Serve 1-2 oz of caviar per person for appetizers

For a standard appetizer, plan 1 oz of caviar per person (about 2-3 small spoonfuls). For a luxurious spread or caviar-focused events, increase to 1.5-2 oz. Pair with blinis, crème fraîche, or toast points to stretch portions. Adjust based on accompanying dishes and guest expectations.

Caviar Serving Guide by Occasion

Cocktail party (light bites): 0.5-1 oz per person
Sit-down appetizer: 1-1.5 oz per person
Luxury tasting or main feature: 2 oz per person
Buffet-style: 1.5 oz per person (account for 20% extra)

Portion Examples by Caviar Type

Caviar Type	Serving Size	Approx. Cost per Person	Best For
Standard (e.g., salmon, trout)	1-1.5 oz	$5-$15	Casual gatherings, large groups
Premium (e.g., ossetra, sevruga)	0.75-1 oz	$20-$50	Special occasions, smaller plates
Luxury (e.g., beluga hybrid)	0.5-1 oz	$50-$100+	High-end tastings, minimalist servings
Cost varies by quality and sourcing. Prices are illustrative.

Tips to Maximize Caviar Servings

Use mother-of-pearl spoons (not metal) to preserve flavor and control portions.
Serve on small blinis or crackers to make each bite feel substantial.
Pair with neutral accompaniments (crème fraîche, chopped eggs, chives) to extend volume.
For buffets, offer pre-plated samples (e.g., ½ oz per plate) to avoid over-serving.
Chill caviar 10-15 minutes before serving to firm up texture and slow consumption.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overestimating portions: Guests typically eat less caviar than expected-start with 1 oz per person.
Skipping garnishes: Without blinis or toppings, caviar disappears faster.
Using large spoons: Opt for teaspoon-sized utensils (≈0.2 oz per scoop).
Ignoring dietary restrictions: Confirm no allergies (e.g., fish roe) or vegetarian preferences.

How to Calculate Total Caviar Needed

Formula: (Number of guests) × (oz per person) + 10% buffer

Example 1: 20 guests × 1 oz = 22 oz total (add 2 oz buffer).
Example 2: 8 guests × 1.5 oz = 13.5 oz total (round up to 14 oz).