Kamil Perry
The amount of cheese to serve varies depending on the type of meal and the time of day. As a general rule, caterers recommend 1-2 oz of cheese per serving for hors d'oeuvres and dessert trays, 3-6 oz if the cheese is the main meal, and 4-6 oz if it's the only food being served. Therefore, 1-2 pounds of cheese could serve a maximum of 32 people for hors d'oeuvres or dessert, 10-20 people for a main meal, or 5-8 people if the cheese is the only food being served.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of cheese per person for a lunch serving | 2.5-4.5 ounces |
| Amount of cheese per person for a dinner party | 1-1.75 ounces |
| Amount of cheese per person for dessert | 1.75-2.5 ounces |
| Amount of cheese per person if it's the main food | 4-6 ounces |
| Amount of cheese per person for a cheese board | 7-8 ounces |
| Amount of cheese per person for a typical slice | 1 ounce |
| Amount of shredded cheese from 1 pound block | 4 cups |
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What You'll Learn
Appetizer/hors d'oeuvres: 1-2 oz per person
When serving cheese as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre, it is recommended to provide 1-2 ounces of cheese per person. This serving size ensures that guests can enjoy a variety of appetizers without filling up before the main course.
For example, if you are serving three cheeses during the appetizer hour for a group of eight people who love cheese, you would need 12 ounces or 3/4 pound of each cheese. This calculation is based on the formula: number of guests x ounces per person = total ounces needed.
It's important to consider the appetites of your guests when determining the amount of cheese to serve. If your guests are known to enjoy cheese, lean towards the higher end of the recommended serving size (2 ounces per person). Conversely, if your guests are light eaters or not big cheese enthusiasts, you can use a lower amount (1 to 1.5 ounces per person).
In addition to cheese, it's advisable to offer other appetizers to ensure a well-rounded spread. Aim for 4 to 6 appetizers per person, including options like chicken wings, meatballs, dips, nuts, and fresh and starchy choices. Keep in mind that high-protein and starchy appetizers can be calculated at 1.5 servings per person.
By planning a variety of appetizers and considering your guests' preferences, you can ensure a delightful and satisfying dining experience for everyone.
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Dessert: 1.75-2.5 oz per person
When serving cheese for dessert, it is recommended to provide 1.75–2.5 oz per person. This amount is based on the assumption that your guests will be quite full from the first two courses, and it is intended to be a light finish to their meal.
The amount of cheese you need will depend on the number of guests, their appetites, and whether there are any children. As a general rule, adults count as one serving, while children count as half a serving. If you are expecting 30 guests, for example, and 10 of them are children, you will need 25 servings (as 10 children count as 5 adults).
To calculate the total amount of cheese needed, you can use the following formula: (total number of servings) x (ounces per serving) = total amount of cheese. So, for 25 servings and a desired amount of 2 oz per serving, you would need a total of 50 oz of cheese.
It's important to remember that these are just guidelines, and you know your guests best. If they are big cheese eaters, you may want to round up, and if they are not or you are serving other foods, you can round down. You may also want to consider the number of varieties of cheese you will provide. The industry standard is 3–5 types, but if you are making a small cheese board, three varieties should be sufficient.
When creating a cheese platter for dessert, you can select a few of your favourite cheeses and matching garnishes. Presenting them on a cutting board or platter will make it easy for your guests to serve themselves.
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Main course: 3-6 oz per person
When serving cheese as the main course, the recommended amount is 3 to 6 ounces per person. This range takes into account various factors, such as the time of day, the type of event, and the appetites of your guests.
For example, if you're serving a cheese course after a large dinner, you might want to offer a smaller portion of around 3 ounces to avoid overwhelming your guests. On the other hand, if your main course is a light lunch or served at off-peak hours, your guests might appreciate a heartier portion of 6 ounces.
The type of event can also guide your decision. A casual get-together like a Super Bowl party or a game night might call for a more substantial portion of cheese as the main course, especially if sitting at a table isn't the main focus of the event.
It's important to consider the appetites of your guests as well. If you know your guests are big cheese lovers, you may want to provide a larger portion per person. Conversely, if your guests tend to be lighter eaters or if you're serving multiple types of cheese, you may want to stick to the lower end of the range or even reduce the portion size slightly.
When planning, it's worth noting that cheese is typically packaged in 16-ounce portions. If you want to offer a variety of cheeses and minimize waste, you could select four to five types of cheese at 3 to 5 ounces each, depending on your guests' appetites and the time of day. This way, you'll have enough for everyone, and possibly some leftovers, without purchasing excessive amounts.
In summary, when serving cheese as the main course, aim for 3 to 6 ounces per person, adjusting the portion size based on the time of day, the nature of the event, and the preferences of your guests. With thoughtful planning, you can ensure a delightful cheese course that satisfies everyone's cravings without breaking the bank.
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Lunch: 2.5-4.5 oz per person
When serving cheese for lunch, it is recommended to provide between 2.5 and 4.5 ounces per person. This amount can be adjusted depending on the type of event and the other foods being served. If cheese is the main course, a general guideline is to prepare 4 to 6 ounces per person for adults, with children counting as half a serving.
For a lunch gathering, it is a good idea to offer a variety of cheeses to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. A cheese board with a mix of soft and hard cheeses, such as Traditional Danish Blue, Double Crème White, and Aged Havarti, can be a great way to add interest and variety to the meal. Serving cheese with dried meats, crackers, and garnishes can also enhance the overall dining experience and create a well-rounded meal.
The amount of cheese per person can be adjusted depending on the occasion and the role of the cheese in the meal. For example, if cheese is served as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre, 1 to 2 ounces per person is generally sufficient. This allows guests to enjoy the cheese without filling up before the main course. On the other hand, if cheese is the main attraction, a higher amount of 6 to 8 ounces per person is more appropriate.
When planning a lunch for a group, it is important to consider the number of guests and their individual appetites. Some people may be heavier cheese eaters, while others may be lighter eaters. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you have enough cheese to satisfy everyone's cravings without excessive waste or overspending.
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Dinner: 1-1.75 oz per person
When serving cheese at a dinner, it is recommended to provide 1-1.75 oz per person. This amount can be adjusted depending on the cheese consumption habits of your guests. If your guests are avid cheese lovers, consider offering closer to 2 oz per person. Conversely, if they are lighter eaters or you are serving other dishes alongside the cheese, you may reduce the portion size to 1 oz per person.
It is important to note that the recommended amount of cheese per person varies depending on the time of day and the nature of the meal. For instance, if cheese is the main course, it is suggested to offer 4-6 oz per person. However, during lunch, a slightly smaller portion of 2.5-4.5 oz per person is recommended.
When creating a cheese platter, it is generally advised to offer 3-5 varieties of cheese, including different textures, densities, and flavour profiles. A mix of soft and hard cheeses, such as Traditional Danish Blue, Double Crème White, and Aged Havarti, can appeal to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.
To estimate the total amount of cheese needed for a dinner party or gathering, it is essential to consider the number of servings rather than just the number of guests. Adults typically count as one serving, while children count as half a serving. By multiplying the number of servings by the ounces per serving, you can determine the total amount of cheese required.
For example, if you are hosting a dinner party for 12 adults and 8 children, you would require 16 total servings. If you decide to serve 5 oz of cheese per person, you would need a total of 80 ounces of cheese. This calculation ensures that you provide a sufficient amount of cheese for your guests while also taking into account their individual consumption levels.
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Frequently asked questions
A 2-pound block of cheese will serve between 4 and 7 people if it is the main course.
A 2-pound block of cheese will serve between 10 and 16 people as an appetizer.
A 2-pound block of cheese will serve between 12 and 16 people as a dessert.
It depends on the type of meal you are serving. For a main course, serve 4-6 oz of cheese per person. For an appetizer, serve 1-2 oz per person. For a dessert, serve 1.75-2.5 oz per person.
First, decide what type of meal the cheese will be (main, appetizer, or dessert). Then, estimate how much your guests will eat based on their appetites and whether they are big cheese eaters. Finally, multiply the number of guests by your estimated ounces per person to get the total amount of cheese needed.
