Expert: Kay Cole - 2/27/2010

Question
I am attempting my first catered brunch, quiche for 50 people, should I use 9 in. aluminum pie tins, or what? Make ahead and freeze, or just refrigerate a day, than reheat? How many slices per person? Also, I will include a vegetarian quiche, how many of those should I make? Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi - sorry that I was away from computer this weekend and did not answer earlier.

Is it a buffet or plated?  If plated, the the triangular pie piece shape would look better on the plate, in my opinion. Also, decide how many slices you can get out of the pan and the count will be easy...make an extra pan in case you drop something plating up or if your number could increase at the last moment!

However, if a buffet, it might be easier to make in sheet pans and cut square pieces...it would be easier for the guests to dish up themselves and easier for you to serve on the buffet. On a buffet, you might need to make 1.5 pieces per person...plus a few extra in case your numbers increase. You could certainly do square pieces for your plate up as well, if that would be easier preparation with less pans, etc.

I always think everything is best, not frozen in advance.  But, sometimes you have no choice. Do what you have to do that your time allows.

The number of vegetarian slices can be tricky...depends on the crowd of people. Since you most likely will have ham in the quiche, you would need vegetarian serving for those that may not be vegetarians...but, those that do not eat pork for religious reasons...so, your number might be higher than just calculating how many folks might not eat meat at all. You can always have your "extra" be vegetarian slices and then you would be safe one way or another.

Since this is your first brunch, and another slice or two of quiche is not something that you can pull out of your hat...plus the ingredients are not expensive...if I were you, I would take no chances and prepare high just to ease my mind - If I had a guarantee of 50 people, I would most likely have told the client that I would be prepared to serve 5% over the guarantee, therefore, I would go in with enough for at least 53 people with the regular quiche and 10 portions of the vegetarian.  Also, consider too...what else you will have on the buffet or plate.

I hope these thoughts help...let me know if I can be of further assistance. Best, K