When cooking just for ourselves, calculating portions is a very simple task. But everything changes when we have a dinner with family or friends. We must be precise when calculating how much our guests will eat, as failing to do so can lead to the embarrassment of not having enough food, someone going hungry, or, on the contrary, overestimating and having to eat the same dish for a week. Today we will give you some tips on how much food to prepare depending on the number of people eating. 

Appetizers

If you will only offer canapés and cocktail-style snacks, calculate between 10 and 16 pieces per person. If these are just snacks, reduce the amount to about 6 per guest.

Spring rolls  

Pasta, soups, and rice

For pasta and dry rice, calculate between 60 and 75 grams per person. When it comes to a broth soup, you should add 100 g for every liter of broth and serve about 250 milliliters per serving.

Chipotle rice

Side dishes

Side dishes made from sautéed, boiled, or stewed vegetables should be served in portions of between 75 and 100 grams. If the side dish is made with cooked greens, increase the portion to between 200 and 250 g per person. If the side dish is a salad, 50 g will be more than sufficient.

Strawberry and avocado salad

Meats

The portion will depend on whether it is meats, fish, or poultry. The most common meats - such as beef, pork, or lamb - should be served in portions of between 150 and 200 grams when boneless, and between 250 and 350 grams when they have bones.

Marinated pork ribs

Fish

Whole fish should weigh around 300 g, while boneless cuts should be between 200 and 250 g, and those with bones between 250 and 300 grams.

Almond-crusted salmon with avocado sauce

A whole chicken is enough for 4 people.

Gratinated pineapple stuffed with pastor chicken

Fruits

One piece per person will be sufficient if you offer fruits like orange, banana, or apple. If it’s fruits like pineapple, papaya, or watermelon, consider 150 grams per guest.

Desserts

For individual desserts like muffins, flans, custards, or breads, consider between one and one and a half pieces per person.

Blackberry cheese pie

Beverages

For drinks like water, mineral water, juices, or sodas, consider around 750ml per guest, and for coffee, tea, and infusions, consider between one and a half to two cups per person.

Horchata water