How much instant mashed potatoes for 100 people?

It's impossible to give you an exact amount of instant mashed potatoes for 100 people without knowing how much each person will eat. Here's a breakdown to help you calculate:

Factors to consider:

* Appetite: Are you serving this as a side dish or the main course? People tend to eat more mashed potatoes when it's the main focus.

* Other foods: Will there be other starchy sides like rice or pasta?

* Portion size: Are you aiming for a generous scoop or a smaller serving?

General guidelines:

* Side dish: Plan for about 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes per person.

* Main course: Plan for 1 cup of mashed potatoes per person.

Calculations:

* Side dish (1/2 cup per person): 100 people x 0.5 cups = 50 cups of mashed potatoes

* Main course (1 cup per person): 100 people x 1 cup = 100 cups of mashed potatoes

Converting to boxes:

* Most instant mashed potato boxes contain 6-8 servings (about 3-4 cups of prepared mashed potatoes).

* Side dish: 50 cups / 3 cups per box = 17 boxes (round up to 18 to be safe)

* Main course: 100 cups / 3 cups per box = 33 boxes (round up to 34 to be safe)

Remember: These are just estimates. Consider your guests' appetites and the other dishes on the menu to make the best decision for your specific event.