How much appetizers do I need for 50 guests?

You need 18 platters of appetizers for 50 guests at a super bowl party. This provides 468 total servings with a 15% buffer.

How much appetizers per person for a super bowl party?

Plan for 9.4 servings of appetizers per person at a super bowl party. This assumes appetizers is your main food; reduce by 30-40% if serving multiple dishes.

How many servings in 18 platters of appetizers?

18 platters of appetizers provides 468 total servings, enough for 50 guests with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

Is 18 platters of appetizers enough for 50 people?

Yes, 18 platters is the recommended amount for 50 guests at a super bowl party. This includes a 15% buffer (2 extra platters) so you won't run short.

Should I order more appetizers than calculated?

Our calculation of 18 platters already includes a 15% buffer. However, if your guests are big eaters or appetizers is the only food, consider adding 10-20% more. It's always better to have leftovers!

What if I'm serving appetizers with other foods?

If serving appetizers as part of a buffet spread with other options, reduce this amount by 30-40%. Instead of 18 platters, you'd need approximately 12 platters.

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How Much Appetizers for a 50 Guests Super Bowl Party?

Super Bowl Party • 50 guests

Your Total

platters

of appetizers

468

total servings

9.4

per person

15%

buffer

Note: This assumes appetizers is your main food. Planning a buffet spread? See our Super Bowl Party Planner for balanced quantities.

Switch food: 🍕 Pizza 🍗 Wings 🌮 Tacos 🍔 Sliders 🍢 Apps 🍖 BBQ

📐 Why This Amount Works

Estimate actual eaters

50 guests × 90% eating rate

At medium events, about 90% of guests will eat full servings. 45 eaters

Calculate servings (as main dish)

45 eaters × 8 pieces per person

As a main dish, plan for 8 pieces per person. 360 base servings

Apply super bowl party modifier

× 1.3 (+30% for appetizers)

Super Bowl Partys typically consume 30% more appetizers than average. 468 pieces needed

Convert to platters

468 pieces ÷ 30 per platter

Each platter provides 30 pieces. 15.6 platters (raw)

Add 15% buffer & round up

15.6 × 1.15 = 17.9, rounded up

Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 18 platters

✓

Caterer-Tested Formula

Our calculations are based on real event data from professional caterers and party planners.

📊 Quick Reference: Appetizers by Guest Count

Guests	Appetizers Needed	Total Servings
25 guests	9 platters	234 servings
50 guests (you)	18 platters	468 servings
75 guests	27 platters	702 servings
100 guests	36 platters	936 servings
150 guests	54 platters	1404 servings
200 guests	72 platters	1872 servings

* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for super bowl party as main dish.

🛒 Your Complete Shopping List

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Appetizers

18 platters

Serving platters — For presentation

1 platters Buy →

Cocktail napkins

200 napkins Buy →

Toothpicks — For skewered items

1 box

Small plates

75 plates Buy →

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💡 Pro Tips for Super Bowl Party Food

✓ 40% of all food is consumed during the first quarter - front-load your spread.
✓ Wings are the #1 Super Bowl food - err on the side of too many.
✓ Set up a separate kids station if families are coming - they eat differently.
✓ Prep dips in slow cookers - they stay warm and free up oven space.
✓ Use halftime to refresh ALL food stations - you have exactly 25 minutes.

Buying Guide

Super Bowl is the biggest food day of the year after Thanksgiving. Plan 10-12 wings per person, 3 slices of pizza, and plenty of chips and dip. Make everything shareable and easy to eat without utensils. Cold foods should stay cold, hot foods in warming trays or slow cookers.