Holiday meal planning always brings a heap of stress, at a time when the goal is really to relax with the people who matter most in your life. But the last thing you want as a host is to deliver less than the best experience for your guests - be it friends, family, or anyone in between.
One of the most common questions we see asked is how many pounds of ham per person ensures everyone has plenty to eat without tons of leftovers.
There isn’t an obvious one-size-fits-all answer for how much ham per person to buy - as you can imagine, there are a few things you need to consider.
What sort of appetites does everyone have? Will there be other entrees served? Are you asking about how much bone-in ham per person or how much boneless ham per person? In general, though, a good rule of thumb is a half pound per person.
We’ll offer more insights below to help you pick the perfect ham whether for a holiday gathering or just because. Here at Mahogany Smoked Meats we’re proud to present the best bone-in hams for sale and boneless hams for sale online.
You can leave all the heavy lifting to us - we’ll slow smoke your ham to perfection and deliver it to your door so you can warm it and enjoy it rather than slaving over a hot stove all day! We have more than a century of experience so you can place your order with peace of mind.
How Many Pounds of Ham Per Person Should I Buy?
So, how many pounds of ham per person should I buy? We gave you a general guideline already for how much ham per person is ideal, but let’s get a bit more specific below.
We’ll break this up into two sections: how much bone-in ham per person and how much boneless ham per person. As you’ll see, choosing between bone-in vs boneless ham comes down to more than just serving sizes.
How Much Bone-in Ham Per Person?
Bone-in ham has a rich, savory flavor and is known for retaining more moisture during cooking. This is the classic choice for those who want an authentic serving presentation and dining experience.
You need to be aware, though, that the bone adds weight. So, how much bone-in ham per person is ideal? Plan on 3/4 to 1 pound of bone-in ham per guest. This way everyone can enjoy ample portions while accounting for the inedible part of the ham.
For large gatherings with hearty eaters or occasions where you want leftovers, you might even consider rounding up your estimate. The big takeaway from this conversation is you’d rather have more than necessary and ensure everyone gets plenty to eat.
If you opt for bone-in ham, be prepared for a bit more work in the carving process. A sharp knife or an electric slicer will allow for clean, easy servings.
How Much Boneless Ham Per Person?
On the other hand, how much boneless ham per person is enough? Since the entire ham is edible, it’s a bit more straightforward. You can safely abide by the general suggestion of 1/2 to 3/4 pounds per person for most gatherings.
If you choose a boneless ham you’ll also enjoy much more streamlined preparation. The absence of a bone makes carving simpler, albeit slightly less traditional. You generally get more bang for your buck from a cost perspective with boneless ham, too.
When in Doubt, Buy the Bigger Ham!
The mantra we live by anytime we’re wondering how much food to buy is to err on the side of caution and always buy the bigger ham.
This eliminates the stress of not knowing if you’ve ordered enough ham and ensures everyone can have generous portions - perhaps even seconds!
You should definitely take this route if your guest list includes big eaters or if you’re hosting a holiday feast. An extra pound or two won’t cost all that much more, and it can make all the difference.
Worst case scenario you have leftovers for the rest of the week - what a treat! There are so many great ways you can enjoy them. We’ll share some tips below.
What If I Have Leftovers?
Just like with turkey leftover recipes there are countless ways you can enjoy your leftover ham in the wake of a holiday feast. Here are just a few of our personal favorites:
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche
This is a savory way to start the day and it’s fairly simple to make. Use your leftover ham, shredded cheese, and a mix of eggs and cream to create a satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
Ham and Potato Soup
A comforting and hearty ham and potato soup combines diced ham with tender potatoes, carrots, celery, and a rich, creamy broth. It’s perfect for cold days around the holiday season.
Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
Give your ham a tropical twist by tossing it into a skillet with cooked rice, diced pineapple, soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and chopped vegetables.
Ham Salad
You can combine chopped ham, mayonnaise, mustard, and diced pickles or celery for a light yet protein-rich lunch. Serve it as a sandwich filling or on top of a bed of fresh greens.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Looking for a casual meal or snack? Make sliders from soft rolls layered with leftover ham and melted cheese. Add a brush of melted butter with garlic and herbs for an irresistible treat.
Tips for Storing Leftover Ham
Now, how long does smoked ham last in the fridge? The last thing you want is to push the limits a bit too far and end up coming down with foodborne illness.
Always store leftover ham in an airtight container - ideally, as soon as the meal is done rather than letting it sit out for hours. It can last anywhere from 3-5 days in the fridge.
But if you plan to store your ham even longer, you can wrap slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing quality.
Whichever method you choose make sure you label and date the baggies or containers so you don’t have to play the guessing game about how long the ham has been stored.
More Advice on Picking the Perfect Smoked Ham for the Fam
Figuring out how much ham per person - bone-in or boneless - is just the first step. Then, you need to actually choose the ideal ham. We’re here to simplify things for you so that you can easily and confidently pick the perfect ham to impress all your guests.
Choosing Between Bone-in and Boneless Ham
First, determine whether you want to go with a bone-in or boneless ham. We touched on some of the differences between these two styles already, but it really just comes down to how much work you want to take on along with your guests’ preferences.
There’s no question that bone-in ham delivers a much more robust flavor thanks to the marrow infusing the meat during cooking. We suggest it for gatherings where presentation and taste take precedence over convenience.
In contrast, boneless ham is easier to slice and serves more efficiently. You’ll save time and stress but will sacrifice some level of flavor depth. The choice is yours.
The Impact of Smoking and Curing on Flavor
How the ham is actually prepared is something you need to consider as well. Traditional smoking methods use wood such as hickory, applewood, or cherrywood to impart unique, rich flavors. As we’ll touch on in a moment, our hams are smoked with mahogany lumber for something that’s truly one of a kind.
The curing process, be it wet or dry, affects the meat’s saltiness and texture. Dry-cured ham tends to have a more concentrated taste, while wet-cured varieties are often juicier.
Ultimately, it just comes down to your flavor preferences, whether you enjoy a mild smokiness or a bold, savory punch. There are no right or wrong answers, and you can simply ask your guests in advance what sort of flavor they prefer if you aren’t sure.
Tips for Finding Quality Smoked Ham
Finding the best ham among a sea of options at the supermarket is no easy feat. You should look for hams with a deep, even color and avoid those with excessive additives or artificial flavors. Check labels for terms like “naturally smoked” and “premium cut.”
But then truth is, you won’t find the best smoked hams at your grocery store. We encourage you to source yours from a local butcher with a reputation for producing tasty, high-quality hams.
While you’ll likely pay more, it’ll be worth it when you provide an exceptional experience for your guests! If you want to save yourself the hassle of looking around locally, you can also order yours right here at Mahogany Smoked Meats.
Impress Your Guests While Saving Time and Stress With Smoked Ham From Mahogany Smoked Meats!
We have more than 100 years of experience slow-smoking meats to perfection. While a lot has changed since we first opened our doors more than a century ago, we still maintain the same commitment to using time-honored techniques.
That involves using fallen mahogany logs and a deep-pit method, slow smoking them over a 24-hour period. The end result is a ham packed with flavor that will have your guests drooling long after it’s gone.
You can choose from bone-in or boneless varieties and a wide range of sizes. For example, our whole bone-in ham is 20-22 pounds and can serve up to 20 guests. We also have a shank half ham or butt half ham that can serve up to 10 people for smaller gatherings.
The best part? The ham arrives at your door ready to warm and enjoy so you don’t have to spend time toiling in the kitchen. Instead, you can kick back and relax with your loved ones while we do the hard work.
Want to consider other meats for your gathering? Hams are just the tip of the iceberg at Mahogany Smoked Meats. Here are some other popular varieties we specialize in:
- Bacon for sale
- Canadian bacon for sale
- Beef jerky for sale
- Smoked turkey for sale
- Smoked ham steaks for sale
- Smoked pork chops for sale
- Smoked sausage for sale
Order today and see for yourself what makes Mahogany Smoked Meats your trusted partner for all your most important holiday gatherings - or even when you just want a break from preparing your own weeknight meals!
Tips on Preparing the Ham to Perfection
Preparing your ham is so easy when you order from us. Simply preheat the oven to 325'F, cover it up, and heat for 10 min per pound. It’s that easy. No need to stress about brining or seasoning, you can rest assured it’ll taste amazing as is.
Let the ham rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving so the juices can redistribute, leaving every slice tender and full of flavor. We have more tips on how to cook a smoked bone-in ham or how to cook a boneless smoked ham in our blog.
You can also learn how to cook smoked ham steaks, how to cook smoked bacon, how long does turkey last in the fridge, how to cook smoked pork chops, sides for pork chops, Canadian bacon vs bacon, beef jerky marinade, and more.
Final Thoughts on How Much Ham Per Person Bone-in vs Boneless
We know that figuring out how much ham per person, bone-in or boneless, can be stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. You know now how much bonless ham per person and how much bone-in ham per person is a safe bet - anywhere from ½ pound to a full pound.
If you’re between two sizes and aren’t sure which to go with, always go with the bigger ham. You’ll find a way to make the most of those leftovers, and you don’t want to risk anyone going home hungry.
Remember, from different ham varieties to all the types of smoked sausages and any other classic meat, we’ve got you covered this holiday season - and year-round, for that matter.
So, make every gathering special with the rich, savory taste of Mahogany Smoked Meats. Treat yourself and your loved ones to exceptional flavor while saving time and stress today!
