How Many Pizzas for 20 People: The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Party Planning

Are you planning a get-together and wondering how many pizzas to order for 20 people? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a casual hangout, a birthday celebration, or a game night, figuring out the right amount of pizza can be tricky. Too little, and you’ll have hungry guests. Too much, and you’re left with excessive leftovers (though that’s not always a bad thing!). In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ordering pizza for 20 people, ensuring your event is a cheesy success.

The Pizza Party Predicament

When you’re hosting a group of 20 people, you can’t simply pop a frozen pizza in the oven or head to your favorite sit-down pizzeria. This calls for a strategic pizza order. But here’s where it gets complicated: pizza serving recommendations vary widely. For instance, Hungry Howie’s suggests that a large pizza can feed six people, while Domino’s claims it feeds three to five. So, what’s a conscientious host to do?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all pizza calculator. Your guests will arrive with varying appetites and preferences. While you might be satisfied with two slices, your friend’s brother might devour five after his intense workout. Planning for these variables can be challenging, but don’t worry – we’re here to help you navigate this cheesy conundrum.

The ⅜ Rule: Your Pizza Party Savior

When it comes to determining how many pizzas for 20 people, the ⅜ rule is your best friend. This simple yet effective guideline helps you estimate the right amount of pizza to order. Here’s how it works:

1. Anticipate three slices per person: This accounts for average appetites.
2. Count eight slices per pie: Most large pizzas are cut into eight slices.
3. Multiply your guest count by ⅜: This gives you the total number of slices needed.

Let’s put this into practice for your group of 20:

20 people x ⅜ = 7.5 pizzas

Rounding up, you’d need to order 8 large pizzas to feed 20 people. This calculation provides 60 slices total, allowing some guests to eat fewer than three slices and others to indulge in more.

The beauty of the ⅜ rule is that it accounts for varying appetites, letting you focus on enjoying the party rather than worrying about the pizza supply. However, while this rule is a solid starting point, there are several factors you should consider to fine-tune your order.

Factors to Consider When Ordering Pizza for 20 People

While the ⅜ rule provides a great baseline, several variables can affect how many pizzas you need for 20 people. Consider these factors to ensure pizza perfection:

1. Group Hunger Level

Before placing your order, assess your group’s collective appetite. Are they coming straight from work, famished and ready to feast? Or is it a mid-afternoon gathering where people might be less inclined to overindulge? Rank your crew’s hunger on a scale from “moderately peckish” to “ravenous,” and adjust your order accordingly.

2. Age of Guests

The pizza needs for 20 adults differ significantly from those of 20 kids at a birthday party. Adults generally eat more than children, so you might need to order extra if you’re hosting an all-adult gathering. Conversely, for a kids’ party, you might get away with ordering less.

3. Side Dishes and Appetizers

If you’re serving other snacks alongside the pizza, you can probably reduce your pizza order slightly. Chips, salads, or cheesy bread can help fill up your guests, potentially decreasing the number of pizza slices they’ll consume.

4. Dietary Restrictions

Are any of your guests vegan, vegetarian, or lactose-intolerant? If so, you’ll need to factor this into your order. Consider getting a couple of specialty pizzas to cater to these dietary needs, which may affect the total number of regular pizzas you order.

5. Alcohol Consumption

If your party involves alcoholic beverages, be prepared to order extra pizza. Studies show that alcohol tends to increase appetite, making people more likely to eat – and eat more. If the drinks are flowing freely, you might want to add an extra pie or two to your order.

6. Toppings and Crust Type

The type of pizza you order can impact how filling it is. A meat lover’s pizza loaded with sausage, pepperoni, and bacon will be more satisfying per slice than a plain cheese pizza. Similarly, a thick or stuffed crust pizza will be more filling than a thin-crust variety. Take these factors into account when deciding how many pizzas to order for 20 people.

Pizza Party Pro Tips

Now that we’ve covered the basics of calculating pizza for 20 people, let’s dive into some pro tips to ensure your pizza party is a smashing success:

1. Diversify Your Order

Don’t just stick to one type of pizza. Variety is the spice of life, after all! Order a mix of classic favorites like pepperoni and cheese, along with some more adventurous options. This ensures there’s something for everyone and keeps the pizza experience exciting.

2. Consider Timing

The time of day can affect how much pizza people will eat. A lunchtime gathering might require less pizza than a dinner party. Late-night snacking during a movie marathon might call for extra pies.

3. Plan for Leftovers

While food waste is never ideal, having leftover pizza isn’t the worst problem to have. In fact, many people love cold pizza for breakfast the next day. When in doubt, it’s better to slightly over-order than to leave your guests hungry.

4. Don’t Forget the Extras

Remember to order some extras like garlic knots, dipping sauces, or a side salad. These additions can round out the meal and provide options for those who might want something other than (or in addition to) pizza.

5. Have a Pizza-Cutting Strategy

If you’re ordering extra-large pizzas, consider asking the pizzeria to cut them into more than eight slices. This can help with portion control and make it easier for guests to try different varieties without overcommitting to large slices.

6. Set Up a Pizza Station

Create a designated area for your pizza spread. Include plates, napkins, utensils, and any additional toppings or seasonings (like red pepper flakes or parmesan cheese) that guests might want to add to their slices.

The Pizza Math

Let’s revisit our original question: How many pizzas for 20 people? Based on the ⅜ rule, we determined that eight large pizzas should suffice. But let’s break this down further to understand the math behind it:

• 20 people x 3 slices each = 60 slices needed
• 1 large pizza typically has 8 slices
• 60 slices ÷ 8 slices per pizza = 7.5 pizzas

Rounding up to ensure everyone gets enough, we arrive at 8 pizzas for 20 people. This provides a total of 64 slices, giving you a small buffer.

However, remember that this is a starting point. Depending on the factors we discussed earlier, you might adjust this number up or down. For instance:

• For a group of very hungry adults: Consider ordering 9-10 pizzas
• For a kids’ birthday party: 6-7 pizzas might be sufficient
• If serving lots of sides and appetizers: 7 pizzas could be enough
• If alcohol is being served: Err on the side of caution with 9-10 pizzas

When in Doubt, Ask the Experts

If you’re still unsure about how many pizzas to order for 20 people, don’t hesitate to ask the pizzeria for advice. Many pizza places have experience catering to large groups and can provide valuable insights based on their expertise.

When you call to place your order, give them details about your event, such as:

• The number of guests
• The age range of attendees
• Whether it’s a meal or more of a snack situation
• If you’re serving other food alongside the pizza

With this information, they can help you determine the right amount of pizza for your specific situation.

Conclusion

Figuring out how many pizzas to order for 20 people doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By using the ⅜ rule as a starting point and considering factors like guest age, hunger level, and additional food offerings, you can make an informed decision that ensures everyone leaves your gathering satisfied.

Remember, it’s always better to have a little too much pizza than not enough. Worst case scenario? You have delicious leftovers to enjoy the next day. So go ahead, place that order with confidence, and get ready to host an unforgettable pizza party!

Whether you’re feeding a group of ravenous teenagers or hosting a sophisticated adult gathering, you now have the tools to calculate the perfect amount of pizza. So the next time someone asks you “How many pizzas for 20 people?”, you’ll be ready with a well-informed answer. Happy hosting, and may your pizza party be filled with cheesy goodness and great memories!