5	10
Butter	3/4 pound	1–1/2 pounds	3 pounds
Cheese	3/4 pound	1–1/2 pounds	3 pounds
Coffee	3/4 pound	1–1/2 pounds	3 pounds
Milk	1–1/2 gallons	3 gallons	6 gallons
Nuts	3/4 pound	1–1/2 pounds	3 pounds
Olives	1/2 pound	1 pound	2 pounds
Pickles	1/2 quart	1 quart	2 quarts
Rolls	50	100	200
Soup	5 quarts	2–1/2 gallons	5 gallons
Side Dishes
Baked beans	5 quarts	2–1/2 gallons	5 gallons
Beets	7–1/2 pounds	15 pounds	30 pounds
Cabbage for cole slaw	5 pounds	10 pounds	20 pounds
Carrots	7–1/2 pounds	15 pounds	30 pounds
Lettuce for salad (heads)	5	10	20
Peas (fresh)	12 pounds	25 pounds	50 pounds
Potatoes	9 pounds	18 pounds	36 pounds
Potato salad	3 quarts	1–1/2 gallons	3 gallons
Salad dressing	3 cups	1–1/2 quarts	3 quarts
Desserts
Cakes	2	4	8
Ice cream	1 gallon	2 gallons	4 gallons
Pies	4	8	16
Whipping cream	1 pint	2 pints	4 pints