Understanding Cheese Tray Portions
Elegant appetizer featuring assorted cheeses. Plan for 2 oz per person before a meal, 4-6 oz if it's the main appetizer. When planning for a group, the key is knowing that the average adult consumes 2 servings of cheese tray.
Factors That Affect Portion Size
- Time of day: Lunch portions are typically 20% smaller than dinner portions.
- Other foods: When serving multiple dishes, reduce cheese tray by 25-30%.
- Guest demographics: Teenagers eat more, seniors and young children eat less.
- Event type: Casual events see more eating; formal events see less.
- Duration: Longer events need more food as people graze over time.
The Formula
To calculate cheese tray for any group:
Number of Guests × 2 = Total Servings
Pro Tips for Cheese Tray Servings
- Include 3-5 cheese varieties (soft, hard, aged, blue)
- Take cheese out of fridge 30-60 minutes before serving
- Add crackers, fruit, nuts, and honey for accompaniments
- Plan 1 oz per cheese variety per person
- Pre-slice some cheese for easy serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't assume everyone eats the same amount—always add a 10-15% buffer
- Don't forget about dietary restrictions—have alternatives ready
- Don't order last minute for large groups—plan ahead for best selection
- Don't underestimate hungry crowds—when in doubt, order more