Do you want to provide twenty people with pizza at your celebration? However, are you not sure how many you will want? Whether web hosting an informal get-collectively, a game night, or a party, pizza is a well-preferred option that fits every age and palate. Choosing how many lots to order may be difficult because ordering too many pizzas is probably high-priced, even as ordering too few may leave visitors hungry.
This guide makes decision-making easier by outlining your pizza needs, issues and hints to ensure your event succeeds (and everybody gets fed).
Table of Contents
Factors to Consider Before Ordering
- The Number of Guests and Pizza Preferences
Not all appetites are created equal. Some guests will go for four slices, while others may nibble on one. Consider:
- Guest demographics: Adults typically eat more than kids.
- Occasion type: Is it a lunchtime meeting or a late-night party after other appetizers? These details matter in estimating appetites.
- Dietary Restrictions and Diverse Tastes
To keep all people happy, cater to nutritional choices and regulations. Some considerations include:
- Vegetarian or vegan options for plant-based eaters.
- For those with gluten sensitivity, gluten-free crusts combine daring tastes like BBQ Chicken or Pesto with classics like Pepperoni or Margherita.
- Your Budget
Although pizza catering may be reasonably priced, expenses may increase if you overorder or choose gourmet alternatives. Establish a spending limit and strive to balance value and diversity without going overboard.
Estimating How Much Pizza You Need
The Rule of Thumb
Three slices per person is a reasonable starting point. The size of the pizza pieces and the kind of event (casual vs. formal) also affect this.
Based on different appetites, this is a fast estimate for 20 people:
- Light Eaters (2 slices each) → 40 slices (Order ~7 medium pizzas)
- Average Eaters (3 slices each) → 60 slices (Order ~10 medium pizzas or eight large ones)
- Big Appetites (4 slices each) → 80 slices (Order ~13 medium pizzas or 10 large ones)
Pizza Size Guide
- Typically, a 12-inch medium-sized pizza has eight pieces.
- Large pizza (14–16 inches): generally comes with 10 portions
To get specific figures, divide the number of slices of each pizza by the number of visitors and the average range of slices they may eat.
Which Pizza Styles Are Best for You?
A simple variety will work for most occasions. Here’s a recommended mix for diverse groups:
- Classics: Pepperoni, Margherita or Cheese (they never fail).
- Vegetarian Options: Consider Veggie Lovers or Spinach and Feta.
- Meat Lovers: BBQ Chicken, Sausage & Bacon Combos.
- Custom Pizza Requests: Add one if you know your crowd loves a specific pizza (like Hawaiian pineapple fans).
Pro Tip: Order a variety but keep some duplicates. Don’t order one-off pizzas that could go untouched.
Tips for Ordering and Serving
- Order Ahead
To avoid delays or last-minute chaos, place your order in advance—especially if the event is on a weekend or during a big sporting event (when pizza demand surges).
- Go for Reputable Pizzerias
Pick pizza joints renowned for their high standards, on-time delivery, and attentive customer care. You can reduce your possibilities by quickly reviewing internet reviews.
- Pair Your Pizza with Sides
Increase variety by including sides like garlic bread, salads, or wings. These can help guests fill up without relying solely on pizza.
- Serve Pizza Warm and Fresh
Slice and serve pizzas individually to hold their heat whilst visitors devour them. If the occasion lasts some hours, don’t forget staggered transport instances.
Thinking Outside the (Pizza) Box
Hosting DIY Pizza Nights
If planning a smaller or more intimate gathering, why not turn pizza-making into the main event? Here’s how:
- Purchase Pre-Made Dough: Most supermarkets have pre-baked crusts or dough ready to roll.
- Provide an assortment of toppings: Put together a “pizza bar” with cheese, pepperoni, vegetables, and sauces so that everyone may personalize their pie.
- Use the Correct Tools: A pizza cutter or utility scissors makes serving a joy, while a pizza stone or baking steel guarantees crispy crusts.
- Time It Correctly: Ensure your oven is ready for use and preheated.
Making your own pizza adds a fun, interactive edge, which is especially useful for smaller events when people want to get their hands dirty.
Real-World Examples of Pizza Catering Done Right
- The Graduation Party Success Story
When Sarah planned her niece’s commencement celebration for 30 humans, she ordered 12 massive pizzas, split between Cheese, Veggie, Pepperoni, and BBQ Chicken. She also added a salad bar and breadsticks. Everyone left whole, with a few slices to spare.
- Office Pizza Day Gone Wrong
A tech company’s lunch event of 50 employees was planned with only nine pizzas, leading to a not-so-appetizing aftermath of guests still hungry and dissatisfied. Lesson learned? Always overestimate slightly, especially if leftovers are welcome.
- DIY Pizza Party Fun
Emily and her pals used keep-offered dough and resourceful toppings like prosciutto, arugula, and truffle oil to make their pizzas for an eight-character pizza nighttime. Everyone stated that it turned into a few of the most unforgettable dining reports they had had in a long time.
Questions and Answers
How can I delay eating leftover pizza?
Pizza leftovers kept refrigerated for three to four days hold really nicely. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer—plenty more powerful than microwaving—to bring back their crispness!
Should I order extra if the kids are present?
Kids usually eat less—around 1-2 slices each—so factor that into your calculations. However, having a few extra cheese pizzas never hurts.
Do I need to include drinks in my calculations?
Yes! Pizza is thirsty work. For adults, pair your order with soft drinks, water, beer, and wine. For massive gatherings, remember bulk soda options or pitchers of infused water.
Conclusion
Pizza is the ideal birthday celebration meal, whether for an informal get-together or a company lunch. With the guidelines and calculations in this manual, you can reserve the proper amount, choose crowd-desirable varieties, and even spice matters up with DIY options.
Do you have any pizza party hacks? Could you share them in the comments below? If you’re hungry for more food tips and event-planning tricks, explore our blog for more resources to elevate your hosting game.