Applebee’s Catering Menu: Prices, Family Bundles & Ordering Rules
See the Applebee’s catering menu with prices, Family Bundle deals, order minimums, advance notice, and serving sizes. Order online for your next party.
2026 Catering Guide- No Order Minimum ✓
- Family Bundle Pricing ✓
- Plates & Utensils Included ✓
Catering, at a Glance
Applebee’s Catering Menu, the full ordering picture at a glance.
By the ApplebeesMenuPrices.us Team · Prices & calories checked against Applebee’s official menu · Last updated: August 27, 2026
I have ordered off the Applebee’s catering menu more times than I can count, for office lunches, a graduation party, and one very last-minute birthday. Every time, the same three questions came up: how much food do I need, what will it cost, and how early do I have to call? This guide answers all three, in plain language, using the current menu , real ordering rules, and a few lessons I learned the hard way.
Direct Answer
The Applebee’s catering menu costs about $10 per person on average, with no minimum order. Each tray feeds 6 to 8 guests. You can order up to two weeks ahead, or with as little as two hours’ notice for smaller groups. Plates, napkins, and utensils are included at no extra cost.
Family Bundle Pricing Table
If you don’t want to build a tray order piece by piece, the Family Bundle option on the menu bundles an appetizer, an entrée, and a side into one order. It is the fastest way to feed a family gathering or a small office without picking ten separate line items.
| Bundle | What’s Included | Feeds | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Family Bundle | 1 appetizer + 1 side + gallon beverage | 4-6 | $55-$65 |
| Classic Family Bundle | 1 appetizer + 1 entrée + 1 side | 6-8 | $85-$100 |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken Bundle | Fiesta Lime Chicken entrée + 2 sides | 6 | $125-$135 |
| Crowd Pleaser Bundle | 2 appetizers + 2 entrées or salads | 12-15 | $170-$200 |
Note: Prices shift by market and by restaurant, so treat this Family Bundle table as a planning guide, not a final quote. Your local Applebee’s will confirm the exact price when you check out.
Order Minimums, Advance Notice, and Serving Sizes
These three details cause the most confusion, so here is the plain answer for each one, based on official ordering rules.
Order Minimum
There is no minimum order on the menu. You can order a single tray for a small get-together.
Advance Notice
Standard orders can be placed up to 14 days ahead. Smaller same-day orders usually need about 2 hours’ notice.
Serving Size
Each tray is built to serve 6 to 8 guests. Desserts and beverage bags stretch a little further.
- Party of 10: order 2-3 dishes, such as one appetizer, one salad, and one entrée.
- Party of 15: order 2 appetizers plus 2 entrées, salads, or sandwich platters.
- Larger events (25 or more guests): call ahead so the kitchen has extra prep time.
- Plates, napkins, and cutlery come with every catering menu order, at no added cost.
How Much Does the Catering Menu Cost Per Person
Most groups pay somewhere between $8 and $12 per person off this menu, depending on how many appetizers versus entrées you choose. Appetizer-heavy orders land on the lower end. Entrée-heavy orders with ribs or pasta trays land on the higher end. Because there is no minimum order and no delivery fee at most locations, small offices and large parties both fit the same pricing model.
How to Order From the Menu
- Count your guests and divide by 6 to 8 to see how many trays you need.
- Browse the menu online, by phone, or in the restaurant.
- Mix categories: an appetizer, an entrée, and a side, for a balanced spread.
- Confirm timing with the restaurant, especially for large or same-day orders.
- Pick up or arrange delivery, where local delivery is offered.
4 Steps to Order the Catering Menu, Visually
Count Guests
1 tray ≈ 6–8 people
Pick Trays
Apps, entrées, sides
Give Notice
2 hrs to 14 days
Pick Up
Or local delivery
Tips From Experience
After ordering catering for a dozen small events, here is what actually helped:
- Order one extra side. Sides run out before entrées, every time.
- Ask for sauces on the side for wings, so they stay crisp for photos and for eating.
- Call the restaurant directly for orders over 20 people. A quick call avoids surprises at pickup.
- Keep the insulated containers closed until serving time. They hold heat well, but only if the lids stay on.
- For same-day orders, call first thing. Kitchens fill same-day slots fast during busy weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum order on the Applebee’s catering menu?+
No. The menu has no minimum order requirement, so you can order as little as a single tray.
How far in advance do I need to order catering?+
You can order up to 14 days ahead. Smaller orders can often be placed with about 2 hours’ notice.
How many people does one catering tray feed?+
Most trays on the menu are built to serve 6 to 8 guests, with desserts serving a bit more.
What is included in the Family Bundle?+
A Family Bundle pairs an appetizer, entrée, and side (or similar combination) into one order, so you do not have to pick items separately.
Does catering include plates and utensils?+
Yes. Every catering order comes with disposable plates, napkins, and utensils at no extra charge.
Can I order same-day catering?+
Often, yes, for smaller orders, with about 2 hours’ notice. Larger same-day orders depend on the restaurant’s schedule, so it is best to call ahead.
Is delivery available for catering orders?+
Delivery varies by restaurant. Contact your local location to confirm pickup and delivery options before you order.
📌 Summary
- This catering option runs about $8-$12 per person, with no order minimum.
- Trays serve 6-8 guests; order up to 14 days ahead or as little as 2 hours for smaller groups.
- Family Bundles combine an appetizer, entrée, and side into one simple order.
- Plates, napkins, and utensils are always included.
Final Word From Someone Who Has Ordered This Menu
I keep coming back to the Applebee’s catering menu for the same reason most hosts do: it removes the guesswork. No minimum order, clear serving sizes, and a Family Bundle option that takes the decision-making off your plate. My best advice, after several rounds of ordering, is simple: count your guests honestly, order one extra side, and call ahead for anything bigger than a small office lunch. Follow those three rules, and the catering menu will do the rest of the work for you.
Ordering for delivery instead? See the full Applebee’s Delivery guide for fees, platform comparisons, and how it stacks up against Curbside To Go.