The Perfect Portion: How Much Ham to Serve Per Person

When serving ham, determining the right portion size per person is crucial. The amount of ham you need to serve depends on whether the ham is boneless, bone-in spiral-cut, or country ham. In this article, we will explore the general guidelines and considerations for serving ham to ensure everyone is adequately fed.

Boneless Ham Servings

When dealing with boneless ham, the recommended serving size varies depending on your guests' appetite and the presence of side dishes and desserts. Here are some general guidelines:

For most people, plan for each individual to consume between 1/3 and 1/2 pounds of boneless ham. If your family enjoys a variety of side dishes and desserts, you may want to plan for a slightly smaller serving of 1/3 pound per person, but remember to factor in leftovers and take-home dishes.

Here are suggested amounts for different numbers of dinner guests:

Number of Guests Serving_size 6 people 2 to 3 pounds 12 people 4 to 6 pounds 20 people 6 3/4 to 10 pounds

Remember, these are general guidelines. Appetites can vary, and factors such as the meal being buffet-style or sit-down may influence the amount of ham you need to serve.

Bone-In Spiral-Cut Ham Servings

When serving a bone-in spiral-cut ham, you need to account for the added weight of the bone. Use the following guidelines to determine the appropriate amount of ham to serve:

Estimate 3/4 to 1 pound per person for a bone-in ham. Save the bone to make soup or use some of the leftover ham for sandwiches, casseroles, and other dishes.

Here are suggested amounts for different numbers of dinner guests:

Number of Guests Serving_size 6 people 4.5 to 6 pounds 12 people 9 to 12 pounds 20 people 15 to 20 pounds

Adjust these estimates based on your guests' preferences and the variety of side dishes available.

Country Ham Servings

Country ham typically requires a smaller serving size, with most individuals consuming 1/4 to 1/3 pounds. The saltiness and intensity of country ham may result in guests taking smaller portions. Here are some suggested serving sizes:

Number of Guests Serving_size 6 people 2 to 3 pounds 12 people 4 to 6 pounds 20 people 6 3/4 to 10 pounds

Consider these guidelines and adjust them based on your specific needs and preferences.

Remember: These are general guidelines, and appetites can vary. Always consider the higher end of these estimates if you want leftovers or to send guests home with some ham. Enjoy your ham meal!

Additional Resources

If you need more specific guidance on how much ham to buy per person, here are some additional resources:

How Much Ham Should You Buy Per Person - Ask USDA How Much Ham Do You Need Per Person How Much Ham Per Person - What Size Ham Do You Need for Easter

As a tip, I usually serve 3 slices of ham per person, which generally seemed to be enough for most guests. However, always consider the variety of side dishes and the meal format when planning your ham servings.