Hosting a pizza party for a large group can be both exciting and daunting. The challenge lies in ordering enough pizzas to satisfy everyone without ending up with a mountain of leftovers.
This quick guide will help you determine the ideal number of pizzas for gatherings of 50 to 200 people, along with practical tips for making your pizza party memorable. Keep reading for the next 5 minutes to ensure your pizza party is a success.
Different Sizes of Pizzas Feed How Many?
Pizzas can feed people according to their hunger with their energizing crust and toppings.
Here is a quick breakdown of the feeding capacity of different pizzas with regular crusts.
| Pizza Size | When Served with No Side | When Served with Few Sides |
| 10 inches | 2 to 3 people | 3 people |
| 12 inches | 2 people | 4 people |
| 14 inches | 3 people | 5 people |
| 16 inches | 4 people | 7 people |
| 18 inches | 5 people | 8 people |
| 20 inches | 8 people | 12 people |
Note:
For a large group or a crowd, larger size pizzas make the best choice, like 14, 16, or 18 inches. And among these, 14 and 16 pizzas make more shareable choices as you can have diverse toppings.
So, in the later sections, I’ll discuss the most common pizza sizes and their numbers for feeding a party, e.g. 14, 16, and 18-inch sizes.
How Many Pizzas Should You Get For Feeding a Crowd?
Here is a breakdown of how many pizzas of different sizes you should have for feeding a crowd
For 50 People
- 14 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 17 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 10 pizzas
- 16 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 13 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 7 pizzas
- 18 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 10 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 6 pizzas
For 100 People
- 14 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 33 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 20 pizzas
- 16 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 26 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 14 pizzas
- 18 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 20 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 12 pizzas
For Feeding 150 People
- 14 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 50 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 30 pizzas
- 16 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 39 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 21 pizzas
- 18 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 30 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 18 pizzas
For Feeding 200 People
- 14 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 66 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 40 pizzas
- 16 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 52 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 28 pizzas
- 18 inch pizzas:
- When served with no side: 40 pizzas
- When served with few sides: 24 pizzas
What is the Ideal Size of Pizza to Order For a Crowd?
The ideal pizza size for a feeding group is 14-inch pizza. A 14-inch pizza strikes a perfect balance between size and shareability, making it an ideal choice for feeding a crowd.
It’s large enough to satisfy multiple appetites without being too overwhelming, allowing for a variety of toppings to please different preferences. Additionally, 14-inch pizzas are commonly offered at most pizzerias, ensuring easy availability and catering to various budgets.
What Should You Do if You Have Kids in Your Party?
Ordering pizzas for a crowd, including kids, requires careful planning to avoid food waste.
Here are some tips for ordering pizzas that will satisfy everyone’s appetites without leaving behind an abundance of leftovers:
Calculate the Number of Pizzas
As a rule of thumb, kids will need about 50% less pizza than adults. You can use the above done calculations and reduce your order accordingly.
Consider Smaller Pizzas for Kids
Kids have smaller appetites than adults, so consider ordering smaller pizzas, such as 10-inch or 12-inch pizzas, specifically for them.
Offer Variety in Toppings
Kids often have picky eating habits, so provide a variety of toppings to cater to their preferences. Include classic options like pepperoni, cheese, and vegetables and creative combinations that appeal to younger palates.
Cut Pizzas into Smaller Slices
Cut pizzas into smaller slices (double-cut) to make them more manageable for kids and help control portion sizes. This also reduces the chances of uneaten crusts being left behind.
Serve with Side Dishes
Pair pizzas with kids’ favorite side dishes, such as fries, chicken nuggets, or fruit salad. Such an exciting combination provides a balanced meal and reduces the likelihood of overfilling on just pizza.
Encourage Leftovers
If there are leftovers, encourage guests to take them home. Pack them in individual boxes or containers, making it easy for people to enjoy the leftover pizza later.
Remember, it’s always better to order slightly less than too much.
You can always add more pizzas if needed, but it’s difficult to get rid of excess food.
How Should You Get Pizza Sliced to Prevent Any Wastage?
To prevent pizza wastage at a party, consider these slicing strategies:
- Smaller Slices: Cut pizzas into smaller, bite-sized slices to allow people to sample different varieties without feeling overwhelmed by large portions. For this purpose, you can opt for double-cut pizzas. Double-cut pizza means customizing the number of slices into double.
- Variety of Cuts: Offer a combination of triangle slices and square slices to accommodate different preferences. Triangle slices are easier to hold, while square slices provide more variety in toppings per bite.
- Kids’ Consideration: Cut smaller slices for kids, considering their smaller appetites and preferences.
- Multiple Serving Stations: Set up multiple serving stations with different pizzas and toppings, allowing people to easily access their desired options without forming long lines.
- Encourage Sharing: Promote sharing among guests to reduce individual consumption and minimize food waste.
- Leftover Plan: Have a plan for any leftover pizzas. Divide them into individual servings and store them properly for later enjoyment.
What Pizza Toppings Should You Order for a Crowd?
When ordering pizzas for a crowd, it’s best to select a variety of toppings that appeal to different tastes and preferences. Here are some popular and crowd-pleasing options:
- Pepperoni: A classic topping that’s always a favorite among kids and adults alike.
- Cheese: A simple yet satisfying option that pairs well with a variety of other toppings.
- Veggies: A healthy and flavorful choice for those who prefer vegetarian options. Consider toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
- Hawaiian: A unique and beloved combination of sweet and savory, featuring ham and pineapple.
- Supreme: A combination of multiple toppings, offering something for everyone. Consider pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
- White Pizza: A creamy and decadent alternative to traditional tomato sauce, topped with garlic, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella.
- Specialty Pizzas: If you want to add some variety, consider specialty pizzas like BBQ chicken, buffalo chicken, or pesto pizzas.
Remember to order a mix of these toppings to ensure everyone has something they’ll enjoy.
I hope now you’re ready to host your own pizza party.
Gather your friends and family, and use this guide to make your next pizza party a memorable one!
