It wouldnt be Easter without a big glazed ham. However, “how big?” is a question that often comes to mind when planning an Easter brunch or dinner. You want to make sure there is enough ham for everyone at the table, plus a little extra for your favorite ham leftovers. So, before you choose between a root beer-glazed or slow-cooker ham, read our holiday shopping tips. They will tell you how much ham you need for each person.
How easy is that? Just do a quick math problem to figure out how much ham you’ll need based on how many people are coming. Don’t worry if you’re not good at math; we’ve made it easy for you by letting you choose between a bone-in or boneless ham for Easter. Either way, you can adjust the amounts based on your familys preferences. You might want to add a few more pounds of ham to make sure there is enough for everyone if you know that your family has a big appetite.
Now that you know this, you can go to the store with confidence, and cooking your ham will be even easier. Read on for how much ham to buy per person.
Ham is a cherished centerpiece for many holiday meals and special occasions. When hosting an event, it’s important to figure out the right amount of ham to buy and serve per person. You want to make sure everyone gets their fill of delicious ham without having loads of leftovers. This guide covers everything you need to know about planning ham portions so your next dinner party potluck or family dinner is a success!
Key Factors That Determine Ham Servings
Several key factors come into play when deciding how much ham to serve each person:
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Type of ham – Bone-in ham yields less meat per pound compared to boneless
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Number of side dishes – More sides means you can serve smaller ham portions,
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Leftovers – Prep extra if you want leftovers for sandwiches or casseroles.
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Guest appetites – Consider if guests have big or smaller appetites on average.
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Slicing method – Thick slices mean fewer servings per pound than thin slices.
Considering these variables will help you settle on the perfect quantity so you don’t overbuy or run out.
Recommended Serving Sizes for Ham
As a general guideline, plan for the following cooked ham servings per person:
- Boneless ham – 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person
- Bone-in ham – 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person
This provides approximately 2-3 hearty slices per guest. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run short on this tasty main entree!
For a dinner party of 6 to 8 people, a boneless ham in the 4 to 5 pound range should suffice nicely. A holiday meal for 10 to 15 guests will need a large bone-in ham in the 8 to 12 pound range for plentiful portions. Adjust as needed based on your unique scenario.
Handling Leftovers
Part of determining portion sizes is considering what to do with the leftovers. Here are some great options for finishing up extra ham after your event:
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Ham sandwiches – Pile high on crusty rolls for easy lunches.
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Omelets – Diced ham, veggies, and cheese makes a filling omelet.
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Ham salad – Mix chopped ham into potato, pasta or macaroni salad.
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Soup – Ham and bean soup is a comforting, hearty meal.
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Casserole – Combine ham, rice or noodles, cheese, and veggies for an easy bake.
With a little creativity, you can give your leftover ham new life and avoid waste!
Serving Suggestions for Different Events
Figuring out how much ham to buy and serve per guest takes some consideration based on the type of event. Here are some serving suggestions for common gatherings:
Dinner Party (6-8 people)
- A 4-5 pound boneless ham
- Accompaniments like au gratin potatoes and roasted asparagus
- Dessert such as cherry pie or cheesecake
Family Dinner (10-12 people)
- An 8-10 pound bone-in smoked ham
- Classic sides like scalloped potatoes, green beans, rolls
- A simple dessert like cookies or brownies
Potluck (12-15 people)
- A 10-12 pound spiral cut ham as the main dish
- Guests bring savory sides, salads, and desserts to share
- Provide corn muffins or biscuits
Large Celebration (25+ people)
- 15-20 pounds of bone-in ham, carved by a server
- Buffet table with multiple salads, sides, and breads
- Sheet cake or cupcakes to feed a crowd
Adjust portions based on your headcount and menu when planning an event.
Carving Tips for Optimal Portions
Carving the ham is easier said than done. Follow these tips for neat slices in the right thickness:
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Let ham rest 15-20 minutes before carving. This makes slicing easier.
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Use a sharp knife to cut thin, even slices. Aim for 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick.
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Slice perpendicular to the bone. Angle blade towards bone to cut slices neatly.
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Cut the thickest part of the ham first while it’s easiest to carve.
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Change cutting direction to follow the contour of the ham.
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Cut any remaining meat close to the bone once large muscle slices are removed.
With practice, you’ll be able to carve picture-perfect ham slices in a consistent portion size.
Plan a Perfect Ham-Based Event
Determining the right amount of ham per person is an important part of hosting a successful get-together. Keep the recommended portion sizes and serving suggestions in mind when planning your next dinner party, family meal, potluck or celebration. And don’t forget the wise old adage – it’s always better to have too much ham than not enough at a festive gathering! With the carving and leftover tips above, you’re ready to put on an impressive ham-focused event.
How much bone-in ham do you need per person?
A bone-in ham results in the most moist and flavorful meat. Plus, that bone can be used for ham stock later in the week. How much ham to serve each person, though, should take into account the extra weight of the bone. Plan for 3/4 to 1 pound per person for a bone-in ham.
- For 6 people: 4 1/2 to 6 pounds
- For 12 people: 9 to 12 pounds
- For 20 people: 15 to 20 pounds
How much boneless ham do you need per person?
If youre looking for an easy way to carve a ham, a boneless ham might be for you. Plan to serve 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person for a boneless ham. You might only need 1/3 of a pound of ham if you have a lot of sides to go with it. You could also make another main dish, like a holiday pot roast.
- For 6 people: 2 to 3 pounds
- For 12 people: 4 to 6 pounds
- For 20 people: 6 3/4 to 10 pounds
How much Honey Baked Ham is needed per person?
FAQ
How much ham do I need for 10 adults?
How many will a 5 pound ham feed?
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Number of People
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Amount of Boneless Ham
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6 – 8
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3 – 4 lbs
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8 – 10
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4 – 5 lbs
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10 – 12
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5 – 6 lbs
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15 – 20
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8 – 10 lbs
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How many people does a 10 lb spiral ham feed?
What size Christmas ham for 8 adults?