Frederic Melton
When serving cheese, the amount you'll need depends on the type of meal and the number of guests. For example, caterers recommend 1-2 oz of cheese per serving for hors d'oeuvres and dessert trays, 3-6 oz if your tray is the main meal, and 6 oz if you're eating at lunch or dinner. If you're serving a cheese board as a meal, it's recommended to provide 7-8 oz per person. The number of cheese varieties on offer also matters; most caterers use 3-4 types, while some suggest 4-5 different options for a larger board.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese as a starter | 1-1.75 oz per person |
| Cheese as a dessert | 1.75-2.5 oz per person |
| Cheese for lunch | 2.5-4.5 oz per person |
| Cheese as a main course | 6-8 oz per person |
| Cheese as an appetizer | 1-2 oz per serving |
| Cheese for a full meal | 20-28 oz per person |
| Number of varieties of cheese on a board | 3-5 |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese serving amounts for dessert: 1.75-2.5 ounces per person
When serving cheese for dessert, it's important to consider how much cheese to offer per person. A general rule of thumb is to provide 1.75–2.5 ounces of cheese per guest. This amount ensures your guests can enjoy a variety of cheeses without feeling too full from the preceding courses.
For example, if you're hosting a dinner party with 10 adults and five children, you would need 15 servings. Using the formula (total number of servings) x (ounces per serving) = total amount of ounces needed, you can determine the total amount of cheese required. In this case, it would be 15 servings x 2 ounces per serving = 30 ounces of cheese in total.
It's worth noting that the amount of cheese per person can vary depending on the occasion and the type of meal being served. For instance, if cheese is the main course, consider offering 7–8 ounces per person. This allows your guests to indulge in a generous helping of their favourite cheeses, accompanied by bread, crackers, meats, and garnishes.
On the other hand, if you're serving cheese as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre, a smaller portion of 1–2 ounces per person is more appropriate. This will whet your guests' appetites without filling them up before the main course. Remember to adjust the total amount of cheese needed based on the number of servings and the occasion.
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Cheese as a main course: 7-8 ounces per person
When serving cheese as the main course, the recommended amount is 7 to 8 ounces per person. This amount can be adjusted depending on the time of day, other foods served, and the type of event. For instance, if you are serving a group of hearty eaters or cheese enthusiasts, you may want to provide a higher amount within the range, such as 8 ounces per person. On the other hand, if your guests include light eaters or those who are not big cheese eaters, you might consider a lower amount, such as 7 ounces per person.
It's important to note that the recommended amount of cheese per person can vary depending on the type of cheese and the presentation. For example, if you're serving a single type of cheese, the recommended amount might differ from a cheese platter with multiple varieties. Additionally, the cutting or slicing method can impact the perceived quantity of cheese served.
When creating a cheese platter for the main course, consider the number of guests and their eating habits. For a group of 12 adults and 8 children, you would typically need 16 total servings. By providing a variety of cheeses, you can ensure your guests have options and can adjust their intake based on their preferences.
To ensure you have enough cheese for your guests, it's generally recommended to have extra servings. This prevents running out and allows guests to indulge in their favourite cheeses. When selecting cheeses for your main course, consider offering 4 to 5 varieties, with each type of cheese weighing in at around 16 to 20 ounces. This will provide a generous amount for your guests to enjoy without leaving any leftovers.
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Cheese for a lunch serving: 2.5-4.5 ounces per person
When serving cheese for lunch, it's recommended to provide 2.5-4.5 ounces per person. This amount is suitable for a cheese board with a selection of soft and hard cheeses, dried meats, and crackers, offering different textures and flavours to your guests.
If you're creating a cheese board, it's recommended to have 3-5 varieties of cheese, including different textures, densities, and flavour profiles. For example, if you're serving 4 varieties of cheese, you'd need 16-20 ounces of each type, totalling 64-80 ounces of cheese for a group of 16 people.
It's important to note that the recommended cheese serving size depends on the occasion. For instance, caterers suggest 1-2 ounces of cheese per serving for hors d'oeuvres and dessert trays, while the serving size for a main course is typically 6 ounces.
Additionally, the amount of cheese provided may vary depending on your guests' appetites and preferences. For instance, if your guests have larger appetites or a particular fondness for cheese, you might consider providing closer to 4.5 ounces per person. Conversely, if your guests tend to be light eaters or less enthusiastic about cheese, you might opt for a smaller serving size.
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Cheese for hors d'oeuvres: 1-2 ounces per person
When serving cheese as hors d'oeuvres, it is recommended to provide 1-2 ounces of cheese per person. This amount is suitable for guests to enjoy as an appetizer before the main course and will encourage mingling. The exact quantity within this range that you decide to serve will depend on the characteristics of your guest list. For instance, if your guests have large appetites or are particularly fond of cheese, it is advisable to opt for 2 ounces per person. On the other hand, if your guests tend to be light eaters or are not big cheese enthusiasts, 1 ounce per person should suffice. It is worth noting that children typically consume smaller portions than adults, so this should be considered when calculating the total amount of cheese required.
To estimate the total amount of cheese needed, it is essential to differentiate between "servings" and "persons." For example, if you have 30 guests, including 10 children, you would require 25 servings (10 children counting as 5 adults, resulting in a total of 25 adult-equivalent servings). By multiplying the number of servings by the ounces per serving, you can determine the total amount of cheese necessary for your event.
When creating a cheese platter for hors d'oeuvres, it is recommended to offer a variety of cheeses to cater to different tastes. While a single exceptional cheese can be a conversation starter, having at least three, and possibly up to five or six, different cheeses will add interest and satisfy various preferences. However, it is important not to overwhelm your guests with too many choices, as too many options may become confusing.
In addition to the quantity and variety of cheese, the type and temperature of the cheese, as well as appropriate accompaniments, should be considered. Lighter cheeses such as herb-coated goat cheese or fresh mozzarella are ideal for serving before dinner. These can be paired with savoury accompaniments such as olives, prosciutto, nuts, or chutney. For after-dinner cheese, richer and more full-flavoured options such as Manchego, cheddar, aged gouda, or blue cheese are excellent choices. These can be complemented by sweet accompaniments like jams, honey, dried fruit, or toasted nuts. To enhance the flavour and texture of the cheese, it is recommended to serve it at room temperature. Removing the cheese from the fridge about an hour before serving will ensure it reaches the optimal temperature.
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Cheese for a dinner party: 1-1.75 ounces per person
When planning a dinner party, it is important to consider the amount of cheese to serve. The general rule of thumb is to provide 1-1.75 ounces of cheese per person if serving cheese at a dinner party. This amount can be adjusted depending on the time of day and the course of the meal. For instance, if you are serving cheese for lunch, you can increase the amount to 2.5-4.5 ounces per person. On the other hand, if cheese is being served as dessert, 1.75-2.5 ounces per person is recommended. It is also suggested to offer a variety of 3-5 types of cheese with different textures, densities, and flavour profiles to suit the varied preferences of your guests.
When serving cheese as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvres, caterers recommend 1-2 ounces of cheese per serving. This can be adjusted depending on the guests' appetites and their love for cheese. If your guests have larger appetites or are particularly fond of cheese, it is advisable to lean towards the higher end of the recommended serving size. Conversely, for guests with smaller appetites or those who are not big cheese enthusiasts, it is best to stick to the lower end of the recommended range.
If you are serving a cheese board as the main course at your dinner party, the recommended amount is 7-8 ounces per person. This allows your guests to indulge in a variety of cheeses and explore different combinations with garnishes, bread, crackers, meats, and other accompaniments. A creative way to intrigue your guests is by including a cheese that most people would typically avoid, such as Danish Blue or a washed-rind variety.
To calculate the total amount of cheese needed for your dinner party, simply multiply the number of servings by the number of ounces per serving. For example, if you are expecting 25 servings, each requiring 1.5 ounces of cheese, you would need a total of 37.5 ounces of cheese. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your guests enjoy a delightful cheese course at your dinner party without running out of this beloved delicacy.
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Frequently asked questions
3-6 oz of cheese per person is recommended if the cheese board is the main meal.
For a light meal at off-peak times (brunch or afternoon tea), 3 oz of cheese per person is recommended.
1-2 oz of cheese per person is recommended for hors d'oeuvres, starters, or dessert trays.
If cheese is served as a starter or appetiser, 1-1.75 oz per person is recommended. If it's served as the main course, 7-8 oz per person is suggested.
The industry standard is 3-5 varieties of cheese, depending on the size of your platter. Most caterers use 3-4 types for a small to medium-sized board.
