The number of blue crabs per person depends on the size of the crabs and whether other foods are served alongside them:
- If blue crabs are the main or only dish, plan on about 6 to 10 crabs per person
- If you are serving other food in addition to crabs, about 4 to 6 crabs per person is recommended, or roughly half a dozen per person
- For larger "colossal" blue crabs, fewer are needed-around 3 to 4 per person if other food is served, or 5 to 6 if crabs are the main dish
- For smaller or standard size crabs, 6 to 8 per person is common when crabs are the main item
- One bushel of large crabs typically feeds about 8 to 10 people
In summary, a good rule of thumb is:
Crab Size| Crabs per Person (Main Dish)| Crabs per Person (With Other Food)
---|---|---
Colossal| 5-6| 3-4
Large Premium| 5-6| 4
Standard/Medium| 6-8| 6
General Average| 6-10| ~6
This range accounts for appetite variations and crab size differences. Ordering on the higher end ensures enough for a festive crab feast
