Sliced ham is a sandwich staple that can take a simple meal from boring to brilliant. However, figuring out how much to buy for a group can be tricky. You want to make sure you have enough for everyone without overbuying and wasting food and money. This detailed guide will walk you through exactly how much sliced ham you need per person when making sandwiches
Factors That Determine Ham Sandwich Servings
There are a few key factors that determine appropriate sliced ham sandwich servings
- Type of ham – Bone-in ham provides thicker slices so you need less per person. Boneless deli-sliced ham requires more per person.
- Sandwich size – Small finger sandwiches need 1-2 thin slices per sandwich. Large sandwiches require 3-4 thicker slices.
- Appetite – Big eaters need more. Seniors or kids may need smaller servings.
- Leftovers – Providing extra allows for customizations or second helpings.
Taking these factors into account helps estimate proper ham sandwich servings.
Sliced Ham Serving Sizes
Here are some general sliced ham serving size guidelines based on common sandwich scenarios:
Bone-In Ham
- For small sandwiches, plan 1/4 pound per person
- For larger sandwiches, allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person
Boneless Ham
- For small sandwiches, 2-3 ounces per person
- For larger sandwiches, 3-4 ounces per person
Deli Ham
- 2-3 ounces per average sandwich
- So 1 pound makes 5-6 sandwiches
Party Platters
- Allow 3-5 ounces per person for a meal
- 2-3 ounces per person for lighter appetizers
These serving sizes account for leftovers. For big eaters you may want to allow extra.
Calculating Total Sliced Ham Needed
Figuring out the total amount of sliced ham needed requires a few simple calculations:
- Decide on sandwich size and servings per person
- Calculate the number of people attending
- Multiply servings per person by number of people
For example, for a party of 30 with 4 oz boneless ham sandwiches:
- 4 oz ham per sandwich x 30 people = 120 ounces (7.5 pounds) needed
Or for 50 people with finger sandwiches using 2 oz deli ham each:
- 2 oz per sandwich x 50 people = 100 ounces (6.25 pounds) needed
Buying a bit extra allows for imperfect slices or customization.
Buying and Storing Ham
When buying ham for sandwiches, follow these tips:
- Check sell-by date and pick the freshest option
- Buy boneless ham and deli meat 1-2 days before using
- Inspect packaging for leaks before purchasing
- Place ham in a plastic bag to contain leaks
- Refrigerate ham as soon as possible after purchase
- Store bone-in ham up to 1 week in original wrap
- Store deli ham in sealed bags or containers
- Freeze deli ham in 1 pound portions with paper towels to absorb moisture
- Smell before buying discounted deli ham to ensure freshness
Proper refrigeration and freezing keeps ham fresh for sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Sliced ham can be used in so many tasty sandwiches:
- Ham and cheese – Simply delicious! Add lettuce, tomato, mustard.
- Honey glazed ham – With pickle and sweet mustard on a pretzel roll.
- Ham salad sandwich – Mix ham with mayo, celery, onion.
- Breakfast sandwich – Ham, egg, and cheese on an English muffin.
- Grilled ham and cheese – Buttery, toasty sandwich perfection!
- Ham and pineapple – Aloha! Sweet and savory flavor combination.
Get creative with ingredients, cheeses, condiments, and breads. The options are endless for ham sandwiches.
Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives
For plant-based diets, skip the ham and try these alternatives:
- Meatless deli slices like Sweet Earth ham style
- Grilled fresh watermelon “ham” with smoky spices
- Hummus spread provides creaminess without mayo
- Hearty seitan “ham” roast slices for texture and flavor
You can still make delicious sandwiches packed with flavor.
Let’s Make a Plan
Planning and preparing the right amount of sliced ham ensures everyone gets a tasty sandwich. Now you can determine portions, buy and store ham properly, and get creative with menu options. Simply decide your servings, do the math, shop strategically, and slice up some ham for satisfied guests. Just follow this guide for stress-free ham sandwich success!
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How much Ham do you need for a ham sandwich?
For boneless ham, a serving size of one person should be about 1/3 pound and one serving size of two people should be about 1/2 pound. Next, think about the size of the sandwich you’ll be making. If you’re making smaller sandwiches, such as finger sandwiches, you may need less ham per person than if you’re making larger sandwiches.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
How many ounces of Ham do you need per person?
For sliced ham, you will need approximately 2-3 ounces per person. This will provide each person with a standard “sandwich slice” rather than shaved. How many pounds of deli meat do I need to feed 40 people?
How much Ham should a dinner party eat?
If your dinner party prefers country ham, you’ll likely need a smaller amount, because the ham’s saltiness and intensity will keep your guests’ portions on the smaller side. We recommend 1/4 to 1/3 pounds per person at most, though you can round up slightly for a bone-in ham.