Order Minimum
There is no minimum order on the menu. You can order a single tray for a small get-together.
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.
What’s on the Applebee’s Catering Menu
The catering menu is built around trays that serve a group, not single plates. That keeps the per-person cost low and the setup simple. Here is how the menu breaks down by category.
| Category | Popular Items | Serves |
|---|---|---|
| Appetizers | Boneless Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Quesadillas | 6-8 |
| Entrées | Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs | 6-8 |
| Salads | Caesar Salad, House Salad | 6-8 |
| Sandwich Platters | Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Sandwich Tray | 6-8 |
| Sides | Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Steamed Broccoli | 6-8 |
| Desserts | Brownie Bites Platter | 10-12 |
| Beverages | Gallon Beverage Bags: Lemonade, Sweet or Unsweet Tea | 8 cups |
- Every appetizer, entrée, salad, and side on the menu is packed in an insulated, party-ready container.
- Sauces come on the side, so wings stay crisp until you are ready to serve them.
- Gallon beverage bags include 8 cups, with ice provided free for iced tea.
- Item availability can change by location, so double-check your local restaurant’s current lineup before you finalize a big order.
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.
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
1
Count Guests
1 tray ≈ 6–8 people
2
Pick Trays
Apps, entrées, sides
3
Give Notice
2 hrs to 14 days
4
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.
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.
