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How Much Does a Ham Weigh? Finding the Right Size Ham for Your Gathering

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Our traditionally-cured boneless, half ham weighs between 7- 11lbs. If you have a weight preference, please indicate on the order notes when submitting your order. Providing as much detail as possible will help our team fit your needs.

Perfect for a family get-together or holiday, or even baking to slice for fresh “deli” ham for sandwiches.

This item has been smoked, but it has not been cooked yet. The USDA recommends cooking it to 145 degrees on the inside. It’s simple to bake it whole in the oven. Just make sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature and cover it to keep the moisture in. A lot of people put broth or water in the bottom of the roasting pan to help “steam” the ham. Others put sweet foods that are high in moisture on the outside, like pineapple rings.

The easiest way to cook a ham is to bake it in the oven. To bake your ham, pour half the glaze over the top, cover it with foil, then bake. At the end of the baking time, uncover the ham and pour the remaining glaze over the top. Bake until the glaze is caramelized, then serve.

It takes approximately 18-20 minutes per pound to bake a 10-15 lb. ham in the oven at 325 degrees F. Plan on 22-25 minutes per pound for a 5-7 lb. half ham. A thermometer will tell you if your ham is cooked to the right level and is safe to eat. The thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham should register 145 degrees F. Let the ham rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Melt 1/2 cup of butter with 1 cup brown sugar. Add 1/2 cup orange juice, zest of one orange, 1 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened, then pour over the ham.

Cooking a ham for a holiday meal or big party can be daunting if you don’t know how much ham to buy. Hams come in many different sizes, from small 4-5 lb hams to giant 20 lb hams. So how do you know how much ham to get to feed your hungry crowd? Here’s a guide to ham sizes and how many people they will serve.

Average Ham Weights

The most common sizes for hams are

  • Small hams: 4-7 lbs
  • Medium hams: 7-12 lbs
  • Large hams: 12-18 lbs
  • Extra large hams: 18-22 lbs

A bone-in ham will be heavier than a boneless ham of the same size. Boneless hams are often formed and rolled or pressed into shape.

Here are some typical ham weights to give you an idea of sizes:

  • Small bone-in ham: 5-7 lbs
  • Small boneless ham: 4-6 lbs
  • Medium bone-in ham: 9-12 lbs
  • Medium boneless ham: 7-10 lbs
  • Large bone-in ham: 14-18 lbs
  • Large boneless ham: 10-14 lbs
  • Extra large bone-in ham: 19-22 lbs
  • Extra large boneless ham: 16-20 lbs

How Many People Will a Ham Serve?

Figuring about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham per person is a good estimate for serving size. But appetites vary, so here is a more detailed guide to how many a ham will feed:

  • Small ham (4-7 lbs): 8-14 people
  • Medium ham (7-12 lbs): 14-24 people
  • Large ham (12-18 lbs): 24-36 people
  • Extra large ham (18-22 lbs): 36-44 people

For a small gathering of less than 10, a boneless ham is a great option. For 10-20 guests, choose a medium 7-10 lb ham. A large 14-18 lb ham will feed a crowd of 20-30. And for a huge party of 30 or more, an extra large 18-22 lb ham is called for.

Keep in mind if you are serving a buffet meal, you generally need more meat than a plated sit down dinner. Allow at least 1/2 pound per person for a buffet.

Bone-In vs Boneless Ham

Bone-in hams often come from the leg portion of the pig. They have more flavor from the bone but take longer to carve. Plan on about 20% of weight being bone.

Boneless hams are quicker to carve and serve but have a little less flavor. Cost per pound is usually higher for boneless.

For ease of carving, a boneless ham or a spiral cut bone-in ham are good choices for self-serve buffets. Or opt for a bone-in ham and carve it ahead of time.

Buying Hams for Holidays

Here are some typical ham sizes for holiday gatherings:

  • Easter: Medium 7-10 lb ham for 6-10 people

  • Thanksgiving: Large 12-15 lb ham for 10-20 people

  • Christmas: Extra large 18-22 lb ham for 20-30 people

When hosting large parties like an open house, plan for 1/3 to 1/2 lb per person. Hams in the 15-20 lb range work well for feeding big crowds.

Order your holiday ham ahead of time from a butcher or specialty meat shop. Let them know how many people you are serving so they can advise you on the best size to buy.

Cook Time Based on Weight

Larger hams need more time to cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 140°F. Here are guidelines:

  • Small ham (5 lbs): 2-3 hours
  • Medium ham (10 lbs): 3-4 hours
  • Large ham (15 lbs): 4-5 hours
  • Extra large ham (20 lbs): 5-6 hours

Soaking time before cooking also increases with ham size, from 8-12 hours for a small 5 lb ham up to 18-24 hours for a 20 pounder.

Remember to let the ham rest for 15-30 minutes after cooking too. The ham will continue to cook a bit more as it rests.

Buying Ham by the Serving

Another option is to buy ham by the serving or package size. This takes the guess work out of quantities. Some choices are:

  • Ham steak: 8 oz, serves 1-2
  • Ham slices: 4-8 oz pack, 2-4 servings
  • Mini ham: 2-3 lbs, serves 4-6
  • Half ham: 5-8 lbs, serves 10-15
  • Whole ham: 10-20 lbs, serves 20-40

Vacuum-sealed ham slices or a cooked mini ham are convenient choices for small gatherings under 12 people. Or pick up a half or whole cooked ham from the deli counter.

Tips for Picking the Perfect Ham

  • Allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person, more for appetizers or buffets

  • Add 2-3 lbs if you want ample leftovers

  • Bone-in ham has the best flavor

  • Boneless is easier to carve

  • Let deli staff know how many you need to serve

  • Cook 15-20 minutes per pound, more for larger hams

Choosing the ideal size ham for your next party or meal doesn’t need to be confusing. Just estimate your head count, allow 4-8 oz per person, and pick a ham size within that range. Aim for 1/3 to 1/2 lb per guest or more if appetites are big. Then relax and enjoy the flavors of a perfect ham!

how much does a ham weigh

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Our traditionally-cured boneless, half ham weighs between 7- 11lbs. If you have a weight preference, please indicate on the order notes when submitting your order. Providing as much detail as possible will help our team fit your needs.

Perfect for a family get-together or holiday, or even baking to slice for fresh “deli” ham for sandwiches.

This item has been smoked, but it has not been cooked yet. The USDA recommends cooking it to 145 degrees on the inside. It’s simple to bake it whole in the oven. Just make sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature and cover it to keep the moisture in. A lot of people put broth or water in the bottom of the roasting pan to help “steam” the ham. Others put sweet foods that are high in moisture on the outside, like pineapple rings.

HOW TO ROAST A HAM WITH A GLAZE

Serving Size- 1/2 lb. boneless ham per person

Your Lilac Hedge Farm ham has not been pre-cooked.

The easiest way to cook a ham is to bake it in the oven. To bake your ham, pour half the glaze over the top, cover it with foil, then bake. At the end of the baking time, uncover the ham and pour the remaining glaze over the top. Bake until the glaze is caramelized, then serve.

It takes approximately 18-20 minutes per pound to bake a 10-15 lb. ham in the oven at 325 degrees F. Plan on 22-25 minutes per pound for a 5-7 lb. half ham. A thermometer will tell you if your ham is cooked to the right level and is safe to eat. The thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham should register 145 degrees F. Let the ham rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

OUR FAVORITE GLAZE

Melt 1/2 cup of butter with 1 cup brown sugar. Add 1/2 cup orange juice, zest of one orange, 1 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened, then pour over the ham.

Click for recipes for leftovers!

How Much Weight Does a Ham Lose While Aging?

FAQ

What is the average weight of a whole ham?

Whole Ham 19-21 lbs. Serves about 36 or Half Ham 10-11 lbs.

How heavy is a Christmas ham?

Del Basso Full leg hams range between 10 – 12kg. *Note Ham weights may vary as they are a naturally occuring product. Ham weights may vary from 10.5 kg to 12kg. By ordering this product online you acknowlege and accept that the weights may vary and agree to the purchase price on this web site.

How many pounds is a precooked ham?

Pre-Cooked, Bone-In (Whole Ham—10 to 14 lbs.) Pre-Cooked, Boneless (6 to 12 lbs.) Uncooked, Bone-In (Half Ham—5 to 8 lbs.)

How much does a spiral ham weigh?

Average weight 7–9lbs.

How much does a ham weigh?

Hams are available in various sizes, including whole hams, half hams, and spiral sliced hams. Whole hams typically range from 10 to 18 pounds, while half hams can weigh anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds. Spiral sliced hams usually weigh between 7 and 10 pounds. It’s important to keep in mind that bone-in hams will have a larger weight due to the bone.

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 much does a smoked ham weigh?

If you’re buying a fully cooked bone-in smoked ham half, it will typically weigh between 8 to 9 pounds and feed approximately 8-10 people. When reheating your ham, it’s suggested to use a roasting rack that is placed in a pan that has water in the bottom. Place the fully cooked ham on the rack and set your oven to 350°.

How much does a ham bone weigh?

The bone in a whole ham can weigh anywhere from 6 to 8 pounds. – Half Ham: A half ham can come from either the shank end or the butt end of the ham. A half ham typically weighs between 5 to 10 pounds, with the bone accounting for around 2 to 4 pounds of that weight. – Spiral Sliced Ham: A bone-in spiral-cut ham can weigh between 7 to 10 pounds.

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