Planning a pizza party for 35 people can feel daunting, especially when it comes to estimating how many pizzas you’ll need. Several factors influence this calculation, including the size of the pizzas, the appetite of your guests, and what else you might be serving.
This guide will help you achieve the right balance and serve just the right amount of pizza without leaving anyone hungry or having too many leftovers. Understanding serving sizes and portions is key to making your pizza planning a breeze.
How Many Pizzas for 35 People?
When estimating the number of pizzas for 35 people, a general guideline is to plan for around 2-3 slices per person, which typically means purchasing 9 to 12 pizzas, depending on the pizza size and how many toppings will be used. Let’s delve into the details to get a clearer picture.
Factors to Consider
Several factors will affect how many pizzas you need for your gathering. Consider the following:
- Size of the Pizzas: Different pizza sizes yield a different number of slices. Small pizzas typically have 6 slices, medium pizzas have 8 slices, and large pizzas can have up to 12 slices.
- Appetite of Guests: Will your guests be adults, kids, or a mix? Adults generally eat more than children.
- Other Food Options: Are you serving other foods such as appetizers, salads, or desserts? If so, you may need fewer pizzas.
- Time of Day: The time of the event matters; people typically eat more during dinner than lunch.
- Pizza Toppings: Heavily topped pizzas may fill your guests up quicker than simpler styles like cheese or Margherita.
Pizza Size and Slice Calculations
Understanding the pizza sizes available and how many slices each offers will help you better gauge your needs.
Common Pizza Sizes
- Small Pizza: 8-10 inches (6 slices)
- Medium Pizza: 12 inches (8 slices)
- Large Pizza: 14-16 inches (10-12 slices)
- Extra Large Pizza: 18 inches (12-16 slices)
Estimating Pizzas Based on Size
Let’s break down the calculations based on how many slices each guest is likely to eat, factoring in the size of the pizza.
Appetite Levels
- Light Eaters: (1-2 slices per person, typical for kids or when other food is available) You will need approximately 6-7 pizzas if they are large, or 8-10 medium pizzas.
- Medium Eaters: (2-3 slices per person, normal for adults) This will translate to about 9-12 large pizzas, or 10-15 medium pizzas.
- Heartier Eaters: (4-5 slices per person, common for adults during dinner) This requires about 12-14 large pizzas, or 15-18 medium pizzas.
Practical Examples
Here are some practical examples to apply the slice calculations based on pizza size and appetite levels:
Example 1: 35 Guests – Medium Pizza
- Estimate 2-3 slices each for a group of adults.
- If everyone eats 2 slices: 35 x 2 = 70 slices required.
- A medium pizza gives 8 slices. Therefore, 70 ÷ 8 = 8.75.
- Round up to 9 medium pizzas.
- If everyone eats 3 slices: 35 x 3 = 105 slices needed.
- 105 ÷ 8 = 13.12. Round up to 14 medium pizzas.
Example 2: 35 Guests – Large Pizza
- If everyone eats 2 slices: 35 x 2 = 70 slices needed.
- A large pizza gives around 12 slices. Therefore, 70 ÷ 12 = 5.83.
- Round up to 6 large pizzas.
- If everyone eats 3 slices: 105 slices needed.
- 105 ÷ 12 = 8.75. Round up to 9 large pizzas.
Pizza Type Breakdown
The types of pizza you choose can also play a role in how much is eaten. Consider offering a variety to appeal to different tastes. Here’s a suggestion for distributing types if you go with 10 pizzas:
- 3 cheese pizzas
- 2 pepperoni pizzas
- 2 vegetarian pizzas
- 2 meat-lovers pizzas
- 1 specialty or unique option (like BBQ chicken or Hawaiian)
How to Order Pizza
When ordering pizza, there are a few practical steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Research Local Pizzerias: Identify places known for their quality and quick service.
- Place Your Order in Advance: Big orders can take time, so ordering at least an hour or more before serving is best.
- Specify Sizes and Types: Clearly communicate your pizza breakdown to confirm order accuracy.
- Request Delivery Time: Schedule the delivery for shortly before the event to ensure freshness.
Possible Side Dishes
To enhance your pizza party, consider serving complementary side dishes that will not overshadow the main event. Here are some popular options:
- Salad: A light Caesar or garden salad can be a refreshing addition.
- Garlic Bread: Always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with pizza.
- Appetizers: Options like buffalo wings or mozzarella sticks can be wonderful starters.
- Desserts: Think about offering cookies, brownies, or even a simple fruit platter.
Drink Pairings
Don’t forget to plan your beverage menu as well; different drinks pair nicely with pizza. Here are some ideas:
- Sodas: Classic choices include cola, root beer, and lemon-lime soda.
- Water: Always a necessity, consider offering both still and sparkling.
- Beer: Light lagers and pale ales typically pair well with pizza.
- Iced Tea: This is a nice, refreshing non-carbonated option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not accounting for a mix of eaters; remember that some guests may eat significantly more or less than average.
- Underestimating the amount needed; it’s better to order a bit more than too little.
- Neglecting to order variety; different tastes should be considered to accommodate everyone.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to maximize convenience, consider these make-ahead tips for your pizza gathering:
- Pre-make or prepare any side dishes a day in advance to minimize stress on the day.
- If anyone in the group has dietary restrictions, consider some veggie or gluten-free options beforehand.
- Maintain a list of any special requests for pizza or sides, ensuring no one feels left out.
Storage and Reheating
In the event you have leftover pizza, proper storage is essential to maintain freshness:
- Cover leftover pizza with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours to prevent foodborne illness.
- When reheating, place pizza on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Summing Up Pizza Party Planning
With all the factors considered, planning how many pizzas for 35 people can be simplified into manageable steps. By determining the size of pizzas, estimating based on your guests’ appetites, and allowing for a variety to suit different tastes, you can confidently host a successful pizza gathering.
For further inspiration on pizzas or meal planning, you may want to explore how many pizzas for 40 people or check out a delicious pizza rustica recipe.