When it comes to satisfying a craving for something delicious, cheesy, and universally loved, pizza invariably tops the list. Whether it’s a cozy family night, a bustling party with friends, or a casual office gathering, the joy of sharing a large, piping hot pizza is unparalleled. But, before you dial up your favorite pizzeria, there’s a crucial question that often stirs debate and curiosity: How Many Slices Are In A Large Pizza? This seemingly simple inquiry is, in fact, layered with nuances that can influence your dining experience, meal planning, and the satisfaction of your guests.
Armed with insights from pizza aficionados and industry insiders, our article aims not just to inform but to enhance your next pizza-ordering endeavor. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza party host eager to please every palate or a curious diner wondering about the intricacies of your favorite meal, you’ll find valuable knowledge within these paragraphs. So, let’s embark on a flavorful journey that promises to answer the age-old question, “How many slices are in a large pizza?” and perhaps, discover a few surprises along the way that will make your next pizza order a resounding success.
Contents
- 1 How Many Slices Are In A Large Pizza?
- 2 Customizing Your Large Pizza Order
- 3 Nutrition Information on Large Pizzas
- 4 Dietary Restrictions and Options
- 5 Creative and Crowd-Pleasing Topping Combos
- 6 Ordering, Delivery, and Pickup
- 7 Large Pizza Orders for Events and Groups
- 8 Storing and Reheating Tips
- 9 Special Considerations
How Many Slices Are In A Large Pizza?
When we think of large pizzas, most of us imagine a 14-16 inch pizza meant to serve multiple people. Here are some standard large pizza sizes from major chains:
- Pizza Hut – 14 inch large pizza, cut into 10 slices and intended to serve about 4-5 people.
- Dominos – 14 inch large pizza, cut into 8 slices, serving 3-4 people.
- Papa John’s – 14 inch large pizza, cut into 12 slices, serving 4-5.
- Little Caesars – 14 inch large pizza, cut into 8 slices, serving 2-4.
So while a 14-inch diameter is typical of a large pizza, the number of slices and intended serving size can vary a bit by brand. Some key attributes that define a pizza as “large” are:
- Diameter of 14 inches or greater
- Cut into 8-12 slices
- Intended to serve a group of 3-5 people
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Knowing these general size guidelines can help you select the right number of pizzas for a group and event. But beyond the basic large pizza size, there are also ways to customize your order.
Customizing Your Large Pizza Order
Rather than accepting the default number of slices in a large pizza from your chosen pizza chain, you can request custom slicing. Here are some examples:
- For a kids’ birthday party, order the large pizza cut into 16 or 20 smaller slices.
- For a Super Bowl party with all adults, ask for the large pizza to be cut into 6-8 bigger slices.
- If you have a mixed group of kids and adults, request around 12 medium-sized slices.
Nutrition Information on Large Pizzas
When feeding a crowd, you may also want to consider the nutritional content of your chosen pizza order. Here are some key facts:
- A 14-inch large cheese pizza from Pizza Hut has around 2500 calories and 110 grams of fat.
- Adding pepperoni as a topping adds about 70 calories and 5 grams of fat per slice.
- Deep dish pizzas tend to be higher in calories, fat, and carbs compared to thin crust.
- The more toppings you add, the higher the calorie and fat contents become.
Dietary Restrictions and Options
If you’re ordering for a group, be sure to ask about any dietary restrictions or preferences attendees may have. Most national pizza chains now offer options like:
- Gluten-free crust: Made without wheat for those with gluten intolerance.
- Dairy-free cheese: Uses soy or other non-dairy cheeses.
- Vegan options: Excludes all animal products like cheese and meat.
- Vegetarian: Contains no meat toppings.
Ordering a few pies with special crusts or cheese can let all your guests feel included. Double check on nutritional content, as gluten-free and vegan crusts may be higher in carbs or calories than classic dough.
Creative and Crowd-Pleasing Topping Combos
When choosing toppings for a large crowd-pleasing pizza, it helps to offer an array of flavors and textures that appeal to different tastes. Here are some fun combinations to try:
- Supreme – Pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, onions, mushrooms.
- Hawaiian – Ham, pineapple, bacon.
- Veggie – Spinach, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, black olives.
- Buffalo Chicken – Grilled chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing.
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Mixing complementary proteins like pepperoni and sausage or ham and bacon, and contrasting sweet and salty flavors (pineapple and ham) will please diverse palates. And including veggie toppings adds nutrition. Get creative with sauces too.
Ordering, Delivery, and Pickup
When you’re ready to place your large pizza order for delivery, keep these tips in mind:
- Order online for convenience and to ensure accuracy.
- Take advantage of coupon codes and special deals.
- Tip generously, as large orders are heavy.
- Ask for contactless delivery if health concerns.
- Check cutomization and dietary options during order.
- Call the store ahead of time for very large group orders.
Large Pizza Orders for Events and Groups
Ordering pizza for big groups like business events, sports teams, school functions, and birthday parties takes some additional planning:
- Choose Pizza Buffet Style – Have pies continuously brought out whole for people to grab slices at their own pace.
- Order Extra Pies – Aim for 2-4 slices per person. Leftovers are easier to manage than running out.
- Mix Up Toppings – Order at least one cheese, pepperoni, veggie, and specialty pie to satisfy preferences.
- Label Pizzas with sticky notes or signs so guests know toppings and dietary options.
- Provide Individual Plates/Napkins to minimize sharing germs if COVID or flu is a concern.
Storing and Reheating Tips
When you order multiple pies for a big event, you’ll likely have leftovers. To enjoy them again later:
- Store pizza in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-5 days maximum.
- Reheat slices in the oven at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Microwave single slices for 45 seconds – 1 minute if in a hurry.
- Place a cup of water in the microwave or oven to prevent slices from drying out.
With proper storage and reheating, leftover pizza can taste just as delicious as on day one.
Special Considerations
A few final things to keep in mind when serving pizza to groups:
- Be aware of any nut, dairy or gluten allergies guests may have.
- Alert guests to ingredients like pork if religious restrictions apply.
- Custom orders may take longer – call ahead for very large group orders.
- Have backup snacks on hand in case pizza runs out quicker than expected.
- Avoid loose drink ice touching pizza to prevent contamination.
Michael J. Fanola is the chef and owner of Joe’s French Italian Inn Restaurants. He has over 30 years of culinary experience, and his restaurants have been voted “Best Italian Restaurant” by the readers of the Staten Island Advance for many years in a row. Michael is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and he has worked in some of the most highly acclaimed kitchens in the country.