How Much Ham Per Person Calculator (And Leftover Tips!)

Trying to estimate how much food you will need for a family gathering might be challenging. Don’t worry if you don’t know how much ham you’ll need for your dinner.

Use this simple formula to calculate how much ham you’ll need for each person.

How Much Ham Should You Buy Per Person?

There are many things to consider when purchasing your ham for the holidays.

On the day of dinner, consider the number of people, their appetites, other dishes, and the type of ham you want to buy. 

If you serve protein-rich dishes, you may need less ham, while side dishes may require more. This helps determine the necessary ham for the evening.

How Much Bone-in Ham do you Need?

To ensure enough bone-in ham for everyone, buy 3/4-1 pound per adult and 1/2 pound for kids, ensuring enough for everyone without leaving excess.

For your holiday dinner party, this chart estimates how much bone-in ham you’ll need.

The required amount of bone-in ham per person is shown in a chart.

Does it Matter if the Ham is Boneless? 

If you are planning to serve a boneless ham, boneless hams are lighter and smaller, weighing about three-quarters of a pound per person. 

They are typically purchased less per person due to their smaller size and lack of bone weight. For your holiday dinner party, this chart estimates how much bone-in ham you’ll need.

The required amount of boneless ham per person is shown in a chart.

Country Ham

You’ll probably need less if your dinner guests enjoy country ham—1/4 to 1/3 pounds per person at maximum is advised. The salinity and severity of the ham will certainly limit your visitors’ serving sizes. 

When Should You Plan for Extra Ham?

To ensure a satisfying holiday feast, consider buying extra ham for guests who are big eaters or want leftovers for future use. Aim for about one and a quarter pounds of ham per person, adding more to your calculations for a more satisfying meal.

The required amount of extra ham per person is shown in a chart.

Ham is a versatile and versatile leftover that can be used in various dishes, making it an ideal choice for those looking to use it up. If you’re unsure of how you’ll use all of your leftover ham, continue reading to discover some creative recipes!

How to Use Leftover Ham

To save leftover ham, offer it in to-go boxes to guests, or use classic and unique recipes. Offering bulk food can help reduce waste. Alternatively, consider using to-go boxes to save space.

Here are some classic and unique recipes that will quickly use up your leftover ham.

Mac and Cheese with Ham

Repurpose leftover holiday ham into a unique dish, incorporating a variety of cheeses like Pepper Jack, Pimiento, or traditional cheddar for a unique taste every time.

Ham Sandwiches

A classic ham sandwich can be enhanced with leftover ham from a holiday dinner. Place ham between bread, toppings, and condiments, and swap proteins for pita breads or tortillas. Ham is versatile and delicious in any context.

Ham and Noodle Casserole

Prepare this dish in advance and freeze it. It’s easy to cook, warming, and tasty, whether you eat it right away or store it. Egg noodles, ham, delectable veggies, and a creamy sauce come together in savory harmony.

Omelets 

Diced ham can enhance protein and flavor in an omelet. Cook eggs in a pan, add diced ham, and add desired toppings like spinach, tomato, cheese, or onion.

Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Utilize leftover ham for a delicious Southern dip, topped with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and spicy jalapeños, making it a family favorite and a must-try for gatherings.

Soups

Ham is versatile and can be used in various soups, making it an excellent addition to broccoli cheddar, clam chowder, or chicken noodle dishes.

Get Creative!

Ham is versatile and can be added to various dishes like vegetable croquettes, ham biscuits, country ham hash, and stews. Using leftover ham can help combat food waste and improve the taste of your favorite dishes.

How to Store Leftover Ham

Store leftover ham properly to maintain its freshness and safety. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for 3–4 days. For up to 6 months, freeze it in foil or plastic wrap.

When buying ham for holiday dinner, consider the size of the gathering, the type of ham, and the use of leftovers. Ham is a staple food for the holidays, so stock up this season.