Get Almanac's Daily Updates Extended Forecasts Where to Buy Contact Us

How Much Food to Serve at a Party: Meat, Sides, Desserts & Drinks

how much food to cook for a party

A Party Planner's Guide to Grocery Shopping

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Are you cooking for a crowd? If you’re planning a big meal (like a summer barbecue or Thanksgiving feast), this handy chart can help determine the amount of meat, sides, desserts, and condiments you should buy. From holidays to family reunions to potlucks and picnics, 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

FOODSERVE 25SERVE 50SERVE 100
Meats
Whole turkey (1 pound/person)25 pounds50 pounds100 pounds
Chicken or turkey breast8–9 pounds16–18 pounds32–36 pounds
Fish (fillets or steaks)7-1/2 pounds15 pounds30 pounds
Hamburgers6-1/2–9-1/2 pounds13–15 pounds26–30 pounds
Ham or roast beef10 pounds20 pounds40 pounds
Hot dogs4 pounds7 pounds13 pounds
Meat loaf6 pounds12 pounds24 pounds
Oysters1 gallon2 gallons4 gallons
Pork8–9 pounds16–18 pounds32–36 pounds
Miscellaneous
Bread (loaves)3510
Butter3/4 pound1–1/2 pounds3 pounds
Cheese3/4 pound1–1/2 pounds3 pounds
Coffee3/4 pound1–1/2 pounds3 pounds
Milk1–1/2 gallons3 gallons6 gallons
Nuts3/4 pound1–1/2 pounds3 pounds
Olives1/2 pound1 pound2 pounds
Pickles1/2 quart1 quart2 quarts
Rolls (2 rolls/person)50100200
Soup5 quarts2–1/2 gallons5 gallons
Side Dishes
Baked beans5 quarts2–1/2 gallons5 gallons
Beets7–1/2 pounds15 pounds30 pounds
Cabbage for coleslaw5 pounds10 pounds20 pounds
Carrots7–1/2 pounds15 pounds30 pounds
Lettuce for salad (heads)51020
Peas (fresh)12 pounds25 pounds50 pounds
Potatoes9 pounds18 pounds36 pounds
Potato salad3 quarts1–1/2 gallons3 gallons
Salad dressing3 cups1–1/2 quarts3 quarts
Gravy (1/3 cup/person)8 cups16-1/2 cups33 cups
Stuffing (3/4 cup/person)19 cups37-1/2 cups75 cups
Cranberry Sauce (1/2 cup/per)12-1/2 cups25 cups50 cups
Desserts
Cakes (9-inch)4612
Ice cream1 gallon2 gallons4 gallons
Pies (9-inch)4613
Whipping cream1 pint2 pints4 pints

FAQs: How Much Food to Serve at a Party

How much meat should I serve per person at a party?

For most adults, plan on 1 pound of whole turkey or chicken per person. For beef, pork, or ham, aim for 6–8 ounces per person. Adjust quantities for kids or big eaters.

Read Next

How many side dishes should I make for a party?

Typically, 2–4 sides per meal work well. Include a mix of vegetables, starches (potatoes, rice, pasta), and a salad.

How much dessert do I need for a large gathering?

Plan 1 slice of cake or pie per person. If serving multiple desserts, you can reduce individual portions slightly.

How do I adjust servings for children?

Children typically eat half the adult portion, but be mindful of very young kids who may eat even less.

How many drinks and condiments should I prepare?

For beverages like coffee and milk, use roughly 3/4 pound per 25 guests or 1–1/2 gallons of milk for 50 guests. For condiments (ketchup, mustard, butter), scale quantities to match your guest count.

Can I make this party food guide work for buffet-style meals?

Yes! Buffets usually require slightly more food because guests may take a bit more of what they like. Add 10–15% extra for self-serve setups.

How far in advance can I prep these foods for a party?

Most side dishes and desserts can be prepped 1–2 days ahead. Meats like turkey or ham are best cooked the day of, but some items (like casseroles) can be baked ahead and reheated.

How do I estimate food for a mix of adults and kids?

Count children as half a serving unless they’re older. Then adjust your main dishes, sides, and desserts proportionally.

Do you have any tips or tricks for cooking for a crowd?

Kitchen Tips and Tables
About The Author
Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

This handy chart can help determine the amount of meat, sides, desserts, and condiments you should buy. From holidays to family reunions to potlucks and picnics, have enough food for everyone!
Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

More Like This

Comments

<span>Missy Oney</span> Tue, 08/19/2025 - 16:20
I am doing a dinner/rafflefundraiser for To try and make some money for our team to buy equipment. I’m having a rough time trying to figure out what I need. This is my menu: 150 people Green salad or tortellini soup Pork loin steak or chicken breast Green beans with bacon Mashed potatoes and gravy Roll with butter Fresh peach cobbler I have a month to figure it out but am racking my brain. Please if you can help I would love or send me a link to help me figure it out. Thank you, Missy
<span>Penny Vandenouweland</span> Thu, 11/14/2024 - 09:26
hello doing christmas dinner for 60 people.. 18 are small kids.. planning to do Turkey with all the fixing ham with scaloped potatoes and meatballs and dessert how much do you think we need..
<span>Janet Murphy</span> Wed, 10/02/2024 - 19:47
I have to cook for 100 ppl and the menu is beef/chicken street tacos, rice, beans. My question is how much beef and chicken do you think I’m going to need??
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Thu, 10/03/2024 - 10:35

Hi, Janet. While we don't have that kind of information available, we did find an online source that may be of some help for your taco party: click here.

 <span>William Johnson</span> Mon, 08/12/2024 - 12:21
If planning for 70 adults and have 2 meats and 4 sides including mashed potatoes and gravy. Lima beans, fresh field peas, squash casserole. How do I adjust with so many sides.
<span>Kay</span> Thu, 07/11/2024 - 10:12
"These cooking estimates are based on “average” servings; adjust quantities upward for extra-big eaters and downward if children are included." Yes, and don't forget that some may also wish to take some home with them or may be hungrier or bigger eaters than anticipated. Unless serving line style or providing with already prepared plates, best to have extra on hand for buffet/self-serve.
<span>Jess O.</span> Tue, 06/18/2024 - 11:22
For the meats, is that pounds of meat cooked/prepared? - or is it how much of the meat (ex: pork shoulder for pulled pork) to buy raw/unprepared?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Wed, 06/19/2024 - 11:16

Hi, Jess. That would be cooked meat.

 <span>Laura Duchek</span> Mon, 11/20/2023 - 10:10
I am curious how these numbers change when you have 2 meats, three salads, MP, gravy and hot vegetable??
<span>Noel</span> Thu, 07/04/2024 - 14:29
Split the difference. If 2 meats , ex. 20lbs. Split 10lbs. Ea.