How Much Ham BBQ Should You Serve Per Person?

Barbecuing a juicy ham to feed a crowd is a summer tradition, but determining the right amount can be tricky. You want to make sure there’s enough so everyone gets their fill of tasty ham, but you also don’t want to be stuck with a fridge full of expensive leftovers. To help you figure out the ideal ham bbq portions per person, I’ve created this detailed guide.

General Guidelines

As a general rule of thumb when buying ham for BBQ plan on serving

• 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound of boneless ham per person
• 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound of bone-in ham per person

These amounts provide 2-3 generous slices of ham per serving. It’s better to have a little extra than run out and leave guests wanting more.

For kids portions, plan on 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound of boneless ham per child And don’t forget vegetarian options for non-meat eaters!

Calculate Precise Quantities

To determine portions more precisely based on your guest count:

• 6 people: 2 to 3 lbs of boneless or 4 to 6 lbs of bone-in
• 12 people: 4 to 6 lbs boneless or 9 to 12 lbs bone-in
• 20 people: 8 to 10 lbs boneless or 15 to 20 lbs bone-in

Adjust up or down based on appetites and side dishes. Having a bit extra is ideal over running short on ham.

Remember, raw ham weights are more than the final cooked amount. After smoking or grilling, expect 15-30% shrinkage in weight from moisture loss.

Factor in Leftovers

Part of ham bbq’s appeal is having delicious leftovers! To ensure you have portions to send home or eat later:

• Prepare 1⁄4 pound extra boneless ham per person
• Add 2-3 pounds extra bone-in ham for a crowd
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
• Store cooked ham 3-4 days in the fridge
• Freeze ham slices up to 2 months for longer storage

Proper storage prevents waste and guards against foodborne illness.

Side Dishes and Buns

Allow 1-2 side dish servings per person beyond the ham. Classic BBQ sides like baked beans, coleslaw, corn, and potato salad complement the salty, smoky flavor.

Provide at least 1 bun per ham slice served. Brioche, potato rolls, or classic sesame seed buns all work well. Have extras on hand since people may want seconds.

Sample Menus

Here are some sample menus with estimated ham amounts:

12 Guests

• 9-12 lbs bone-in ham
• Cornbread
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Watermelon
• 12 buns

20 Guests

• 15-20 lbs bone-in ham
• Pasta salad
• Corn on the cob
• Caesar salad
• Fruit salad
• 20 buns

**40 Guests **

• 25 lbs boneless ham
• Potato salad
• Garden salad
• Cornbread
• Watermelon
• 40 buns

Adjust menus up or down based on appetite. Adding baked chicken or other meats reduces how much ham is needed.

Buying Your Ham

For best results, choose a raw, uncured ham and cook it yourself. This lets you control ingredients and quality. Opt for a bone-in ham for fuller flavor and easier slicing. Plan 11⁄4 – 11⁄2 pounds of uncooked ham per pound you want cooked.

If buying a pre-cooked ham, select one without added water or phosphates. Estimate 3⁄4 pound of cooked ham per pound needed. Shelved hams like this just need warming on the grill.

Buy ham 1-2 days before BBQ day and store properly. Place raw ham in a sealed bag in the fridge. For cooked ham, leave sealed and refrigerate.

Choosing Ham Cuts

Whole bone-in hams are cost effective for large groups. For smaller parties, consider:

• Boneless half ham
• Bone-in half ham
• Shank half ham
• Butt half ham
• Boneless ham steak

Have the butcher slice a half ham before buying it to get portions just right. Pre-cut ham steaks also simplify serving sizes.

Barbecuing Tips

• Bring ham to room temp before grilling for even cooking.
• Choose indirect heat or use a foil tent to prevent charring.
• Allow 15-20 minutes per pound to heat an uncooked ham.
• Brush with glaze in last 30 minutes if desired.
• Cook to 145°F internal temperature.
• Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Perfect Ham BBQ for All

From choosing the right ham to nailing the sides, use these tips to serve the perfect ham bbq feast. With the right quantities and preparation, you can avoid both shortages and a fridge stuffed with leftovers. Just follow my guidelines to find ham bbq portion sizes tailored for your own crowd. Then get ready for juicy, smoky-sweet ham that satisfies.